BRISBANE (BNE) - this is our capital city of Queensland and major airport with the most amount of flights coming in and out each day. Only a 1hr drive or train ride to the Gold Coast. If you are not doing car hire, you can catch the Air Train for $20USD to Gold Coast. Most hotels also offer a pick up shuttle but you will pay more than the Air Train. We also have Uber, but this will cost you $40 just to get out of the airport area.

GOLD COAST / COOLANGATTA (OOL) - this is the closest airport to the wedding venue, but less frequent flights and most airlines will make you do customs via Brisbane or Sydney.

AIRLINES - I highly recommend QANTAS. This is Australia's 5 star airline. Think multiple meals, good movies, Tim Tam (snacks), ice creams and the best service for the long haul flight. They also partner with Air New Zealand and FIJI Airways which are equally good.

Gold Coast is the most expensive place in Australia for accommodation (but for good reason), but hopefully your strong dollar makes it worth it. Booking.com is a great website to look up hotel options. Locations to look in:

Broadbeach: Known for The Star casino, which has amazing food offers, nightclubs and more. Pacific Fair Shopping Centre is also in Broadbeach, as well as many restaurants. It is on the tram line so easy to get around.

Surfers Paradise: This is our 'glitter strip' no locals actually live here or go here to surf. This has lots of attractions for families, a lot of tours leave from here, but don't expect the local Gold Coaster way of life when visiting here... it will feel more like America with plenty of chain stores and restaurants. It is on the tram line and also has a big bus terminal of all the majors like Greyhound etc. A day or two here to hit attractions may be good otherwise head south.

Nobbys, Miami, Burleigh

These suburbs are full of lots of local cafes and restaurants that are to die for and heaps of nightlife. Food and cafe culture is big here. Lots of little bars and breweries too. Less hotels so you may need to book an Airbnb in these areas. They are on the tram line so easy to get around.

Palm Beach, Currumbin, Tugun, Coolangatta

These are the locals suburbs, no tram here so BYO walking shoes or hire car. If you want the true local slow lifestyle experience then this is for you. Similar to Encinitas. I recommend not staying exactly near the wedding venue as there is not so much else near by. These suburbs are all a 5-10 minute drive to Gold Coast Airport, so easy access if you are flying in or out of there for a cheap uber.

AIRBNBS

If there are 4+ of you travelling together or grouping up, sometimes it is worth checking out Airbnb listings as sometimes these are cheaper than hotels depending on the area. There are plenty of beachside apartments that step you right onto the sand, or 4-5 bedroom homes with pools that are a short stroll from cafes and the beach. There are cafes literally everywhere (it's part of the culture) so make sure you check where your closest one is in relation to your accom.

BRISBANE

I highly recommend if you are landing in Brisbane to stay here for at least that day to get onto the timezone, but also Brisbane has so much to offer as a City.

- Felons Brewing Co on the water at Howard Smith Wharves (for all ages, includes kids playground and best views of the city for sunset)

- Southbank: think shops, meets man made giant beach pool, restaurants and markets.

- GOMA & Museum: great place to kill time for all ages and best part is it's free!

- Ride the CityCat around the river

- Eat Street: open Friday to Sunday for the best food from 100's of food trucks and entertainment.

I highly recommend staying is Brisbane on the way in before heading to the Gold Coast. Our capital city has so much on offer.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Buses, City Cat (ferry) and trams are 50 cents (you heard right) per person, per ride. This does not include the Air Train which is owned by the airport. Brisbane has many bus services to get around locally, as well as the City Cat which takes you around the city via the Brisbane River. It is a beautiful way to see the entire city plus no traffic!

Trams - Gold Coast has a tram network running from Southport all the way to Burleigh. This includes major hubs like Surfers Paradise (tourist/glitter strip), Broadbeach (Casino area and Pacific Fair Shopping Centre), Nobbys and Burleigh (great places to eat and drink). These are also 50cents per ride. TRAM STOP MAP IS BELOW:

Queensland is a drive state, and unless you are in the heart of a CBD or on a tram line you may want to hire a car, and for all your luggage. We drive on the opposite side of the road to United States, but its easy to get used to (I do it in the States all the time).

Booking.com is a great place to get car hire deals, and one way car hire from Gold Coast to Brisbane may be cheaper than Brisbane return.