Gold Coast, Australia 🇦🇺
Nomad Score:
73%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Gold Coast is a coastal city in Queensland, Australia, known for its stunning beaches, surfing spots, and vibrant nightlife. |
| 👥 Population | approximately 600,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | average of 74 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 AUD ≈ 0.66 USD; major banks include Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, ANZ, and NAB |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and safe for consumption |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type I sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone, with affordable prepaid options |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Common services include banks like Westpac and ANZ, as well as digital banking options like Revolut |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, serviced apartments, hostels like Surfboard Hostel, and Airbnb |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely throughout the city |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is popular, along with short-term rental agencies like Stayz |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options include Backpackers in Paradise and YHA Gold Coast |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Arcade is a popular coworking space known for its modern amenities and vibrant community |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Brewed Awakening is well-reviewed for its coffee and work-friendly environment |
| 💼 Networking Events | Check local Meetups on platforms like Meetup.com for tech and startup events |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expat Network events held monthly at various locations, including local pubs |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is the most popular ride-sharing app in Gold Coast |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | JUMP Bikes and Lime Scooters available for casual rentals |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Surfers Paradise Beach, renowned for its surf and vibrant atmosphere |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | QantasLink serves regional routes from Gold Coast Airport (OOL) |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Qantas and Virgin Australia operate many international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The Pacific Motorway (M1) provides quick access north and south |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Gold Coast Light Rail is the primary transit system, connecting major areas |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Go CARD system for seamless travel across trains and buses using a prepaid card |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Frequent buses and trains available to Brisbane and nearby towns like Byron Bay |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Gold Coast University Hospital, a major healthcare facility with comprehensive services |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Evolve Yoga offers various classes and wellness programs in central Gold Coast |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First and Anytime Fitness provide excellent workout facilities |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Wash and Fold Laundromat services available throughout the city |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | MenuLog and UberEats dominate the food delivery market |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Fish and Chips at Fisherman's Wharf is highly recommended |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Cardamom Pod specializes in vegan and vegetarian dishes |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Max Brenner's chocolate bar is a local favorite |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Australia Fair Shopping Centre and local markets on the weekend |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local retailers and eBay Australia offer a wide range of products online |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Woolworths and Coles provide grocery delivery services |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Surfers Paradise has numerous bars and clubs, including the famous Cowboy's |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Balter Brewing Company offers tours and tastings |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Wine Emporium features a wide selection of wines to sample |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | NightQuarter market features various food stalls and vendors |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Many Asian restaurants, notably in the area of Broadbeach |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Q1 Tower, one of the tallest residential buildings in the world |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Gold Coast Cultural Precinct hosts various art exhibitions |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Cream of the Crop Mill, showcasing local history |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Augustine's Church, a beautiful architectural site |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Gold Coast Film Festival held annually in April |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Arts and Culture precinct in Surfers Paradise |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Home of the Arts (HOTA), a major performing arts venue |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets every Wednesday and Sunday |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music venues like NightQuarter and The Basement |
| 🎨 Street Art | The streets of Northbridge are known for vibrant murals |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Gold Coast Cookery offers cooking classes focusing on local cuisine |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Council of the Arts Gold Coast manages various galleries |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The old Gold Coast Post Office is an architectural highlight |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The region's Aboriginal heritage is celebrated in many cultural events |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Springbrook National Park and Lamington National Park offer immersive nature experiences |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Nerang National Park is excellent for hiking and wildlife observation |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Gold Coast Oceanway extends along the coastline for scenic walks and cycles |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Burleigh Heads offers stunning views of the coastline |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Coomera River is a known spot for birdwatchers |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | North Burleigh Headland allows bonfires in designated areas |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Australia Post is reliable for local and international shipping |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | iPhone Repair shops and Tech365 provide device repair services |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Table Tennis centers are available in local community halls |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language Exchange events are hosted at various local cafes |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Gold Coast City Library offers study areas and resources |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Many offer classes and activities for locals and expats, especially in Surfers Paradise |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Game On offers gaming lounges for enthusiasts |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Star Gold Coast features a casino and entertainment options |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. AUD 5,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = AUD 200,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. AUD 3,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = AUD 140,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. AUD 4,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = AUD 270,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. AUD 3,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = AUD 180,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. AUD 4,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = AUD 320,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. AUD 2,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = AUD 224,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 30% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residency-based tax system with worldwide income considered |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45% |
| 🧾 VAT | 10% Goods and Services Tax (GST) |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable rules in place |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxes apply based on the property's value |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approximately 5% stamp duty on property purchases |