Gold Coast Travel Forum

Hi
We are in a group of 15 (9 adults + 5 teenagers + 1 kids, age 12), will be staying at Plaza Apartment, Surfers Paradise in early March for 7 nights. Our arriving time will be at 9pm. We are not so much on theme parks. Our draft plan is as follows:

1) Stanthorpe (purpose to see lavender, fruit farms)
2) Moreton Island
3) Brisbane
4) Movie World + Paradise country farm (purpose is to see sheep shedding).
5) Mud-crab tour
6) Mt Tambourine
7) Tropical Fruit World
8) Carrara Market, Harbour Town

I need help here:
1) Should we stay 2 nights in Brisbane since Stanthorpe and Moreton are nearer to Brisbane. I need to confirm my accommodation at Surfer Paradise soon.
2) Do you think we should hire a coach or travel by Public Transport? Which way is more economical?
3) Should we join a tour company for the entire visitation? We will join tour for Stanthorpe, Moreton Island, Mud-crab tour. I can get a train down to Brisbane and getting around at Brisbane by City Cat, bus to Carrara Market, Casino and Harbour Town but not sure of Mt Tambourine and Tropical Fruit World.
Warm Regards,

Hi First decide whether you wish to stay a few days in Brisbane and go their direct on arrival. There is an Airport train and shuttle service, I have taken the shuttle to Surfers Paradise/ Gold Coast, excellent service to hotel door. With your numbers this will be expensive, maybe contact the Shuttle coy and negotiate a price.

Good public bus service on Gold Coast which will get you to Theme parks and beaches along coast. Check mini bus rental per day and work out whether cheaper to rent.

Definetaly rent mini bus for day trips into hinterland.

Brisbane has a difficult one way inner city road system which gave me trouble at night when hiring a car from the airport. I have travelled to Brisbane many times on business, but always took a taxi. If arriving during day time driving to the city would be much easier. I do not think you need a vehicle in Brisbane. Hire the mini van the day you travel to the Gold Coast and use it to see the Brisbane sights located outside the city centre, then head to Gold Coast.

Some Web pages which may assist:

www.visitbrisbane.com.au
www.visitgoldcoast.com.au
www.eastcoastcarrentals.com.au
www.tourismnoosa.com.au
www.qldtravel.com.au
www.diycarhire.com.au

Use Virtual Tourist travel pages for research.

Good Luck,
Mike