26/08/2024
GC Optics!
During a recent trip to the Gold Coast (www.experiencegoldcoast.com), several observations stood out to me. For context, I lived there on and off for eight years, right up until early 2009, so I have a good grasp of what life was like on the GC back then. Times have changed significantly, though, and here are some of my latest impressions:
1. Coffee Culture: Anyone who knows me will tell you I’m a bit of a coffee snob. Back in the day, the coffee scene on the GC was a struggle, with few places meeting even basic standards. Fast forward 15 years, and the hospitality sector has truly upped its game. I visited several cafes, and the quality of baristaship (if that’s not a word, it should be) has improved immensely. So much so, I didn’t need to add sugar to my long black to mask the taste.
2. Dining Out: The cost of breakfast out hasn’t changed much over the years, staying within the $15–$30 range, depending on extras. However, the price of dining out for dinner has climbed, with steak dinners now well into the $40s. That said, there are still more affordable dining options available if you’re willing to explore.
3. Traffic: In 2009, the GC’s population was around 552,000; today, it’s grown to about 743,000. With that growth comes more traffic and ongoing roadworks, making for a more intense and chaotic driving experience. Peak-hour traffic often exceeds estimated times, with more lanes, more cars, and more aggressive drivers — all in a hurry to get somewhere. It’s not quite as bad as Auckland, but it’s certainly busier than it used to be.
4. Rental Cars & Fuel Costs: Fortunately, renting a car and the cost of fuel remain relatively affordable. We hired an MG ZS five-seater for five days at $350 from Alpha Car Hire (www.alphacarhire.com.au), and their Coolangatta-based staff made the process smooth. Fuel prices varied from $1.60 to $1.85 per litre, but even at the higher end, it was still significantly cheaper than in New Zealand. Unlike the oligopoly we contend with at home, the competitive fuel market on the GC was a refreshing change.
5. General Impressions: Lastly, many of the smaller community shopping centres seem a bit tired, with empty storefronts and a need for some fresh paint. This is reminiscent of many regional centres in New Zealand. Surprisingly, I never considered the GC as a tourist destination when I lived there, but after this visit, it’s clear that the GC is now fully geared towards tourists — in a good way though.
