The Gold Coast continues to be one of the most preferred holiday destinations for domestic visitors. Based on the official figures released by Tourism and Events Queensland, the number of domestic overnight visitors in the year ending September 2013 has increased by 6.4%. This jump in numbers was felt by the entire tourism industry, especially those offering Gold Coast apartments like me who enjoyed increased bookings last year. Personally, I think that this is because of various reasons including our close proximity to the top domestic source markets, cheap flights, and also because people on the northern states were trying to avoid the colder weather.

The report also revealed that the Gold Coast received a total of 3,637,000 domestic visitors last year and 2,173,000 of them were here on holiday and no doubt enjoyed staying in one of the many Gold Coast apartments on offer. The number of holiday visitors represented a 1.8% increase compared to the numbers gathered the same period in 2012. The strong results were primarily driven by tourists coming from Sydney and Melbourne.

The number for tourists who visited friends and family members also increased by 5.8% compared to the data gathered in 2012. 1,014,000 VFR tourists spent the night here and this represents a 5.8% annual increase. Business travellers, on the other hand, bolstered overall results. For the year ending September 2013, there were 371,000 business travellers on the Gold Coast. This number is 35.4% higher compared to previous year. Because of this number, interstate business visitation registered historic averages in 2013.

When it comes to overall tourist expenditure, the 3,637,000 tourists spent a total of $3,158.6 million in 2013 for their travel expenses which is a 5.8% jump compared in 2012.

Key Domestic source market to Gold Coast

As mentioned a while ago, majority of domestic tourists came from Brisbane (1,053,000), Sydney (642,000), and Melbourne (434,000). Although there were more than one million tourists from Brisbane, it was Sydney that registered the biggest jump of 42.4% when compared to the same figures last year. Other visitors came from Regional QLD (697,000) and Regional NSW (471,000).

Although overnight visitation was on the rise in 2013, the number of domestic day trip visitors has declined. However, this isn’t a bad news for Gold Coast at all. It only proves that Australian have regained confidence in terms of booking travel. Frankly, this is what I would recommend for any domestic traveller. A day trip to the Gold Coast is no longer recommended as there are so many things to see and do that you simply need longer than a day to be satisfied. Besides, there are great accommodation options, including our Gold Coast apartments that you can take advantage of without it costing you an arm and a leg. In fact, the report from Tourism and Events Queensland revealed that holiday visitors stay for an average of 4.5 days while business travellers spend at least 2.7 days here. Personally, I’d suggest staying on the Gold Coast for 5-7 days so you can have enough time to explore everything all the region has to offer, Gold Coast apartments are also cheaper when you book longer than 2 nights.

Top visited Gold Coast Destinations

If you’re thinking of coming to the Gold Coast and undecided on where to go, you might find it useful that most domestic travellers favour the following destination:

  • Surfers Paradise – This is definitely the most famous tourist destination on the Gold Coast. Aside from its great beach, it is also home to some of Gold Coast apartments and other luxurious accommodation. Here, you can find the best dining, entertainment, and shopping district. It’s also the place to go to if you’re looking for the best nightlife. Surfers Paradise beach is perfect if you’re thinking about spending the day swimming or learning how to surf.
  • Mermaid Beach – Broadbeach – I can say that the suburbs of Mermaid Beach and Broadbeach are the total opposite of Surfers Paradise and are perfect for people who enjoy the peace and quiet. Located at the northern part of the town centre, both destination offer open beaches that features relaxing beachfront. Dubbed as the perfect beaches for families, they are less crowded than Surfers Paradise. They are similar to each other and both features sheltered picnic tables, children’s playground, and bike tracks. Both are perfect for swimming because unlike Surfers Paradise, the swells are much smaller here.
  • Coolangatta – This is also popular for families and for travellers who are looking forward to spending quiet afternoon on the beach. It’s one of the few beaches on the Gold Coast facing the north and this is where you’ll find humpback whales during winter on their annual migration.

Top Experiences

Domestic visitors on the Gold Coast where asked about the top experiences they had on the region and these is what they have listed:

  • Food and Wine – 2,552,000 domestic visitors said that the main reason for going to the Gold Coast is to experience its exquisite, wide range of food and wine. Personally, I can say that dining on the Gold Coast is in itself, is a memorable experience. All of the chefs here are using their fine cooking skills using local produce to serve some of the most mouth-watering dishes in the world. The good thing about dining and wining on the Gold Coast is that the food is always partnered with inspiring natural setting – including rainforests, breath-taking ocean views and beautiful sunsets.
    The Gold Coast, which celebrate the passion behind it’s food, wine, and dining experiences every year, is home to more than 500 restaurants and cafes. It’s known throughout Australia to be one of the regions to serve the finest modern Australian fare and the flavours of other regions including the Americas, Asia, and the Mediterranean.
  • Nature based – 529,000 domestic visitors went to Gold Coast last year to explore its natural beauty. The unique thing about the Gold Coast is that although it offers modern city lifestyle, it can easily help you connect back with nature. The region boasts exquisite natural attractions and several beautiful scenic locations that are yours to explore for free (well, most of them). Scenic areas that I typically recommend to the guests we welcome at our Gold Coast apartments are Tallebudgera Creek, Currumbin Rock, Greenmount, Coolangatta, Snapper Rocks, Hinze Dam, amazing scenic locations within Springbrook and Lamington National Parks (don’t miss the stunning natural bridge), and Burleigh Heads National Park.
  • Culture and Heritage – 331,000 domestic visitors went to the Gold Coast last year to experience its culture and heritage. If you’re planning to do the same, check out the Gold Coast Sporting Hall of Fame, Yugambeh Museum, and Tweed River Marine and Heritage Museum. Also, learn unbroken history by talking the walking tour at Lamington, Burleigh National Park, Natural Bridge and Springbrook national parks. Other sites worth checking out are Tweed Heads Historic Site and Mount Warning on the south.

Travelling Party Type

Based on the same report released by Travel Queensland, there are different party types that visit the Gold Coast. Official figures confirm that the region remains popular with families. In the year ending September 2013, there were 1, 302, 000 family groups who went here. If you’re thinking of bringing your family here, you’ll be happy to know that Gold Coast can offer you an endless list of things to do and also affordable Gold Coast apartments that offer 2 – 3 bedrooms that are perfect for families, no matter the budget. Aside from spending the day with the family swimming, building sand castles, and learning how to surf on Surfers Paradise, you can also take your kids to Australia’s world-class theme parks which include Movie World, Wet ‘n’ Wild, and Dream World. Don’t be surprised if you suddenly become the world’s greatest parent to your kids after your trip. Don’t forget to take them to different zoos so they’ll experience Australia’s finest wild life.

The Gold Coast is also popular to adult couples. Figures reveal that there were 993,000 adult couples who were here last year. Personally, I find Gold Coast to be very romantic and it’s the perfect destination for your honeymoon, anniversary, and Valentine’s day. If you’re going here with your significant other, I would recommend taking a sunrise balloon ride, touring the hinterland wineries, indulging in a spa treatment, and having intimate dinner in one of the most romantic restaurants in Surfers Paradise where you can have the sunset or the ocean as your backdrop.

Although Gold Coast is popular to families and adult couples, it’s also the holiday destination for 559,000 people who travelled here alone last year. If you’re planning on doing the same, you’ll be happy to know that there are a lot of single travellers that you’ll meet along the way. I suggest signing up with group tours so you won’t go to tourist sites alone and so you can save money along the way.

Regardless of who you’re travellng with, once you’ve booked your flight or decided to visit, the next thing you need to do is book your accommodation and you won’t find better valued Gold Coast apartments than those we offer at HRSP.com.au

Looking for Gold Coast apartments? Then, book with us at HRSP.com.au

Whether you’re going alone or with your family, we can provide you with the best accommodation for your Gold Coast getaway. Here at HRSP.com.au, we offer spacious two and three bedroom Gold Coast apartments from some of Surfers Paradise well-known apartments, hotels and resorts. Although they are luxurious and stylish, they will not cost a fortune. In fact, a Gold Coast apartment can be all yours from just $115 per night. Get more information and see actual photos of the apartments by heading to https://hrsp.com.au/. You may book online or call us directly at 07 5539 8553 for assistance.

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