There’s something oddly comforting about finding your crowd in a place that isn’t home. You’ve just landed somewhere new, the streets smell different, the coffee’s got a different bite, and then you meet someone who’s into the same things you are. It makes the whole trip click.
On the Gold Coast, that connection’s not hard to come by—if you know where to look. From beach yoga to creative markets and low-key tech meetups, here’s how to meet locals who are on your wavelength.
Get Involved in What You Already Like Doing
One of the easiest ways to meet like-minded people is to just keep doing what you love — but do it somewhere new. If your thing is staying active, you’ll fit right in with the early risers down at Coolangatta Beach. Most mornings, there’s a yoga session happening, usually with the ocean humming in the background. Prefer a bit more adrenaline? Grab a rental board in Currumbin and jump into a group surf class; it’s less about performance and more about laughing through wipeouts with strangers.
If you’re into more screen-based hobbies—gaming, online forums, digital platforms—there are plenty of Aussies chatting in those spaces too. Some travellers even use local online communities to ask questions or share tips on how to play with AUD safely, especially if they want to join in without risking dodgy sites or payment issues. Once you’re in those groups, it’s easy to find others nearby who are into the same thing.
Ditch the Chains and Find a Real Café
Want to meet locals? Even though it can be tempting to grab a quick lunch and a coffee from Wendy’s that just opened, skip the big-name spots and go where people actually hang out. You’re way more likely to strike up a conversation sitting on the patio at Stable Coffee in Tugun or tucked into a corner at Seadog in Burleigh than you are waiting in line at a fast-food joint.
These spots are built for a slower kind of morning—laptops open, dogs under the table, regulars ordering “the usual.” People talk to each other. You don’t need a big opener. Sometimes it’s just a nod, a shared chuckle at the barista’s playlist, or a comment about the weather that turns into an invite to a local gig.
Volunteer, Even Just Once
If you’re around for more than a few days, look for ways to give a bit of time. Nothing heavy, just a beach clean-up, helping set up at a local market, or handing out flyers at a weekend art show. It’s a simple way to get to know people without the pressure of small talk.
On the Gold Coast, local groups are always looking for extra hands, especially around community festivals or environmental projects. You won’t be the only traveller there either, plenty of people use short-term volunteering as a way to connect while doing something useful.
Markets, Makers, and People Doing Their Thing
Some of the best conversations happen at markets, not because anyone’s trying to chat, but because the setup invites it. If someone’s been up since 4 a.m. baking sourdough or screen-printing T-shirts, they’re usually happy to talk about it.
Check out The Village Markets in Burleigh Heads or spend a Friday night wandering through Miami Marketta. Even if you’re not buying, it’s worth lingering a bit. The artists, musicians, and stallholders here are part of the cultural heartbeat of the city, and they’re often involved in other events you wouldn’t otherwise hear about.
Workshops are another good option—think about pottery, painting, or candle-making. No need to be good at any of it. Just showing up is enough to spark a chat. And you leave with something that reminds you of the day (and maybe the people) you met there.
Where You Stay Shapes Who You Meet
Big hotels are fine, but if you’re after an actual connection, stay somewhere smaller — a hostel with a kitchen, a locally owned guesthouse, or even an Airbnb with a chatty host. Some co-living spaces along the coast are designed for social travellers, not just surfers and backpackers, but creatives and freelancers who stay a while and want to be part of something.
In those places, it’s not weird to say hi while someone’s making toast. You end up talking about your plans for the day or tagging along to a hike someone mentioned over breakfast. It’s casual, but it sticks.
Be Brave But Stay Real
You don’t need a script. Just be curious. Ask someone what they’re reading, where they got their shoes, or how long they’ve lived here. Most people, especially in Queensland, won’t think twice about chatting back. There’s an ease to the place that makes it okay to talk to strangers, even if you’re not usually that kind of person.
