The Gold Coast, otherwise known as Queensland, Australia, is a haven for surfers and water lovers everywhere. The subtropical climate, rainforest west of the city and world-class night life makes it a great choice for a vacation or extended stay.
Although originally "discovered" by Captain James Cook in the late 1700's, the Gold Coast was vastly uninhabited by Europeans until later in the 1800's. Commonly thought to be full of "convicts," the truth is that many escaped convicts from the Moreton Bay Penal Settlement hid in the now Queensland area, but generally the area belonged to the bush dwellers and was later settled by Europeans attracted to the red cedar supply and industry.
Now a Mecca for surfing enthusiasts and warm weather lovers, the Gold Coast hosts an Indy car race, Winter Sun Festival and other annual events to attract tourists.
House rentals along the Gold Coast offers those who are relocating the chance to live in a home without taking on a thirty-year mortgage, and extended vacationers a chance to live like the "natives" and immerse themselves in the local culture. Great for home owners, vacation rentals get a prime rate for a furnished coastline home, while long term renters are offered terrific smaller homes in more central inland areas.
There are two basic types of rental homes in the Gold Coast area. One is a vacation rental while the other is a home rental meant for long term leasers.
There are many vacation rentals available in the Gold Coast, but you'll pay a prime rate for living in this gorgeous area. Vacation rental homes usually feature up to five bedrooms and three bathrooms and will most likely have a pool and two car garage. Fully furnished and secluded, rental homes charge by the week and the cost goes up depending on the closeness to the beach. Contact realtors (or follow links provided below) for rental prices.
Long term renters will find plenty of smaller, older homes in areas like Buderin and Cairns and can be in the form of a traditional ranch style home or classic colonial cottages. Lucky home renters can find secluded cottages right in the Bush and enjoy lush natural surroundings. Much more affordable, monthly fees for long term renters can be as low as $350 (Australian) a month for a nice two bedroom home with hardwood floors.
Long term renters can get closer to the beach by renting a luxury riverfront apartment. Although you don't get the privacy of a home, you are closer to the surf and rent is still affordable.
The Gold Coast city encompasses about 38 square miles of space and stretches from Logan City on the southern end to the New South Wales border. Just south of Brisbane, the state capital, this ocean front area features Coolangatta which is filled with holiday resorts and surf beaches and Southport and Surfers Paradise which feature the commercial section of the city. To the west of the city is the Great Dividing Range otherwise known as the Gold Coast Hinterland and features the Lamington National Park.
Be prepared. Coastline rentals will be very high priced, comparable to other resort home rentals across the United States, while long term rentals will be less expensive then most areas in the US. Think about your location to business centers and the beach before signing your lease.
