Garie Beach

Where should I travel around Australia.. And WHY?

I'm currently living in Gold Coast, Australia until July 1st becuase I'm studying abroad. I came here with the intention of traveling all over Australia and maybe Fiji and New Zealand.. but now i'm asking myself, what's the point?? I'm going to Sydney in a couple weeks because i've always wanted to checkout the opera house, bondi beach, etc.. but besides that, I just don't see the point. Here in Gold Coast, we have really nice beaches, so many great nightclubs, cool shopping, I'm never bored here. I LOVE THE GOLD COAST!! So anyway, why would I want to travel anywhere else? What could I find somewhere else in Australia that I can't find right here in Gold Coast? For example, why should I visit Melbourne? Fiji? Newcastle?.. if you can think of a convincing reason i'll probably go, I just want the motivation in my mind to know I'm traveling for another reason then to just check out another beach or another nightclub. Thanks!!!

Public Comments

1. Having just recently visited Tasmania, I'd highly recommend it. As ideal as the Gold Coast may seem to you, Tassie is a great way to get away from all the noise and crowds & get a chance to truly relax. Amazing scenery, fresh clean air, friendly people & a relaxed vibe - what more do you want from a holiday! As much as i enjoy living in Sydney, I would love take my bike over down south another time & spend some more time getting to know the place better. Life is more than just hanging by the beach & night-clubs, there's a big wide world to explore. ----------------------------------------------------------- Agree with the poster below, the Gold Coast hinterland is also worth exploring.. Australia is a interesting place, once you really get to know it. I often spend my sundays, going on long bike rides in Sydney & am still discovering new things about the place!
2. From your question you seem to be interested in the mostly cultural attractions like shopping or nightclubs, so you could perhaps have overlooked the natural sights. Before you even leave the Gold Coast you should see around the hinterland. I recommend the Best of All Lookout, Purling Brook Falls, and Natural Bridge (a natural rock archway)... and that can be done in half a day! Even if you've alreday seen them, my point is that Australia does have a vast and unpopulated interior which for the average international tourist can be a stark but eye-opening contrast to the crowded streets in Europe or Asia... or even the Gold Coast. If you like the Gold Coast Hinterland then there’s some similar and better fun to be had 2 hours up the road at the Sunshine Coast, where besides the waterfalls and rainforest the beaches actually ARE better. Tasmania is a good idea too - did you know that the whole of Tasmania has less people than the Gold Coast? Whether it’s lookouts or limestone caves...it might be worth keeping such options in mind. If you are going to stick near the major airports though I would also suggest that you try catch an AFL game at the MCG.
3. Dude32, insimple terms, if you like the Gold Coast, I suggest you stay where your most comfortable. You want to make a side trip to Sydney fine. But you can't compare Fiji to Melbourne or even put them in the same sentence, there is a big difference in the two. as for Newcastle, I have seen it, I have smelt it, and touched it. I could take or leave Newcastle it's called choice. As for the rest of Australia. Get into a car and travel from Sydney along the Coast all the way through Adelaide, and you travel the Great Ocean Road, look out the window, and see the ever changing landscape, take in that beauty, get out every once and a while and shake hands with the farmers, and have a talk. Then my friend and only then you will understand the complexity and beauty of such a vast, friendly country. Do you know what's ironic Dude32, I'm Canadian. Chris