Gold Coast, QLD
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City Info
City of Gold Coast, QLD
The sixth most populous coast city in Australia and second most populated city in the state of Queensland. While the name of the city is debatable, it earn a reputation as being the "Gold Coast" area by real estate investors.
Location
Located in South East Queensland, 75 Kms South of Brisbane on the border with New South Wales.
Gold Coast, QLD CBD
The city of Gold Coast has two city centres:
Surfers Paradise (Tourist Attraction), and Southport (Central Business District and Education Precinct)Seasons
Winter
Jun to Aug
10˚C - 20˚CSpring
Sep to Nov
13˚C - 25˚CSummer
Dec to Feb
18˚C - 30˚CAutumn
Mar to May
15˚C - 25˚CTime
Queensland remains on Eastern Standard Time (GMT +10 hours) all year round.
No Smoking
Smoking is not permitted in Queensland within 5 metres of non-residential entrances, and between 5 to 10 metres at beaches, sporting stadiums, near children's playgrounds, at restaurants, bars or clubs either indoor or outdoors $220 on-the-spot fines apply for breaches.
Post Office
City GPO Mon to Fri – 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
*Some open Saturday – 9:00 am to 12 noonPopulation
615,00 people, the 6th largest city in Australia
Money
Notes or Bills
$5, $10, $20, $50, $100Coins
¢5, ¢10, ¢20, ¢50, $1, $2 (odd cents rounded to the nearest ¢5)Education providers
CRICOS registered institutions for international students: 3 Public Universities, 1 Private University, 3 University English Centres.
Electricity
240/250 volts/50 Hz
Weather
Subtropical
Shopping
Mon-Wed: 9:00am – 5:00 pm
Thu (suburbs) & Fri (CBD) 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Saturday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pmBanks
Mon-Thu: 9:30 am – 4:00 pm
Friday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Some banks branches open Saturday morning 9:30 am – 12 noon -
Explore
EXPLORE GOLD COAST
Located just 45 minutes South of Brisbane, the Gold Coast
boasts tropical rainforests, 70 kms of sandy beaches,
multiple theme parks, a magnificent hinterland and an
action-packed city life.The Gold Coast offers a wide variety of recreational activities
including:Jet boating, jet skiing, sailing
Surfing and surf schools, whale watching
Skydiving, bungee jumping, hot air ballooning
Throughout the year, the Gold Coast hosts a number of
music festivals, celebrating both local and international
artists from all genres.
For nature lovers, the Gold Coast hinterland has over
100,000 hectares of World Heritage rainforest and unique
Australian wildlife, providing adventurers with stunning
hiking tracks, rainforest walks and camping grounds.(Courtesy of Trade and Investment Queensland)
EXPERIENCE AND LIFESTYLE ON THE GOLD COAST
www.visitgoldcoast.com.au
www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au
www.queenslandholidays.com.au
www.kidsafeqld.com.au
www.volunteeringaustralia.org -
Transport
Gold Coast Airport
https://www.goldcoastairport.com.au
https://www.goldcoastairport.com.au/parking-transport/transport/
C https://www.goldcoastairport.com.au/parking-transport/transport/
45 minutes (allow more time for peak traffic hours)Getting around
It is important to learn about all the public transport modes around Gold Coast and Queensland including the bus, tram, and train (including Brisbane and domestic and international airport). The cheapest and more convenient way to go around is by purchasing the GoCard, a rechargeable pre-paid electronic card. You “touch on” at the start of the trip and “touch off” when you finish your journey. Gold Coast is divided in different zones (1 to 5). The closer your destination, the cheaper the fare is.
Useful tips
- GoCard is Translink’s electronic ticket that lets you travel on all bus, tram and train services. For information visit www.translink.com.au
- Students doing VET (Vocational programs) and Higher Education (University courses) can obtain discount in public transport. See more www.translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/concessions
- If you are entitled to Student discount, carry your student ID card with you at all times.
- If you are travelling late at night on weekends, find out if there is a night route that goes near your destination as some routes are not scheduled on weekends.
- Disabled and elderly people as well as pregnant women have priority seating.
- Do not eat, drink or smoke in public transport or in taxis.
- Always make sure that your GoCard is always topped up with money.
Forms of transport
For the bus, tram and train the fare you pay for the trip depends on how far you travel (zones) and also the time of the day. If you want to save money, travel off-peak times between 8.30 am and 3.30 pm, and after 7.00 pm to 3.00 am the following day on weekdays. Go to the Translink website and look for “discounts and ways to save” under “fares and tickets”. Always keep a bus/train/tram time table in your bag or download the App at www.translink.com.au/plan-your-journey/mytranslink. Remember that times for the above services change on weekends and designated holidays.
WALKING
is a healthy alternative for transport. When crossing a street, wait for the green pedestrian icon. Do not walk or run over a red pedestrian light.
RIDE A BIKE
To cycle you must wear a helmet at all times and follow the road rules.
BUSES
Make sure you hail the bus so the driver stops to pick you up! Always touch on at the beginning of the trip and then off at the end of trip before you leave the bus.
TRAINS
Each train line has a distinctive colour in the map and on the screens at the station to help you find your way easily.
RIDING A MOTORCYCLE
Always wear a helmet. It is now required by law to have a special motorcycle license for models of a certain size. Check with Queensland Transport at www.qld.gov.au/transport/licensing/motorcycles/licence-types/
DRIVING
We drive on the left side of the road. To drive in Australia, you need an English translation of your driver’s license. For driving rules in Queensland, check this link https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/safety/rules/road/. If you are going to drink alcohol, do not drive.
TAXIS
A safe mode of transportation in particular if you have been drinking after a party. You can pay the taxi fare with your credit card if you do not carry cash. Always ask for a receipt.
Public transport
Service name: Translink: Bus, Train, Ferry
Timetable: http://translink.com.au/travel-information/services-and-timetables/search
Fares: http://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/fares/current-fares
Location: 229 Elizabeth Street, Brisbane Qld 4000
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 8.30am - 4.30pm, Wed 9.30am - 4.30pm
Service phone: 61 7 13 23 80
Website: http://translink.com.au/
Private transport
Service name: Gold Coast Tourist Shuttle
Timetable: Book Online
Fares: Book Online
Location: 43 Commerce Dr, Robina, QLD 4226
Service phone: 61 7 1300 655 655
Website: http://www.gcshuttle.com.au/sit_gcs_airport_transfers.htm
Interstate transport
Service name: Queensland Rail
Timetable: http://www.queenslandrail.com.au/RailServices/Travelnetwork/Documents/queensland-rail-travel_timetable-2011-12_29Jan12.pdf
Fares: http://www.queenslandrail.com.au/RailServices/Travelnetwork/Pages/Traveltrain.aspx
Opening hours: Callcentre: Mon-Fri 7.15 am - 5.30 pm
Service phone: 61 7 13 12 30
Website: http://www.queenslandrail.com.au/Pages/Default.aspx
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Hospitals
IMPORTANT NOTE:
International Students must go to Public Hospitals as their Overseas Students Health Cover (OSHC) does not cover expenses in private hospitals.
Seeking Medical Assistance
- Carry your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) card with you at all times.
- When visting the doctor, you will need to pay for their services (some doctors may bulk bill at no cost to you).
- Keep all receipts so you can obtain reimbursement later.
- All medical emergencies are covered by your Overseas Student Health Care (OSHC).
- If you are unable to attend classes due to being sick, you should obtain a medical certificate from your doctor.
Gold Coast University Hospital
1300 74 4284
1 Hospital Boulevard,Southport QLD 4215
Robina Hospital
(07) 5668 6000
2 Bayberry Lane,Robina QLD 4226
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Government Offices
State Library
N/A
City Library
Address
Corner Garden and Lawson Streets
Southport 4215Opening Hours
Mon-Wed 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Thu 9:00 am – 8:00 pm
Sat 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Sun 12 noon – 4:00 pmAustralian Taxation Office
Website
https://www.ato.gov.au/Residential Tenancy Authority
Website
https://www.rta.qld.gov.au/Dept. of Immigration & Citizenship
Website
https://www.border.gov.au/Fair Work Ombudsman
Address
Level 5, 50 Apple Street
Surfers ParadiseOpening Hours
By appointment only -
Emergency & Assistance
How to make an International call:
0011 + Country Code + City Code + Number
If you don't know your country code, call 1225National Phone Codes
(02) Sydney (NSW) & Canberra (ACT)
(07) Brisbane & Gold Coast (QLD)
(08) Perth (WA), Adelaide (SA) & Darwin (NT)
(04) Mobile (Australia wide)
(03) Melbourne (VIC) & Hobart (TAS)
(13 or 1300) Local calls
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Assistance, Health and Welfare
- Australian Red Cross Queensland www.redcross.org.au 07 3367 7222
- Directory Assistance (within Australia) 1800 810 211
- Directory Assistance (International) 1225
- Domestic and Family Violence 1800 811 811
- Gambling Help Line 1800 858 858
- Lifeline (Counselling Services) www.lifeline.org.au
- Salvation Army www.salvationarmy.org.au
- Sexual Assault Help www.dvconnect.org 1800 010 020
- Sexual Help Service www.health.qld.gov.au 13 43 25 84
- Surf Life Saving Queensland www.lifesaving.com.au 07 3846 8000
- Queensland Health www.health.qld.gov.au 13 43 25 84
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Emergency N
- Ambulance, Police and Fire (emergency only) 000
- Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000
- Policelink (non emergencies) 13 14 44
- School Watch 13 17 88
- Digital Mobile Phone Services (alternative for 000) 112
- Directory Assistance (from a land line) 1234
- Poison Information Centre 13 11 26
- State emergency Service (Gold Coast) 13 74 68
- Surf Life Saving Queensland 07 3846 8000
- Gold Coast Council 07 5582 8211
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Employment and Work Experience
- Fair Work Ombudsman www.fairwork.gov.au
- Australian Internships www.internships.com.au
- Indeed www.indeed.com
- GCA Graduate Careers www.graduatecareers.com.au
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Diplomatic Missions In Australia
List of Diplomatic Missions http://dfat.gov.au
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Education Industry Bodies & Organizations
- Aust. Council of Private Education & Training (QLD) www.acpet.edu.au 07 3210 1628
- English Australia www.englishaustralia.com.au 02 9264 4700
- Ethnic Communities Council Queensland www.eccq.com.au 07 3844 9166
- International Education Association Inc. www.isana.org.au 03 6231 0253
- Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority www.qcaa.qld.edu.au 07 3864 0299
- Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre www.qtac.edu.au
- TAFE Directors Australia www.tda.edu.au 02 9217 3180
- My Future (Career advice website) www.myfuture.edu.au
- My School (School providers) www.myschool.edu.au 1300 895 563
- Quality Indicators for Learning and teaching www.qilt.edu.au 03 8327 1951
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Government Departments and Agencies
- Department of Industry Portfolio www.innovation.gov.au
- Australian Human Rights Commission www.humanrights.gov.au
- Residential Tenancies Authority www.rta.qld.gov.au 1300 366 311
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Legal Aid
- Legal Aid Queensland www.legalaid.qld.gov.au 1300 651 188
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Lost Credit Cards
- Mastercard www.mastercard.com.au 1800 120 113
- VISA www.visa.com.au 1800-125-440
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Translating and Interpreting
- Translating and Interpreting Service www.naati.com.au
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Transport
- Translink translink.com.au/gold-coast 13 12 30
- Train www.queenslandrail.com.au
- Airport www.goldcoastairport.com.au/to-and-from-the-gc-airport/
- Go Card gocard.translink.com.au 13 12 30
- Tram ridetheg.com.au/
- To find an address or a place www.whereis.com
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Overseas Student Health Cover
- Medibank www.medibank.com.au 13 41 90
- Allianz Global Assistance www.oshcallianzassistance.com.au 13 67 42
- BUPA www.bupa.com.au 1800 888 942
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Utility Services
- LPG Gas www.elgas.com.au 131 161
- Energex www.energex.com.au 13 12 53
- Origin Energy www.originenergy.com.au 13 24 61
- City of Gold Coast www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au 07 5582 8211
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Volunteering
- Volunteering Queensland www.volunteeringqld.org.au
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Worship
- Anglican Church anglicanchurchsq.org.au
- Buddhist Temple www.buddhistcouncilofqueensland.org/directory
- Catholic Church brisbanecatholic.org.au
- Mosques www.muslimdirectory.com.au/directory/mosques
- Sikh Temple www.brisbanesikhtemple.org.au
- Salvation Army www.salvationarmy.org.au
- Seventh Day Adventists brisbanecentral.adventist.org.au/
- Synagogue www.brisbanehebrewcongregation.com
- Other religions directory brisbane-australia.com/brisbane-religion.html
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Assistance, Health and Welfare
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Student Services Directory
Cricos: 03020E
TAFE Gold Coast
TAFE Queensland has over 180 courses across 15 study areas, ranging from entry level certificates to bachelor degrees. Whether you’re looking to study English in Australia or upskill in another profession, TAFE Queensland has a range of pathway options to help you get the qualifications you need to launch your career. You can view our full selection of courses and study areas below.
07 3244 5100
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Website
91-99 Scarborough Street, Southport Qld 4215
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