When you are looking for flowers on the Gold Coast, the first and simplest thing to look for is freshness.  And to get the freshest flowers, make sure you pick the ones inside the flower shop that have been kept out of the sun and away from harmful gases like those that come from car exhaust.  After that, check the stems of the flowers to make sure they are either green or white and freshly cut to ensure that they are the freshest flowers there.  Also check that the water the flowers are in is clear and clean.  One of the first signs of a dying flower shows up in the leaves, so if those are wilting despite the bloom looking healthy, don't buy!  Lastly, choose a bunch of flowers with the least number of open blooms. Most types will open in the vase and will last longer because of that, will proper care.