Gold Coast Travel Forum

Hi all!

My boyfriend and I are traveling from Canada to Australia for a year for a WH. I have been looking at flats in the Gold Coast area to rent to get an idea of what we'll be spending and what is available. I can't seem to find very many furnished apartments, which is what we'll need when we get there as we're each only bringing a backpack. Is there any hints or tips anyone can give me for where to look for decent priced furnished apartments?

Also, what should I expect to pay to have a furnished apartment and still have enough money in the bank to pay for food, petrol and the occaisonal night out/entertainment? And where is the best place on the Gold Coast to look?

I should also add that we don't *have* to live in the GC area... We'd prefer it because we have family that stays there for a few months every year so it would be great to be close when they come to visit. I would personally like a smaller town (population >150,000) or suburb outside of the city but there are so many to choose from and I don't know much about any of them. I really have no idea where to start to look.

Any suggestions in South Queensland will do! Thanks :)

well it is difficult to find of course because the tourist expensive places flood the internet out

most working holiday people just stay in hostels - see BUG backpackers Ultimate Site - and expect very little

Hi lilynoa

If you are planning to stay for quite awhile, I would recommend living in Brisbane rather then the Gold Coast (if its just a short time, then the Gold Coast should suffice). Brisbane's living prices are slightly cheaper then the Gold Coast and jobs are plentiful, unlike the Gold Coast. As the Gold Coast isn't really a city most major companies etc function from Brisbane. Good thing about this is its only a 45min drive, train ride from Brisbane to get to the Gold Coast.

Gold Coast rentals are really quite expensive. If you are looking to live in the main part then look at paying anywhere between $300-$400 upwards for 1 or 2 bedrooms thats fully furnished. Outside areas will be substantially cheaper, but aren't always furnished. Main areas include places like Surfers Paradise, Main Beach, Broadbeach, Chevron Island, Mermaid Beach, Burleigh Heads and some parts of Southport.

If you want to live north check areas around Southport, Ashmore, Labrador,Parkwood, Arundel. South try Robina, Andrews, Palm Beach, Burleigh, Miami, Elanora.

As for your question about money, it all depends of what kind of employment you get and where you want to base yourself on the Gold Coast.

Try these sites:
www.realestate.com.au
www.domain.com.au
www.gold-coast-real-estate-guide.com
www.rentaustralia.com

My daughter stayed at a backpackers just off cavill mall...she loved it...said it was quite clean and very cheap...had its own gardens bar kitchen etc etc and your room had its own bathroom!!!
I think it was Goldcoast International backpackers resort..
dont know if thats the type of accomodation you are looking for ...buts its real cheap and right in the middle of all the clubs,restaurants etc etc

hey,

Re your accom well for a start there is a backpackers at surfers which actually rents out apartments and there site is wwwsurfersparadisebackpackers.com.au and also remember if you get a townshouse/flat you,ll have to have at least a $1000,00 extra in bond money and such.

Surfers itself is just a touristy place for the tourists so it is no biggy as the beachs run all the way along the coastline.If you were wanting a smaller area there is coolangatta which is 20 mins run down the road and slightly cheaper or smaller towns such as Pottsville which are just small costal towns but are a lot further away like 1hr down the coast.
Work wise because the population is transit staff turn over is hi so picking up a casual job wont be to difficult and as well the local bus system is alot better so you generally can get from A to B but might have to go via C and D to get there. cheers

Hi
My son moved to the GC about six months ago and had quite a problem finding good accommodation. There are quite a few apartments which are rented out as holiday lettings and you might be able to do a deal for long term but expect to pay $350+ pw. The following site may help you both with holiday and long term rentals: http://www.realestate.com.au/

Also, you might wish to google for individual real estate agencies who will help you by way of email.

Just as an example, my son has found a two bedroom apartment (sharing with a friend) and is paying $320 pw unfurnished (you can rent furniture?).

Hope this helps
John

Thank you all so much!

@winterson - It didn't even occur to me that I could rent furniture! I'll look into that.

@adelaidean - Thank you for that recc. We'll be needing a backpackers to stay in for the first short while.

@MissBianca - You know your stuff! Thank you so much. I think we have decided against the GC and will be moving to Brisbane instead.

@christof2 - I was worried about the turnover rate, but I'm quite releived now as you said it's rather high. That's excellent! Thanks!

@craic - Thanks for the site info :)

No problems ..good luck with the trip...i live here on the gold coast so any more Q,s ask away and dont decide about brissy yet weigh up your options and as well renting furniture will coat a fortune ...u will find a furnished place easy...just not in your taste..lol..

I think the "furnished" part is the fly in the ointment as relatively few rental places are furnished, however I,d just buy secondhand gear which can be found in newspaper advertisements. Many places have built in wardrobes so you would really only need a bed, a table and chairs and a sofa. In some ads people list a whole heap of stuff such as bookshelves, cupboards etc and sell for a bargain if you buy the lot.

The other option for furnished accom is to share - if someone owns a house or apartment and want to rent out a room it is often furnished. Try www.flatmates.com.au or www.realestate.com.au and go to SHARE.