Surfers Paradise: local information

All the practical details you need. Can't find something? Just ask us a question.

School facts:

• Class size Maximum 15 (but 12 in Cambridge Examination courses; 18 in English for Academic Purposes and Academic Year Abroad courses)
• Number of students Maximum 210
• Minimum student age 16
• Average student age 22
• Internet Students can use the school computers; there is also wireless internet access throughout the school.
• Facilities Computer room; student common room; interactive whiteboards.
• Accessibility The school is on the fourth and fifth floors. Please contact us if you have special requirements.
• Accreditation: Our Surfers Paradise school is a member of English Australia and is government accredited by NEAS, guaranteeing you quality English language tuition.
• Exams: TOEIC testing centre.

• Nearest supermarket: 1 minute's walk
• Nearest café/restaurants: Numerous restaurants nearby
• Nearest newsagent: 1 minute's walk
• Nearest church: 3 minutes' walk
• Nearest mosque: 30 minutes by bus
• Nearest post office: 2 minutes' walk
• Nearest park: 10 minutes' walk
• Nearest shopping centre: 1 minute's walk
• Nearest bus stop: Across the road
• Nearest bank: 1 minute's walk

Cost of Living

We currently advise that students should budget approximately AUS $300 per week. This will cover all transport, food and entertainment costs.

A few sample prices (all in AUS $):

Item	Price
Item	Price
A cup of coffee (in a chain like Starbucks)	3.50
Can of Coca Cola	2.00
Big Mac hamburger	4.00
Three course meal in a mid range restaurant	50.00
Cinema ticket	14.00
Nightclub entrance	10.00
Taxi	15.00
Bus	2.40

(information last updated July 2008)

Prices are in AUS $. Access a currency converter here.

How to reach Embassy Surfers Paradise

From Coolangatta Airport:

It is around 35 minutes by taxi to Surfers Paradise (approx AU $45.00).
Alternatively, the 'Airport to Surfers Paradise' bus costs approximately AU $18.00. Then it is a five minute walk to school from the Bus Transit Centre (see below).

From Brisbane Airport:

A taxi from Brisbane airport to Surfers Paradise costs approximately AU $180.00.

Or you can take the 'Airport to Gold Coast' bus service to Surfers Paradise at an approximate cost of AU $40.00. Approximate travel time will be 1½ hours. Then it is a five minute walk from the Bus Transit Centre to the school.

From the Bus Transit Centre:

Walk directly through the Subway sandwich arcade.  This will take you through to Cavill Avenue and the entrance to the campus.

(information last updated July 2008)

Links:

Rail Australia Find details of the great Australian rail journeys you can take with Countrylink and the Great Southern Railway.
Greyhound Australia's long-haul coach company. Find routes, timetables and prices.
Virgin Blue Low-cost airline dealing with internal flights across Australia.
Qantas Domestic airline travelling between Australian cities.
Gold Coast Airport The airport site contains a range of information from car parking facilities to customs and immigration details.
Queensland Rail The local railway service.
Surfside Buslines The local bus service for Surfer's Paradise.
 

Surfers Paradise facts

Hottest months: December - February 84° F (29° C). Bring: summer clothes such as t-shirts, shorts and sandals, with a sweater, light coat and jeans for evenings. Don't forget sun cream and a sunhat.
Coldest month: June - August, 70° F (21° C). Bring: summer clothes but with a sweater, jeans and a coat.
Weather now Five-day forecast from the BBC [nearest weather station: Brisbane]
Time zone AEST (Australian Eastern Standard Time) Time now World Clock
Best known for surfing, water sports, shopping, beaches, its nightlife and its cuisine.