Cutting Gold Coast Holiday Costs From Cheap and Affordable Gold Coast Airport Car Hire Rentals Companies in Queensland

Visitors holidaying on the Gold Coast needn’t look at paying in gold nuggets. All it takes, according to Gold Coast Family Car Rentals CEO Darryl Essington-Wilson, is a bit of careful budgeting for travellers to be able to enjoy a gold star trip on a silver or bronze budget.

He says visitors should include in their planning a list of priorities aimed at a gold star experience that will fund memories for a long time, rather than result in red figures on the bank balance when they get home. And these priorities should be considered with regard to how they get to the Gold Coast; what they do, eat, and buy while there; and the rental car they use in order to do these things.

In most instances, getting anywhere in Australia involves flying, because of the distances involved. Saving money on flights involves conscious planning in terms of when’s best to book, and when is best to fly, as well as keeping a sharp eye on any special deals, according to Darryl. Departure points, as well as flexibility about flying dates and days of the week, can also save a few dollars. And when they consider rental car options, they should be sure to take into account all the costs involved in hiring a car, including insurance excesses and fees for added extras like child seats, and not just consider the basic rental fee when budgeting on rental car costs.

Location, Location, Location

As most tourists are drawn to the Gold Coast by its beaches, the surf and those that ride it, Surfers Paradise is often the first choice for accommodation and attractions. However, Darryl points out that the Gold Coast has 52 km of pristine beaches within an easy drive of Surfers Paradise and the attractions there. These include Broadbeach (11minutes), Main Beach (12min), Burleigh Heads (17minutes), and Coolangatta (30mins), all of which offer cheaper accommodation and a better family holiday environment than Surfers Paradise, according to Darryl. All have beautiful beaches, and their own day and night entertainment. He adds that visitors should also remember that the length of stay can also make a difference. Short one or two-night stops may work out more expensive per night, while a free night or two may be included when the stay is longer.

Putting Money Where the Mouth is

While wonderful dinners and tasty lunches are readily available on the Gold Coast, Darryl mentions that this could see holidaymakers literally putting too much money where their mouths are. Sandwich bars, food from street markets, store-bought supplies for some meals, or having an Australian-style beach barbeque using the free BBQs at many of the beaches, might make both visitors and their bank balances more comfortable about enjoying a dinner on the town now and then. Holidaymakers can take home-packed picnic lunches on outings, including trips to Theme Parks.

Money-saving Tips for Going Out and About

The Gold Coast and its hinterland offer a wide range of experiences which cost nothing at all, like the views, the beaches, the rainforests, and the streams. In some cases, a blend of paid entry and free options balance out to a good value for money outing, according to Darryl. Currumbin, less than half an hour away from Surfers Paradise, offers visitors the chance to stroll on the beach at Currumbin, splash around in rock pools in the Currumbin Valley, enjoy markets, feed the birds at the Bird Sanctuary, and appreciate wildlife, or take to the treetops in Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Much of this is free and admittance fees at the Wildlife Sanctuary are sometimes governed by deals or membership options which reduce that cost.

Similarly, special passes are available online for access to theme park “worlds” like Dreamworld, Wet ‘n' Wild, Movieworld, Seaworld, and White Water World, all of which offer multiple activities like rides and slides. Some offer multiple park access, while others allow for return visits to one, grant early entry, or sanction queue skipping. Once inside, visitors may find other savings, like buying refillable drinks, or bring their own water.

Visitors looking to hire a rental car on the Gold Coast with a value for money guarantee,  pickup and drop-off at the airport, free child seats and concessionary rates on other holiday add-ons, can book onlinewith Car Hire Gold Coast or Gold Coast Airport Car Rental, or call + 61 7 5508 3333. 

Syndicated by Baxton Media.