Where's a nice CHEAP place to go for a tropical holiday in August? (Travelling from QLD Australia)?

I want to take my partner on a surprise short holiday for his 30th birthday, but I don't have much money. We live in QLD Australia, and I want to find somewhere that will be warm enough to snorkel and swim, and I want to stay in a decent resort - nothing fancy, but no camping or backpacking, or lice ridden motels.
Where is a CHEAP holiday destination that will be hot in August-September? Doesn't have to be a typical tourist haunt.
Thanks!
edit : The Gold Coast is actually where I live.. so I don't really consider it a holiday destination. :) Also, I think it's bloody freezing here in August and I definately wouldn't be snorkeling or swimming then!! But thanks :)

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Della, just about everywhere on the Queensland coastline is nice and warm in August.
The problem with your question is the word CHEAP - nearly all of the coastal resorts are expensive.

~~ Traditionally, August was an off-peak time, but with school holidays now being staggered we no longer have an off-peak season. Because of this prices don't vary much with the seasons.
However, certain resorts (on both the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast) offer a weekend/3day deal.

~~ But if you're willing to come a little further south over the border, try the Kingscliff area.
Kingscliff is only about ten minutes from South Tweed Heads so you are close to Coolangatta and another 30minutes puts you in Surfers Paradise!
If you're flying in, Kingscliff is only about 15 minutes to the Gold Coast Airport.
Kingscliff now has several nice resorts, and the town's main thoroughfare has many great outdoor eateries.
You can just wander the beachfront and relax at any of the cafes.
My personal favourite is the Choux Box.
Kingscliff is extremely laid back and (despite the high-rises taking hold) has retained it's beach-village atmosphere.
The Cudgen Creek flows into the Pacific there and it is perfect for snorkling. It is popular with both local and holidaying families.

This site has accommodation, restaurants and things to do & see around Kingscliff:
http://www.theage.com.au/news/New-South-Wales/Kingscliff/2005/02/17/1108500196980.html

~~ I think you would like Coolangatta too.
Not as hectic as Surfers but has many fine resorts, some nightlife, many eateries, perfect beach. And the Tweed River is another snorkling paradise.
You often catch dolphins at play in the river - very cool.
Coolangatta is also a place that hangs onto a country town atmosphere while multi-storey resorts pop up overnight.
May I suggest the Twin Towns Resort for accommodation, located smack-dang on the border, with amazing views of the coastline and a covered walkway across to the RSL Club.
This is the resort's website:
http://www.twintownsresortapartments.com.au/

Wherever you choose to go, enjoy your break.

Hi, if you want a tropical holiday that is not as expensive there are great beaches here in the Philippines. You can check these websites, places I've visited myself that I assure you is affordable and beautiful. The months you mentioned are on the lean season so it means that prices are really low on those months. I love Pandan Island the most because it's not frequented by a lot of people plus the French owners are very accomodating.You can check the link for the Pandan guestbook where I left my comments on the islands. Hope it helps.

Ria