A Travel Price Comparison for Australia Surfers Paradise vs. Gold Coast for Nightlife, Resorts, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Surfers Paradise or Gold Coast?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Surfers Paradise or Gold Coast, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise is a active, ritzy, and glamourous city. It's also popular because of the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Gold Coast

Gold Coast is a fun-filled, glamourous, and vibrant coastline. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Surfers Paradise and Gold Coast: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Surfers Paradise or Gold Coast?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Gold Coast. Although Surfers Paradise and Gold Coast are popular destinations, Gold Coast has more sights and attractions for tourists. Gold Coast is very popular for its hiking and big city activities, while Surfers Paradise attracts visitors for its shopping. Surfers Paradise is famous for its long sandy beaches, glamourous party scene, colorful amusement parks, and active water sports. Gold Coast is famous for its colorful theme parks, thrilling water sports, and nearby rainforests. It is also well known for the long sandy beaches.

How is Surfers Paradise different from Gold Coast?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Gold Coast and Surfers Paradise. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Surfers Paradise or Gold Coast?

You'll find a number of very good museums and attractions in both Gold Coast and Surfers Paradise.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Surfers Paradise can be an interesting and educational experience. For the best views of the coastline head to the SkyPoint Observation Deck at the Q1 Resort and Spa. It's in Australia's tallest residential tower. You can also visit the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, or the Sea World Marine Park, as well as countless other amusement parks or entertainment centers.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Gold Coast. The views from the observation deck at the Q1 Resort and Spa are a not-to-be-missed experience. You'll also find many amusement parks and wildlife sanctuaries in the area.

Is the Food Better in Surfers Paradise or Gold Coast? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Surfers Paradise and Gold Coast.

Surfers Paradise has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's a trendy food scene with a number of award winning restaurants in the area. There are high end seafood restaurants, modern international eateries, and niche food bars that all cater to the tourist crowd.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Gold Coast makes for a great culinary experience. The coastline is filled with modern Australian restaurants that serve locally caught seafood and modern twists on traditional dishes. There are wine bars, fine dining restaurants, and more casual options. You'll also find plenty of international eateries as well.

Is Surfers Paradise or Gold Coast Better for Nightlife?

The fantastic nightlife scene is relatively similar in Surfers Paradise and Gold Coast.

Surfers Paradise is a must-see party destination. This high energy area is filled with glitzy nightclubs and trendy cocktail bars. There are parties that last until the early morning hours and you'll find the most active nightlife scene along the famous Surfers Paradise glitter strip.

Gold Coast is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The nightlife scene is filled with ritz and glam, but you'll also find wild beach parties and lively nightclubs. There are backpackers and students that keep the parties going until the morning hours.

Is Surfers Paradise or Gold Coast Better for Resorts?

With a similar set of options, fantastic resorts can be found in both Surfers Paradise and Gold Coast.

Surfers Paradise offers an unforgettable resort vacation. The high-rise skyline is filled with luxury resorts and trendy hotels. Fancy pools and rooftop views make this is a glitzy and lively place to stay.

Gold Coast is a world class resort vacation destination. Resorts range from family-friendly to backpacker-focused with everything in between. There are many high rise resorts that have luxury pools and beachfront views.

Is Surfers Paradise or Gold Coast Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

You'll find very good snorkeling or scuba diving in both Surfers Paradise and Gold Coast.

Many visitors go to Surfers Paradise to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. There's no shortage of scuba diving and snorkeling excursions that leave from the area. You'll see a diversity of marine life and interesting undersea reefs.

Gold Coast is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are many dive shops and snorkeling excursions. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced diver, there are excursions that will not disappoint. There are also many places that offer certification courses.

Is Surfers Paradise or Gold Coast Better for Beaches?

Both Surfers Paradise and Gold Coast have fantastic beaches worth visiting.

The beaches in Surfers Paradise are among the best in the world. It's at the heart of the Gold Coast, and you'll enjoy two kilometers of golden sand and beautiful surf. The beaches are lined with high rise buildings and there's plenty of energy and amenities for visitors. This is a popular tourist destination and there is no shortage of water sports and other activities along the beaches.

Gold Coast is considered to be a world-class beach destination. This stretch of beachline is perfect for surfing, swimming, and sunbathing. There are miles of coastline that are sandy and beautiful and some of the most popular beaches include the Main Beach, Surfers Paradise, and Broadbeach.

Is Surfers Paradise or Gold Coast Better for Hiking?

Gold Coast is a very popular place for its hiking trails. Also, Surfers Paradise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Gold Coast. The Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk connects the area's diverse and lush rainforests through the Numinbah Valley. It's a World Heritage Area with subtropical rainforest as well as warm temperate rainforest, and Antarctic beech cool temperate rainforest.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Surfers Paradise. Outside of town you'll find many coastal hikes and inland trails. You can see waterfalls or breathtaking views of the water.

Is the Shopping Better in Surfers Paradise or Gold Coast?

Surfers Paradise is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Gold Coast is not as popular, but is still a nice coastline for shopping.

Many people travel to Surfers Paradise specifically to go shopping. Beachside markets sell local items. There are also large shopping malls that are filled with international fashion brands and boutique shops that sell unique items.

Gold Coast is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are large outlet malls, outdoor markets, and designer shopping centers. You'll find trendy fashion designers as well as the typical souvenir shops.

Is Surfers Paradise or Gold Coast Better for Families?

Surfers Paradise and Gold Coast are both fantastic destinations for the whole family.

Surfers Paradise is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. It's filled with activities that kids and adults will enjoy. There's everything from sandy beaches to amusement park rides and entertainment centers. Check out Infinity, Ripley's Believe It Or Not, or the view from Q1 SkyPoint. There's also countless minigolf places, kayaking, and other water sports.

Gold Coast is an extremely popular city to visit for families. It's filled with popular theme parks and other adrenaline-filled activities. There are surfing lessons, wildlife sanctuaries, ropes courses, and water sports. Kids of all ages will appreciate this fun-filled setting with its many family-friendly resorts and restaurants.

Is Surfers Paradise or Gold Coast Better for Couples?

Gold Coast is terrific for couples. Also, Surfers Paradise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Gold Coast has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Couples that energy high energy activities, water sports, theme parks, and parties that last into the morning, will love a stay at this vibrant coast. There's no shortage of great restaurants, entertaining shows, and fun activities that you can experience.

Couples visit Surfers Paradise frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Walk along the beach or take in the view from Q1 SkyPoint. There are also many fun-filled adventure activities as well as restaurants and a lively party scene.

Is Surfers Paradise or Gold Coast Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Surfers Paradise and Gold Coast are both fantastic destinations for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Surfers Paradise, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. Backpackers who want fun entertainment, a lively beach scene, and water sports will find their place here. There are also hostels with reasonable rates and plenty of backpackers to hang out with.

Gold Coast is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers flock to this vibrant coastline. There are hostels and budget-friendly places to stay, and there's a huge nightlife scene. The many activities and long sandy beaches make this a well established stop on Australia's backpacker circuit.

Is Surfers Paradise or Gold Coast Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Gold Coast is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Surfers Paradise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The public transit in Gold Coast can get you to most places easily. There's a bus, train, and tram network that's operated by TransLink and runs along the coast.

You'll find some public transit in Surfers Paradise, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Without a car, you can use the shuttle buses, public buses, and light rail to get around.

Is Surfers Paradise or Gold Coast a more walkable city?

Surfers Paradise and Gold Coast are nice when it comes to walkability.

Surfers Paradise is a somewhat walkable city. There are walking and bike paths around town.

Gold Coast is somewhat walkable. There are parts of the area that can be explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Surfers Paradise Worth Visiting? and Is Gold Coast Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Gold Coast or Surfers Paradise?

How long in Surfers Paradise or Gold Coast?

Both Surfers Paradise and Gold Coast have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Gold Coast has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Gold Coast than Surfers Paradise. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Couples should spend more time in Gold Coast than Surfers Paradise. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Gold Coast that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Gold Coast than Surfers Paradise if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Gold Coast.

One day in Surfers Paradise or Gold Coast?

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the ritzy city of Surfers Paradise, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the glamourous destination of Gold Coast. Hikers are also drawn to this area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This coastline offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Surfers Paradise or Gold Coast?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Surfers Paradise, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find shopping and museums around the vibrant coastline of Gold Coast. It's also a relaxing resort destination. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Surfers Paradise or Gold Coast?

Surfers Paradise, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Gold Coast is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Surfers Paradise or Gold Coast?

Surfers Paradise is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Gold Coast is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It is common to spend one week here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Australia, The Best Contiki Tours to Australia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Sydney.

When comparing the travel costs between Surfers Paradise and Gold Coast, we can see that Surfers Paradise is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Pacific, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Surfers Paradise Expensive? and Is Gold Coast Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Surfers Paradise or Gold Coast?

Gold Coast has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Surfers Paradise. When comparing the sizes of Surfers Paradise and Gold Coast, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Surfers Paradise or Gold Coast?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.

Should I visit Surfers Paradise or Gold Coast in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Surfers Paradise and Gold Coast. Many visitors come to Surfers Paradise in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Gold Coast for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Surfers Paradise is around the same temperature as Gold Coast in the summer. The daily temperature in Surfers Paradise averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Gold Coast fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gold Coast this time of the year. In Surfers Paradise, it's very sunny this time of the year. Surfers Paradise usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Gold Coast during summer. Surfers Paradise gets 256 hours of sunny skies, while Gold Coast receives 256 hours of full sun in the summer.

Gold Coast receives a lot of rain in the summer. Surfers Paradise gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Surfers Paradise usually receives around the same amount of rain as Gold Coast. Surfers Paradise gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Surfers Paradise or Gold Coast in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Surfers Paradise as well as Gold Coast. Most visitors come to Surfers Paradise for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Gold Coast because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Surfers Paradise is around the same temperature as Gold Coast. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Surfers Paradise in April average around 22°C (71°F), and Gold Coast averages at about 22°C (71°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gold Coast. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Surfers Paradise this time of the year. In the autumn, Surfers Paradise often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Gold Coast. Surfers Paradise gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gold Coast receives 214 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Gold Coast. Surfers Paradise receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Surfers Paradise usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Gold Coast. Surfers Paradise gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Surfers Paradise or Gold Coast in the Winter?

Both Gold Coast and Surfers Paradise are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Surfers Paradise because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Gold Coast this time of year.

In July, Surfers Paradise is generally around the same temperature as Gold Coast. Daily temperatures in Surfers Paradise average around 15°C (59°F), and Gold Coast fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Gold Coast. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Surfers Paradise. Surfers Paradise usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Gold Coast during winter. Surfers Paradise gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Gold Coast receives 226 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Surfers Paradise usually receives around the same amount of rain as Gold Coast. Surfers Paradise gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Surfers Paradise or Gold Coast in the Spring?

Both Gold Coast and Surfers Paradise during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches are the main draw to Surfers Paradise this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Gold Coast for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Surfers Paradise is around the same temperature as Gold Coast in the spring. The daily temperature in Surfers Paradise averages around 21°C (69°F) in October, and Gold Coast fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

In Gold Coast, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Surfers Paradise. In the spring, Surfers Paradise often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Gold Coast. Surfers Paradise gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gold Coast receives 259 hours of full sun.

Gold Coast gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Surfers Paradise. Surfers Paradise usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Gold Coast. Surfers Paradise gets 103 mm (4 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Gold Coast and Surfers Paradise