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Five things you’re getting wrong on the Gold Coast
Words: Escape staffProducer: Veathika Jain
It’s official – the Gold Coast is the most popular holiday destination in Australia, according to booking.com. 
These are the expert tips to maximise your Gold Coast trip and avoid the tourist traps.
ONLY STICKING TO THE BEACHES
Destination Gold Coast CEO Patricia O’Callaghan says there's as much fun to be had in the waterways with SUP yoga, hydro-foiling, kayaking or self-drive boat experiences at Tallebudgera Creek and Currumbin Lagoon or Evandale Park.
NO. 1
NOT GETTING OUT OF TOWN
Exploring the hinterland is a must and spots like Mount Tamborine, Springbrook, Binna Burra, and Lamington National Park will introduce you to another side of the Gold Coast, O’Callaghan says. 
NO. 2
CAUGHT IN THEME PARK CROWDS
There’s no real way to avoid crowds during holidays, but locals advise that Tuesdays and Sundays before 1pm have the lowest visitor numbers. Get there at opening time and work your way from the back of the park to the front.
NO. 3
OVERSPENDING ON FLIGHT & STAY
Package holidays provide the best value. “Even a simple airfare to the Gold Coast can have an amazing discount applied to it if it’s bundled up with accommodation,” says Lea Ahokava, a Flight Centre travel manager.
NO. 4
DINING AT TOURIST PRICES
"Eat like a local and save. Head to the Miami Marketta on a Friday or Saturday night for laneway food. Up along the beach, you have a great choice of surf life-saving clubs that have some of the best ocean views and great deals on food and drink,” says Ahokava.
NO. 5
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