Surfers Paradise is a high energy city known for its long sandy beaches, glamourous party scene, colorful amusement parks, and active water sports. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. This will help you plan the best trip to Surfers Paradise and stay within your ideal travel budget, whether you're exploring the museums, eating the delicious cuisine, or enjoying the nightlife.
How much does it cost to travel to Surfers Paradise?
You should plan to spend around $122 (AU$189) per day on your vacation in Surfers Paradise. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $45 (AU$70) on meals
- $11 (AU$17) on local transportation
- $132 (AU$204) on hotels
A one week trip to Surfers Paradise for two people costs, on average, $1,711 (AU$2,646). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$856
AU$1,323
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$1,711
AU$2,646
-
One Month
Per person
$3,667
AU$5,670
-
One Week
For a couple
$1,711
AU$2,646
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$3,422
AU$5,292
-
One Month
For a couple
$7,334
AU$11,340
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Surfers Paradise cost?
A one week trip to Surfers Paradise usually costs around $856 (AU$1,323) for one person and $1,711 (AU$2,646) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Surfers Paradise on average costs around $1,711 (AU$2,646) for one person and $3,422 (AU$5,292) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Surfers Paradise will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Surfers Paradise on average costs around $3,667 (AU$5,670) for one person and $7,334 (AU$11,340) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Surfers Paradise expensive to visit?
Surfers Paradise is a great city that brings in a diverse crowd of visitors, each with unique travel styles and spending behaviors. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
Surfers Paradise can be very expensive if you want it to be, but there are ways to cut down on your costs, like eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $54 (AU$81) per day, mid-range travelers spend $125 (AU$189) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $251 (AU$380) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Surfers Paradise.
Within the Pacific, which is known to be an expensive region, Surfers Paradise is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in the Pacific for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Lake Tekapo, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Sydney.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Surfers Paradise Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Surfers Paradise?
The average Surfers Paradise trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Surfers Paradise travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Surfers Paradise cost?
Surfers Paradise on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$29
(AU$44)
|
$66
(AU$102)
|
$128
(AU$198)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$5
(AU$7.50)
|
$11
(AU$17)
|
$22
(AU$33)
|
|
Food 2
|
$20
(AU$30)
|
$45
(AU$70)
|
$87
(AU$135)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$8
(AU$12)
|
$23
(AU$36)
|
$80
(AU$123)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$2-7
(AU$4-11)
|
$6-17
(AU$9-26)
|
$11-32
(AU$17-50)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
When planning your trip to Surfers Paradise, it's important to be realistic about your travel budget. While some people assume they can travel very cheaply, most people aren't comfortable on an extreme shoestring budget. Consider what you enjoy most on vacation and how you like to travel. Do you perfer to stay in resorts, hotels, or hostels? Do you enjoy sightseeing and dining out? These factors will affect your overall budget and travel plans.
What Defines a Budget Traveler?
You might think you're a budget traveler, but unless you're willing to sacrifice many comforts, expect to spend a lot more than the average of $54 per day that backpackers typically manage.
Younger budget travelers sometimes stick to a shoestring budget, which usually means staying in hostel dorms, eating at budget restaurants or fast food, relying on public transportation or walking, and limiting activities to free attractions.
Luckily, Surfers Paradise offers plenty of hostels, including BUNK Surfers Paradise, Budds In Surfers, and Surf Inn Boutique Backpackers. Staying at hostels like these means you can enjoy affordable dorm accommodation along with a lively social vibe, though amenities might be minimal. The culinary scene is a major highlight for those visiting Surfers Paradise, but budget travelers often eat street food or cook for themselves in hostels, which can mean missing out on delicious local dishes.
So, are you average?
If you're a family or couple enjoying a vacation, you'll probably want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at well-liked restaurants, and check out significant museums and attractions that charge entry fees. Those traveling to Surfers Paradise often aim to see the major attractions, museums, and noteworthy landmarks. Most activities aren't free. So, you should realistically expect your daily budget to be around $125 per person, per day.
Looking to Travel in Luxury?
If your ideal trip includes every luxury and top-tier service, be ready to budget around $251 per day. A stay at nicer hotels, meals at prestigious restaurants, fancy excursions, and getting around the city with taxis or private drivers will cost you more.
Accommodation Budget in Surfers Paradise
Hotel prices in Surfers Paradise can really fluctuate, especially between budget and luxury options. Expect higher costs during peak summer season, when rates climb from an off-season average of $0 up to around $0. From $0 for budget options to $0 for luxury hotels, there's something for everyone. Hostels, particularly dorms, are typically cheaper. Book early or travel in the low season for better prices.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Surfers Paradise for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $132 (AU$204). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $66 (AU$102) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Surfers Paradise? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Surfers Paradise's good public transit system can help keep accommodation costs low by staying farther out, but the extra transportation expenses and inconvenience may not be worth it if you're short on time.
In a family-friendly destination like Surfers Paradise, it's best to find an apartment with more room when traveling with children.
This city has plenty of resorts to choose from. Some options may include meals, or at least breakfast, and many resorts have their own restaurants.
Many visitors spend up to a week in Surfers Paradise. If you're staying for an extended period of time, a vacation rental with a kitchen could be a great option that would allow you to prepare your own meals.
Visiting in the low or shoulder season, rather than during summer, will give you cheaper lodging options and fewer tourists to navigate around.
Transportation Budget in Surfers Paradise
Surfers Paradise has a public transit system that connects to several key locations. Without a car, you can use the shuttle buses, public buses, and light rail to get around. Public transport is an affordable and quick choice if it's near where you're going, with taxis and rideshares also available for added convenience.
You'll find that parts of Surfers Paradise are quite pedestrian-friendly, making sightseeing a breeze. There are walking and bike paths around town.
Public Transit: 
(good)
Walkability: (good)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $11 (AU$17) per person, per day, on local transportation in Surfers Paradise. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Surfers Paradise is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$11
AU$17
Ensure that your hotel has easy parking arrangements if you're planning to drive.
A few of the typical transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Private Transfer from Gold Coast Airport - Surfers Paradise for $49 details
- Private Transfer from Brisbane Airports to Surfers Paradise for $105 details
- Gold Coast Hot Air Balloon + Winery Breakfast + Return Transfers for $289 details
How much does it cost to go to Surfers Paradise? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Surfers Paradise will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Surfers Paradise
You can't miss the fantastic food in Surfers Paradise. Make sure you carve out some time to enjoy all the local tastes. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Surfers Paradise can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Surfers Paradise is $45 (AU$70) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$45
AU$70
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Surfers Paradise is around $46 (AU$70) per person, with previous travelers spending from $20 to $89. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Surfers Paradise are as follows:
- Breakfast: $5 to $14
- Lunch: $7 to $18
- Dinner: $14 to $32
- Coffee: $4
- Fast Food or Street Food: $7
There are plenty of places around Surfers Paradise that offer cheap eats. These options are usually low on quality but quite affordable. Most budget restaurants specifically target the budget backpacker.
For high end dining options your best bet may be in a hotel. Many of the hotels have all you can eat seafood buffets which are good and filling. Lunch specials or early bird deals are also available.
If you're looking for a nightclub, of course there are plenty, but you'll find the highest concentration along Orchid Avenue just off the main strip of Cavil Avenue.
If you're traveling with kids, search for restaurants that offer a children's menu. This can save you a lot of money since these dishes are usually cheaper. Keep in mind that some places may not list their kids' options, so make sure to ask the server.
Many accommodations throw in breakfast at no extra cost, though others might charge you for it. The price and quality can greatly vary by hotel. Knowing this in advance can help you figure out if you need to spend more money. You might find the hotel's buffet is worth it, or you may prefer to grab a cheaper bite at a local bakery or cafe.
Opt for a reusable water bottle to avoid buying drinks everywhere. It's beneficial for the earth as well.
Before you head out on a tour, be sure to find out which meals are included. You could end up paying for some meals out of pocket, which can impact your budget.
If you want to experience the culture in Surfers Paradise, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Buffet Dinner Sightseeing Cruise for $77 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Surfers Paradise
It's no wonder that tourists flock to Surfers Paradise, as it is known for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, and family-friendly activities.
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Surfers Paradise typically cost an average of $23 (AU$36) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$23
AU$36
Surfers Paradise has many amusement parks, wildlife parks, and other destinations in the nearby vicinity. Adrenaline Park is a small park that has rides and a mini-golf course. Centro Surfers Paradise Shopping Centre is located on Cavill Avenue. It's a high-end retail area with many popular shops.
If you're hoping to stay in town, then you can visit the tallest building in Australia. Q1 is located right on the waterfront and climbs 323 meters high. It's also the highest residential tower in the world.
Sticking with the theme of crazy tourism, Surfers Paradise has no shortage of theme parks, water parks, and wildlife parks. There are countless places willing to help you part with your money for some extreme thrills. You can, of course, try your hand at surfing, diving, snorkeling, or windsurfing, among other things. The city also hosts a variety of free events throughout the year. Surfers Paradise Festival is one of the more popular events. It takes place in March or April and offers local music, food, fashion, film, and art. It's a fun time to visit the city.
If you're traveling as a family, check out this great guide to the Gold Coast for families.
Museums and Attractions:
Surfers Paradise's museums and landmarks are must-sees for any visitor. 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.
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling:
The allure of scuba diving makes it one of the top activities in Surfers Paradise. 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.
Beaches:
Many come to Surfers Paradise specifically to enjoy the beach life. 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.
Shopping:
You won't want to miss out on the shopping here. 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.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Surfers Paradise. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Kangaroos, Rainforest & Waterfalls Experience - Small Group for $111 details
- 2.5hrs Jetski Tour with island stopover / Self Drive / Surfers Paradise for $257 details
- Gold Coast City Lights Cruise for $36 details
Listed below are some typical prices for attractions, activities, and entry fees in Surfers Paradise, sourced from actual travelers. These costs give you an idea of how much you might spend. However, your personal expenses will depend on the activities you choose, the museums or landmarks you visit, and how frequently you opt for free or low-cost options.
Nightlife Budget in Surfers Paradise
The nightlife in Surfers Paradise is top-notch, making it a must-visit destination for partygoers from around the world. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $11 (AU$17) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Surfers Paradise per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$11
AU$17
Nightlife is a blast when traveling, but scaling back on drinks can really help stretch your travel budget.
When enjoying the nightlife, stay alert and cautious, as you may attract the attention of pickpockets or other criminals. It's best to stay with a group of people you trust.
Traveling in Surfers Paradise
Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast, Queensland (Tourism Australia)
A tourist mecca, Surfers Paradise is one of the most popular travel destinations along Australia's famed Gold Coast. The beach stretches for miles and there is an endless supply of almost constant parties. You'll find high rise apartments lined up along the shore and plenty of shopping areas, restaurants, nightclubs, and bars. Travelers from around the world visit the area, and it's a right of passage for Australia's teens to vacation in or near Surfers Paradise. For many travelers, Surfers Paradise comes across as little more than a mass marketed, over commercialized, party destination, but for others it is a vacation dream. Prices are highly inflated so you have to keep your whits about you to avoid being ripped off. Surfers Paradise is a destination of extremes and it conjures up extreme emotions in many travelers, be it positive or negative.
If you're going to Surfers Paradise to swim or sit in the sun then the best time to visit is sometime between October or March, when the weather is at its warmest. Even if you don't mind the crowds, it's still best to avoid the time between mid November and early December, known as "Schoolies", when thousands of teenagers flock to the area to celebrate the end of high school.
Neighborhoods & Around
Surfers Paradise Foreshore is a revitalized public space that is along Surfers Paradise Beach and the Pacific Ocean. The area has contemporary coastal streetscaping and natural vegetation. This is where many of the city's public events are hosted.
The Gold Coast Nightlife Precinct has the most night time activities. This area is considered Australia's nightlife capital and there are almost 20,000 visitors daily. This area is also at the heart of the city's Schoolies week.
Hotels and hostels are lined all along the coast. There are many apartments and high rise hotels that can be pricey, but there are also plenty of backpacker hostels. It's best to make reservations in advance if you plan to visit during a busy time.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.