Climate
Average Temperatures: January max 28C (82F) - min 20C (68F); July max 21C
(70F) - min 9C (48F). Average annual rainfall: 1724mm (68 ins); driest
months July-September.
Characteristics
The Gold Coast region is made up of the Gold Coast City, Albert and Beaudesert
Shires. It covers 4254 sq km (1642 sq miles) and stretches 42km (26 miles)
along south-east Queensland's world-famous, sun-drenched coastline and
100km (62 miles) inland into the Gold Coast Hinterland (see separate
listing). The district has rolling surf, golden beaches, rainforest areas,
non-stop entertainment, and millions of visitors every year.
How to Get There By Air
Qantas, 13 1313 services the Gold Coast frequently.
The closest airport is at Coolan-gatta, and there is no problem arranging
coach transfers to your hotel anywhere in the Gold Coast area. The following
regional services are available:
Coolangatta Airport Transfers, 5588 8747;
Airporter, 5588 8777;
SkyTrans, 3236 1000;
Sunbus, 5588 8740.
Coach Service to and from Brisbane City, 13 12 30;
By Coach
Greyhound Pioneer, 13 2030, and McCaffertys, 13 1499, stop at the Gold
Coast on their Sydney/Brisbane routes.
Greyhound ÊPioneer has a Brisbane/Gold Coast service, and McCaffertys has
a Gold Coast/Toowoomba service.
By Rail
From Sydney, a train to Murwillumbah then a bus to the Gold Coast, 13 2232.
By Car
From Sydney, via the Pacific Highway 900km (560 miles). From Brisbane,
via the Pacific Highway, 79km (49 miles) to Southport, and 100km (62 miles)
to Coolangatta.
Visitor Information
There is a Visitors Centre at Cavill Mall, Surfers Paradise, (07) 5538
4419, hopen 8am-4pm Mon-Fri and 8am-3pm Sat.
You will also find the head office of the Gold Coast Tourism Bureau in
Surfers Paradise on Level 2, Ferny Avenue, 5592 2699. They have a web site
at www.goldcoast tourism.com.au and
an email address at info@gctb.com.au
If you require a money exchange facility, Kings Currency Services, Shop
G21 Shopping Plaza, Elkhorn Ave, Surfers Paradise, 5526 9599, places no
charges on cash and is hopen 7 days, 8.30am-10pm.
Accommodation
Accommodation is not a problem on the Gold Coast. The motels, apartments,
guest houses and camping grounds are more dense here than anywhere else
in Australia. As a result of this, there is really no need to book in
advance, except in school holidays. Many airlines, bus companies, tour
operators, travel bureaux and even the railways offer package holidays,
which are very good value.
Here is a selection of accommodation with prices for a double room per
night, which should be used as a guide only. The telephone area code is
07.
Coolongatta and Tweed Heads
See separate listing
Currumbin
Sand Castles, 31 Teemangun Street, 5598 2999. 19 self-contained units,
heated swimming pool, spa, barbecue, secure parking - $85-185. Close proximity
to Bird Sanctuary. Fronts Currumbin Beach.
Burleigh Heads
Outrigger Resort Gold Coast, 2007 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads, 5535
1111 or 1800 641 153 (toll free). 68 units, licensed restaurant, security
parking, room service, pool, spa - $90-140.
Fifth Avenue Motel, 1953 Gold Coast Highway (cnr Fifth Avenue), 5535 3588.
38 units, licensed restaurant (closed Sunday), swimming pool - $100-180.
Casino Motel, 1761 Gold Coast Highway, 5535 7133. 12 units, swimming pool,
barbecue - from $45-110. Natural setting adjacent to Burleigh National
Park. 250m from Burleigh Point, 300m from Burleigh central shops, 15km
from Sea World, 35km from Movie World.
Elite Motel, 1935 Gold Coast Highway, 5535 2920. 8 units, barbecue - $35-80.
Burleigh Beach Tourist Park, Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads, 5581 7755.
Pool adjacent to park, centralised location close to all facilities, 200m
from Burleigh Beach, powered sites $20-25 for two, cabins $80-125 for two.
Broadbeach
Conrad Jupiters, Broad Beach Island, 5592 1133. Several bars and restaurants
including Andamino's for fine-dining Italian cuisine. Two-level casino
open 24hrs, free admission. Recently renovated showroom: Innuevre. Monorail
link to Oasis shopping centre and the beach. Hotel offers double rooms
$180 and suites $700-1100.
Grand Mercure Broadbeach, Surf Parade, 5592 2250. 298 rooms, licensed restaurant,
swimming pool, sauna, gym, tennis, undercover parking - $260.
Portobello Beachside, 2607 Gold Coast Highway, 5538 7355. 46 units, heated
pool, spa, secure parking - from $60-130.
Hi Ho Holiday Motel Apartments, 2 Queensland Avenue, 5538 2777. 20 units,
swimming pool (heated), spa, barbecue, secure parking - $80-90.
Montego, 2671 Gold Coast Highway, 5539 9956. 24 units, salt water pool
- $55-135.
Surfers Paradise
Sheraton Mirage Gold Coast, Sea World Drive, Main Beach, 5591 1488. 323
rooms, 45 suites, spa, pool, tennnis court, gym - from $470-700.
Sea World Nara Resort, Sea World Drive, Main Beach, 5591 0000. 391 rooms,
heated pool, sauna, spa, gym, tennis court and jetty - $200 (includes entry
into theme park).
Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort, 158 Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise, 5592
9800. 300 rooms, undercover parking, gym, heated pool, tennis court, sauna
and spa - $200-500.
Gold Coast International Hotel, cnr Gold Coast Highway and Staghorn Avenue,
Surfers Paradise, 5592 1200. 296 rooms, 21 suites, gym, pool, sauna, spa,
tennis half-court - $210-230.
Courtyard by Marriott, cnr Gold Coast Highway and Hanlan Street, Paradise
Centre, Surfers Paradise, 5579 3499. 405 rooms, tennis, pool (heated),
gym, spa, undercover parking - $110-310.
ANA Hotel Gold Coast, 22 View Avenue, Surfers Paradise, 5579 1000. 404
rooms, secure parking, tennis, swimming pool (heated), gym, sauna and spa
- $290-340.
Parkroyal, 2807 Gold Coast Highway, Surfers Paradise, 5592 9900. Security
parking, heated pool - $165-240.
Chateau Beachside, cnr The Esplanade & Elkhorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise,
5538 1022. 38 rooms, 58 suites, secure parking, pool, sauna, spa, gym -
$100-160.
Trickett Gardens Holiday Inn, 24 Trickett Street, Surfers Paradise, 5539
0988. 31 units, spa, heated pool secure parking, barbecue - $100-135.
Bahia Beachfront Apartments (motel), 154 The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise,
5538 3322. 30 units, swimming pool, spa, sauna, barbecue - $85-130.
Islander Resort, 6 Beach Road, Surfers Paradise, 5538 8000. 101 rooms,
undercover parking, sauna, spa, tennis and squash, pool - $85-105.
Iluka Beach Resort Hotel, cnr The Esplanade and Hanlan Street, Surfers
Paradise, 5539 9155. 71 suites, 32 units, restaurant, secure parking, heated
pool - $80-100.
Pink Poodle, 2903 Gold Coast Highway, Surfers Paradise, 5539 9211. 21 Units,
spa, pool (salt water) - $80-130.
Durham Court, 21 Clifford Street, Surfers Paradise, 5592 1855. 16 units,
secure parking, swimming pool - $50-150.
D'Arcy Arms Motel, 2923 Gold Coast Highway, Surfers Paradise, 5592 0892.
17 units, 1 suite, licensed restaurant (closed Sunday), swimming pool (heated),
spa, barbecue - $70-110.
Main Beach Tourist Park, Main Beach Parade, Gold Coast, 5581 7722. (No
pets allowed) 170 sites, playground, pool - powered sites $20-23, self-contained
sites $25-29.
There is a Youth Hostel in Mariners Cove, 70 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach,
5571 1776. They have 29 rooms at $24 per person twin share.
Southport
Swan Lane Apartments, cnr Queens & Swan Lane, 5528 1900. 10 units,
security parking, tennis pool (heated) - $120.
Park Regis Hotel, 2 Barney Street, Southport, 5532 7922. 79 rooms, car
parking, pool - $210-280.
Earls Court Motor Inn, 131 Nerang Street, Southport, 5591 4144. 34 units,
3 suites, undercover parking, salt water pool - $65-95 (unit), $75-120
(suite).
Southport Tourist Park, 6 Frank Street, Gold Coast Highway, Southport,
5531 2281. 55 sites, powered sites $20-30 for two, cabins $45-100 for two,
caravans $35-80 for two.
Broadwater Tourist Park, Gold Coast Tourist Highway, Southport, 5581 7733.
307 sites - powered sites $30-35 for two.
Sanctuary Cove
Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove, Manor Circle, Casey Road, 5530 1234. 247
rooms, 24 suites, golf, gym, marina, pool, sauna and spa - $200-240.
Sanctuary Shores Resort, 1 Pinnaroo Street, 5530 1111. 12 units, Putter's
restaurant, spa, pool - $80-95.
Outlying Areas
All Seasons Mermaid Waters Hotel, cnr Markeri Street & Sunshine Boulevard,
Mermaid Beach, 5572 2500. 102 units, 14 suites, barbecue, room service,
swimming pool - $110-150.
Runaway Bay Motor Inn, 429 Oxley Drive, Runaway Bay, 5537 Ê5555. 40 units,
3 suites, secure parking, swimming pool (heated, salt water) - $105-170.
Coomera Motor Inn, Dreamworld Parkway, Coomera, 5573 2311. 31 units, heated
pool, licensed restaurant, playground, room service - $85-100.
Billinga Beach Resort, 281 Golden Four Drive, Billinga Beach, 5534 1241.
23 units, 3 divided rooms, pool, undercover parking - $60-150.
Limassol, 109 Frank Street, Labrador, 5591 6766. 14 units, salt water pool
- $50-110.
Camden Colonial Motor Inn, 2371 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach, 5575
1066. 15 units, undercover parking, spa, salt water pool - $60-110.
El Rancho, 2125 Gold Coast Highway, Miami, 5572 3655. 8 units, 1 suite,
barbecue, pool, spa, playground - $35-60.
Caravan Parks
Ocean Beach Tourist Park Miami, 2 Hythe Street, Miami, 5581 7711. Shared
facilities, barbecue. 81 sites $18-22, 58 powered sites $20-25.
Runaway Bay Caravan Park, 20 Bayview Street, Runaway Bay, 5537 1636. 83
powered sites $19-21.
Miami Caravan Park, 2200 Gold Coast Highway, Miami, 5572 7533. Kiosk, barbecue,
no pets allowed, 200 sites - powered sites Ê$16-19.
Local Transport Shuttle
There is an efficient and economical public transport system. Gold Coast
Tourist Shuttle Bus Service, 1300 655 655 provides unlimited travel day
or night for the one price. It travels from one end of the coastal strip
to the other. 1 day pass: adult $14, child $8, family $32. Theme park transfers
also available.
Car Rentals
Car rental companies that have offices on the Gold Coast, include:
Red Back Rentals, 5592 1655. Open 7 days.
CY Rent A Car, Surfers International Arcade Shop 14, 9 Trickett Street,
Surfers Paradise, 5570 3777.
Freeway Rent-A-Car, Zircon Avenue, 5591 1155. Open 7 days.
Network Car & Truck Rentals, cnr Gold Coast Highway & Palm Avenue,
Surfers Paradise, 5538 2344.
A.B.L., Gold Coast Airport, 5598 3900. Open 7 days.
Tweed Auto Rentals, 4 Wharf Street, Tweed Heads, 5536 8000. Open 7 days.
Sunny Top, cnr Gold Coast Hwy & Surfers Ave, Mermaid Beach, 5578 6633.
Open 7 days.
Suncoast, 3005 Gold Coast Hwy, 5592 4087.
Always Affordable, 5593 6026. Open 7 days.
Budget, cnr Ferry Ave & Norfolk Ave, 1300 362 848.
East Coast, 25 Elkhorn Ave, Surfers Paradise, 5592 0444.
Bargain Wheels, 5534 4544.
Costless, 3269 Gold Coast Hwy, Surfers Paradise, 5538 8400.
Anthony's Ezy-Drive, 5534 6022. Open 7 days.
Can Do, 3084 Gold Coast Hwy, Surfers Paradise, 5592 5887. Open 7 days.
Or you can rent a Pedicab, a moped (Moped Hire, cnr Hamilton Ave & Gold
Coast Hwy, Surfers Paradise, 5592 4087) or a bicycle. At the other end
of the scale, you can splurge and hire a stretch limousine.
For full information on all these options, contact the Tourist Information
Centres, or browse the Yellow Pages telephone directory.
Combined Rail, Bus and Ferry
South East Explorer, 13 12 30. All day travel on participating services,
Explorer ticket 1 - $10, Explorer ticket 2 - $16, Explorer ticket 3 - $24.
Bus
Surfside Bus Timetables. For information on routes phone & 13 12 30.
Coach
The following services are available:
Gold Coast Get Around, 1300 361 966;
Theme Park Transfers, 1800 426 224;
Coach Charter, 55 888 780.
Eating Out
The Gold Coast is said to have the largest collection of restaurants per
square kilometre in Australia, and indeed there are more than 500 different
restaurants on the coastal strip. You can eat and drink riverside, seaside,
inside or outside. Almost every national cuisine is represented, and
you can choose from licensed or BYO. The only problem is making up your
mind which restaurant is going to get your patronage, and this is taken
care of by phoning the Restaurant Infoline, 916 699, for information
and bookings. Here is a taste of the wide selection, from low to lavish
prices:
Four Winds Restaurant, in the Parkroyal, 2807 Gold Coast Highway. Surfers
Paradise, 5592 9906. Seafood and Asian buffet, revolving restaurant 26
floors above the city, all-you-can-eat, open 7 days for lunch and 2 dinner
sittings.
Rakugaki, 2nd Floor, Centre Arcade, Surfers Paradise, 5539 8741. BYO Japanese
cuisine, lunch Mon-Fri (12pm-2pm), dinner Mon-Sat (6pm-10.30pm).
Hattie's Seafood Restaurant, ANA Hotel, 22 View Ave, Surfers Paradise,
5579 1000.
Cafe Carinya, ANA Hotel, 22 View Ave, Surfers Paradise, 5579 1000. Seafood
buffet lunch 7 days a week - $25, huge seafood buffet nightly - $33.
Frenchy's Seafood Restaurant, Mariners Cove, Sea World Drive, Main Beach,
5531 3030. Licensed or BYO.
The Aztec, Victoria Square, Broadbeach Mall, 5538 8477. Mexican cuisine,
licensed, open 7 days, lunch and dinner.
Montezuma's, Aloha Building, 8 Trickett Street, Surfers Paradise, 5538
4748. Mexican, licensed.
Pancakes in Paradise, cnr Gold Coast Hwy & Clifford St, 5592 0330.
Licensed, open 7 days, lunch and dinner.
Bavarian Haus, cnr Cavill Ave & Gold Coast Hwy, Surfers Paradise, 5531
7150. German cuisine as well as steak, seafood, chicken and pasta, authentic
Bavarian theme and atmosphere, live shows. Breakfast, morning & afternoon
tea, lunch and dinner.
The Crab Cooker, cnr Gold Coast Hwy & Thornton St, Surfers Paradise,
5538 6884. Seafood and steak restaurant, licensed, indoor and outdoor dining,
lunch and dinner.
Holy Mackeral, 174 Marine Pde, Labrador, 5531 1017. Seafood, licensed,
open 7 days, lunch and dinner.
Times Cafe Restaurant, cnr Elkhorn Ave & Gold Coast Hwy, Surfers Paradise,
5538 3211. Steak, seafood and pasta, open 7 days. Breakfast, lunch and
dinner
Mikado, cnr Elkhorn Ave & Gold Coast Hwy, Surfers Paradise, 5538 2788.
Japanese cuisine including traditional sushi and teppanyaki dishes, open
7 days.
Imperial Palace, cnr Elkhorn Ave & Gold Coast Hwy, Surfers Paradise,
5538 9544, Chinese restaurant, open 7 days.
Mango's, Tiki Village, Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise, 5531 6177. Modern
international cuisine with an emphasis on seafood, open 7 nights, dinner.
Grumpy's Wharf, Mariners Cove, 60-70 Seaworld Drive, The Spit, Main Beach,
5532 2900. Seafood, lunch Fri-Sun, dinner 7 days.
Rusty Pelican, cnr Orchid Ave & Elkhorn Ave, Surfers Paradise, 5570
3073. Lunch 11.30am-10.30pm, licensed until midnight, open 7 days.
Seashells Restaurant, at the Novotel Beachcomber, 18 Hanlan St, Surfers
Paradise, 5570 1000. International seafood buffet.
Hard Rock Cafe, cnr Cavill Ave & Gold Coast Hwy, Surfers Paradise,
5539 9377. Restaurant open 7 days 12pm-late.
Cav's Steakhouse, 30 Frank St, Labrador, 5532 2954. Licensed, steak, seafood,
pasta and salad.
McDonalds is on the corner of Cavill Mall and The Esplanade. Pizza Hut
is in Raptis Plaza, Cavill Avenue, 13 11 66. There is an abundance of fast
food eateries in the area, and the selection will guarantee that you are
not left wanting.
Entertainment
For after-dinner entertainment, you can choose between cabarets, discos,
live bands, top international performers, sophisticated night clubs,
poker machine palaces, and the world famous Jupiter's Casino. Or you
can opt for something Êcompletely different - the bizarre Dracula's Cabaret
restaurant. Here are a few venues:
Dracula's Cabaret Restaurant, 1 Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach, 5575 1000, comedy
entertainment, dinner and show, bookings essential.
Inneuvre, at Conrad Jupiters Casino, 1800 074 144, live theatre, comedy,
dance, music, circus acts.
Crazies Comedy Box, Sunshine Blvd, Broadbeach, 5592 0755, dinner and live
show.
Shopping
The Gold Coast is like one massive shopping centre, and in fact Surfers
Paradise is known to some as 'Shoppers Paradise'. There are dozens of
shopping centres, of every shape and size, and it is rumoured that some
people never actually see the beach. To help you find your way through
this consumers' paradise, the following list can be used as a guide:
On the Broadwater Spit is the stylish Marina Mirage, which offers good
shopping, an aviary, and several food outlets including a 50s rock 'n'
roll cafe with its own FJ Holden.
Sanctuary Cove, 20 minutes' drive north of Surfers, has the Marine Shopping
Village, 5577 6011, with over 80 specialty shops and its own brewery offering
Bavarian style beer - Island Lager.
Australia Fair, Marine Parade, Southport, 5532 8811. Over 230 specialty
stores, hopen 7 days.
Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach, 5539 8766. Queensland's
largest shopping centre with over 260 specialty stores and 12 cinemas,
hopen 7 days.
Mariora Australia, 3290 Gold Coast Highway, Surfers Paradise, 5538 9899.
Opal retailer.
DFS Galleria, cnr Cavill Ave & Gold Coast Highway, Surfers Paradise,
5570 9401. Duty free and tax free, open 7 days 8.30am-10pm
Nerang Disposals, 6 Spencer Rd, Nerang, 5596 4434. Camping and outdoor
store.
Carrara Markets, Nerang-Broadbeach Rd, along the road west of Pacific Fair.
500 stalls, open all day every Saturday and Sunday.
Fashion Factory Outlet, 4107 Ferry Rd, Southport, 5531 1837. Ladies' fashion
and lingerie, men's and children's fashion, swimwear, hopen 7 days 9am-5pm.
Marina Mirage, Sea World Drive, Main Beach, 5577 0088. Open 7 days 10am-6pm.
Paradise Centre, Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise, 5592 0155. Over 120 shops,
hopen 7 days.
Robina Town Centre, off Robina Pkwy, Robina, 5575 0480. More than 200 specialty
shops and 6 cinemas.
Raptis Plaza, Cavill Mall & The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise, 5592 2123.
Home to a full-size replica of Michelangelo's David, which stands in the
Food Court. Open 7 days 10am-late.
The Oasis, Victoria Ave, Broadbeach, 5592 3900. Over 100 specialty stores,
direct link to Jupiters Casino via monorail.
Runaway Bay Shopping Village, Lae Drive, Runaway Bay, 5537 2566. Over 100
specialty stores, Boardwalk Foodcourt, water views, open 7 days.
Sportsmans Warehouse, 32 Strathaird Rd, Bundall, 5531 6511. Australia's
largest sporting warehouse, free bus from Surfers Paradise, open 7 days.
Niecon Plaza, Broadbeach Central Mall, Victoria Ave, Broadbeach, 5531 6659.
Licensed bar, al fresco cafes.
Points of Interest
The main attractions are, of course, the beaches - and there are plenty
of them, all offering clean, golden sand, and sparkling surf. But the
Gold Coast has much more to offer, with special attractions in every
town.
Southport
Situated across the Broadwater from The Spit, Southport was the first settlement
in the Gold Coast, having been established in 1875. It is now the business
and commercial centre for the region, along with neighbouring Labrador,
Biggera Waters and Runaway Bay.
Inland from Southport, on the Pacific Highway, is the Wet'n'Wild Water
World, 5573 2255, with a giant fresh water wild wavepool that has one metre
surf and its own lifeguards. The park also has Wild Billy the surfing kangaroo,
white water twisters, and a breathtaking toboggan drop. The latest addition
is the Super 8 Aqua Racer. The water park is open daily from 10am. Adults
$31, children and pensioners $20.
Further north along the Pacific Highway brings you to Koala Town, where
you can cuddle a koala and see the many animals that lived on Old MacDonald's
Farm. Also featured are sheep shearing and horse shoeing demonstrations.
Continuing north, you come to Dreamworld, Dreamworld Parkway, 5588 1111.
It comprises 100ha (247 acres) of landscaped gardens and Australian bushland
featuring nine wonderful worlds of fantasy, including 16 rides, seven live
shows, a tiger exhibit, and the Imax Theatre with a six-storey high screen
that creates an experience of light and sound which makes the viewer feel
part of the film. The new Giant Drop and Tower of Terror are the fastest
and tallest rides in the world. Dreamworld is open every day, and is an
experience that should not be missed. Adults $52, children and concession
$32.
Almost opposite Dreamworld is Warner Bros Movie World, 5573 8485, which
is based on the world-famous Hollywood Movie set. Terrific theme rides
such as Lethal Weapon and Batman Adventure lead the attractions. Movie
World has movie-making facilities, which are used for actual productions.
Entry costs adults $52, children and pensioners $33. The live shows are
a must-see.
Further north is the Le Mans Kart Racing Complex, Pacific Highway, Pimpana
Tourist Area, 55 46 6 566. There is a 700m circuit with fast karts and
timed laps. ÊNo licence is necessary, but age restrictions do apply for
safety reasons. The complex is open 7 days 10am-5pm. $28 for 7 laps, $33
for 10 laps. Not far away, for those who are fascinated by (maybe obsessed
with) the amber liquid, the Carlton Brewhouse, cnr Mulles Rd & Pacific
Highway, Yatala, 3826 5858, offers 45min brewery tours at 10am, 12pm and
2pm - adults $8, concession $3, children $3.
Surfers Paradise
The heart of the Gold Coast, Surfers Paradise is the ultimate tourist resort,
and its malls and avenues are crammed with a multitude of places to eat,
drink, shop, see and be seen. Condominiums abound, rising skyward one after
another amid lush vegetation and island upon island reclaimed from the
sea. It has been described as 'a pristine Miami Beach'.
For entertainment there are performances by international stars, spectacular
revues, cabaret shows, top restaurants, intimate bars, discos, and dinner
cruises departing from the Nerang River on the western side of Surfers.
There are several different cruises, from a two- hour 'scones and cream'
tour, to a tropical luncheon feast, a night shipboard cabaret, a twilight
trip, or a raging disco.
For family fun, right in the centre of town is Grundy's Paradise Centre,
with over 300 different activities in the one complex, ranging from games
of skill to the latest electronic arcade machines.
In Raptis Plaza, Cavill Mall, there is the only Odditorium in the southern
hemisphere, which in true Believe It Or Not! tradition has six-legged calves,
bearded women, Siamese twins and many more exhibits. The museum is open
7 days 9am-11pm, 5592 0040. Entry fees: adults $12, concession $8, family
discounts available.
The Centre, the Gold Coast's entertainment and arts complex, is on Chevron
Island, and has all types of theatrical performances from opera to pantomime.
There is also an Art Gallery which has changing exhibitions.
For a cool change to the typically humid climate, Frozen World, cnr Ocean
Avenue & Gold Coast Highway, 5570 3922, offers mini-golf on ice, exhibitions
of ice sculptures and carvers, a snow and ice playground, and a kids' club.
Warm jackets are supplied for those who forgot to pack for snowy conditions
on the Gold Coast. Adults $17, children $9 (under 4 years free), concession
$12, family pass $42.
To the north of Surfers is Main Beach, fast becoming the 'best address'
on the Coast, and nearby is the Broadwater, which offers still water swimming
as an alternative to the open surf.
On Broadwater Spit is Australia's famous marine theme park, Sea World,
5588 2205, which has the country's first monorail, the Three Loop Corkscrew,
and Free Fall Water Slide, performing dolphins, killerwhales, sea lions,
water skiing shows, and lots more. The most recent Êattraction is a 3D
Pirate adventure. Sea World is open every day from 10am, and you are advised
to get there early if you want to see and do everything available. Adults
$52, pensioners and children $33.
Another attraction on the Spit is Fishermans Wharf, which has a swimming
pool, children's playground, and live band performances on the weekend.
Broadbeach
The town is internationally famous as the site of Jupiter's Casino, and
the Gold Coast's first world-class hotel, the $185 million Hotel Conrad.
A monorail links the casino with the Oasis-On-Broadbeach Shopping Resort
and the Pan Pacific Hotel.
Burleigh Heads
Burleigh is the half-way point between Coolangatta and Surfers, and hosts
one of the greatest week-long surfing events in Australia, held in March
each year. The town has a more relaxed atmosphere than Coolangatta or Surfers,
and many people choose to stay here, and visit the other two when they
want to get into the action. If you are into bushwalking, there is a 3km
graded track that meanders among the habitat of koalas and bandicoots in
the Burleigh Heads National Park.
The Gold Coast Highway then continues past the surfing beaches of Miami,
Nobby's and Mermaid to Broadbeach.
Currumbin
Situated about 6km (4 miles) north of Coolangatta, past the settlements
of Kirra, Bilinga and Tugun, Currumbin is home to the world-famous Currumbin
Wildlife Sanctuary, Gold Coast Highway, Currumbin, 5534 1266, a 20ha (50
acres) wildlife reserve with the the world's largest collection of Australian
native fauna. The Sanctuary is visited every morning and afternoon by thousands
of brightly coloured wild Rainbow Lorikeets, which don't need much encouragement
to eat out of your hand, or sit on your head, and seem to love having their
photographs taken. Also at the Sanctuary, which is open daily 8am-5pm,
are waterfalls, rainforest pools, and 250 individual species of birdlife,
including the glossy black cockatoo. Entry fees: adults $18, children $22,
under 4 years old free, family pass $48.
North of Currumbin are Pacific and Palm Beaches.
Festivals
January - The Magic Millions Horse Race Meeting. The Daikyo Palm Meadows
Golf Cup.
July - Gold Coast International Marathon and Half-Marathon.
August - The Jupiter's Yacht Classic between Sydney and the Gold Coast.
November - The Queensland Open Golf.
Sports and Facilities
The Gold Coast has all the facilities you could think of. You can play
tennis, squash, golf, ten-pin bowling, lawn bowls or croquet, and go
rollerskating or horseriding. You can fish, swim, waterski, sailboard,
sail, and more. There are also facilities for horse racing, greyhound
racing, hot-air ballooning, mountain trekking, parasailing and many health
and fitness centres.
Below are some of the sporting choices.
Golf
The Palms Golf Course, Sanctuary Cove, 5577 6031.
Palm Meadows Golf Course, Palm Meadows Resort, Gooding Drive, Palm Meadows,
1800 818 040.
Putt & Games, cnr Crescent Ave & Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach,
5575 3381. hOpen 7 days.
Concept Golf Tours, 5578 8288, provide golfing packages from $90 including
green fees, cart hire and transfer to your desired resort course.
Shooting
Australian Shooting Academy, Lvl 1 Paradise Centre, Surfers Paradise, 5527
5100. Open 7 days, 10am-10pm.
Southport Indoor Pistol Club, Unit 1 76 Ferry Rd, Southport, 5531 1153.
Open 7 days 10am-10pm.
Watersports
Shane's Watersports World, Harley Park, Labrador, 5591 5225. Paraflying,
speedboat ride, jet ski ride.
Aussie Bob's Watersports, Berth 14D Marina Mirage, Sea World Drive, Main
Beach, 5591 7577, parasailing, jet skis, speed boat rides, direct bookings
only.
Fishing
Topline Sport Fishing Safaris, 5577 1953. Fresh and salt water fishing,
tackle and refreshments provided, full day $110pp, half day $60pp.
Paul Burt's Reel Action Fishing Charters, 5596 5546. Both deep sea reef
(half day $85pp, full day $125pp) and estuary (half day $55pp, full day
$105pp) fishing available.
Extreme Sports
Fly Coaster, Cypress Ave, Surfers Paradise, 5539 0474. Free-fall 11 stories
on Australia's first extremist swing, open daily until 10pm.
Bungee Rocket, cnr Palm Ave & Gold Coast Hwy, Surfers Paradise, 5570
2700. Rocket to a height of 50m in just over a second, open 7 days 10am-10pm.
Tours and Cruises
If you have the time and desire to become intimate with the Gold Coast
environment, the following selection of tours and cruises should cover
all the aspects.
Tall Ship Sailing Cruises, Wharf D12 Marina Mirage, 5532 Ê2444. Four different
cruises, ship sails 9am daily.
Amphibious Aquabus Canal Cruises, Aquabus Safaris, 7A Orchid Ave, Surfers
Paradise, 5539 0222, combined bus tour and canal cruise, bookings recommended,
departs frequently throughout the day, 7 days, adults $28, children $21,
seniors $23.
Gold Coast Kayaking, 5527 5785. Offers morning tour or afternoon kayak
snorkle tour, 9am-9pm, 7 days.
Aries Tours, 16 Barnett Pl, Ernest, 5594 9933. Focus on eco-tourism, choices
include a Southern Skytour (5.30pm-10.30pm nightly), a Kingfisher Hinterland
Tour (8am-2pm daily) and a Night Safari Tour (5.30pm-10.30pm nightly).
Tweed Endevour Cruises, Tweed River Cruise Terminal, River Terrace, Tweed
Heads, 5536 8800. Offers 4hr rainforest & river cruise or 1.5hr river
and lake cruise, lunch included, bookings essential.
Island Queen Showboat Cruises, Marina Mirage, Main Beach, 5571 0219. A
number of cruises with various destinations, lengths and themes, prices
on application.
Whale Watch, Moreton Island, 5591 5599. Luxury coach transfers, meals provided
on cruise.
Day Tours, 3236 4165. Various coach tours. Ê
Outlying Attractions The Hinterland
Away from the coastal plain of the Gold Coast, the terrain climbs steadily
but steeply up over 1000m (3281 ft) into some of Australia's richest highlands,
passing through rolling rural landscapes along the way.The Hinterland is
easily accessible by a number of roads, and offers spectacular views and
walking trails into rainforests.
One of the most popular lookouts is called 'The Best of All' and is reached
from Lyrebird Ridge Road. Good views can be also be obtained from Purlingbrook
Falls, which cascade about 190m (623 ft) to the rocks belosw. You can walk
to the base of the cliff and follow a track that leads behind the falls.
In the Numinbah Valley, just within the Queensland border, is the Natural
Arch in the Natural Arch National Park. Here there are several walks through
rainforest, one of which leads to the stone archway through which a waterfall
plummets to a rock pool below. There is also a Glow Worm Cave for walkers
to discover.
Lamington National Park, 45km (28 miles) from the Coast, near the state
border, is the largest preserved natural stand of sub-tropical rainforest
in Australia, and the park has 160km (100miles) of graded walking tracks
leading to many of its highlights, including Mount Merino, Echo Point,
Coomera Gorge, Picnic Rock, and the Aboriginal Cooking Caves. In all the
park has more than 500 waterfalls, and majestic blackbutt, bloodwood, and
giant cedar trees.
Mount Tamborine is a plateau on the McPherson Ranges, 35km (22miles) west
of the Gold Coast, and comprises seven small National Parks totalling 375ha
(926 acres) of rainforest in which there are 15,000-year-old Macrozamia
palms, said to be the oldest living things in the world. St Bernards historic
hotel, one of the mountain's oldest establishments, is famous for its smorgasbord
lunches and beautiful gardens, and there are many other guest houses and
restaurants in the area.
Other popular spots in the Hinterland are Rosin's Lookout, which overlooks
the Numinbah Valley, and Mount Warning, off the Nerang-Beechmont Road.
Mount Warning is the first point in Australia to be struck by the rays
of the morning sun, and is an ideal place to unwind and enjoy the natural
beauty at the Springbrook Rainforest Cabins, 317 Repeater Station Road,
Springbrook, 5533 5366. They have three cottages with full facilities for
$80-120 per person per night.
Coolangatta and
Tweed Heads
The twin towns of Coolangatta and Tweed Heads are the southern gateway
to the Gold Coast, and occupy opposite headlands of the Tweed River, with
Tweed Heads in New South Wales, and Coolangatta in Queensland.
A popular attraction in the Tweed Heads area is Tropical Fruit World, (02)
6677 7222. ÊIt is a tropical fruit plantation with 50 types of tropical
and jungle fruit, overlooking the Tweed River, and is an ideal place for
a picnic. ÊSafaris, fruit-tasting, boat cruises and live shows are on offer.
There is also a cafe. Tropical Fruit World is open daily 10am-5pm, $25
adults, $14 children, $19 pensioners.
Close to Coolangatta is the lighthouse at Point Danger. Both towns have
holiday resort centres, shopping, restaurants and tour facilities, and
opportunities for all water sports on the river and the beaches.
There is a Visitor Information Centre in Shop 14B, Beachhouse Plaza, Coolangatta
Place, cnr Griffith & Warner Streets, Cool-angatta, (07) 5536 7765.
For more information on Tweed Heads, contact the Visitor Information Centre in Centro Tweed, Wharf Street, (07) 5536 6737, open 9am-5pm Monday-Saturday. You can email them at info@tweedcoolangatta.com.au or visit the web page at www.tweedcoolangatta.com.au
