Safety Tips in Gold Coast

Be careful while in Queensland. People there are generally very racist. A lot red necks there. Avoid it if possible especially during Schoolies Week in Gold Coast. Gets very violent and rowdy with drunk school kids.

Just like any up and coming cities with growing pains, theft is becoming a major problem in the larger populated areas of the Gold Coast.

Just 2 months ago, our friend's SUV got smashed into at Southport, and quite unfortunately; money and even their young infant's baby capsule were stolen.

Try not to keen anything valuable looking that's visible from the exterior, don't leave anything of value, drivers license, passports, substantial amounts of cash in your car. Park in a well lit carpark or roadside parking lot and wind up windows.

Should your car gets broken into, the first thing to do is to call the cops followed by your car insurance provider.

I think it is fairly obvious as to why you should watch out for Cows in the Road... that is unless you have a bull bar! (Translated into Texan: Cattle Guard).

I found it interesting that a farmer actually had his cattle grazing in the middle of the National Park, but then again it is Australia!

I guess the Department of Transportation is paying the farmer to keep the bushes down around the vehicular paths!

Touting - it is against the law on the Gold Coast. This is when you'll be walking along the main shopping area of Surfers Paradise, and someone will ask you to come into their shop to fill out a questionaire - they are trying to sell you something! Just refuse. The Gold Coast City Council is trying to stop this, but some shops have actually found a loop in the system, and have turned the 'front' of the shop into the 'back' of the shop.

Be particularly careful with personal possessions and travel documents in popular tourist destinations such as Cairns and the Gold Coast. Robberies of safe deposit facilities at cheaper hotels and hostels are not uncommon. Unattended vehicles can also be targets.

Girls beware. Surfer's looks very safe from an outsiders view. Don't walk alone a night, ANYWHERE! Don't drink with people you don't know very well. I was there working for a couple of months and one night a girl got attacked right on orchid ave, you wouldn't know how, it's always bustling, and quite few police out there, but it's not too safe. And go with someone if you go for a midnight swim.

I really can't quite comment on this... Anyhow, this is Gold Coast. EVERYBODY seems sooooo laid back and super-casual... that the only warning I can think of is - DON'T bother to pack all your glittering outfits with you on this trip.