Gold Coast Transport

Lkendoggs on 14/11/2013 - 17:07

I am going to the gold coast with 9 people.
We are staying at "sea temple surfers paradise" which is quite close to center of surfer's paradise and we will be there for a total of 4 days.
( 8 The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217 )

In terms of transport, what would be the best option option available?
Unfortunately this is going to be during schoolies period and we are unable to hire a car due to age restrictions.

The two options I see is either going via taxi or going via shuttle bus.

For the most part we will be mainly going to the major theme parks.

I am primarily hesitant about using the bus services because the sheer number of people during that time period making it quite crowded.

In terms of pricing this is all I have found thus far.
http://gcshuttle.com.au/freedom-pass/
http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/1864195

Any experiences or recommendations will be greatly appreciated.

Travel

Comments

  • donga100 on 14/11/2013 - 18:32

    Where are you needing transport to? If you are going for schoolies most of the action is around Surfers anyway so you could just walk. Going to theme parks I would recommend the bus.

  • buzymum20 on 14/11/2013 - 18:42

    I'd just use the local buses. As Donga says, you can walk to everything in Surfers and transport to and from the airport and Theme Parks is easily accessed by the local busline, Surfside. These are quite frequent. Check http://jp.translink.com.au/travel-information/journey-planne… to see how the timetable and prices are. Maybe a daily pass to the theme parks could be cheaper?

  • c64 on 14/11/2013 - 19:08

    I am primarily hesitant about using the bus services because the sheer number of people during that time period making it quite crowded.

    and don't you think the theme parks are going to be quite crowded as well?

  • Wallyt99 on 14/11/2013 - 22:14
    +1

    The local bus system is great. HEAPS cheaper if you get a Go card. We had no card first trip and was amazed at the price difference when we got one for the next holiday.

  • JordanM on 14/11/2013 - 22:56
    +2

    As a former Gold Coast local, the bus service will get you anywhere you need. Including theme parks.

    Purchase a gocard from a Train Station or most 7/11's for the best fare.

  • anna10 on 15/11/2013 - 07:39

    Plus one vote for the bus on a Go Card.

  • mmecholet on 15/11/2013 - 12:15
    +1

    Definitely get a Go Card. It covers not only Gold Coast buses (local company Surfside; timetables available at Information Desk, Pacific Fair)- but also bus, train & ferry as far afield as Brisbane & Sunshine Coast, should you wish to stray. All under the unmbrella "Translink". see translink.com.au for ALL info - inlcuding bus timetables, journey planners etc.

    If you want specific Go Card information, go to www.translink.com.au/go
    Maybe steer clear of the tourist version Go Card - possibly more expensive? Haven't researched thoroughly. See if you qualify for "Concession" Go Card - this will give you 50% of adult fares. Additionally, on a concession GO Card, if you make two trips, with an hour in between each, then all travel is FREE for the rest of the day!

    Almost as good is the scheme whereby "•Make 9 journeys then travel free. Travel for free after your 9th paid journey in a 7 day period, from Monday to Sunday, regardless of the zones travelled." (Quote from …/fares/discounts-and-ways-to-save" on Translink website)

    Buses are rarely crowded - but if it bothers you that much, avoid travelling during early and late day "rush hours"…

  • branners on 15/11/2013 - 21:10

    Was recently on the GC for V8 Supercars and used the Surfside buses (which were free with a race ticket). Brilliant — and my trip from the airport to the track was not only much cheaper than a mate's trip on the Airport-Hotel shuttle, it was 15 minutes faster. Highly recommended.

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