Native Australian Jill Shelton (with her partner Gavin Merritt) shares her top tips as house sitters on the Gold Coast of Australia. Read on to learn more about their house and pet sitting adventures on the Gold Coast on the HouseSitMatch blog.

10 Tips for House Sitters on the Gold Coast

By Jill Shelton

Having travelled around the whole of Australia, I think the Gold Coast in Queensland is one of the best locations to house sit. Even though we no longer have a home base, whenever we spend time on the Gold Coast, it feels like home to me.

There is something for everyone: beaches, rivers, bush, wildlife, nature, theme parks and more… So if you’re lucky enough to secure a house sit in that area I would like to share my 10 tips with house sitters on the Gold Coast.

1. House Sitters on the Gold Coast Should Choose the Right Season

This is particularly important if you come from a location where you are used to a cooler, less humid climate. I’m originally from Melbourne, where the weather is a lot cooler and the heat is a dry heat, so my first summer in Queensland was a shock to the system!

Summer can be VERY hot and humid, so I recommend visiting sometime between March and November. During this period, the weather is lovely and the crowds are thinner compared to the busy summer season.

2. Beach Time

house sitters on the Gold Coast — Archie loved swimming and playing ball games at the dog beach.
*Photo by Gavin Merritt*

With 70 kilometres of beautiful coastline, you are spoilt for choice as to where to spend “Beach Time.” So I suggest you decide what activities you like to do at the beach.

Dog friendly beaches

If you want to take dogs, there are several dog-friendly beaches — my favourites are Tallebudgera Dog Beach and Currumbin Beach. As an added bonus, both of these have great coffee shops close by.

If you like to walk along the beach or just sit and relax, you can choose any of the beaches between Surfers Paradise and Coolangatta.

3. House Sitters on the Gold Coast Can Explore the Waterways

In addition to the pristine beaches, there are a number of waterways in the region which are perfect for exploring by boat, kayak, or stand-up paddle boarding. You could take a scenic cruise along the Nerang River, paddle through the serene canals around Surfers Paradise, or try some jet skiing in Broadwater. Water activities provide a different perspective on the Gold Coast’s beauty.

4. Theme Parks: A Great Perk for House Sitters on the Gold Coast!

Rides are not for the faint-hearted — Gavin was much braver than me. I’m happy to be the photographer on the ground!
*Photo by Jill Shelton*

The Gold Coast is famous for its adrenaline-pumping theme parks, so away from the beaches you can have days of fun at the various parks.

House sitters on the Gold Coast can cool off at Wet’n’Wild Water Park, experience movie characters and live entertainment at Movieworld, get their thrills at Australia’s biggest theme park, Dreamworld, or commune with marine mammals at Seaworld.

House sitters on the Gold Coast should be sure to check the park hours and purchase tickets in advance to avoid long lines and make the most of their day.

5. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Australia is known for its unique wildlife, and, despite some of the stories you may have heard about the number of deadly animals in Australia, you will be perfectly safe here to get up close and personal with the native animals. You can hand feed kangaroos and lorikeets, cuddle koalas and watch entertaining bird shows. If you are house sitting with children, it’s a wonderful experience for all of you!

Beautiful rain forest to explore features running creeks and waterfalls.
*Photo by Jill Shelton*

6. Explore the Hinterland

While the coastline is the Gold Coast’s main attraction, don’t miss out on the lush hinterland just a short drive away. The Gold Coast hinterland is home to beautiful national parks, waterfalls, and quaint villages.

I highly recommend exploring Lamington National Park and Springbrook National Park for stunning views and rain forest walks. Tamborine Mountain is another beautiful spot, with local markets and a delicious fudge shop – one of my weaknesses.

7. Nightlife

When the sun goes down, the Gold Coast comes alive with a vibrant nightlife scene. Surfers Paradise is the hub for nightclubs, bars and entertainment, with everything from live music venues to trendy rooftop bars. Don’t miss a visit to the iconic Q1 Skypoint Observation Deck, where you can enjoy stunning views of the coastline and city under the starry night sky.

8. House Sitters on the Gold Coast Can Sample the Local Cuisine

Being by the sea, the Gold Coast boasts an abundance of fresh seafood you can sample. This region offers a wide variety of dining options from seafood snacks to fine dining restaurants.

I recommend the Moreton Bay bugs, prawn and oysters. Or a picnic of fish and chips at the beach is pretty good, too! You might even get the opportunity to “throw a shrimp on the barbie” (translation = “prawns on a barbecue”), which is an Aussie treat.

Speaking of treats, you can’t leave the Gold Coast without savouring an Aussie meat pie, with a good lathering of tomato sauce…delicious!

9. Surfing for House Sitters on the Gold Coast

Another tip for house sitters on the Gold Coast is to check out some of the best surf beaches in Australia, either to enjoy a surf or watch the surfers ride the waves.

Snapper Rocks on the south of the Gold Coast hosts international surfing competitions. Burleigh Heads is a place I enjoy watching the surfers from the elevated grassy park.

This backs on to the beautiful rain forest of Burleigh Heads National Park, which provides wonderful views of the coast. It’s one of my favourite places to walk.

10. Safety

Last but not least, ensure your time as house sitters on the Gold Coast is safe and worry free. Protect yourself from the Australian sun with sunscreen, hats and sunglasses. If you plan on swimming, always swim between the flags at lifeguard patrolled beaches, as the rips can be very dangerous. Also, follow any safety warnings posted on the beaches.

By following these 10 tips, you can make the most of your time as house sitters on the Gold Coast, whether you’re seeking relaxation on the beach, thrilling adventures at the theme parks, or exploring the lush hinterland. The Gold Coast has something for everyone and ensures a memorable experience in a beautiful part of Australia.

Jill Shelton has been house sitting with her partner Gavin for 12 years, giving her the opportunity to travel all around her home country of Australia and to experience many international destinations.

Her love of animals also led her to volunteering in South Africa caring for lions and tigers.

In addition to international house sitting, Jill has walked 2 Caminos – The Via Francigena from Switzerland to Rome, and the Camino de Santiago in Spain. You can find out more about these adventures on her website: jillgavhousesitters.com.

Help when looking for house sitters

So if you are planning a trip and you have started looking for housesitters to keep your home, property and pets safe and well cared for in your absence look no further. We can help you at Housesitmatch.com.

We specialise in helping homeowners when they are looking for housesitters, to find the best possible match for their needs. So join us soon and we’ll help you to get started.

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