.png)
Where to Shop & Eat
Groceries will be one of your biggest expenses after rent. Knowing where to shop — and when — can save you hundreds of dollars a month.
The Big Three Supermarkets
Woolworths
Australia's biggest supermarket. Reliable quality, wide range, good online delivery. Slightly more expensive than Coles on some items. The "Everyday Rewards" loyalty card gives you discounts and fuel savings.
Coles
Very similar to Woolworths — they're fierce competitors. The "Flybuys" loyalty card offers discounts. Check both for weekly specials — they alternate who has the best deals. Coles often wins on meat and dairy.
Aldi
The budget king. German-owned, no-frills supermarket with consistently lower prices — often 20–30% cheaper than Woolworths/Coles. Smaller range, but the quality is excellent. Bring your own bags. This is where savvy students shop.
💸 Grocery Hacks
- Shop at Aldi first, then top up specialty items at Woolworths/Coles. This combo saves the most money.
- Yellow sticker markdowns — Woolworths and Coles discount items near expiry (often 50% off). Best found early morning or late evening.
- "Odd Bunch" range at Woolworths — ugly fruit and veg at reduced prices. Tastes exactly the same.
- Wednesday is new catalogue day — that's when weekly specials kick in at Coles and Woolworths.
- Buy rice, spices, and noodles at Asian grocery stores — far cheaper than supermarkets. Southport Chinatown has several excellent ones.
- Batch cook on Sundays. Meal prep is the #1 way students save money on food.
Other Places to Shop
Markets
Farmers markets sell fresh, local produce — often cheaper than supermarkets for fruit and veg. Try the HOTA Farmers Market (Broadbeach, Sundays), Miami Marketta (Wed/Fri/Sat nights — street food heaven), and Carrara Markets (huge, Saturday & Sunday).
Asian & International Grocers
Southport Chinatown has multiple Asian supermarkets. H Mart, TK Trading, and various Indian/Middle Eastern grocers are scattered along the coast. Google Maps "Asian grocery" for your suburb — there's almost always one nearby.
Convenience Stores
7-Eleven is everywhere — open 24/7 but expensive for groceries. Good for cheap $1 coffees and emergency supplies. IGA is a smaller supermarket chain — handy for local suburbs, prices slightly higher than the big three.
Costco
Bulk-buy warehouse in Bundall. Membership required (~$65/year). Great value if you're sharing a house and splitting bulk purchases. Huge range of international foods too.
🍽️ Eating Out on a Budget
- Happy hours are everywhere — especially in Surfers and Broadbeach. $10–15 meals with a drink.
- Southport Chinatown has some of the cheapest and best Asian food on the coast — $10–15 for a huge meal.
- Domino's / Pizza Hut have regular $5–7 pizza deals. Not glamorous, but cheap.
- Guzman y Gomez (GYG) — solid Mexican food at reasonable prices. Multiple GC locations.
- RSL and Surf Life Saving Clubs often have affordable meals ($12–18) and beachside views.
- Meal deal apps: Hey You, Liven, and Menulog often have first-order discounts.
Setting Up Your Essentials
Banking
You need an Australian bank account to get paid. The big four banks are CommBank, ANZ, NAB, and Westpac. Most international students go with CommBank or ANZ because they let you open an account before you arrive in Australia (online, from overseas).
CommBank (CBA)
Most popular with students. Easy app, lots of branches and ATMs on the GC. Can open a Smart Access account online before arriving. No monthly fees for under-25s or students on some accounts.
Other Options
ANZ — also allows pre-arrival account opening. Up Bank / ING — digital banks with no fees and good interest on savings. Wise — excellent for international transfers (much cheaper than banks).
💳 Banking Tips
- Australia is nearly cashless — you can tap your card or phone almost everywhere.
- Avoid using your home country bank card for purchases — the exchange rate fees add up fast.
- Use Wise (formerly TransferWise) for sending/receiving money from home — much lower fees than bank transfers.
- Set up PayID through your bank — it lets people pay you instantly using your phone number or email instead of BSB/account numbers.
Mobile Phone
Get an Australian SIM card as soon as you arrive. You'll need it for job applications, two-factor authentication on banking apps, and basically everything.
| Provider | Best For | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Optus Prepaid | Good coverage on GC, popular with students, easy to set up. | $30–45/month |
| Telstra Prepaid | Best coverage in Australia (especially rural). Slightly pricier. | $35–55/month |
| Vodafone Prepaid | Cheapest of the big three. Coverage is fine in urban GC areas. | $25–40/month |
| Boost (Telstra network) | Great value — uses Telstra's network at lower prices. Very popular. | $20–35/month |
| Aldi Mobile (Telstra network) | Budget option with solid Telstra coverage. Buy SIM at any Aldi. | $15–25/month |
| Amaysim / Felix / Circles.Life | Digital-first budget providers. Good if you mainly use data. | $15–30/month |
Buy your SIM at an airport, convenience store (7-Eleven), supermarket, or phone shop. You'll need your passport for ID verification. Most plans are prepaid — no contracts, no bills, just top up when needed.
Staying Fit on the GC
The Gold Coast might be the easiest place in Australia to stay active. The weather is almost always good, and the options — both free and paid — are everywhere.
Free Options
Outdoor Gyms (Free!)
The GC has incredible free outdoor gyms with proper equipment — pull-up bars, dip stations, leg press machines, rowing machines, and more. The best ones are at Broadwater Parklands (Southport), The Spit (Main Beach), Rudd Park (Burleigh Heads), Pratten Park (Broadbeach), and Surfers Paradise beachfront. These aren't just a few bars in a park — they're full workout stations.
Parkrun (Free!)
A free, timed 5km community run/walk every Saturday at 7am. Multiple GC locations: Main Beach, Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach Waters, Varsity Lakes, Mudgeeraba, Paradise Point, and more. All paces welcome — walk, jog, or sprint. Register once at parkrun.com.au and you're set for life. Amazing way to meet people.
The Beach (Free!)
Swimming, surfing, beach volleyball, or just walking on sand. The GC has 57km of coastline. Running on the sand is a brutal leg workout. Learn to surf — beginners go to Currumbin Alley or Greenmount (gentle waves).
Cycling & Walking Paths (Free!)
The Oceanway coastal path runs from The Spit to Coolangatta — flat, scenic, and perfect for running, walking, or cycling. The hinterland has bush walking trails too (Springbrook, Lamington, Burleigh Headland).
Paid Options
Budget Gyms
Plus Fitness (~$11–14/week), Jetts (~$13–15/week, 24/7 access), and Anytime Fitness (~$15–18/week, 24/7). All have student-friendly rates. No lock-in contracts on most plans. Multiple GC locations.
Council Aquatic Centres
Gold Coast City Council runs multiple pools and fitness centres with gym, group classes, and pools. The Gold Coast Aquatic Centre (Southport) is world-class. Casual swim ~$6–8. Memberships from ~$15/week. Check goldcoast.qld.gov.au for locations.
Yoga & Pilates
The GC is yoga central. Look for intro deals — most studios offer your first week or month at a heavy discount ($20–30 for unlimited). Community yoga sessions pop up at parks and beaches too (often free or by donation).
University Gyms
Griffith and Bond both have campus gyms available to students. Often cheaper than external gyms and super convenient. Griffith's is at the Gold Coast campus with full gym, group fitness, and courts.
🌅 The GC Fitness Culture
Working out before or after the beach is just... what people do here. You'll see people doing pull-ups at sunrise, running the Oceanway at 6am, surfing before work, and doing yoga at sunset. It's not intimidating — it's inclusive. Nobody cares about your fitness level. Just get moving. The outdoor gyms are genuinely some of the best free fitness facilities you'll find anywhere in the world.
Looking After Your Health
🏥 OSHC — Your Health Insurance
As an international student, you must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire duration of your visa. This is mandatory — you can't enrol without it. OSHC covers doctor visits, hospital stays, some prescriptions, and ambulance in most states. The main providers are Medibank, Allianz, Bupa, nib, and ahm. Your university may have a preferred provider.
Seeing a Doctor (GP)
Look for clinics that bulk bill — this means they charge your OSHC directly and you pay nothing out of pocket. Not all clinics do this, so always ask before booking. Walk-in clinics are available across the GC. Your uni also likely has a health clinic on campus.
Emergencies
Call 000 (triple zero) for ambulance, fire, or police in any emergency. Gold Coast University Hospital is the major public hospital. Emergency departments are free for emergencies, but non-urgent visits can mean long waits.
Pharmacies (Chemists)
Chemist Warehouse is the cheapest for over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and toiletries — often significantly cheaper than Priceline or Terry White. Multiple GC locations. No prescription needed for paracetamol, ibuprofen, cold & flu meds, etc.
Dental & Optical
Standard OSHC does NOT cover dental or optical. You'll need to pay out of pocket or buy extras cover. For affordable dental, look into university dental clinics or community health centres. For glasses, Specsavers is the budget option.
🧠 Mental Health Support
- Your university — Griffith, Bond, and SCU all have free counselling services for students. Use them. No shame in it.
- Headspace — free or low-cost mental health service for people aged 12–25. Gold Coast centre in Southport.
- Beyond Blue — 1300 22 4636. Phone and online support for anxiety and depression.
- Lifeline — 13 11 14. 24/7 crisis support. Available in multiple languages.
- International Student Wellbeing — your uni's international student office can connect you with culturally appropriate support.
Making Friends & Connections
Moving to a new country is exciting but can be lonely. The Gold Coast is actually one of the easier places to make friends — it's a social, outdoor city with a huge international community. You just have to put yourself out there.
Your University
This is the easiest starting point. Join clubs and societies (Griffith has 80+, Bond has 60+), attend O-Week events, and say yes to everything in your first few weeks. Student guilds run regular social events, sports, and trips specifically for international students.
International Meetups
The Gold Coast International Meetup (5,700+ members) runs free weekly events at the Cavill Hotel in Surfers Paradise — Tuesday evenings. Designed for international students, working holiday makers, and anyone wanting to meet people from around the world. Check meetup.com.
Language Exchange
The International Language & Culture Exchange Club runs regular events for practising English and other languages in a social setting. Great for improving your English skills while making friends. Multiple events weekly on Meetup.
Sports & Run Clubs
Parkrun (free, Saturdays 7am), community run clubs, surf clubs, beach volleyball, social soccer (football), and martial arts. Sport is Australia's social glue — joining a group activity is one of the fastest ways to build a social circle.
Volunteering
Volunteering is a brilliant way to meet locals, build references, and give back. Try Surf Life Saving Queensland, Volunteering Gold Coast, wildlife rehabilitation centres, or community events. Plus it looks great on your CV.
Apps & Online
Meetup — the go-to for finding groups and events. Bumble BFF — specifically designed for making platonic friends. Facebook Groups — search "Gold Coast International Students" or your nationality + "Gold Coast". Discord — many uni courses have Discord servers.
💡 Real Talk on Making Friends
- Say yes to everything in your first 3 weeks. BBQ invite? Yes. Beach walk? Yes. Board game night? Yes. You can filter later, but early on, cast a wide net.
- Australians are friendly but can be slow to deepen friendships. They'll chat happily with anyone, but building close friendships takes time. Don't take it personally — keep showing up.
- Your housemates are your first social circle. Choose a share house or student accommodation with common areas — shared kitchens and living rooms force interaction.
- Work friends count. Your colleagues in hospo or retail will likely become your social group. Post-shift drinks are a GC tradition.
- It's okay to feel homesick. Everyone does. Call home when you need to, but also push yourself to get out. The loneliest time is usually weeks 3–8 — it genuinely gets better after that.
Transport Beyond the Tram
G:link Tram
Your main line: Helensvale to Broadbeach South (extending to Burleigh mid-2026). Every 7.5 min during the day. Tap on/off with Go Card, Visa, Mastercard, or phone. Always tap off — you'll be charged the maximum fare otherwise.
Buses
Buses go everywhere the tram doesn't — Robina, Varsity Lakes, Coolangatta, hinterland suburbs. Same Go Card system. Route 700 is the express running the coast. Plan trips with the TransLink app or Google Maps.
Trains to Brisbane
Connect at Helensvale to the Brisbane train line. ~75 minutes to Brisbane CBD. Also stops at Robina and Varsity Lakes. Go Card works for the whole trip.
Driving & Rideshare
Uber and Didi are widely available. Useful for late nights or getting to areas without public transport. If you want to drive, you can use your overseas licence for the first 3 months, then you need a QLD licence.
🚲 Cycling
The GC is very bikeable — flat terrain, dedicated bike lanes, and the Oceanway path running the length of the coast. Buy a second-hand bike on Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree for $50–150. Helmets are mandatory in Queensland — you can be fined $1,161 for not wearing one. Yes, really.
Where to Buy Everything Else
| You Need... | Go To | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Furniture / homewares | Kmart, Target, IKEA | Kmart is stupidly cheap for basics. IKEA is in Logan (30 min north). Facebook Marketplace for second-hand — people move constantly on the GC. |
| Clothes (budget) | Kmart, Target, Cotton On, H&M | Pacific Fair and Robina Town Centre both have these. Op shops (Vinnies, Salvos) for vintage/cheap finds. |
| Electronics | JB Hi-Fi, Officeworks | JB Hi-Fi price-matches online competitors. Officeworks for stationery, printers, and uni supplies. |
| Bedding / towels / linen | Kmart, Target, Spotlight | Kmart is the cheapest starting point. Spotlight for better quality. |
| Kitchen stuff | Kmart, Daiso ($3 Japanese store) | Daiso is a goldmine — almost everything is $3.30. Multiple GC locations. |
| Toiletries / vitamins | Chemist Warehouse | Consistently the cheapest for toiletries, sunscreen, vitamins, and medication. |
| Second-hand everything | Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, Op Shops | People leaving the GC sell everything cheap. Beds, desks, bikes, kitchen gear — check daily. |
| Textbooks | Student VIP, Uni library, Facebook groups | Never buy new textbooks. Borrow from the library, buy second-hand, or check if digital versions are available through your uni. |
Major Shopping Centres
Pacific Fair
Broadbeach. One of QLD's biggest. 400+ stores, cinema, dining precinct. Right next to Broadbeach South tram stop. You'll end up here constantly.
Australia Fair
Southport. More practical and less glamorous — Kmart, Coles, Woolworths, Big W, Target. The workhorse shopping centre for students in Southport.
Robina Town Centre
Robina. Huge — 350+ stores, cinema, food court. Not on the tram line but accessible by bus from Broadbeach.
Harbour Town
Biggera Waters. Outlet shopping — brand-name clothes at discounted prices. Not on the tram line but worth the trip for bargains.
Safety on the GC
The Gold Coast is generally a safe city, but like anywhere, you need to be aware of your surroundings — especially at night and around Surfers Paradise on weekends.
Beach Safety
Always swim between the red and yellow flags. This is where lifeguards are patrolling. Rips (strong currents) can pull you out to sea — if you get caught in one, don't fight it. Swim parallel to the shore, or float and raise your hand for help. Drownings happen every year to people who ignore the flags.
Sun Safety
Queensland UV levels are extreme — even on cloudy days. Wear SPF 50+ sunscreen (reapply every 2 hours), a hat, and sunnies. Slip, slop, slap isn't just a catchy slogan — skin cancer rates in QLD are among the highest in the world.
Night Safety
Surfers Paradise on Friday/Saturday nights can get rowdy. Stick with friends, don't accept drinks from strangers, and keep valuables secure. The Cavill Avenue area is well-lit and patrolled, but side streets can be quieter. Uber/Didi are safer than walking home alone late at night.
Wildlife
Yes, Australia has dangerous wildlife, but it's rarely an issue on the GC. Snakes exist in hinterland areas — wear closed shoes on bush walks. Bluebottle jellyfish occasionally wash up on beaches (painful sting but not deadly). Crocodiles are NOT on the Gold Coast — they're way further north.
📞 Emergency Numbers
- 000 — Police, Ambulance, Fire (emergency only)
- 131 444 — Police non-emergency (Policelink)
- 13 11 14 — Lifeline (24/7 crisis support)
- 1800 737 732 — 1800RESPECT (sexual assault & domestic violence)
- 13 14 50 — Translating and Interpreting Service (free)
Living the GC Life
Arts & Culture
HOTA (Home of the Arts) in Broadbeach is the cultural heart — gallery (free), cinema, live performances, and the Sunday farmers market. Gold Coast Film Festival, Blues on Broadbeach (free music festival), and various markets keep things interesting.
Libraries
Free to join. Air-conditioned study spaces, free WiFi, printers, and events. The Broadbeach Library and Southport Library are both modern and student-friendly. You can borrow books, DVDs, and even board games. Great for study sessions outside your room.
Free & Cheap Activities
Beach (free), Burleigh Headland walk (free), Broadwater Parklands and rockpool (free), Tallebudgera Creek (free), HOTA gallery (free), Sunday markets at HOTA, Village Markets at Burleigh, Gold Coast Oceanway walk/cycle.
Nightlife
Surfers Paradise — Orchid Ave strip, backpacker bars, nightclubs. Loud, messy, fun. Broadbeach — more cocktail bars and restaurants. Nobby Beach — small bar scene, cooler vibe. Burleigh — craft beer (Burleigh Brewing, Balter) and sunset drinks.
🌴 Things That'll Surprise You
- Everything closes early. Most shops shut by 5:30pm on weekdays (except Thursday late-night shopping until 9pm). Supermarkets are the exception — some are open until midnight.
- Sunday trading is limited. Many smaller shops don't open on Sundays, or have reduced hours.
- You can't drink alcohol in public spaces (parks, beaches) on the GC unless it's a licensed area. BYO to a picnic in the park is technically illegal — stick to licensed venues or your home.
- Jaywalking is a fineable offence in Queensland. Cross at lights and crossings, especially in Surfers where police do enforce it.
- Smoking is banned on all GC beaches, parks, outdoor dining areas, and within 5 metres of building entrances. E-cigarettes (vapes) are prescription-only in Australia and heavily restricted.
- Tipping is not expected. Australians don't tip — your waiter won't be offended. If you get exceptional service, leaving a small tip is appreciated but totally optional.
- The weather is amazing — 300+ days of sunshine a year. But summer (Dec–Feb) is hot, humid, and storms roll in fast. The thunderstorms are spectacular but intense. Always carry an umbrella Dec–March.
Your Essential Apps
| App | What It Does |
|---|---|
| TransLink | Plan public transport journeys (tram, bus, train). Real-time tracking and Go Card balance. |
| My G: | Real-time tram tracking, station info, and service alerts for the G:link. |
| Google Maps | Works brilliantly for GC public transport planning, walking directions, and finding shops. |
| Uber / Didi | Rideshare. Download both and compare prices — Didi is often 10–20% cheaper. |
| Uber Eats / DoorDash / Menulog | Food delivery. New user discounts are generous. But cooking is always cheaper. |
| Meetup | Find social groups, language exchanges, hiking groups, and events near you. |
| Wise | Cheapest way to transfer money to/from your home country. |
| CommBank / Your Bank | Mobile banking. Set up PayID, track spending, transfer money instantly. |
| Chemist Warehouse | Price check medication and toiletries. Often has app-only discounts. |
| myGov | Government portal — links your TFN, Medicare, Centrelink. You'll need it for tax returns. |
| BOM Weather | Bureau of Meteorology. The only weather app you need in Australia. Radar for tracking storms. |
| Flatmates / Domain | Find accommodation — shared rooms and rental properties. |
Numbers & Links to Know
| Service | Contact |
|---|---|
| Emergency (Police/Ambulance/Fire) | 000 |
| Police (non-emergency) | 131 444 |
| Fair Work Ombudsman | 13 13 94 |
| Department of Home Affairs | 13 18 81 |
| Lifeline (crisis support) | 13 11 14 |
| Beyond Blue | 1300 22 4636 |
| Translating & Interpreting Service | 13 14 50 (free) |
| 1800RESPECT | 1800 737 732 |
| Headspace (12–25 mental health) | headspace.org.au |
| ATO (tax) | 13 28 61 |
| Gold Coast City Council | 1300 GOLDCOAST (1300 465 326) |
| TransLink (public transport) | 13 12 30 |