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The Gold Coast's A To Z of Winter
| 28 June 2010
The Gold Coast will be the place to be for many Australians during the remaining months of winter, as individuals and families choose the region’s soothing sunshine to counter their own cooler climates.
Rest and relaxation, wining and dining, hinterland escapes, active pursuits and an ever evolving events calendar confirm the Gold Coast as a year long destination of choice.
The city can be fully experienced in fun-filled ways this winter.
A – Venture to Australian Outback Spectacular’s dinner and show to enjoy a journey that celebrates the history of Australian stock men and women. Culture is in abundance at the Arts Centre Gold Coast, while Aqua Duck provides a novel way to tour through the streets and waterways of the Gold Coast. Take in an Australian Kayak Adventure or head to the hinterland for an all terrain vehicle experience with ATV Adventures.
B – Despite being a little cooler than usual, the beach is still a great place to relax and unwind. On the Broadwater there’s an endless range of on water activities available. Broadbeach is all about events focusing on food and music throughout winter, while the great outdoors can be explored with Balunjali interpretative kayak tours or choose Balloon Hot Air and Balloon Down Under to gain a bird’s eye view of the region.
C – Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary boasts a comprehensive array of animals of all shapes and sizes, plus the all new Extreme Green Challenge ropes course and recently introduced Segway Tours. Couran Cove Island Resort has a Koala Haven and its own beach Segway adventure, while Catch a Crab allows a fully interactive boating experience on the southern reaches of the Gold Coast. In fact cruises around the waterways of the Gold Coast provide memorable experiences, as does the Cloud 9 Seaplane from an aerial perspective.
D – Dining anywhere on the Gold Coast is a major part of the weekend or short break getaway experience. Day spas provide a welcome indulgence during your next Gold Coast visit or be entertained by the ghoulish antics of Dracula’s new stage show, Black Blood. What Gold Coast visit would be complete without time spent at all time family favourite theme park, Dreamworld.
E – Entertainment, Entertainment, Entertainment!! No matter what your fancy, adrenalin activities, stage shows, theme parks, day or night time fare, it’s all available here on the Gold Coast. Guarantee yourself the thrill of catching a fish at Ecopark Fishing World or book your next visit to coincide with the many events on the winter calendar. The Escarpment at Mt Tamborine is one of Queensland’s most captivating and enchanting getaways designed to revive, relax and unwind.
F – The tradition of family fun on the Gold Coast is passed from generation to generation. Through a sense of adventure one is able to gain a true appreciation of the incredible variety of things to see and do throughout this amazing landscape. A Southern Cross 4WD adventure or fishing the waterways is a great way to fill a winter’s day. Better still, let the professionals do the hard work for you and stock up for a fresh feast of fish and crustaceans at Gold Coast Fishermen’s Co-Op.
G – The Gold Coast continually offers once in a lifetime experiences. Check out the Glow worm caves at Natural Arch in Springbrook National Park. Book yourself in for some 5-star relaxation at Gwinganna Health Retreat or swing a club at one of the 40 championship size golf courses throughout the region. There’s an ongoing array of large scale musical acts, theatre shows and sporting events also hosted at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre.
H –Australia’s Gold Coast has developed an undeniable reputation of being able to provide rejuvenation of mind, body and soul through its extensive range of health retreats. If your desires are more fast-paced go for Hollywood Stunt Driver at Warner Bros. Movie World or Holden Performance Driving Centre. Explore the region in style on a Gold Coast Heli Tour or catch up with friends for some live music at Hard Rock Café.
I – Infinity in Surfers Paradise offers a multi-sensual labyrinth of fun that occupies an entire wing of Chevron Renaissance. Calmer on-water good times are assured aboard Imagine Cruises where you can gather a group for a corporate event, wedding, engagement, birthday party, anniversary or any other special occasion. Dreamworld’s latest installment, Illuminate is a 30 minute light and laser spectacular inspired by Aurora Australis, the great Southern Lights that dance above the Antarctic.
J – Jet Ski Safaris are your fun and adventure specialists leading you on an unforgettable journey through narrow tidal passages that snake their way through endless miles of untamed mangrove everglades and along pristine, sandy island beaches. There’s also good reason why Jetboating is considered the equivalent of a rollercoaster or rally car on water, so buckle up and enjoy the ride with Paradise Jet Boating. Beach or bush, JPT Tours offer adventure and guidance on what to see and do throughout the region.
K – A recent addition to the Wet ‘n’ Wild thrill set is the Kamikaze slide adventure, however if browsing the shopping options at Robina Town Centre, why not make a full day of it and enjoy lunch at the all new lakeside restaurant Kouzina – The Mediterranean Kitchen. While you’re down the southern end of the Gold Coast, live like a surfer at the recently introduced Komune Resort at Coolangatta.
L – Fashionable fun times are part of the package at Level One Marina Mirage, where an assortment of styles and colours will keep retail enthusiasts entertained. Dining within exquisite surrounds doesn’t get any better on the Gold Coast than at Lauxes Restaurant and Bar on Broadbeach.
M – Commit yourself to an overnight stay with a secluded difference at the Mouses House chalets and facilities at Springbrook National Park or become the star of your own thrilling adventure at Movie Stunt Experience. Jupiters Hotel & Casino has an all new stage show, Mother Africa or for a retail buzz with a difference visit the Marina Quays Village Markets.
N – Nothing says the Gold Coast quite like the City’s stunning beaches and for dining with unlimited views it doesn’t get any better than Northcliffe or North Burleigh Surf Lifesaving Clubs. One of the more popular surf breaks along the City’s 70 kilometre coastline can be found at Narrowneck in Coolangatta or if you’re venturing throughout the hinterland be sure to check out the nut and fudge varieties available along Tamborine’s Gallery Walk.
O – Book yourself in for an O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat experience in winter which can include a choice of nature conscious retreats, stargazing, photography and bush inspired weekends. If you have the family in tow and are looking for dining bargains treat them to a power packed lunch or dinner at any one of the Outback Jacks Bar and Grill outlets. Get the blood pumping with a dose of high powered V8 action as you pilot one of the racing machines at Off Road Rush.
P – Nothing says family fun quite like the award wining Paradise Resort and its assortment of in-house activities for kids. The Gold Coast is also the Australasian birthplace of renowned fun time favourite, Putt Putt Golf. Representing another landmark of the City is Palazzo Versace which has recently unveiled its Water Salon option for guests. Visitors are guaranteed a retail fix like no other at Pacific Fair Shopping Centre.
Q – Quiet times can be well appreciated on the Gold Coast during winter. Choose to chill 77 stories high among the funky surrounds of QDeck where you can overlook an amazing coastal landscape that’s cradled by an extraordinary hinterland backdrop. Downstairs there’s even more time to unwind with a visit to Q1 Resort and Day Spa.
R – The Gold Coast has an assortment of resorts to ensure every holiday or short break creates lifelong memorable moments. While enjoying the comforts of your chosen abode, stay indoors and have Ripple Massage come to you with an array of treatments bound to have you relaxed and refreshed. Looking to do something a little different? Why now pop by the all new Ripley’s Believe it or Not in Cavill Mall, Surfers Paradise for a complete interactive experience.
S – Take a shopping tour, peruse the boutiques, wander through the piazzas. Other notable outlets include Oasis shopping centre, Centro Surfers Paradise and Showcase on the Beach, Coolangatta. If an appreciation of food is more your thing sample the many delights along the southern Gold Coast’s Seafood Discovery Trail. Your mode of transport could be the all new three-wheeled Spyder Ryder. While you’re in the area pop by Kirra Beach for a dose of high flying adventure with Skydive Gold Coast. Also just across the road from Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is Surf World. Treat the family to a more traditional past time at Strike Bowling in Circle on Cavill, Surfers Paradise.
T – When it comes to man made attractions that stimulate the senses, the Gold Coast is unmatched as home to the southern hemisphere’s largest collection of theme parks. A rush of adrenalin is assured aboard Tiger Moth Joy Flights or there’s a multitude of options for you to explore the natural wonders of the region. Tamborine Mountain is home to the Rainforest Skywalk and its own internationally acclaimed distillery. Venture a little further and enjoy the scenic surrounds of Cedar Creek Lodges and related activities at Thunderbird Park. Let the experts direct your Gold Coast voyage on a range of exploratory tours, cruise the waterways with Tall Ship Cruises or enjoy taste sensations at Tropical Fruit World. In fact a major food affair exists throughout August and September during the annual Tastes of Gold Coast event.
U – Underwater adventures are a virtual unknown wonder of the Gold Coast. The region is considered Australia’s premier inshore dive site, boasting year round access and a fish diversity unequalled by any other city in Australia. If you are into diving you may know of many famous dive sites, but none are within the city limits of a major urban centre and enjoy the luxury of being primarily shore based.
V – V8 Supercars Australia is based here on the Gold Coast and while visitors have to wait until October for the Armor All Gold Coast 600 event, adrenalin junkies can find themselves behind the wheel at the V8 Superschool any time of the year. Local landscapes are only enhanced by the presence of the Currumbin and Tallebudgera Valley regions where magnificent villas and hideaways are all part of the experience.
W – Choose a Gold Coast winery to offer some winter warmth or enjoy the local tastes and flavours offered at Witches Chase Cheese. WhiteWater World and Warner Village Theme Parks offer theme park escapism or combine food and animal encounters during a Wildnight Adventure at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. The waters of the Gold Coast are nicknamed ‘Humpback Highway’ for a reason, so join the giants of the sea during any one of the whale watching expeditions available.
X – The Jet X jetboat is one of the more recognisable water craft that journeys throughout the greater Broadwater area, entertaining thrill seekers of all ages. Rest assured when it comes to the X factor, no matter what your definition of fun the Gold Coast has you covered.
Y – Take the Yatala turn off from the M1 where you’ll find the Gold Coast home of Dick Johnson Racing, a purpose built facility which includes race museum and retail store. Tours of the current V8 Supercar workshop can be arranged, plus you’ll enjoy an extensive education about the cars that touring car legend Dick Johnson has made famous throughout the past four decades.
Z – ZZzzzzzzzzzzz After doing so much or so little, it can be good just to sit back, relax and watch the world go by. Of course there’s no better place to do so than right here on the Gold Coast.