The Gold Coast Weather
If you’re the type to stray from harsh winter seasons, living in the Gold Coast has the weather you love. Why? This city receives more than 300 days of sunshine per year.
On the hottest day of the year, January 26th, temperatures float between 22 and 28°C (71.6 and 82.4°F). Even in winter, the weather remains mild. On the coldest day of the year, July 28th,temperatures generally range from 11 to 20°C (51.8 to 60°F). With the weather like this, you can enjoy the outdoors in the Gold Coast year-round.
Summers in the Gold Coast occur from December to February; Fall is from March to May, Winter from June to August, and Spring from September to November.
Cost of Living in the Gold Coast
Determining the exact cost of living in the Gold Coastdepends on many factors, such as the area in which you live, the cost of rent, and your monthly living expenses. Our GrowPro Experience Managers estimate the cost to range between 1000 and 1400 AUD per month:
- Rent– 120 and 180 AUD per week
- Transportation– 100 and 160 AUD per month
- Shopping– 30 and 50 AUD per week
Remember, these figures are only estimates. The cost of living in the Gold Coast can be much lower or much higher, depending on your lifestyle and spending habits. If you need a little help in this area, keep reading!
How to Save Money in the Gold Coast
Living in the Gold Coast has many amenities. With that said, it is important to live within your means and not exceed your budget. Below are a few tips on how to enjoy the Gold Coast without spending a lot. Take a look:
- Compare the costs of different areas in the Gold Coast to live, as some are more expensive than others.
- Choose an accommodation that suits your tastes and needs, as well as your budget.
- Consider getting a roommate. This way, they can share expenses and split costs of rent and utilities.
- Shop from local markets.Here, you can get fresh and seasonal products at affordable prices, as well as special offers and discounts.
- Avoid taking the taxis, which are generally expensive in the Gold Coast. Instead, take the bus, rent a bike, or walk.
- To help manage your money, open two bank accounts. >Make one as a checking account to use for daily expenses, and the other a savings account, where you only deposit extra money.
By applying these tips, you can experience living in the Gold Coast without breaking the bank. Simply commit to saving and spending moderately, and you’ll get the most out of your money.
Work in the Gold Coast
If you expect to spend a lot of money while living on the Gold Coast, your best option is to work in australia. Fortunately, this is a tourist city, resulting in many job opportunities.There are other types of jobs available as well that you can explore. Check out our list below of the most demanded jobs in the country:
- Waiter- 16.27 AUD /hr
- Babysitter- 24.19 AUD /hr
- Barista- 19.37 AUD /hr.
- Bartender- 27.65 AUD /hr
- Personal Assistant- 19.90 AUD /hr
- Special Events Waiter- 16.34 AUD /hr
- Custodian- 21.26 AUD /hr
- Delivery- 26.39 AUD /hr
- Kitchen Assistant- 18.56 AUD /hr
Keep in mind these are only the approximate hourly wages of each job. Be sure to research salary offers during your job search and confirm before applying!
Requirements to Work in the Gold Coast
If you want to work while living in the Gold Coast, you must meet the legal conditions. Below is a list of the main requirements:
- You must have a visa for Australia. One, the Student Visa, allows students to work part-time (20 hours per week) during the semester. Another, the Work And Holiday Visa, allows you to work full-time during your stay in Australia for up to one year.
- Request a Tax File Number (TFN). This number accredits you as a taxpayer in Australia so that the government can deduct taxes from your salary. To work freelance or as a contractor, you’ll need to apply for the Australian Business Number (ABN).
- Apply for a permit, depending on the job sector. Waiters in Australia, for example, usually need a Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) certificate to serve alcoholic beverages.
- Be of legal age. To work in Australia under any visa, you must be at least 18 years old.
- Have strong English proficiency. Since English is the official language, most jobs require you to speak and understand English. If you are still learning English, there are plenty of English courses available in the Gold Coast, which we will explain in more detail later.
>While not a requirement, having an Australian-based phone number will allow employers to communicate with you, and vice versa. Opening a bank account here is also helpful since most Australian employers perform direct deposits.
By meeting these requirements, securing a job in Gold Coast will be easier than you think. Also, having a positive attitude and an excellent resume are great things to bring to a job interview.
Tips on Getting a Job in the Gold Coast
Working in a different country may seem intimidating, but that is normal! The key is not to give up! To help you, we have a list of great job hunting tips:
- Visit temporary work agencies. Recruitment agencies such as Workabout, MLKA Recruitment, Travelers at Work, and The Job Shop can help connect you with different job offers in the Gold Coast.
- Consult specialized websites. On job portals such as Gumtree, Adzuna, Seek, and Indeed, there are numerous job offers in the Gold Coast area.
- Check social networks. Twitter and Facebook, for example, post ads from many types of employers. You can also create a super attractive profile on Linkedin, where recruiters and HR managers search for applicants.
- Prepare and distribute resumes. <It may seem old fashion, but many companies still appreciate it.
- Network. If you have friends in the Gold Coast, feel free to ask them for help finding a job. They may know of offers at their job or through other people they know!
- Keep a positive attitude. Even if you’re not finding a job that interests you, be open to various job offers. It may open the door to other opportunities!
Accommodation in Gold Coast
Before moving to the Gold Coast, it is essential to know the different accommodation options around the city. Let’s review the types of accommodation, their prices, and tips on finding them.
Types of Accommodation
One of the most cost-efficient ways of living in the Gold Coast is to rent an apartment with a roommate. While rent for a studio can vary between 1,300 and 1,600 AUD per month, a roommate can help split this cost. Of course, prices will depend on the area in which you live, so keep in mind the expensive, touristic areas.
If you’re studying in the Gold Coast, you can most likely stay in student housing and college dorms through the university. Residential fees can range from 200 to 500 per week.
Many international students also choose homestays, in which they live with a host family. These can cost around 250 to 350 AUD per week, depending on meals and shared utilities.
Tips on Finding Accommodation in the Gold Coast
For safety reasons, we highly recommend that you do not look for accommodation from your country. Some listings may not exist, such as scam ads, or may not look anything like their reference photos upon your arrival.
The best thing you can do is travel to the Gold Coast first and stay in a hostel temporarily, to get to know the city and explore different accommodation options. Hostels are very affordable, where rooms can cost as low as 10 AUD per day and are a great way to meet other travelers.
Transportation in the Gold Coast
The main methods of public transport in the Gold Coast are the tram (light rail) and the bus. The metro has 16 stations throughout the city and runs from 5:00 am to 12:00 am on weekdays and weekends.
For the bus, there are more than 60 routes throughout the city, making it easy to get around. These buses operate every 15 minutes or less, seven days a week.
To pay for any public transportation in the Gold Coast, you will need a Go Card.With this rechargeable smartcard, which costs 10 AUD, you can use the tram or bus any day of the week. There are benefits to using this card, including discounts. For example, outside peak hours, you can have a discount on your fare of up to 20%.
Other Ways to Travel in the Gold Coast
You can take taxis, but keep in mind the rates per trip can be quite expensive. If you prefer avoiding public transport and save on costs, bicycling is a great option. You will find plenty of safe bike paths throughout the city.
Best Areas to Live in the Gold Coast
There is no doubt that the Gold Coast is an incredible city. If you plan to live here, it is best to get familiar with different areas in the city to live and choose one that best suits your lifestyle and budget.
Surfers Paradise
As the center of the Gold Coast, Surfers Paradise is one of the city’s busiest areas. Here, you will find the beach a couple of minutes away from restaurants, bars, and shopping areas.
Broadbeach
This coastal suburb sits south of downtown and receives praise for having quiet, relaxing neighborhoods. The Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre is here in Broadbeach, as well as the mall and large retail centers.
Suburbs of the Gold Coast
On the outskirts of the city, you can find Mermaid Beach, Nobby Beach, Burleigh Heads, and Miami. In these suburbs, accommodation is generally expensive. The advantage, on the other hand, is the amenities, where you’ll find popular cafes, bars, supermarkets, and gyms.
If you go a little further south of the center, you’ll run into Palm Beach, Currumbin, and Coolangatta. These are other suburban neighborhoods that are close to the beach!
Things to do in the Gold Coast
With more than 60 km of golden sand beaches and glistening, turquoise water, the best thing you can do while living on the Gold Coast is to enjoy days in the sun. You can relax and have a barbecue with friends. If you prefer water activities, you can surf at popular beaches such as Snapper, Duranbah, and Surfers Paradise.
For hiking lovers, there are plenty of national parks on the outskirts of the city to explore. Plan the ideal getaway to see the fauna and flora of the Gold Coast!
Of course, the Gold Coast is more than beaches and parks. This city is very modern and cosmopolitan, full of popular restaurants, bars, and clubs. You can visit museums, art galleries, theme parks, and more!
Best Places to Visit in the Gold Coast
On the Gold Coast, there are many attractions to see and experience. Below are five places that you must visit!
1. Surfers Paradise Beach
As its name implies, Surfers Paradise Beach is a paradise for surfers. Its golden sand, mesmerizing water, and high waves make it a great destination for water sports. Surrounding the beach, you will find luxury boutiques, restaurants, and bars to enjoy.
2. Burleigh Heads National Park
If you want to visit the most important national parks of the Gold Coast, you cannot miss Burleigh Heads National Park. Here, you will encounter plenty of nature and an amazing coastal landscape that’s great for whales-watching.
3. Q1 Tower
Without a doubt, the Q1 tower is the most recognized skyscraper in the Gold Coast. It is famous for being the tallest in Australia, 322.5 meters high! The best part is that it is open to the public. If you go up to the 78th floor, you’ll experience a panoramic view of the entire city!
4. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Would you like to experience the Australian fauna? If so, you can’t miss the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. In this refuge for animal life, you can see koalas, kangaroos, crocodiles, emus, and other exotic animals up close. Also, during the tour, you’ll learn about the history of the Australian aborigines.
5. Warner Bros Movie World
At Warner Bros Movie World Theme Park,you will have a blast. Here, you can interact with your favorite Looney Tunes characters and enjoy many rides inspired by Warner Bros. series and movies.
Study in the Gold Coast
Australia is known to have one of the best educational systems in the world. For that reason, studying while living in the Gold Coast can be a life-changing experience. At GrowPro, we can connect you with first-rate educational opportunities here.
We have dozens of classes and training courses that may spark your interest:
Intensive English Courses
Our intensive English courses are longer than general classes but help you learn English quickly in a short time. The duration is a minimum of 2 weeks and a maximum of 3 months.
General English Courses
Unlike the intensive version, these English courses are much longer, ranging from 6 months to a maximum of two years.
Vocational (VET) Courses
If you want to study a specific job field, these types of courses are ideal. With VET programs, you can gain on-the-job experience as well as receive certifications to start working immediately in that job sector.
Exam Preparation for an Official English Proficiency Test
English examslike TOEFL or IELTS are highly-recommended among universities. The exam prep classes can help you study for these particular tests, as well as strengthen your English proficiency.
To learn more about these experiences, explore our website! You can easily select an option, fill out the form, and create a personalized budget. Afterward, one of our Experience Managers will contact you to help plan your trip to the Gold Coast!
Living in the Gold Coast through GrowPro Experience
Now you know everything there is about living in the Gold Coast. The only thing left to do is to start planning your trip.
At GrowPro Experience, we offer you the best educational experiences in the Gold Coast, as well as advice and assistance. Our team can help you plan your trip from start to finish, including the visa application, enrolling in a school, and more!
That’s not all. As soon as you get off the plane, our Experience Managers will help you get settled in the city. You will join one of our Welcome Sessions, where we’ll welcome you to the Gold Coast city and provide tips on accommodations and fun activities.
Discover for yourself why living in the Gold Coast with GrowPro Experience is the best decision you can make. Visit our blog and subscribe to our YouTube channel to learn more! We certainly have much more to offer you, but we don’t want to ruin your surprise.
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