LIVE LIKE A LOCAL PART TWO: GOLD COAST HIDDEN GEMS

In my opinion, nothing turns an average day into a magical one faster than spotting a whale in its natural habitat. There is something extra special about glancing out to sea and spotting a whale breach, surface with its calf, or put on a show with a cheeky tail slap. Each year, thousands of humpback whales make their journey from icy Antarctica to the warmer waters of Queensland to breed and give birth. On the East Coast, whale sightings are so common that a stretch of coastline has now been nicknamed ‘Humpback Highway’ . Whale watching season traditionally runs from June through to October , with peak sightings occurring between July and September . Whether you're a local or visiting for a holiday, whale season is one of the most special times of year to experience the Gold Coast. If you're hoping to catch a glimpse of these gentle giants during their annual migration, here are some of our favourite spots on the Gold Coast to keep watch.

Holidays can be expensive, especially in the current climate, but there are plenty of little ways to save here and there. It all adds up, leaving you with more to spend on what actually matters: the fun stuff. If you are in the middle of planning a Gold Coast holiday , these tips will help you keep costs down without missing out on the experience. 1. Always Book Direct Whenever possible, book your accommodation direct for the best pricing and added perks. At Wow Stay, we keep our rates competitive. If you see one of our Gold Coast apartments listed cheaper elsewhere, let us know and we’ll do our best to match it or add on extra perks! 2. Travel Outside Peak Seasons One of the easiest ways to save on a Gold Coast holiday is timing. If your lifestyle allows, travelling outside of school holidays (even by a few days) is one of the easiest ways to save. Peak periods include: School holidays (especially Christmas/New Year and Easter) Long weekends Major Gold Coast events Schoolies (Late Nov / Early Dec) Travelling outside these dates can significantly reduce both accommodation, flight costs, car hire etc. 3. Stay Midweek for Cheaper Rates Fridays and Saturdays are typically the most expensive nights no matter where in the world you stay. If your schedule allows, booking Sunday to Thursday can often mean lower nightly rates while still enjoying the same apartment, views, and location. 4. Add On A Night Or Two It might sound counterintuitive, but a longer stay can sometimes be cheaper per night. When booking your Gold Coast accommodation , try adjusting your dates to see if adding an extra night unlocks better overall pricing. 5. Check Events Before You Book Prices can increase quickly when major events are on. Before locking in your trip, search your dates to see if there are significant events on the Gold Coast. Look for things like: Gold Coast Airshow Festivals Sporting competitions (Gold Coast Pro, Cheerleading Nationals, AFL & NRL games etc) This helps you avoid unexpected price spikes, that you may have thought was simply 'standard pricing'. 6. Don’t Just Book the Cheapest Flight The cheapest flight isn’t always the best value. For example, arriving early morning on a red-eye flight may mean waiting hours for check in - leading to extra spending on food, transport, activities and generally a headache if you've got the kids in tow. Sometimes a slightly more expensive flight can actually save you money (and sanity) overall. 7. Make Your Memberships Work For You Something that is easy to forget, but don't forget to check with all your insurance and other providers to see if they have affiliation discounts available. Car, travel, health insurance providers often offer discounts on care hire, attractions, theme parks etc. 8. Book Theme Park Tickets in Advance If you’re visiting theme parks, always book ahead. Multi day passes are usually always cheaper than buying tickets at the gate, and you might discover other places to visit that weren't originally on your radar. We've partnered with ExperienceOz to help you save - check out our link below: 

Choosing the right apartment for your Gold Coast stay comes down to two things: the experience you want and the practicalities of your trip. Whether you’re choosing based on resort style, budget and atmosphere, here’s our guide to finding your perfect stay. The WowStay Standard No matter which category you choose, all our apartments are designed with comfort and convenience in mind. Here’s what’s always included: Spacious layouts with dedicated kitchen, dining, living and sleeping areas Air conditioning for year round comfort Fully equipped kitchens designed for relaxed meals and cooking at home Smart TVs and complimentary Wi Fi Internal laundry facilities (either a Euro-style laundry or full separate laundry depending on apartment type) Essentials for your first night to help you settle in comfortably (tea, coffee and bathroom amenities) Bed linen and bath towels provided for each guest Private balconies with a range of outlooks including ocean, hinterland, city and pool views depending on apartment category

There’s a reason so many of us grew up holidaying on the Gold Coast, and why we keep on coming back. From world class surf and a laid back coastal culture, to theme parks, shopping and endless attractions, it’s a destination that truly caters to all ages. Right in the heart of the city, Surfers Paradise offers the best of both worlds. Whether it’s your first time visiting or it’s been a while between trips, here’s exactly how we’d spend a weekend in Surfers Paradise... Friday Morning — let the journey begin In the days leading up to your stay, you’ll receive detailed instructions from us, explaining our quick and easy lockbox check in process. We’ll also share our ‘Go To Gold Coast Guide ’, filled with our team’s personal recommendations and discount codes for our favourite local spots. If you’ve landed early into Coolangatta or are driving up from NSW, take your time heading north. The stretch from Tugun to Burleigh is one of the most underrated pockets of the coast, known for its relaxed, beach village vibe. Our picks by suburb: Tugun — Palomino's Deli for epic bacon and egg rolls Currumbin — Barefoot Barista for great coffee and ocean views Palm Beach — Neptune Kiosk for a coffee to go and stroll along the Tallebudgera boardwalk Burleigh — Tarte Bakery & Cafe to stock up on pastries and sweet treats

Last week, we gave you the low down on the best playgrounds on the Gold Coast. This week we’re back with the adult version . Think long lunches, sunset drinks, live music and a little bit of buzz….we’re talking our favourite breweries, wineries and distilleries! We’ve (happily) done the research, and here are our top picks for you to check out for your next girls trip, bucks show, or friends getaway on the Gold Coast: BREWERIES Venue: Precinct Location: Miami Why we love it: Spacious, social and always a good time, Precinct is one of my go to spots for meeting friends. It is perfect for bigger groups, with long tables, live music and crispy beers, making it easy to settle in for the afternoon. 

When you’re travelling with kids, keeping them entertained (and out of trouble) can sometimes feel like a full time job. While holidays are meant for relaxing and having fun, travel can add up quickly. That’s why we’re always looking for fun, free activities to recommend to our guests. Finding the right playground can make the difference between a good day and a great one. Luckily, the Gold Coast is full of incredible parks that offer far more than a basic swing set. Think pirate ships, climbing towers, giant slides and plenty of space for kids to burn off energy. The best part is many of them are just as enjoyable for the grown ups too. Here are five of our favourite Gold Coast playgrounds for families - all with a decent coffee spot or two nearby. Palm Beach Pirate Park If your kids love pirates, this playground is basically their dream scenario. Why kids love it: The whole playground is pirate themed, complete with a huge wooden ship, climbing ropes, slides and plenty of imaginative play areas. There’s lots to explore and climb, so it’s perfect for little adventurers who love pretending they’re sailing the high seas. Why adults love it: It’s right by the beach, so you get to enjoy fresh ocean air while the kids play. There’s also plenty of grassy space nearby for picnics, and Palm Beach’s great cafes are only a short stroll away if you’re in need of a coffee break. 📍 945 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach

March on the Gold Coast is a little quieter, and being shoulder season, it’s the perfect time to visit if you want to explore without the summer crowds. The weather is still beautiful, and there’s always something happening if you feel like getting out and about. This month brings a mix of family friendly fun, from the Festival of Golf and Movies on the Esplanade to the T100 Triathlon along the coastline. Whether you’re visiting for a long weekend or planning a last minute coastal escape, here’s what’s on this month:

The Gold Coast is one of Australia’s biggest fitness hubs, and it’s easy to see why. With year round sunshine, world class surf and a strong surf lifesaving culture, mornings here start early. As the sun rises so do the locals, busy walking, running and soaking up the views before the day begins. One of the best ways to truly experience the Gold Coast is on foot, and the best part? It’s completely free! Which means you can save your spending for post walk coffee stops or surf club happy hours along the way. While there are hundreds of hikes and trails to explore on the Gold Coast, we’ve come up with our top 7 ‘leisurely’ walks that we think will help you see all the different areas that make our city iconic. Top 7 Gold Coast walks as voted by the Wow Stay team: Coolangatta Oceanway Cooly → Greenmount → Rainbow Bay → Point Danger This is one of the most scenic coastal walks on the southern end of the Gold Coast. The path is wide, cruisey and easy to follow, making it perfect for all fitness levels. You can start and stop wherever suits you, but we recommend going all the way to Point Danger. Along the way you’ll pass Greenmount and Rainbow Bay, spot plenty of lizards sunbaking on the rocks, and enjoy uninterrupted ocean views back toward the Surfers Paradise skyline. Point Danger marks the border between Queensland and New South Wales, and during whale season (June to November) it’s one of the best places to spot them close to shore. Afterwards, stop in at Black Dingo Café for brunch or coffee, or head to Rainbow Bay Surf Club for incredible views and a chance to rub shoulders with local surfing legends. Burleigh National Park Oceanview Track & Rainforest Circuit If you’re after more of a challenge while still keeping it family friendly, this is the one. The Oceanview Track winds around the headland with stunning coastal views, while the Rainforest Circuit takes you through lush greenery where if you are lucky you will spot a python or two. You can expect a few hills that get your heart rate up, but the lookout view over Burleigh and beyond is well worth the effort. Afterwards, grab a takeaway from James Street and watch the surfers from the headland. The Oceanway Esplanade Walk Main Beach → Surfers Paradise → Broadbeach This iconic coastal stretch connects some of the Gold Coast’s most popular beachside suburbs. Flat, paved and easy to navigate, it’s ideal for families, prams and relaxed strolls. You’ll pass surf clubs, beachfront parks and plenty of spots to stop for coffee or breakfast. Currumbin Creek Boardwalk Beree-Badalla Reserve, Palm Beach For something a little different, the Currumbin Creek Boardwalk takes you through the mangroves in what feels like a hidden oasis. It’s flat, easy and ideal for families, as the little ones will love exploring the over water path. You can follow it all the way along, then stop in at the iconic Tarte Bakery for coffee or the Currumbin RSL for lunch. Natural Bridge Circuit Springbrook National Park This short rainforest circuit leads to Natural Bridge - a waterfall cascading through a naturally formed rock arch. The walk includes some stairs, but the path is well maintained. Surrounded by ancient rainforest, it feels a world away from the bustle of Surfers Paradise. Visit during the day for stunning waterfall views, or book a guided night tour to see the famous glow worms. Miami Beach Mermaid → Nobbys → Miami There are plenty of ways to explore this stretch on foot. You can start at Mermaid and follow the paved beach path for an easy coastal walk, or begin at Nobby’s and wander down to Hedges Avenue. My personal favourite route is along Hedges Avenue - the homes here are some of the most stunning and unique on the Gold Coast. It’s less crowded than Surfers Paradise but still offers wide open sand and beautiful swimming spots. Walk along the shoreline for ocean views, or stick to the paved beachfront paths connecting each suburb. You’ll also be spoilt for choice when it comes to breakfast or coffee, with plenty of TikTok viral cafés nearby. Our favourites are BSKT, the Oxley and Rafiki. Cedar Creek Falls Mount Tamborine National Park For a hinterland escape, Cedar Creek Falls is a must. The short walk takes you down to a freshwater swimming hole and waterfall, surrounded by lush greenery. It’s especially beautiful after rainfall when the waterfall is flowing strongly. It’s a refreshing change from the beach and a great way to experience the diversity of the Gold Coast region. Whether you’re after ocean views, fresh rainforest air or a peaceful creekside stroll, the Gold Coast offers a walk for every pace. Staying with Wow Stay? We’re always happy to recommend the best local spots to explore during your visit!

Despite being the shortest month, February is full of events that embrace the lifestyle that the Gold Coast is famous for - surf, sun and a little bit of *glitz*. This month brings it all together, with music and film festivals, world class surfing and iconic surf lifesaving competitions. Whether you’re here for a weekend or calling the Gold Coast home, here’s what to pop in your calendar... AACTA Festival When: February 4–8 Where: HOTA (Home of the Arts), Surfers Paradise What to expect / the vibe: Five days of film, television and industry magic. The AACTA Festival brings together creatives, industry leaders and film lovers for panels, screenings, workshops and networking events. You can expect to see a return of homegrown stars that have made it big overseas, like Dacre Montgomery, Dichen Lachman, Baz Luhrmann and more. Key dates to note: Thursday 5 February: AACTA Festival Industry Conference Day Saturday 7 February: Screen Careers Expo Friday 6 February: AACTA Awards Ceremony & Official After Party Gold Coast Open When: February 18–20 Where: Burleigh Heads What to expect / the vibe: Nothing captures the laid-back Gold Coast lifestyle quite like a surf comp. Perfect for surf lovers of all ages, the Gold Coast Open sees the best of the best battle it out in the waves. Hosted in Burleigh, you can join the crowds and watch from the headland or take a break and explore the many cafes and restaurants in the area.