Gold Coast Romance

Inside: Time on the water  p6 Dining out  p8

Discover the Hinterland and it's hidden treasures  p4

The Gold Coast romance edition Discover the romantic side of the Gold Coast  P8

getting here, there and everywhere Explore the Gold Coast

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2 I Travel Gold Coast romance edition

Getting here, there and everywhere Easy to get to, easy to explore

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ustralia's Gold Coast is a favourite Kiwi holiday destination. Here you’ll find more activities, experiences and events than a single holiday can handle. Plus it is easy to get to with direct flights to Gold Coast Airport from Auckland or Christchurch.

Getting around is also easy with plenty of options to choose from self-drive with your own rental car, explore with one of the many tours on offer, or hop on and off the 24 hour local bus service to get around.

The Gold Coast boasts 30 different beaches each with their own personality and providing a welcoming village feel. Wide expanses of sand are ideal for walking, while the more secluded enclaves feature an exclusively intimate, private feel.

The northern areas of Surfers Paradise, Main Beach and Broadbeach are all about fun, entertainment, nightlife and shopping. You can easily fill your day with thrill rides, water slides, jet boats, shopping havens, surf breaks or just lounging around. It’s just as active by night with bright lights, dining and dance venues, bustling bars and casino spread throughout this city by the sea.

The southern reaches of the region from Burleigh Heads down to Coolangatta are a mix of coastal and hinterland surrounds boasting renowned eco-friendly hotspots.

Enjoy a leisurely paced getaway among the golden white sands of Currumbin, Kirra and Greenmount, which are extensively cradled by

valleys and creeks. This panoramic setting of unbelievable landscapes, tropical views and listed national parks is highly suitable for family fun, whether in the water or hiking along nature trails.

Just 40 minutes’ drive from Gold Coast beaches is a hinterland of subtropical rainforest, interspersed with mountain villages, bushwalks, waterfalls and swimming holes, plus World Heritage-listed Springbrook and Lamington National Parks, and the extended township of Tamborine Mountain. Provided

by VisitGoldCoast.co.nz 

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 Fly Direct To The Gold Coast Fly direct to the Gold Coast with: • Air New Zealand from Auckland or Christchurch. www.airnewzealand.co.nz Domestic New Zealand connections are available • Virgin Australia from Auckland www.virginaustralia.com/nz • Jetstar from Auckland or Christchurch www.jetstar.co.nz Once you arrive at the Gold Coast International Airport, it is only a 30 minute transfer time to Surfers Paradise.

For more information on the Gold Coast Airport go to www.flygoldcoast.com.au Transferring from Gold Coast Airport to your accommodation is easy: • By coach: Gold Coast Tourist Shuttle provides a door to door service www.gcshuttle.com.au or to catch the free Airport Link shuttle which will take you straight out to the Gold Coast Highway where public transport is readily available

 Fly To Brisbane Fly direct to Brisbane with: • Air New Zealand from Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch www.airnewzealand.co.nz • Virgin Australia from Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch www.virginaustralia.com/nz • Qantas from Auckland www.qantas.com.au • Jetstar from Christchurch www.jetstar.co.nz • Emirates from Auckland www.emirates.co.nz Once you arrive at Brisbane International Airport it is only a one hour drive south to the Gold Coast. For more information on the Brisbane Airport go to: www.brisbaneairport.com.au Transferring from Brisbane International Airport to the Gold Coast is easy: • By rail: Airtrain links Brisbane Airport, Brisbane CBD and the Gold Coast with an efficient train service: www.airtrain.com.au

Get great Gold Coast deals at visitgoldcoast.co.nz

• By road: From Brisbane via the eightlane Pacific motorway: www.mainroads.qld.gov.au • By coach: Door to door transfer with Con-X-ion www.con-x-ion.com

 Getting Around The Gold Coast Having your own rental car is the perfect way to get around: • Choose from one of the many rental car companies on offer. Best to book before you go, especially during busy seasons.

Getting around by bus is another option: • The Surf side Buses operates 24 hours a day 7 days a week, reaching most main tourist areas and shopping centres. Bus stops are positioned every 300 meters. www.surfside.com.au or Gold Coast Tourist Shuttle Freedom Pass www.gcshuttle.com.au

4 I Travel Gold Coast romance edition

Just loving it Far from the madding crowd, Hamish Fletcher discovers the romantic side of the Gold Coast

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ying on sun-soaked beaches is a hallowed ritual of the Gold Coast getaway. So it was with almost heretical arrogance that my partner and I relaxed there for a week and never once took a walk down its stretches of golden sands or dipped our toes into the Pacific.

Perhaps it was for the best; no-one would have fancied the sight of my alabaster torso among the bronzed and chiselled beach bodies. This, after all, was supposed to be some sort of romantic holiday - I didn't want the locals stealing any attention.

We didn't waste a minute of the fine February weather trapped in the region's gargantuan shopping complexes, either. Nor did we follow the footsteps of the thousands queuing for the chance to travel at nauseating speeds, barely strapped into a rollercoaster.

This was a not your textbook Gold Coast holiday - it was a week where we would get as far away from the glitter strip as we could and experience some of the lesserknown gems of the Gold Coast.

The first part of this road lesstravelled saw us mingle with Queensland's rich and famous.

Though we didn't actually meet many of these pillars of high society, we did bask in the shadows of their palatial mansions, which look out on to a serpentine network of waterways.

Duffy Down Under Gold Coast Boat Hire - based at the Main Beach marina - let the inexperienced but eager skipper command their own electric boat up and down the waterways. You don't need a boating licence to operate them,

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Above: Mt Tamborine Wine Tasting Right: Miami Marketta is worth a visit

but if you really want to make a splash and turn heads along the canals, Duffy also hires out what it calls the "limousine on the water" - complete with mini-fridge, onboard toilet, beds and a skipper to steer the vessel.

There's a lot of to explore in these boats, but you don't appreciate the immensity of the Gold Coast's waterways until you're looming above the 900-kilometre network of canals, as we did the following day.

Light had only just started to soften the early morning darkness as the gas burner roared into life and gently floated our billowing hotair balloon 500m into the dawn sky.

As the Surfers' high-rises shrunk into the distance, our journey with flight operator Balloon Aloft took us north, past the the golfcourses, resorts and marina-village of Sanctuary Cove. With the sun barely kissing the sky, it would have been the perfect occasion for a proposal or some other declaration of love, were it not for the 15 other tourists in the basket with us. As we slowly came down in a dew-covered cow paddock, the Pacific Ocean on one horizon disappeared from view,

as did the Queensland hills on the other.

It wasn't the first glimpse my partner and I had seen of the region's mountains and hinterland.

The day before we had escaped from the tourist bustle with an intoxicating tour of Mt Tamborine wineries. Less than an hour's drive from Surfers, this area is home to a string of artisan shops and boutique wineries.

Cheryl Brennan, who runs Mt Tamborine Wine Tasting Tours, offers a hotel pickup and return service, which left us free to sample every drop that was put before us.

The highlight was not to be found at the bottom of glass of Queensland Semillon but in shots of flavoured liqueur. Stepping into Tamborine Mountain Distillery, a family-run business operating out of a fairytale house, we found ourselves in an alcoholic candyland. Behind a wooden counter is a wall of brightly-painted bottles holding delights like wattle toffee liqueur and caramel vodka.

On our last evening we discovered a treasure hiding away in the suburbs. In a string of warehouses and semi-industrial spaces, Rabbit

+ Cocoon is a precinct of artists, musicians, filmmakers, writers and fashion designers. Hosting regular performances, this hub comes alive one evening a month for Miami Marketta, an event where the community can meet the creativesin-residence, attend art classes, yoga sessions and listen to live music.

Miami Marketta also features a market with food and drink stalls, locally-made clothing, art, furniture and jewellery. Our only disappointment was that we hadn't discovered Rabbit + Cocoon sooner, or at least hadn't been so hasty as to empty our wallets earlier in the week. î š

 More info: www.duffydownunder.com.au www.balloonaloft.com www.mttamborinewinery.com www.rabbitandcocoon.com

6 I Travel Gold Coast romance edition

Time on the water Hamish Fletcher finds 10 great things to do on the water in the Gold Coast.

1 Get married If romance strikes over the prawns and scallops of Main Beach, there's a little place the locals know where you can have the deal signed, sealed and delivered. Celebrations Afloat is Australia's only floating wedding chapel, with room for 74 of your nearest and dearest and is BYO. It's like Vegas, but on the water. www.celebrationsafloat.com.au 2 Seafood markets of Main Beach Tucked in beside the grandiose Palazzo Versace, the hard-working fishing trawlers stick out like a sore thumb. But what a delicious thumb.

Every day locals flock to the Gold Coast Fisherman's Co-operative to scoop up the freshest seafood straight off the prawn trawlers, tuna long-liners and crab boats. Open

from 7am until it's all gone. www.freshestcatch.com.au 3 Jet Ski Safari Jet Ski Safaris take you through mangroves and flood plains on the way to the Gold Coast's northernmost point. Ride solo or as a couple and stop for a drink at an island pub as you explore the region's waterways up close. www.jetskisafaris.com.au 4 Swimming with sharks If a dash of danger is likely to spice up your life then you and your better half should get up close with the local wildlife. The SeaWorld theme park at Main Beach offers a shark feeding encounter where you can be submerged in an acrylic cage with these ocean predators. www.seaworld.com.au

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Duffy Down Under, the electric boat hire company Renting a Duffy Electric Boat is the best way to enjoy a fun day or evening cruising the Gold Coast Waterways with your family and friends.

Duffy Boats are extremely easy to operate, self drive, and no boat license is required. Each boat comfortably sits up to 2-12 people.

Each boat has a full canopy top, full window enclosures, and great sounding compact disc player with iPod hookup.

Something to celebrate? Duffy Electric Boats are the perfect way to spend a birthday, romantic overnight rental, proposals/ weddings/receptions, anniversary, retirement, corporate events, date night, or party with family, friends, or out of town guests. www.duffydownunder.com.au

5 Sanctuary Cove lagoon Nestled inside the grounds of the Intercontinental Hotel at Sanctuary Cove, this resort's tidal beach lagoon is the perfect place to cool off. Dry off while relaxing in the sun on the lagoon's sandy shore before spending a night at one of the Gold Coast's most luxurious accommodation spots. www.ihg.com 6 Visit the homes of the rich and famous Whether by paddle board, kayak or skippering your own electric boat, the waterways of the Gold Coast are littered with some of the most extravagant homes of Queensland's who's who. From opulent mansions to an exact replica of the Addams Family manor, the houses are at least a sign that money can't always buy taste. www.visitgoldcoast.co.nz 7 Restaurants at Main Beach If you build up an appetite while out on the water, Main Beach is a

perfect place to drop anchor.

From high-brow wining and dining at Glass, a seafood platter and a VB at Fisho's or a prawn skewer from Peter's Fish Market, you're bound to find something to sate your hunger. www.visitgoldcoast.co.nz 8 Island getaway If the beaches of the mainland feel too busy, the team at Reef Ryder have the answer.

Aboard their comfortable launch, sun-seekers can enjoy a day island hopping, snorkeling, a true blue Aussie prawn lunch on the island and the chance to see dolphins and sea turtles along the way. www.reefryder.com.au 9 Jet Boating In the mood for something a bit racier? Jet Boat Extreme's "luxury 5-star" fleet pack 650hp twin jet-power turbo engines and can whizz at over 80k/ph. Spinning and sliding across Broadwater, your joyride is sure to annoy every other

boatie on the water. Ignore them, they're just jealous. www.jetboatextreme.com.au 10 Cocktails at Burleigh Heads Looking out over one of the best surf beaches on the Coast, Pointbreak Bar and Grill has spectacular views and cocktails to match. Arrive early on to get a spot out on the deck and watch surfers catch waves until the sun goes down. They also carry a good selection of craft beers if mojitos aren't your thing. www.pointbreakburleigh.com î š

8 I Travel Gold Coast romance edition

Above:The taste of the Gold Coast in a glass at Cafe d'bar also pictured below.

Dining out Fresh seafood is a highlight of dining on the Gold Coast, writes, Hamish Fletcher

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he smorgasbord of prime restaurants across the Gold Coast are a medley of formal dining rooms and sandswept eateries where a dinner is never far from fresh seafood.

Our first taste of the local cuisine was at Coolangatta's Cafe d'bar, nestled up to the New South Wales border and overlooking Duranbah beach. Like a good bach, a good beachside restaurant is one where you don't feel bad about dragging a bit of sand in. Along with generous, wellpriced portions, d'bar offered

stylish twists on classic summer meals. We opted for the d'bar signature burger ($21) - a juicy, beef-filled sandwich, complete with traditional trimmings - and Tasmanian beer-battered snapper ($20). Both came with doublefried thick-cut chips, and were more than we could scoff down on a sweltering Sunday afternoon.

Lunch was washed down with two zesty pina colada frappes ($8.80) - the taste of the Gold Coast in a glass. www.cafedbar.com.au Further north, Oskars on Burleigh, a distinctly upmarket establishment,

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Above: Oskars prawns were succulent. You can't beat the view from Peter's Fish Market

with views out over one of the area's most popular surf breaks claims it is close enough to the water for patrons to throw out a line- and chef Marty Kollrepp's menu is clearly inspired by the food the ocean provides.

We enjoyed a succulent entree of prawns, with deep-fried coconut and macadamia nuts in a fresh curry mayonnaise ($30.50). My partner chose a yellow-fin tuna steak, with creamy garlic potato and salsa verde ($49.50) while I opted for the beef wagyu ($48). This came out perfectly cooked but dominated the plate and would have benefited from more of the well-matched mushrooms and red wine jus. www.oskars.com.au Keep travelling north and you'll hit Broadbeach, fast becoming a trendy dining spot and sprouting great new restaurants in the process. We chose the month-old Social Eating House and Bar and after a delightful night out, it's easy to see why the place is striking a chord amongst locals.

We shared a board of Spanish and Italian meats ($35), mixed olives ($10), cured kingfish with shaved fennel ($22.50), roasted

Swiss Brown Mushrooms ($15) and roasted king prawns in garlic in herbs ($25). The only disappointment was we didn't leave enough room for dessert. www.facebook.com/ SocialEatingHouseBar If you find yourself amongst the luxurious launches of Mariners Cove at Main Beach, you'll be spoilt for choice. www.marinerscovemarina.com.au The area is home to some of the most expensive hotels on the Coast, with premium restaurants to match. Glass, on the water's edge next to Marina Mirage shopping centre, has spectacular views of boats coming into moor.

With platters of oysters, king crab, snapper, calamari, and scallops, or buckets of prawns with lemon soy, and ginger aioli, it's best to come with an big appetite. Be sure to try the delectable entree of Crystal Bay scallops with prawn toast and sweet corn puree ($30). If you're not dressed for fine dining, head along to Peter's Fish Market, where a feed for two comes in at less than $25. www.petersfish.com.au 

 More info: Bavarian Bier Cafe For a guaranteed great night out coupled with fine fare and the world's purest biers, head to Bavarian Bier Cafe Broadbeach - the Gold Coast's ultimate destination venue! With a chic interior and large outdoor dining area, this stylish space is perfect for everything from post-work drinks and corporate lunches to family outings and celebratory functions with a Bavarian twist...

Prost! www.bavarianbiercafe.com

10 I Travel Gold Coast romance edition

Time to relax and unwind Hamish Fletcher uncovers the relaxing side of the Gold Coast

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looked to my partner awkwardly as we prepared to reveal our bare bodies to complete strangers. She could offer me no help whatsoever – the situation was already tense enough due to the trials of international travel.

Now, locked in a darkened room with nothing more than a bathrobe around me, I was anxious about committing a serious faux-pas.

I should have spoken up earlier, but was worried doing so would reveal my gross inexperience; that I had never before paid for these sort of services and was really quite anxious about the whole affair.

These fears were unfounded - it turned out that if I had insisted, I could keep my underwear on for the entire 50 minutes.

When walking into Kingscliff's Golden Door Spa I was uncertain to how comfortable I'd be with a stranger's hands all over my body.

Ten-minutes into my Swedish massage ($A110 each) any

misgiving faded into memory. To a faint soundtrack of birdsong and trickling water, 25 years of stress was forced out of me as I lay in a blissful trance. Our backs, necks, shoulders, arms, legs - even fingers and toes - were all kneaded into shape as we were pulled, prodded and poked by our attentive masseuses. Coming straight to Kingscliff after an early-morning flight to Gold Coast airport, this pampering was a sure sign that our holiday had begun.

Emerging calm and carefree after our treatment, the bickering car ride an hour before seemed a world away from our serene drive back to Coolangatta.

After getting through Golden Door with no embarrassing wardrobe malfunctions, I was quietly confident later that week when we visited Surfers Paradise's Q1 Spa, tucked below one of world's tallest residential skyscrapers.

But such assurance was misplaced;

imagine my surprise when confronted with nothing but a small towel to drape over my nakedness.

A lot could go wrong in an hourlong full-body exfoliation.

But again, my unease was soon behind me as I relaxed into the treatment, the therapist making sure the towel stayed exactly where it should be. www.goldendoor.com.au Matters of modesty aside, Q1's "Coconut Ocean Wave" spa treatment (A$165 each) would see us scrubbed down head-totoe, scraping every flake of skin, cleansing every pore, before being snuggly cocooned in a wrap and delicately water-blasted off.

Although I left refreshed and with my modesty intact, it turns out my prudish paranoia is a common concern of first-time massage goers. Experts advise bringing up any apprehensions with spa staff from the get-go to ensure your treatment is relaxing as it can be. www.q1.com.au î š