• Water- really this is the top priority above all else. Its easy to dehydrate when your having so much fun.
• A Meeting Place- Very important as you can get lost very easily. This place also needs to be easily found by everyone.
• A small tip: Don’t expect your mobile to always work. Technology is a wonderful thing but when 40,000 people are all texting and calling at the same time the networks get backed up. Most text messages arrive hours if not days later so have a back up plan.
• Transport – Be it a hire car or your own wheels. For festivals that go overnight or a couple of days it provides a safe lock up for your things and also a great meeting place.
• A rain poncho- Keeps you dry this is obvious.
• Sunscreen and hat – Keeps you from turning in to lobster and ruining your day. Many venues are without much shade so this can be very important.
• Anti-bacterial Hand Gel – ‘Porta-Loo’ need I say more
• Re-sealable plastic bags- Great for storing mobile phones and cameras
• Cash – Not too many ATMs and they run out of money easily.

Every year as the winter chill grips the southern states of Australia a migration takes place to the warmer climes and fun times of the Gold Coast in South East Queensland. The Gold Coast is many things to many people for families it’s a chance to relax take some time together and visit the theme parks, for couples a romantic getaway and for singles a chance to play.

During spring and summer on the coast it becomes a home for events like the Magic Millions, Super GP, Big Day Out and the infamous Schoolies. In winter the area has a more intimate feel with the large, concentrated numbers of summer having dispersed into smaller groups. For me this is the coast at its best. It may not be as warm but the beach is less crowded, the days are beautiful and the area is more relaxed.

Arriving at Coolangatta Airport it's sensible to collect a hire car as most of the attractions and accommodations are spread out over a fairly large distance. The public transport system is good but it is more convenient to have your own set of wheels.

Accommodation can be found all along the coast with some very good accommodation available inland. Another bonus to travelling at this time of the year is that accommodation can be a bit cheaper.

Families will love the resort style accommodations that are offered away from Surfers Paradise. Diamond Beach Resort is in Broadbeach and is a great place for families. Just 100m from the beach, close to Pacific Fair and Broadbeach shopping and dining precincts. Diamond Beach will make everyone in the family happy and relaxed.

For the romantic, an escape to one of the 5-star hotels is in order. Staying at the Marriott or Versace Hotel will help create some perfect memories. With day spas and fantastic restaurants you don’t have to go far to feel pampered.

For a mates holiday take a house on the beach or one of the canals. Make this your base to explore the coast. Plenty of large houses are available all year round. If travelling with a large group don’t forget to “book your Tarago” early to help move the group around.

Once you have your hire car you are free to explore some of the hidden gems the “Goldie” has to offer. Mt Tambourine is a stunning area with breathtaking views of the coast. Markets happen in the village on the weekend and you can find some yummy treats.

Springbrook is also inland and is a place for those who like to hike. Located on the rim of a dormant volcano is “Best of all Lookout”. The short hike to the platform is stunning and takes you through some rainforest that looks like something out of prehistoric times.

Coolangatta / Tweed Heads is a great day out. Fish and chips on Kira Beach are a must. Travel a little further north to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and go wild with the animals. Finish with dinner at Burleigh Heads at one of the many restaurants.

Then there are the theme parks, the world class gold courses, dining and entertainment, casino, boutique shopping and the happy locals. With all the offers, specials and discounts that are around your holiday has the ability to be jam-packed with unique experiences without breaking the bank. The Gold Coast is yours to discover so don’t wait till spring, shake the winter blues save some money and head north.