The Gold Coast is one very popular tourist destination and I see many people that come here seem to oversee there transport needs.

The Gold Coast used to be a very laid back location where you could get around really easily. Now im not saying that you shouldnt holiday here, definateley not, becuase this is still one of Australias favorite and MUST come to destinations. It's just that it's also Australia's 6th largest city and becoming one of the worlds favorite destinations.

A little planning is the key to transport on the Gold Coast and know your options. Here is a summary of different transport options:

Gold Coast airport transfers :

Gold Coast Airport transfers
This company can provide airport transfers to and from the airport at coolangatta via luxury sedan, stretch limousines and coaches. Cost wise it is very effective when compared to other modes of transport considering they wait for you at the airport, and only you, and take you direct to your destination.

Surfside Buslines
This company provides shuttle services around the Gold Coast and the airport. Vehicles are large coaches that leave from the southern end of the airport and travel along the Gold Coast Highway dropping everyone at their registered accommodation houses (they dont drop at private addresses). Cost effective although mundane and boring. The transit pass may be worth a look for families.

Regent Taxis
Taxis ranks are located at either the Qantas or Virgin arrivals. Taxis are not usually able to be pre booked so there is a certain amount of uncertainity as to wheather there will be a taxi available and a taxi of the right seating capacity. This would be due to large events, peak periods or high demand on taxis although if you do choose to use a taxi you will find the drivers on the coast well natured and freindly. Similar price to limousines, better off pre booking one of those.

Once youv'e arrived at your accommodation and need to get around there is a reliable public bus network, check at your accommodation for schedules, taxis (phone at least an hour in advance) and limousines (must be pre booked - at least an hours notice).

Just checkin out on the web the dates for schoolies, heres what i came up with

WEEK 1: 18 November - 25 November QLD Schoolies
WEEK 2: 25 November - 3 December NSW Schoolies
WEEK 3: 2 December - 10 December VIC Schoolies


Schoolies on the Gold Coast is one huge party and the place is packed, whatever your booking book early- gold coast schoolies accommodation books out early. Also dont forget to plan your transport as well, book your airport transfers in advance as well. Limousines are pretty good value on the coast.

My tip's from expericence how to stay out of trouble.

Keep you ID on you (ALL TIMES)

Keep your front door locked and shut at all times.
Noise WILL attract the wrong type of attention.
Find out if there are permanent residents on your floor. (if so keep quiet)
The quieter you are the more you can get away with. (No noise = no security or thugs in face)

Drink in the lift, halls, pool or foyer and your precious booze get's taken.
DO NOT DRINK ANY WHERE IN PUBLIC (Beach, mall, streets)
Surfers is covered in CCTV camera's so is the Esplanade. (Fines are real)

The following is the fastest way to get in the krap - whistling, yelling out to the pool or holding yelling out to another floor or building, throwing anything of the balcony and urinating anywhere but the toilet.

Gold Coast schoolies is a heap of fun - just stay out of trouble!

Beautiful long stretching sandy beaches, endless days of sunshine, freindly people and so much to see and do - that's a holiday on the Gold Coast of Queensland Australia.

The Gold Coast features 40km of sandy immaculate beaches and is located 70kms south of Queensland's capital city, Brisbane, and 947kms North the capital of New south Wales, Sydney. It has an estimated population of 480,000 and is Australia's sixth largest city.

It is also Australia's favorite tourist destination with a favorable climate, diversity of attractions, sophisticated nightlife and dining, safe environment and world class resorts. Inland from the Gold Coast is three magnificent National Parks - Springbrook, Lamington and Tamborine which feature beautiful rainforests, picnic areas, nature walks and spectacular lookouts.

Weather:
The Gold Coast has a comfortable sub-tropical climate averaging in
the 20's and is enjoyable all year round.
Summer - December to February - 20-28 degrees C.
Autumn - March - May - 15-25 degrees C.
Winter - June - August - 11-21 degrees C.
Spring - September to November - 15-25 degrees C.

Attractions:
Four theme parks provide hours and hours if not days of entertainment value with something for everyone. The four theme parks are Movie World, Wet 'n' Wild, Sea World and Dreamworld located between Southport and Coomera. Dreamworld is also the home of Big Brother in Australia. New theme parks are also underway.

Adventure attractions are endless and include motor bike tours, parasailing, sky diving, hot air ballooning, jet skiing, power boating, helicopter tours, go karting and motor racing.

Deep dea fishing charters are popular as well as whale and dolphin watching tours. Other marine activities include diving and snorkelling.

When you get tired of lazy days on the beach a short drive takes you to the  Hinterland region you can roam through World Heritage listed subtropical rainforests with spectacular views, ancient Antarctic beech forests, thundering waterfalls and amazing geological formations to name a few of the highlights.

The Hinterland is also popular for it's growing wine and vineyard industry.

The Gold Coast is also home to over 20 of Australia's leading golf resorts with picturesque backdrops and meticulously manicured greens.

Nightlife:
The Gold Coast is popular for it's famous nightclubs located on Cavill Avenue and Orchid Avenue where you can party to the early hours. There are also two world class nightclubs located in Broadbeach as well as a large casino and convention centre. Taverns and Surf Clubs are also popular.

Dining:
There are over 500 restuarants on the Coast! Main Beach and Broadbeach are popular for their main streets lined with quality restuarants serving for all tastes in ambient relaxing surroundings.

Accommodation:
The Gold Coast there are over 13,000 rooms available from Coolangatta through to Hope Island including Motels, Guest Houses, Apartments and Hotels. Resorts are first class and the big names include the Palazzo Versace, Marriot, Sheraton Mirage, Holiday Inn, Hyatt, Conrad Jupiters and the Sofitel. Most of these are centrally located in Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach and Main Beach with most having water and or Hinterland views.

Transport:
You can fly to either Gold Coast Airport (30mins from Surfers) or Brisbane Airport(50mins from Surfers) and transport from there can either be via taxi, rental, bus or limousine. Buses run on a regular time table throughout the area and a train runs from Robina to Brisbane. See Gold Coast Transport

Major Events:
The Indy championship is one of the major events on the calender as well as the Sanctuary Cove Boat Show, the Magic Millions Horse Racing Carnival, Schoolies Festival and Surf Carnivals.

With all that why not consider the Gold Coast for your next holiday!