gold coast

Great Australian made blogs on Travel, Queensland and Australia

2009-11-23T23:56:00.000-08:00

More and more Australians seem to be taking to the internet and publishing their stories, articles or helpful tips via the infamous publishing platform they call blogging!

This is a good thing! The more people share, the more we all benefit. There are many days when I wish that I payed more attention in english class that would have today made me a better steward of the mighy pen, but I am also at the mercy of the curse of laziness!

To substitute for my laziness here are just some of the blogs I have come across lately which are covering topics such as travel and Australian life.

If you are really looking to get inside the head of an Australian you should probably check out Things That Australians Love. Apparently we like more than just beer? Not even I knew that.

After that you may wonder, what is it like to tour this big island continent? Well if your thinking of hooking up a caravan and going on tour, or even by some other means, then Ozdyssey is something to add to your RSS reader...

Not the reading type? Well there is few words at either of these blogs but there are some great photos, check out this blog which has photos of the Gold Coast. Also if your heading to the Gold Coast check out A Gold Coast Holiday and if youre hungry visit the Gold Coast Food Guide. While your heading that way, just up the road is Brisbane Australia and it's well worth a visit. And nearby is Redcliffe so check out Glenns Redcliffe Photography blog too.

Of course Australia is a huge place so there is much to see and learn! Also stop by at the Visit Australia Blog. Here you will find even more photos of Australia and it's beaches, and here is more info on travelling to Australia.

Still travelling along looking for more litrature on the blogernet? Try this for random musings on Australian travel or perhaps you'd like to discover how two British expats are morphing into aussies as all good brits should. Or perhaps you like to follow the travel journeys and thoughts on global travel from an Australian point of view, if so then check out Oz Traveller

Gold Coast Nitro SuperGP - Goodbye Indy

2009-04-03T19:26:00.000-07:00

This year is 19th annual race event held on the Gold Coast. And it is the first year without the Indy cars with the A1GP cars taking their place alongside the V8 Supercars.

As usual it runs for four days from October 22-25th.

Nitro Energy drink is the naming rights sponsor, never heard of them??, me neither. But anyway, apparently it's Australia's energy drink going by their website http://www.nitroenergydrink.com.au/.

So, goodbye Nikon, goodbye indy and hello Nitro SuperGP!

More resources:
Official Event site: supergp.com.au
A1GP Official site: A1Gp.com
V8 SuperCars: v8supercars.com.au
City guides: Gold Coast Info, Gold Coast accommodation
News: Gold Coast Bulletin
Airport: Gold Coast Airport
Airport Transfers: Gold Coast/Brisbane Airport Transfers

Gold Coast Indy 2007 - The race is already on!

2007-09-09T23:14:00.000-07:00

The Gold Coast Indy is set to start on October the 18th but for some the race is already on!

Construction of grandstands, walk over bridges is well underway. Within Main Beach and Surfers Paradise roads are becoming a racetrack once again.

Pitlane and it's grandstands at Macintosh Island are being sectioned out and bolted up.

Construction workers and engineers are flat strap trying to get the new Macintosh Island Bridge completed before commencement of the event.

And this years Indy is tipped to be a big one with more off track entertainment including a music festival at Broadbeach and a drifting competition at the Southport Broadwater carpark adding to the off track entertainment. Last year the four day event attracted over 300,000 people making it the largest motorsport event on Australia's calender.

If your still trying to track down accommodation - good luck! There may be a something left through the accommodation aggregators listed see: Gold Coast Indy page.

On the track things look pretty hot with the expected shoot out between Australia Will Power and Frenchman Sebastien Bourdais and V8 Supercars will provide the homegrown door slamming action as usual!

Can't Wait!

Videos of last years Indy

More:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUs7OgUj-Eo&NR=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWp4jyjzsgU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jb0BZ6wKlkE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hj64ogxm4Z
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cN19KNDnJLA

Gold Coasts No.1 Website fiasco

2007-08-07T23:14:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago the local newspaper - The Gold Coast Bulletin - released it's new website/news portal which at the time didn't interest me so much as the newspaper itself fails to interest me.

Although there has been a couple of blog posts which I found not only amusing but also revealing inspiring me to put my thoughts out there.

Now the first thing that just makes a joke out of the four page wrapper is that sub headline. "Gold Coast's No.1 Website..." umm..so that is Gold Coast is No.1 Website? This was throughout the non labeled promotional piece. Now you could expect such much mistakes from a blogger but not mainstream media, It's an absolute embarrassment for the residents of the region. No wonder that no other media touched the story.

They also boldly claim to be the regions No.1 website just days after launching the site? Can they back that up with anything other than puffery? No and perhaps that's the reason for the misspell.

They also make, what I would call defamatory, claims such as 'The Gold Coasts tourism operators finally have a single place to concentrate their marketing efforts after many years of needing to use multiple small ineffective websites', really. I'm sure the ACCC would find that somewhat interesting.

Should the owners of websites relating to the Gold Coast be a little upset. Absolutely and so should the Gold Coast Council and Tourism Queensland.

The posts that made me post:
We're Way Ahead
Murdoch Owns The Gold Coast: Is Everyone OK With That?

The other points expressed in those posts are the fact that how did Auda (the domain regulator) let city names slip to the corporate sector?

The other post is somewhat disturbing revealing monopoly domination of media, now seemingly both offline and online.

Great work by both of those bloggers.

Shankar dada Zindabad - filming on the Gold Coast

2007-06-22T20:06:00.000-07:00

Its always fun when you wander along the beach and run into a movie crew! This week the crew filming the movie Shankar dada Zindabad where completing some of their filming for the movie on the beaches of the Gold Coast.

Shankar dada Zindabad is being made by filmmakers from Teluga, India aka Tollywood. The movie stars Chiranjeevi and Karishma Kotak.

Photo: The film crew used Currumbin Beach on the Gold Coast as one of their shoot locations.

Photo: Karishma Kotak and Chiranjeevi in action on the set of Shankar Dada Zindabad.

Photo: Karishma Kotak and Chiranjeevi taking a minute after shooting a scene.

Soldiers on the March

2007-06-20T01:05:00.000-07:00

The Soldier Crab lives in sandy estuaries and mangroves, and occurs in massive groups that seem to emerge from nowhere all at the same time. A small army of Soldier Crabs inhabits the calm waters of the Spit (Doug Jennings Park) on the Gold Coast - pictured below.

Soldier crabs will comb the sandy intertidal zones scooping up this debris with their front claws and eating it. The crabs will then deposit the waste sand that is left over in compacted balls called pseudofaece. The photo above shows a small 'army' of Soldier Crabs moving across the beach, also seen is the pebbling effect of the beach being their compacted waste.

It is thought that their spontaneous arrival is triggered by the falling tide. If disturbed, they burrow into the sand with a corkscrew motion, disappearing as quickly as they arrived. In the photo below one little fella is just poking his head out for a look behind his mate.

The Soldier Crabs are also the only crabs that can walk forwards rather than sideways.

The Gold Coast for Shopping

2007-06-06T03:23:00.000-07:00

I'm not much of a shop-aholic although many people enjoy a little retail therapy particularly when there is a bargain to be had.

During June the Gold Coast goes bizarre! No not really it just has a bazaar. It's just Surfers Paradise at nightclub closing time that gets a little bizarre! Anyway, for the whole month the entire city and it's businesses really turn it up with mini events, fashion shows and retailer discounts.

I think it was intended to give tourism a bit of a boost during the slow month of June, but it's a bonus for a local as June is kinda boring without any big ticket items except for State of Origin footy.

The coast has a huge array of places to go window shopping and bargain hunting, check out Gold Coast Shopping Centres for a list of the major retail shopping complexes on the Gold Coast. Apart from the major centres there are a number of areas that contain boutique shopping experiences and bargains just the same check out Tedder ave on Main Beach and Marina Mirage for designer clothes, art and lovely cafes. Also at Broadbeach you can also find apart from the impressive range of restuarants some very interesting little shops with things you just won't find at the major centres.

For more info on the Bazaar check out Gold Coast Bazaar.

Shot of the Broadwater

2007-05-06T00:56:00.000-07:00

Previous Posts at The Gold Coast Australia Blog

gold coast: The Gold Coast for Shopping

gold coast: Accommodation for Dreamworld

gold coast: Websites About the Gold Coast

gold coast: Conrad Jupiters Casino Extensions

gold coast: Wave at Broadbeach

gold coast: Verve at Broadbeach

gold coast: Ultra at Broadbeach

gold coast: Broadbeach - The Place

gold coast: Burleigh Head National Park Track

gold coast: Big numbers for the Sanctuary Cove Boat Show

gold coast: Medical Jobs in Queensland

gold coast: Boom Times for Southern Gold Coast?

gold coast: Circle on Cavill

gold coast: Freshwaterpoint apartments & resort

gold coast: Accommodation for Dreamworld

gold coast: Websites About the Gold Coast

gold coast: Conrad Jupiters Casino Extensions

gold coast: Wave at Broadbeach

gold coast: Verve at Broadbeach

gold coast: Ultra at Broadbeach

gold coast: Broadbeach - The Place

gold coast: Burleigh Head National Park Track

gold coast: Big numbers for the Sanctuary Cove Boat Show

gold coast: Medical Jobs in Queensland

gold coast: Boom Times for Southern Gold Coast?

gold coast: Circle on Cavill

gold coast: Freshwaterpoint apartments & resort

gold coast: Hooters on the Gold Coast!

gold coast: Gold Coast Photos

gold coast: Allisee apartments Gold Coast

gold coast: Brisbane Broncos Win NRL Premiership

gold coast: Gold Coast Indy - track construction underway!

gold coast: Broadbeach - The Place

gold coast: Avalon apartments at Surfers Paradise

gold coast: Gold Coast Airport Transfers in the news

gold coast: Gold Coast Theme Parks

gold coast: Gold Coast winery tours

gold coast: Welcome to Your Gold Coast

gold coast: gold coast chat

gold coast: Broadbeach

gold coast: Gold Coast Indy 2005

gold coast: Gold Coast Schoolies

gold coast: New theme park for the Coast!

gold coast: Main Beach

gold coast: The magnificent Q1 Gold Coast

gold coast: Australian Outback Spectacular - Gold Coast

gold coast: Try the Gold Coast for Family Holidays

gold coast: Gold Coast Airport Booms

gold coast: January - What a month for the Gold Coast!

gold coast: Gold Coast for Fishing

gold coast: AFL on the Gold Coast at Carrara Stadium

gold coast: Continued Growth on the Gold Coasts Nth Corridor

gold coast: Main Beach ptII

gold coast: Main Beach Accommodation (Main Beach ptIII)

gold coast: Gold Coast Cruise Terminal still in debate

gold coast: Houses, Apartment, Flat for Rent in Gold Coast Australia

Asia Pacific Screen Awards on the Gold Coast

2007-04-23T01:45:00.000-07:00

The Gold Coast is set to reach for the stars on November the 13th by playing host to the Asia Pacific Screen Awards. The Asia Pacific Screen Awards will feature films from 70 countries competing for awards in 11 categories. It's interesting to note that the Asia-Pacific region produces almost half of the films made in the world.

The awards will be held in conjunction with the Screen Producers Association of Australia conference at the end of which will be the Inside Film Awards. The SPAA Conference attracts up to 650 industry representatives and key decision makers from the film and television industry. The SPAA conference takes place from 13-16 November 2007 at the Sheraton Mirage Resort.

The Inside Film Awards will take place on the 16 of November at the Crowne Plaza Royal Pines resort.

Events coverage will also betting coverage on CNN International and locally on SBS.

World Cup Rugby League on the Gold Coast

2007-04-23T00:57:00.000-07:00

Premier Beattie announced earlier this week that Queensland will play host to the 2008 Rugby League World Cup which will be another boost to Queensland tourism and another great spectacle for locals.

Australia dominates the World Cup having won 9 of the twelve tournaments played and next year the tournament also celebrates 100 years of Rugby League. The 2008 competition will feature 10 teams with Australia, New Zealand, England, Papua New Guinea and France entered automatically. Five more teams will be selected from the Qualifiers which started in April 2006.

The new Skilled Stadium on the Gold Coast will play host to one game on the first of November, 2008. Skilled Park is currently under construction at Robina and will have a seating capacity for 25,000.

Skilled Park - Gold Coast at 04/07

Hooters on the Gold Coast!

2007-04-18T22:43:00.000-07:00

The hugely successful Hooters chain of stores has come to the Gold Coast Australia. Hooters is a themed restaurant which employ a casual sports-theme, attractive waitresses, sports on TV...yep a blokes heaven! In layman terms hot chicks, hearty food, sport on the big screen and beer!

The first Hooters store opened in Clearwater Florida US and now there is over 435 Hooters located across the world.

In the US there is even a Hooters Casino located near the famous Las Vegas Strip. Hooters Inc also operated a low fare Airline in the US with 3 737 and 1 757 Boeing aircraft servicing 17 cities although unfortunately ceasing operations in 2006 reportedly in the wake of rising fuel costs.

The Mermaid Beach Hooters will be the second store to open in Australia with plans for a Hooters Brisbane in the future. Hooters at Mermaid Beach opens on Monday 23rd of April. Visit the Hooters website to find out more.

PS: If you though visiting Hooters during the Gold Coast Indy, I would probably book a seat now!

Gold Coast Photos

2007-03-10T00:16:00.000-08:00

Searching for some photos of the Gold Coast just recently I came across a site called slide where you can create cool slide shows from your photos and send them to freinds or post it to your favorite website. The team over at GoldCoastInfo.net have created there own set of slides that anyone can use from there collection of photos.

Heaps of photos can be found at the Goldcoastinfo site and are free to use under a creative commons licence (attribution required).

Photos of the Gold Coast supplied by :Gold Coast Info - Photos
From Slide.com Gold Coast at Slide.com

Allisee apartments Gold Coast

2006-11-12T21:59:00.000-08:00

Allisee is a Stockland development located on the Broadwater at Holleywell. Allisee is a $260 million development featurting 180 metres of direct water frontage and a internal private harbour.

The apartments, 234 in total are botique style and will feature ammenities like 3 resort style swimming pools including a 25 metre lap pool and lagoon pool along with fitness and recreation facilities including a private tennis court, gymnasium, barbecue and picnic facilities.

1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments available and penthouses. The development is a gated community on a 15 acre site.

Expected completion Mid 2007.

Stockland Corporation Limited and Stockland Trust is jointly listed on the ASX Code: SGP

Allisee Location: 232 Bayview Street, Hollywell. Gold Coast. Australia.

Brisbane Broncos Win NRL Premiership

2006-10-01T05:19:00.000-07:00

Go the Broncos!
Broncos took out this years NRL Premiership
defeating Melbourne Storm 15 -8.

Best wishes to Shane Webcke - Your a champion mate!

Awsome display from the Broncos and I'm pretty sure that not too much will done in Queensland tommorow!

Gold Coast Indy - track construction underway!

2006-08-24T18:52:00.000-07:00

This years Indy event on the Gold Coast is shaping up to be bigger than ever and streets of Surfers Paradise are evolving into a racetrack in preparation for the event on the 19-22 of October.

Some of the track crossovers are in place and work has started on the pits and grandstand area alongside Macintosh Island Park. A lot of roadwork has also taken place this year which some hope may eleviate traffic congestion around the event. Off track entertainment is also being ramped up with more official events.

Stay tuned...

Avalon apartments at Surfers Paradise

2006-08-19T23:59:00.000-07:00

Avalon apartments is located on the Corner of Ferny Avenue and Wahroonga Place, Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast fronting the Nerang River.

Close to completion the 32 level tower will feature three penthouses and 170 aprtments in a combination of 1,2 and 3 bedrooms.

Facilities are set to feature heated pool, club lounge, cinema and gymnasium.

The location will feature parklands, landscaped gardens and apparently it's own private beach!

Avalon Riverfront Apartments is another Sunland Group Limited construction.

Circle on Cavill

2006-08-14T19:04:00.000-07:00

Circle on Cavill, on the Gold Coast, is another development of the Sunland Group Ltd which features two apartment towers of 49 and 69 storeys tall. Located at the corner of the Gold Coast Highway and Cavill Avenue Surfers Paradise one of it's main features is a modern retail precinct which includes cafes, bars, restuarants, bowling alley, fashion shopping, homewares and more. The central piazza features gardens and a massive 9.5m super screen which plays a mixture of entertainment and information.

The retail precinct and piazza is open to public and the apartments are close to completion. There is a total of 637 apartments between the north and south tower. Apartment facilities will include a private cinema, seminar and function rooms along with heated lap pool, gymnasium, steam room, sauna, lobby and reception.

Freshwaterpoint apartments & resort

2006-07-17T02:53:00.000-07:00

Another construction underway in Broadbeach is Freshwaterpoint which will include 255 apartments. It has a prime location on the waterfront in a unique position close to the Casino, Convention Centre and the center of Broadbeach.

Part of the construction will feature residential apartments (110 apartments) and resort apartments (145 apartments) in a combination of one, two and three bedrooms. Freshwaterpoint Broadbeach will also feature
Club Lounge, Cafe, Theatre, landscaped gardens, pools, gymnasiums, spas and suanas. A lot of these amenities will be seperate for the residential and resort sections along with a foyer for each.

Completion expected in November 2006.

Freswaterpoint address: 33 TE Peters Drive, Broadbeach, Gold Coast Queensland.

Accommodation for Dreamworld

2006-07-10T18:25:00.000-07:00

Dreamworld, as many know, is one of the Gold Coast's major theme parks which is currently expanding to include a $56 million water based theme park at it's Coomera site.

Dreamworld is owned by Macquarie Leisure Trust and the group is now looking into plans of further expansion at the site including accommodation, restuarants, conference facilities and bowling alley. Macquarie also own AMF bowling which makes a natural fit.

The conference market on the Gold Coast is substantial and tying in leisure, recreation, accommodation into the one precinct is an attractive proposition.

Websites About the Gold Coast

2006-07-02T18:43:00.000-07:00

There are a lot of websites related to the Gold Coast particulary for accommodation and in this post i'll provide a round up of some of the more useful sites and some new websites purely dedicated to the Gold Coast.

Gold Coast Chat
this site has a forum for members (anyone can join) to discuss issues, events and anything about the area as well as a business directory, classifieds, news and the coolest feature i've seen in a local site being the Gold Coast Map which is interactive and offers satellite imagery and much more.

Gold Coast Accommodation Australia
site is basically a breif guide to the area which includes accommodation listings and information for visitors. Site also has a page dedicated for visitors looking for Gold Coast Indy accommodation with a track map and hotel locations.

Gold Coast City Council
Local government site that provides a lot of information about doing business in the area living in and moving to the region. This site recently had an upgrade and contains a lot more information and statistics.

Limousines Gold Coast
small site for local transport operator offering chauffeured services and more importantly for some Gold Coast Airport transfers.

More sites in the next round up.

Conrad Jupiters Casino Extensions

2006-06-08T00:57:00.000-07:00

Conrad Jupiters Casino at Broadbeach is nearing completion of it's first phase of extension/refurbishment with the first section set to open on the 1st of July.

An extra 3,500 sqm of space will be added to feature more gaming tables/machines, two new bars, a restuarant with indoor and outdoor seating, lounge areas on the gaming floor and balconies taking in the views of the area. The current upper floor gaming area will become an entertainment area with live music.

Wave at Broadbeach

2006-06-07T00:21:00.000-07:00

The Wave at Broadbeach is located in a prime position in the center of Broadbeach on Surf Parade.

Once completed it will be a total of 111m and 34 storeys high with 118 apartment units and the entire top floor will be devoted to a residents’ club / function area, including a plunge pool, spa, BBQ area and magnificent outdoor terrace.

The ground floor will feature retail shopping and dining, residents lobby and services. The 2nd and 3rd floor of The Wave will feature resident and guest facilities.

I think when The Wave is finsihed it will become a landmark and with it's gardens and design will beautify the general Broadbeach precinct. Due for completion end 2006.

Verve at Broadbeach

2006-06-06T01:05:00.000-07:00

Another construction underway is the Verve which is located on Old Burliegh Rd approximately one block south of the center of Broadbeach and directly opposite Kurrawa/Pratten Park which fronts the beachline.

The Verve is a 90 metre, 28 storey high rise which will feature 56 luxury 1 and 2 bedroom apartments with study, 3 bedroom sub penthouses with study and Penthouses.

The 3 bedroom sub penthouses occupy an entire floor and includes large terraced entertaining area with a plunge pool, outdoor kitchenette and BBQ area. The penthouse has it's own internal stairs leading to a private roof top terrace with luxury facilities.

Apparently all sold out now prices had ranged from 690,000 (one bedroom) to 3.8 million (penthouse).

At ground level, among extensive landscaping and terraces, there’s a heated swimming pool. Inside, resident facilities include a gymnasium, spa and sauna and meeting room. There is also personal storage areas and cool rooms.

Completion is due early 2007.

Ultra at Broadbeach

2006-06-04T18:14:00.000-07:00

Ultra Broadbeach is a 30 storey luxury apartment development that will feature a 25 metre heated lap pool, tennis court, club lounge, library, theatrette, gymnasium, steam room, sauna, teppanyaki bar and more than 3,000 square metres of landscaped gardens.

Ultra will feature 113 one, two and three bedroom apartments, sub-penthouses and penthouses and two basement levels of car parking.

Ultra Broadbeach is located about 300 metres from the beach and about 5 blocks south of the center of Broadbeach. Ultra Broadbeach address: 21 Margaret Avenue, Broadbeach, QLD 4218. Completion is due by late 2006 / early 2007.

Broadbeach - The Place

2006-06-01T04:01:00.000-07:00

Broadbeach is slowly evolving into one of the most popular places on the Gold Coast and a favorite choice with tourists. The once sleepy suburb beside Surfers Paradise features a massive range of restuarants, a casino, clubs, bars, numerous parks with ameneties for kids and fitness tracks, convention centre, surf clubs and a beautiful beachfront.

The skyline of Broadbeach is an ever changing view as high rises start make there way upward with recently completed developments and several new constructions are underway in prime locations throughout Broadbeach which will be covered in seperate posts to follow.

Broadbeach is also home to Pacific Fair, a massive shopping centre which features over 300 retailers and major stores like Myer, Target, KMart and 12 Birch Carol & Coyle cinemas.

Another popular attraction in Broadbeach, located right across from Pacific Fair, is Draculas Cabaret Restuarant which has been the winner of several restuarant & tourism awards.
Draculas has a great reputation for a good time and great value. Shows are updated regularly and the building itself is something to be seen.

The new Convention Centre located next to the casino has been a huge success with many major acts and conferences having utilised the popular new venue. The Conrad Jupiters Casino is also well underway with construction of new gaming areas and restuarants to add to it's already huge floor plan and features.

Broadbeach definately is booming and changing style with more features and a range of trendy new lounge bars and restuarants.

More on Broadbeach's growth in the next posts...

Burleigh Head National Park Track

2006-05-23T07:25:00.000-07:00

Burleigh Head National Park has an absolutely awesome track around its perimeter that provides a magic view of the ocean and along the beach through to Coolangatta and a journey through the parks natural vegitation.

The track is popular with walkers, visitors and the occassional jogger. If you haven't already, check it out soon.

Big numbers for the Sanctuary Cove Boat Show

2006-05-23T07:22:00.000-07:00

The Sanctuary Cove Boat Show wound up on the weekend after a huge 3 days that attracted nearly 50000 visitors through the gates coming from all parts of the world.

Reports have stated that $100 million in sales have been made with many more deals to be signed off in the coming weeks.

Boats of all sizes and forms where on display from local and international boat builders during the event.

Also on the weekend was the Blues on Broadbeach Festival which attracted a huge number of music fans to the popular area with free concerts from renowned artists. And I must also say a special thanks to the driver of the Gold Coast Council ute that tried to bowl me over in a fit of road rage, i'm glad my rates are spent on bull bars to enable crowd control!

Medical Jobs in Queensland

2006-05-17T02:10:00.000-07:00

Health Proffesionals are from as far away as London are being invited to work in Queensland Australia under Peter Beattie's and the Queensland Governments recruitment drive to attract more doctors, nurses and allied health proffesionals to the state.

After some embarassing events in the health system the Queensland Government has been tipping in money to overhaul the state's Health system. As much as $6.4 billion in just over five years.

Peter Beattie, the Premier of Queensland has a target of 500 nurses, 400 allied health workers and 300 doctors by December.

More information can be found at www.health.qld.gov.au/workforus

Boom Times for Southern Gold Coast?

2006-05-11T01:22:00.000-07:00

Reedy Creek & Varsity Lakes, suburbs of the Gold Coast located near Burleigh and close to the M1 Hihgway, could be in for good times ahead.

Recent news from The Queensland Government has announced the plans for an urban village development located near the proposed railway station which makes part of the the State Government's $123 million plan to extend the Gold Coast rail line from Robina to Reedy Creek and duplicate the existing rail line from Helensvale to Robina.

$12 Million has been spent in purchasing 8.3ha of land from Delfin Lend Lease for the development.

The benefits for the area could be a vast improvement in transit services in the area and Brisbane commuters would no longer have to travel to Robina station as part of their journey with easy access to a local station also including bus and taxi services.

Gold Coast Cruise Terminal still in debate

2006-04-26T01:39:00.000-07:00

For some time now the debate has been raging about the proposed Gold Coast Cruise Terminal with the government currently underway with an Enviromental Impact Assesment underway.

The cruise is terminal's suggested location is the Spit where protests have been held and objections have been made based on it's affect on surfing conditions at Stradbroke Island, it's affect on a renowned diving location and for more take a look at Save our Spit.

Although if this is done right there could be very little impact and what a boost to the area. In a fact sheet for Gold Coast Cruise Termina l it is stated that an expected boost to the economy of $100 million and $53 million per year of operation would be on the cards.

Taking a real look at the area it really is a paddock of dying shrubs and the lagoon (was to be Marine Stadium) is man made anyway. A low impact development would be an absolute bonus to the area with enhanced recreational facilities and guaranteed preservation of nature reserves and Doug Jennings Park.

Numerous developers have placed expressions of interest including Gold Coast Cruise Port Consortium, Macquarie Bank/Seymour Group Consortium, Marina Cost D'Oro, Multiplex, Oceana, Port Binnli Pty Ltd, Raptis Group, Spitech and Sunland Group Ltd.

My self.... can't wait for it!

Houses, Apartment, Flat for Rent in Gold Coast Australia

2006-04-11T22:47:00.000-07:00

The Gold Coast rental accommodation market is a reasonably hot one in that demand is very strong. This could be due to a number of reasons including a growing education system with the Tafe, Bond Univerisity, Griffith Univerisity and various specialised providers increasing their intake each year and the Gold Coast being very transient in nature.

This creates a lot of demand for rental and semi permanent accommodation and this can be seen in rent prices that appear to be on the up and up.

Accommodation prices depend on location, size and features. Most of the studio and apartment rentals are located in the central suburbs ie Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, Mermaid Beach, Southport, Labrador and as you move out from the center 2br/3br townhouses, units and houses become more common.

Average rent prices for centrally located basic studio apartments or flats would range from 180-250. Basic 2 bedroom flats / units for rent in Broadbeach etc would range from 220 - 300 per week. Houses for rent in the Gold Coast can be good value if your able to split the rent with 3/4 bedroom homes starting at around 300 although they are more suburban in location.

Luxury apartments incur a premium as does anything located close to water or the beach. Expect to pay more.

When renting most landlords require references (personal and from previous landlords), personal information (licence, passport and maybe other forms of id), proof of income and sometimes previous account statements to prove your id and to validate your tardiness in bill paying.

Basically they want to know - who you are, what your reputation is and how well you pay your bills. What they dont want is there place trashed or overdue rent!

Most landlords require four weeks rent as a bond and 2 weeks rent in advance. Lease periods are generally 6 months. For more info on yours and landlords legal requirements see Residential Tenancies Authority which is the Queensland Governments department which administrates the Residential Tenancies Act of 1994.

Locating property to rent on the Gold Coast can be done via searching on the net with most Real Estate agencies listing their properties online, the local newspaper (the Gold Coast Bulletin) or visiting the Real Estate agents direct. Popular real estate agencies are The Proffesionals, Elders, First National and Hillsea Real Estate.

A lot of people also advertise for share accommodation when they have a spare room or are looking for a new flatmate and generally post their ad in Saturdays Gold Coast Bulletin.

Good Luck.

Continued Growth on the Gold Coasts Nth Corridor

2006-03-28T23:09:00.000-08:00

The Queensland Government has announced that a new primary school will be built in the Pacific Pines region which will add to the Pacific Pines State High School, the Upper Coomera State College and the Pacific Pines State School.

The northern region of the Gold Coast continues to grow with developments under progress such as Calypso Bay which will include a massive marina, tavern, supermarket, cafes, retail stores and a golf course.

Coomera Waters Village and Resort is another major development featuring an ocean access marina with the marina village hub including restuarants, cafes, boutique shops, tennis courts and recreational facilities. Land available includes dry lots, riverside and lakefront.

Other developments at Coomera include Nautical Edge and Genesis.

Community and local government development proposals include a multi billion dollar, 21st Century urban centre known as Coomera Town Centre, to be located around the existing Coomera train station. It will comprise a community centre, library, hospital, 50m pool and 106,000 m² of retail space.

This all ties in with the continual growth of Helensvale, Hope Island, Pacific Pines and Studio Village.

gold coast
Australia
real estate

Main Beach Accommodation (Main Beach ptIII)

2006-03-13T05:45:00.000-08:00

Previous posts on Main Beach - Main Beach ptI - Main Beach ptII

In the previous posts I provided a small intro into the suburb and a little about it's vast array of attractions, in this article I'll cover Main Beach Accommodation and some of the popular places to stay.

Maldives Resort
BreakFree Maldives Resort is ideally situated one block from Tedder Avenue, the hub of cafe and restaurant district. A short stroll away are the golden sands of the patrolled surf beach of Main Beach. This unique resort is also within easy walking distance to Surfers Paradise, close to public transport and major Gold Coast attractions.All accommodation units are one-bedroom fully self-contained apartments, with large balcony, air conditioning, fully equipped kitchen and many more conveniences.

Sunbird Beach Resort
BreakFree Sunbird Beach Resort is situated right amidst all the excitement in Indy in October. Very close to the fashionable Tedder Avenue Main Beach, this is the right place for those seeking to do as much or as little as they please. The resort has 38 large self-contained apartments all having private balconies and room service. BreakFree Sunbird Beach Resort also offers professional business and office services to its guests.

Pacific Views Resort
Located just 30 metres from the main beach, Pacific Views Resort Main Beach is only minutes away from Tedder Avenue and its' famous restaurants. This peaceful resort offers 1 and 2 self-contained apartments equipped with several amenities. Pacific Views also features recreational facilities, which include a sauna, spa, swimming pool, gymnasium as well as a tennis court.

Sheraton Mirage
Sheraton Mirage Resort & Spa is surrounded by 15 hectares of lush palm gardens and a sparkling one-hectare blue lagoon from which you can walk straight out and onto the beautiful beach. Accommodations range from elegant rooms to private villas. Enjoy views of the lush tropical gardens, the surrounding lagoons, or the rolling surf. Suites provide unmistakable luxury and the self-contained Pacific Mirage Villas. Guests can dine at the onsite restuarant that serves spectacular seafood dishes accompanied by a glass of champagne in the Oyster Bar. The health club features a gymnasium, 25-metre outdoor lap pool and four floodlit tennis courts.

Sea World Nara Resort
Loacet next door to Sea World theme park and close to Marina Mirage on Seaworld Drive in Main Beach. Rooms are reasonably large in size. Although furnishings are slightly dated, the rooms are comfortable and clean and the bathrooms are in good condition.4 restaurants are spread throughout the property. Property is excellent for families with a large and attractive pool area.

Palazzo Versace
The only "Six Star" hotel in Australia. Palazzo Versace at Main Beach is the creation of an avant-garde hotel concept - combining design features from the opulent palaces of Europe and classical architecture of Roman times, coupled with the highest level of decor and ambience created by Europe's most eminent Grand Couturier - Versace. The World's First Versace Hotel. Inspired by its location - the 205 rooms hotel and 72 condominiums are designed to maximise water frontage. With endless water features, the external style is classic and timeless, with subdued luxury and understated detail.

Main Beach

Main Beach ptII

2006-03-09T20:14:00.000-08:00

Continued from previous post Main Beach

Main Beach is also home to Mariners Cove on Seaworld Drive which features a vast array of eateries, bars and activities.

Amongst the restuarants you will find the Hogs Breath Cafe, the British Arms backpackers bar and grill, Fishermans Wharf Tavern (commonly known as Fisho's), Champions Bar and Grill, China Pier - Chinese seafood restuarant and Scrumpy's bar and grill.

If your'e done with eating and relaxing in the beautiful surrounds of the Mariners Cove you'll also find plenty of activities located at the Marina Mirage Wharf including jet ski hire, parasailing rides, helicopter tours, boat hire, gondalla cruises of the Gold Coast waterways and for something special for lunch or dinner - Tall Ship dinner cruises. Charter Boats also depart from the marina if your looking fo a great days fishing.

And if your after award winning restaurants and exclusive shopping you cant go past Marina Mirage. Restuarants include Vue, Fellini, Raj Palace, Saks, Omero's and Bluefire all having impresive waterfront views. Shops include fashion, jewllery and homewares with names like Charlie Brown, Carla Zampatti, Louis Vuitton to name a few.

Further along Seaworld Drive in Main Beach you'll find Seaworld theme park, boat ramp and then down to the Spit and the Jetty which are popular fishing and recreation spots.

Main Beach

2006-03-09T00:16:00.000-08:00

Main Beach is a suburb of the Gold Coast in Queensland Australia. It's name came from being the main surfing beach at Southport and has today grown into one of Queenslands most prestigious suburbs.

Main Beach has a mix of residential and holiday accommodation which it supports very well. It is an idyllic location featuring long stretching sandy beaches, beautiful parks including Macintosh Island Park and Phillip Park both having well maintained amenities featuring barbecues, seating, toilets without loosing there natural flora and fauna.

Tedder Avenue in Main Beach is popular for it's wining, dining, nightlife and shopping featuring some of the Gold Coast's finest restaurant's and exclusive outlets. Popular restaurant's on Tedder Ave Main Beach include the award winning alfresco restuarant - Domanis Cafe Restaurant Bar, Manos, Tooleys and Montego's Of Main Beach.

At Indy Carnival time in October Main Beach absolutely comes to life with Manos Restuarant and Bar being the 'in' place to be.

Main Beach real estate is some of the most prestigous to be found due to the quality of homes and apartments, it's location and the beautiful area that it is.

See the next post on Main Beach

Main Beach

Gold Coast for Fishing

2006-02-28T19:08:00.000-08:00

Fishing is a popular recreation on the Gold Coast with a vast array of options available.

Inland:
Hinze Dam is a popular spot for bank fishing and by boat. Fish to be caught include Mary River Cod, Bass, Perch, Catfish and Saratoga. There are a few rules that apply to fishing at Hinze Dam check out the Councils Site.

Other Popular bank fishing spots include under the Sundial Bridge, Chevron Island (Off Stanhill Drive - Western end of Chevron Isl), Coombabah Creek, Coomera River, Currumbin Creek, Broadwater at Marine Parade, The Spit, Nerang River and Dunlops Canal. Fish to be caught can include Whiting, Trevally, Mangrove Jack, Flathead, Herring and Queenfish. Use a 2-5kg line with a running ball sinker, swivel and around 80-90cm trace with a 1/0 hook or simalar depending what fish your'e after.

Offshore:
Fish include marlin, sailfish, snapper, cobia, black kingfish, yellowtail, king fish, amberjack, tuna, shark, dolphin fish, tusk fish, wahoo, jew, parrot fish and Sampson fish. Charter Boats are available from Hope Harbor, Marina Mirage and Tweed Harbor. The warmer months are typically suited to Wahoo, Marlin and Mackeral (Oct to May). The cooler months are the best for Snapper, Cobia and Shark.

AFL on the Gold Coast at Carrara Stadium

2006-02-22T19:31:00.000-08:00

The Gold Coast will host its first official AFL match in 14 years later this month when the Brisbane Lions clash with Essendon in the 2006 NAB preseason cup on Friday - February 24th.

Carrara Stadium will also host two AFL premiership matches in 2006, with Melbourne facing Adelaide in round three (April 16th) and the Brisbane Lions vs Hawthorn in a round seven encounter on May 13th.

Carrara Stadium is situated 8km west of Surfers Paradise. It was the home of the Brisbane Bears from 1987 when the club was admitted to the VFL competition through to 1993 when the club relocated to the Gabba. Carrara has an estimated capacity of around 22000 with seating under cover for 5300. The playing surface is similar in size to the MCG and the ground is well served by excellent floodlighting and facilities.

The Australian Football League (AFL) has made a $1 million commitment to the upgrade of Carrara with the Gold Coast City Council budgetting in $2 million as well.

There is also speculation that if succsesful that an ailing Melbourne based team could be relocated to the Coast. This would add to the recently appointed NRL team on the Coast, the Gold Coast Dolphins and see the Gold Coast become a destination for football fans of the nations two biggest codes.

See the AFL website for fixtures and round details.

Australian Outback Spectacular - Gold Coast

2006-01-30T20:03:00.000-08:00

Australian Outback Spectacular will be the first of its kind in Australia. A unique and exciting show capturing the grandeur of the Australian Outback with spectacular visual effects and raw energy all its own, the attraction will open April 2006 and be situated between Warner Bros. Movie World and Wet’n’Wild Water World in the Oxenford/Coomera area of the Gold Coast, and be officially presented by R.M. Williams.

R.M Williams is synonomous with bush clothing and has been apart of the Australian Outback culture for over 70 years.

Australian Outback Spectacular will run nightly from Tuesday to Saturday and will have a capacity of 1,000 seats and include a full Aussie BBQ dinner served during the heat of the show.

The Australian Outback Spectacular is operated by Warner Village Theme Parks who also operate Movie World, Sea World and Wet 'n' Wild theme parks on the Gold Coast.

Try the Gold Coast for Family Holidays

2006-01-29T13:59:00.000-08:00

Looking for a safe destination for a family holiday with endless attractions, favorable climate and diverse scenery? Look no further than the Gold Coast!

Australia's favorite tourist destination has an enviable climate, diversity of attractions, sophisticated nightlife and dining, safe environment and world class resorts and endless sandy beaches. And just minutes inland from the central Gold Coast there is three magnificent National Parks - Springbrook, Lamington and Tamborine which feature beautiful rainforests, picnic areas, nature walks and spectacular lookouts located in the area called the Gold Coast Hinterland.

Climate:
The Gold Coast has a comfortable sub-tropical climate averaging in the 20's.
Summer - December to February - 20-28 degrees C.
Autumn - March - May - 15-25 degrees C.
Winter - June - August - 11-21 degrees C.
Spring - September to November - 15-25 degrees C.

Attractions:
One of the Gold Coasts greatest attractions is it's natural ones including 40km of golden sandy beaches, Eco tourism throughout the Hinterland and National Parks, onshore and offshore fishing, diving and sailing. There is also two wild life parks located at Currumbin and Burliegh. The Hinterland is also popular for it's growing wine and vineyard industry.

Adventure attractions include motor bike tours, parasailing, sky diving, hot air ballooning, jet skiing, power boating, helicopter tours, go karting and motor racing which are just a small selection of the vast array of options.

Four theme parks provide hours and hours if not days of entertainment value with something for everyone. The four theme parks are Movie World, Wet 'n' Wild, Sea World and Dreamworld located between Southport and Coomera. Dreamworld is also the home of Big Brother in Australia.

Nightlife:
The Gold Coast is popular for it's famous nightclubs located on Cavill Avenue and Orchid Avenue where you can party to the early hours. There are also two world class nightclubs located in Broadbeach as well as a large casino and convention centre.

Dining:
Main Beach and Broadbeach are popular for their main streets lined with quality restuarants serving for all tastes in ambient relaxing surroundings.

Major Events:
The Indy championship is one of the major events on the calender as well as the Sanctuary Cove Boat Show, the Magic Millions Horse Racing Carnival, Schoolies Festival and Surf Carnivals.

Accommodation:
The Gold Coast there are over 13,000 rooms available from Coolangatta through to Hope Island including Motels, Guest Houses, Apartments and Hotels. Resorts are first class and the big names include the Palazzo Versace, Marriot, Sheraton Mirage, Holiday Inn, Hyatt, Conrad Jupiters and the Sofitel. Most of these are centrally located in Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach and Main Beach with most having water and or Hinterland views.

Transport:
You can fly to either Gold Coast Airport (30mins from Surfers) or Brisbane Airport(50mins from Surfers) and transport from there can either be via taxi, rental, bus or limousine. Buses run on a regular time table throughout the area and a train runs from Robina to Brisbane.

Find out more @ Gold Coast Family Accommodation.

Gold Coast Airport Booms

2006-01-23T00:53:00.000-08:00

Recent figures from the AIF have reported a 22% rise in passengers reaching a total of 3,506,987 passengers during 2005.

This growth could be due to active marketing of the Gold Coast as a premier tourist destination and it's new popularity with business travellers and conference events.

The Gold Coast is becoming one of the top destinations for conference organisers due to it's safe enviroment, easy access from two major airports (Gold Coast and Brisbane Airport) and it's diversification of activities, climate and quality of services.

Gold Coast Airport is located approx. 40 mins south of central Gold Coast in the suburb of Coolangatta. The airport it service by Jetstar, Qantas, Virgin Blue, Aurtralian Airlines and Freedom Air. Direct flights travel to Cairns, Adeliade, Newcastle, Sydney, Melbourne and seven cities in New Zealand.

Also see:Gold Coast Airport Transfers

January - What a month for the Gold Coast!

2006-01-02T22:37:00.000-08:00

It all starts with the huge fireworks and celebrations for New Years eve and straight after that there's the Australian Women's Hardcourt tournament at Royal Pines, then the next day the Magic Millions Carnival begins.

The Magic Millions Carnival runs for 18 days featuring Luncheons, Cocktail Parties, Golf Days, Racing & Sales, Fashion parades and fun in the sun. The main race day is the 14th of January at the Gold Coast Turf Club with 3 million of prize money on offer.

On the 7th of January is the Summerfieldayze event which is a multi stage 12 hour dance festival held at the Spit on the Gold Coast.

Following all that is the Big Day Out music festival held at the Parklands showground on Sunday the 22nd of January.

To finish up is Australia Day celebrations on the 26th of January.

Discuss at Gold Coast Forums
Limousines

The magnificent Q1 Gold Coast

2005-12-20T23:58:00.000-08:00

The Q1 building is located in Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast and is currently the world's tallest residential tower measuring 323m (80 stories) high.

The building was completed in late 2005 and just recently has opened the two storey obsveration deck to the public.

The observation decks are located at the very top of the tower which only takes around 37 seconds to arrive at in the amazingly fast lifts.

The veiwing areas also include a licenced bar, cafe and a theatre which is currently showing a short film of the history of the Gold Coast. The view is nothing short of amazing allowing a complete 360 deg. view of the entire Gold Coast. This is a must see, words cant do this one justice!

The above shot is just one of the amazing views from this incredible tower.

For more info visit:
Q1 observation deck
For limousine transfers to and from:
My Limo - Gold Coast

New theme park for the Coast!

2005-11-29T15:50:00.000-08:00

One of the Gold Coast's most popular theme parks ( and my favorite too!) , Dreamworld, is about to get a new neighbor in the form of a water theme park .

Dreamworld who is owned by Macquarie Leisure Trust has announced that work on the new 65 million dollar theme park will start as early as the start of the new year.

There are currently 3 other theme parks on the Gold Coast being Movie World, Sea World and Wet n Wild.

This is great news for the Coast with the creation of new jobs throughout the construction phase and into the operation stage. It also adds to the value attraction for visitors looking at coming to the Coast and Im sure travel marketers and agents will be excited to hear this news also.

These parks are all located in the Coomera/Oxenford area which is booming with record real estate sales and development.

Is there enough traffic for 5 major theme parks? I would have to say yes, our visiting numbers are growing and from all reports the Gold Coast Airport is booming and looking at runway extensions to accept International flights. Add to that the fast growing population of the area and I can see a lot of winners.

Stay tuned for the marketing war between Macquarie and Village Roadshow, who own Movie World and Wet n Wild! I think they'll need plenty of water to cool that down!

Main Beach

2005-11-08T14:26:00.000-08:00

The upmarket suburb of Main Beach lies between the Surfers Paradise and the commercial hub of the Gold Coast - Southport. Bordered by the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean and tranquil waters of the Gold Coast Broadwater and Main River system.

Main Beach has evolved into the boutique upmarket suburb of the Gold Coast with its highly favoured residential living. An ultimate lifestyle where one can dine alfresco and enjoy the company of friends at sidewalk cafes and restaurants without even hopping into a car.

Accommodation is plentiful with most featuring a short walk to the ocean and magnificent views. The area is also the chosen home of the Palazzo Versace, Australia's only six star hotel and the beautiful Sheraton Mirage.

Also close by is Marina Mirage featuring shopping and fine dining and a number of activities based on the Marina including Jetskiing, parasailing, dinner cruises and boat charters.

Gold Coast Schoolies

2005-10-11T21:21:00.000-07:00

Schoolies Dates 2005
The dates of Schoolies each year are based on the graduation date of the destination state. It doesn't matter what state you went to school in - it's based on where you go for Schoolies.
WARNING: If you go to Schoolies outside these dates the entertainment, activities, parties, support services and the vast majority of other Schoolies will not be there.
The dates for Schoolies Week celebrations :
Schoolies Queensland Destinations
2005 - Saturday 19th of Nov. to Sunday 27th of Nov.
Schoolies New South Wales Destinations
2005 - Saturday 13th of Nov. to Sunday 21st of Nov
These dates should be checked at schoolies.org.

What is schoolies?
Schoolies week refers to the Australian tradition of high-school graduates (known as "Schoolies") having week-long holidays following the end of their final exams.

Also see:
limos for schoolies
Gold Coast forums

gold coast chat

2005-09-29T22:38:00.000-07:00

A new site has appeared on the Gold Coast scene!

Gold Coast Chat features a whole lot of interactivity and features for Gold Coast resident's and visitors alike.

Gold Coast Forums is a place to meet others and discuss news and local issues.

Gold Coast Directory - if you have a business that services the Gold Coast you can have it listed here or find the Goods and Services you are looking for.

Gold Coast Classifieds - a new section being developed to allowing users to advertise there For Sale items online.

With new items being added all the time this is one Gold Coast website worth keeping an eye on!

Broadbeach

2005-09-25T20:40:00.000-07:00

Broadbeach is well known for its wide expanse of sand, warm blue waters and adjoining parkland offering playground equipment and picnic facilities.
Major annual events include Blues on Broadbeach which sees the streets blocked off to traffic and transformed into one giant outdoor party venue for the Gold Coast's very own blues festival.
The area also is home to Kurrawa Surf Life Saving Club, host of the annual Australian Surf Lifesaving Titles. With this beautiful beach as a backdrop, shopping and dining become totally relaxing experiences. Main streets are lined with trendy outdoor cafes and restaurants. Broadbeach offers beachfront craft markets on the first and third Sunday of every month and free entertainment every saturday in the mall.

Once the lights go down, the action continues with a number of restaurants and plenty of entertainment. There are also a number of bars and clubs where you can dance the night away, or alternatively take your chances at Conrad Jupiter's Casino. You can also enjoy live entertainment at Jupiter's Casino where there is free entertainment every night in the Atrium Bar, as well as unique shows throughout the year.

broadbeach - limo-hiring-tips - wedding-limousines

Gold Coast Indy 2005

2005-09-15T02:01:00.000-07:00

Indy Fever hits the Gold Coast from October 20 to 23 with the 15th staging of Queensland's premier annual event. It is the Lexmark Indy 300 with the speed and thrills of Champ Car and V8 Supercar racing, an enormous off track entertainment program, hundreds of thousands of vibrant spectators, all set on Queensland's spectacular Gold Coast.

The atmosphere is electric as Champ Cars fly by at 300km per hour, V8 Supercars rev up their 620 horsepower engines, F1-11s ignite overhead on afterburn, drivers and celebrities meet their fans, the circuit is filled with people of all ages and interests, and parties continue off the track day and night. And that is just the start!

Visit:
http://www.indy.com.au/
Gold Coast Indy Accommodation
Limousines for Indy

Gold Coast Airport Transfers in the news

2005-08-31T19:37:00.000-07:00

The Gold Coast Airport is located approximately 30kms from Surfers Paradise at the southern end of the Gold Coast near Coolangatta.

It is the gateway to the Gold Coast region and Northern NSW. Major airlines operating at the airport are Jetstar, Virgin, Australian Airlines, Freedom Air and Pacific Blue. It services six destinations for domestic travellers and 11 destinations for international travellers.

Plans are apparently ahead for a runway extension which will allow for direct routes to Asia.

It is also one of Australia's fastest growing airports with the number of domestic passengers going through the Gold Coast airport jumping 25.7 per cent to 2.96 million in the year.

Although services to the airport would apparently be lacking after I noticed this piece of news on the web see - Gold Coast Airport Transport Crisis .

There is some quite valid points there and I know from personal experience that you definately can get stuck there waiting for taxis.

Although a key point, which was also made in the article by a local tourism operator, is plan ahead. Would you go a airport and just expect there to be a plane ready to go to where your'e travelling? Probably not. Plan ahead.

Gold Coast Airport transfers are also available from buses and limousines which can be pre booked.

More resources:
Limousine Directory
Gold Coast Airport
Gold Coast limousines

Gold Coast Theme Parks

2005-08-28T07:14:00.000-07:00

There is more to the Gold Coast than its 42km of beautiful sandy beaches. Australia's best equipped and exciting theme parks are also gems in the crown of the Gold Coast that makes this region Australia's most diversified holiday playground.

Dreamworld is one of the bigger theme parks on the Gold Coast. With its thrilling rides and its famous Tiger Island (where the first litter of Bengal tiger cubs was born in 1998), Dreamworld is one of the more popular destinations.

Wet 'n' Wild Water Park. The park's drawcards are water slides and Australia's only wave pool - three million litres with a sandy beach, a genuine one-metre swell, and boogie boards for hire. In summer, the park is home to Dive In Movies and during winter the slides and pool are heated to 26 degrees Celsius.

Sea World is one of Australia's best known theme parks. The entrance fee allows visitors to see dolphin and seal shows, penguins, shark shows, rides, a roller coaster and water slides. A highlight includes the nation's best daily exhibition of stunt water skiing on the huge lake system that is central to the park.

Currumbin Sanctuary.A short drive south from Surfers Paradise is one of the Gold Coast's oldest family attractions; Currumbin Sanctuary. The Sanctuary's drawcard has been the huge flocks of brightly coloured mountain lorikeets that arrive for morning and evening feedings.

Another of Currumbin Sanctuary's star attractions is Creatures of the Dark Forest - a $1 million interactive and static display highlight the plants and nocturnal creatures of the dark forests. Central to the display is a giant artificial forest tree being taken over by a strangler fig and encased within a 13m high, 27m wide dome-shaped aviary. The aviary is encircled by a native forest which includes an adventure trail winding through tree tops, water gardens and other Australian fauna.

Warner Bros. Movie World. Warner Bros. has been named Australian Tourist Attraction of the year on several occasions. Its most popular shows and attractions include Batman - The Ride, and The Police Academy Show. New attractions are the Official Matrix Exhibit and the Scooby Doo Spooky Coaster.

More info:
Gold Coast Theme Parks
Gold Coast Tours & Theme Park Transfers

Gold Coast winery tours

2005-08-21T20:22:00.000-07:00

Wineries? On the Gold Coast? Isn't the Gold Coast about beaches, sun, sand and surf?

It sure is although a lot people miss out on what the locals call the 'green behind the gold' which is a region called the Gold Coast Hinterland.

Only a small distance inland from all the sun, sand and surf is the rainforest beauty of Mt Tamborine and the emerald countryside in the valleys of Canungra, Clagiraba, and the Albert River which make up Queensland’s boutique wine region.

The Gold Coast Hinterland Wine Country is a spectacular wine region featuring boutique wineries and vineyards producing premium award-winning wines. The cellar doors and restaurants of this region operate from historic homesteads and buildings, and offer the visitor an exceptional wine tourism experience.

The area truly is scenically spectacular and an absloute sensation for the palette!

For more information visit:
Gold Coast Winery Tours
Gold Coast Food & Wine Trail
Gold Coast Wineries

Welcome to Your Gold Coast

2005-08-17T19:12:00.000-07:00

Your Gold Coast
This is my blog all about things that are happening on the Gold Coast. I'll make posts here from time to time relative to new resources and fun things i've found relating to the Gold Coast.

If you haven't been to the Gold Coast it's in Queensland Australia and is the nations favorite tourist destination due to it's glorious all year round weather, beaches and lifestyle.

Here is a resource to help find accommodation and things to do on the Gold Coast - Gold Coast Guide

gold coast

Recommended Reading for your Gold Coast Holiday

Great Australian made blogs on Travel, Queensland and Australia

Gold Coast Nitro SuperGP - Goodbye Indy

Gold Coast Indy 2007 - The race is already on!

Gold Coasts No.1 Website fiasco

Shankar dada Zindabad - filming on the Gold Coast

Soldiers on the March

The Gold Coast for Shopping

Shot of the Broadwater

Asia Pacific Screen Awards on the Gold Coast

World Cup Rugby League on the Gold Coast

Hooters on the Gold Coast!

Gold Coast Photos

Allisee apartments Gold Coast

Brisbane Broncos Win NRL Premiership

Gold Coast Indy - track construction underway!

Avalon apartments at Surfers Paradise

Circle on Cavill

Freshwaterpoint apartments & resort

Accommodation for Dreamworld

Websites About the Gold Coast

Conrad Jupiters Casino Extensions

Wave at Broadbeach

Verve at Broadbeach

Ultra at Broadbeach

Broadbeach - The Place

Burleigh Head National Park Track

Big numbers for the Sanctuary Cove Boat Show

Medical Jobs in Queensland

Boom Times for Southern Gold Coast?

Gold Coast Cruise Terminal still in debate

Houses, Apartment, Flat for Rent in Gold Coast Australia

Continued Growth on the Gold Coasts Nth Corridor

Main Beach Accommodation (Main Beach ptIII)

Main Beach ptII

Main Beach

Gold Coast for Fishing

AFL on the Gold Coast at Carrara Stadium

Australian Outback Spectacular - Gold Coast

Try the Gold Coast for Family Holidays

Gold Coast Airport Booms

January - What a month for the Gold Coast!

The magnificent Q1 Gold Coast

New theme park for the Coast!

Main Beach

Gold Coast Schoolies

gold coast chat

Broadbeach

Gold Coast Indy 2005

Gold Coast Airport Transfers in the news

Gold Coast Theme Parks

Gold Coast winery tours

Welcome to Your Gold Coast