Welcome to the Gold Coast
A BRIEF HISTORY
For 23,000 years before European settlement, the Gold Coast was home to traditional owners and custodians, the Yugambeh people.
The first Europeans visited the area to source timber. By the end of the 19th Century, locals from Brisbane travelled by boat to the Gold Coast to spend some time seaside.
In 1885 the State Governor built a seaside home in Southport, catapulting the region into a fashionable resort location for the wealthy and influential.
By 1889 the train line was extended from Brisbane and in 1925, a new coastal road linking Brisbane to the beach was completed. The seaside towns that dotted the coast became an ‘R&R’ haven for the thousands of Australian and Allied Armed Forces during World War II who introduced milk bars and jazz music to local culture.
In 1933 the township around a prominent hotel was named ‘Surfers Paradise’. It became the place to buy and sell land in the post-war real estate boom.
In 1949 the towns from Southport to Coolangatta joined to become the Town of the Gold Coast. While the name was used to describe a real estate boom, it also represented the golden sand, sunshine and healthy living. With peace came prosperity and significant developments were built to secure the Gold Coast’s place as a major holiday destination, known for relaxation, fun and glamour.
The first high-rise was built in Surfers Paradise in 1959. In less than a century, the Gold Coast evolved from a series of seaside villages to one of the most famous holiday destinations in the world.
Published by
Managing Editor: Carly King
Artwork: Filipa Scott
Sales: Jess Monro
Sarah Watkinson 07 5576 3044
sales@infomaps.com.au
Inside Gold Coast: Belinda Symons Bianca Trathen Adele Micheletti
Jacqeline Bojanowski
Chelsea Ipsen Mathilde Bouby Kirra Smith Edition 19 Sept 24 to Aug 25
Website: insidegoldcoast.com.au
Social Media: #insidegoldcoast
EDITOR’S NOTE
Welcome to the Gold Coast!
I hope you’ve been blessed with many days of glorious sunshine on your stay, but even on the few days a year it does rain, fear not, there’s always a good time to be had with many venues catering for this too.
This magazine is filled with local business’ who are so happy to have you here and want to make your vacay the best one ever!
If you’re looking for something new or unique, make sure you chat to a local and discover what they enjoy doing in their hometown.
This inspired us to share with you our ‘insider’ information because no one knows more about the Gold Coast than we do!
To see what we get up to; check out our website at insidegoldcoast.com.au
Inside Gold Coast is your locals go-to guide for everything to eat, drink and do on the Gold Coast. So whether it’s attending an event, chillaxing at the beach or simply visiting a locals’ fave, we hope you enjoy your stay, we love having you here and remember... always swim between the flags!
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Attractions & Activities
Enjoying an ideal year round climate and an amazing variety of natural landscapes, including 70 kilometres of famous beach and 100,000 hectares of world heritage-listed rainforest, the region has been attracting visitors since first settlement.
Today, natural wonders are complemented by the largest selection of family theme parks, golfing greens, shopping centres and restaurants.
There are more attractions on the Gold Coast than any other city in the southern hemisphere. It’s easy to see why a Gold Coast holiday is the popular choice.
The activities on the Gold Coast bring smiles to people of all ages and stages.
With exhilarating rides, exotic animals and endless waterslides to help you cool off on hot summer days, your Gold Coast holiday offers a full spectrum of interactive entertainment –from dazzling big budget Gold Coast theme parks to small, hilariously kitsch museums.
Discover something new from pure, adrenalin-packed fun to natural indulgence, the contrasts of the Gold Coast unite to deliver every holiday experience you could desire.
EVERY FRI & SAT NIGHT
Visit the top of Australia’s tallest building, 77 levels above the Gold Coast.
CLIMB THE ICONIC Q1
Take on Australia’s highest external building climb morning, day and night.
Best views of the GC 90-minute experience
Scan to visit our website and to book your next adventure at SkyPoint
SINK YOUR TEETH INTO A GHOULISHLY GOOD TIME
Menagerie: Dracula’s extravaganza of exotic delights
There are few names more synonymous with the GC than Dracula’s Cabaret. Our OG theatre experience and one of the few attractions that continues to go from strength to strength (unlike the Broady monorail loop #rip). For as long as we’ve been flocking to the Broadbeach institution the Dracula’s crew has continued to be known for their ability to put on a bloody fangtastic night out.
For those up who grew up alongside that unmissable spooky facade taunting us on our weekly Pac Fair pilgrimages, it was a very fine day indeed when we were finally old
enough to discover what intrigue awaited behind those mysterious castle doors. And really, have you even been to the Gold Coast if you haven’t been to Dracs? Those mems of queuing in a line down the block, making a fool of yourself on the ghost train, laughing ‘till you cried before finishing it all off with one of those devilishly good coffin desserts and some flashing horns for good measure #IYKYK.
The captivating cocktail of fastpaced live music, mind bending aerial acrobatics, comedy, and of course the signature Dracula’s black light puppetry, always has a new twist (not to mention the actual cocktails, because they’re just more fun in a smoking Tiki mug). The current production, Menagerie, peers through the fractured lens of nature – revealing a peculiar assortment of curiosities presented for your amusement - which, given the calibre of Dracula’s productions, has our curiosity well and ghouly piqued.
Teasing the chance to witness nature like you’ve never seen before – thrilling,
peculiar, and utterly mind-blowing, we have no doubt it will leave you howling. Thankfully we’re still treated to the full three-course dinner and show experience we know and love.
The show is a wild and wicked ride in more ways than one, with the iconic Ghost Train our anticipation levels might be high but the ole’ jump scare tolerance certainly is not.
From opening number to closing curtains, Dracula’s promises a spectacle with bite (and as mentioned we can guarantee their jokes are infinitely better than ours). Missing out on the magic the Dracs team cooks up is a big no fangs from us, so do yourself a favour and get amongst it. From $115 per person including a top notch threecourse feed, or upgrade yourself to the full #VIP treatment from $145.
To book Dracula’s, see back cover Words by Kellie Leader Story from insidegoldcoast.com.au
Cruising & Watersports
20 Quack’R Duck
21 Jet Ski Safaris
22 Rosie Boat Charters
23 Gold Coast Watersports
With our pumping breaks and ‘surf above all else’ mantra, a few surfing world champs that we call mates and a culture that hangs its hat, and its heart, on boards, bikinis and beach bags, it’s safe to say we know a thing or two about getting salty ‘round here. Our beaches are as iconic as those who patrol them and our kids grow up learning to swim before they can walk. We surf check on the daily, talk about waves with anyone and business deals are often done in boardrooms that have sets rather than tables.
We’re active and healthy, riding cruisers, getting gnarly on skateboards or running to keep ourselves fit. Our weekends are spent beachside sipping coffee, and we might even get frothy with a beer or two. We live by the beach, and are fuelled by its energy; it’s our tonic, a ritual and our muse.
The Gold Coast caters to every on-water activity imaginable where thrill seekers can choose from jetboating, parasailing, kite surfing, diving, jet-ski safaris, snorkelling, cruising and yachting.
Enjoy deep-sea fishing, marvel during a whale-watching tour, take in a guided cruise of the waterways or simply swim among the surf at some of the best beaches in the world. A learn-tosurf class guided by world champions is a must-do, as are paddling and kayaking explorations.
In addition to the Gold Coast’s famous beaches, it also boasts a spectacular network of waterways made up of five main
rivers, numerous creeks, lakes, canals and the magnificent Broadwater. Some 480 kilometres of rivers and streams, as well as 774 hectares of lakes, dams and canals wind their way through the city’s landscape.
The vast range of complementing waterways makes the city a haven of fun-filled pursuits with good times assured among the numerous aquatic attractions.
You will find boat ramps and fishing platforms in most suburbs, waterfront parks and barbeque areas to enjoy with the family.
Do not miss the walking tracks along most beaches and waterways to take in the beautiful scenery of the Gold Coast.
VOTED NUMBER BEST THING
Make your Gold Coast holiday unforgettable with a private charter aboard Rosie Boat, a beautifully restored 1960s timber vessel. Rosie offers a unique way to explore the Gold Coast Broadwater. Enjoy the freedom of BYO drinks, indulge in our gourmet grazing boards, and soak in breathtaking sunset views. Whether you’re here for business or pleasure, Rosie Boat is your perfect choice for a special day out, blending vintage charm with modern comfort.
Whale Watching
Whale watching on the Gold Coast provides a fantastic opportunity for onlookers to get up close and personal with the largest living mammals on Earth.
The waters along the Gold Coast are commonly referred to as the Hump Back Highway with approximately 25,000 viewing opportunities during the annual migration up and down the coast of Queensland.
The advantage of having to travel just 10 minutes out to sea to witness these giants in their natural habitat, ensures a fun-filled couple of hours whale watching with plenty of time left in your day to appreciate the many other attractions of the Gold Coast.
Running from June through to November, the Gold Coast boasts the longest whale watching season in the country. The whale watching season marks the migration of the Humpback Whale from Antarctica to warmer Queensland waters before they return with their newly born after covering a mammoth distance during their amazing journey.
During the Gold Coast whale watching season, visitors are given the rare opportunity to spot Humpback Whales, whale calves, dolphins, Killer Whales and ‘Migaloo’ the famous white Humpback, all in their natural habitat.
Dining & Entertainment
24 Bar Leo Food & Wine
25 Holy Ship
26 Sanctuary Cove
28 Paradise Centre
40 Dracula’s Cabaret Restaurant
Ready for a meal break? Fresh ingredients and local produce are the true heroes of the Gold Coast dining scene. Here, chefs harness the best of the region’s farm-to-table flavours and plentiful seafood, creating menus as diverse as they are delicious. And with family friendly venues, date night destinations and secret local spots scattered throughout the Gold Coast neighbourhoods, eating out is all part of the adventure. The Gold Coast has more than 500 cafes, restaurants and eateries.
The multicultural nature of the Gold Coast has brought about a deliciously successful food and wine industry. Cultivating everything from soft-shell crabs and goat cheese to locally bred Wagyu beef to creamy cheeses and award-winning boutique wines.
The Gold Coast is Queensland’s fastest wine-growing region and over 11 award winning wineries and numerous epicurean stopovers are located throughout the Gold Coast. The region’s produce is in high demand in international markets, particularly Southeast Asia and the USA, but travellers to the Gold Coast
NEIGHBOURHOOD SEAFOOD & WINE.
BEAUTIFUL INGREDIENTS, COOKED SIMPLY.
Fresh locally sourced seafood and in season produce is cooked and served in a modern Mediterranean style using only the highest quality ingredients. Our food is designed to be shared and enjoyed with a perfectly matched glass of wine. Dine out in our alfresco area under the Sorrento sun, relax inside for a more comfortable dining experience or sit at one of the bars –the choice is yours.
get the chance to sample every possible combination in the city’s vibrant restaurants.
Having attracted prominent restaurateurs and operators from the southern capitals and around the world to progress this dynamic region, has ensured locations such as Main Beach, Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, Coolangatta and the Hinterland remain highly regarded for their delectable choice of dining options.
Enjoy front row seats to the best waterfront views on the Gold Coast aboard two newly renovated fishing trawlers known as Holy Ship
Have shiploads of fun!
Fresh local seafood straight from the trawlers served to you on board our floating bar and restaurant.
•Oysters • Prawns • Bugs • Salmon Sashimi • Ribs • Charcuterie Boards • and much more!
Follow the signs on the waterside and walk down to births 7 & 8 Marina Mirage Marina Commercial Arm Sea World Drive, Main Beach
Open from 11:30am to late Wednesday to Sunday Bookings recommended on our website or walk the plank & see how you go www.holyship.restaurant Phone: 0420 428 052
Shopping & Beauty
30 Summer Elisabeth Day Spa
31 Art Yarramunua
Shopping on the Gold Coast reflects the city’s relaxed coastal lifestyle with eclectic boutiques, high end designers, dazzling shopping centres and lively markets dotting the coastline.
With recent transformations of the Gold Coast’s shopping centres, the Gold Coast has become a world-class shopping and lifestyle destination. Like vivid flocks of exotic birds, the Gold Coast fashion set have a look that is all their own.
With bright, flowing maxi dresses, chic sandals, and hair done up in casual top knots, their perennial tans give them a sumptuous glow of health. Shopping on the Gold Coast reflects this relaxed coastal lifestyle. Markets, outlet malls, boutiques and high end designers all cater to the local love of colour.
There are several major shopping malls at Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise as well as smaller but equally dazzling retail precincts across the Gold Coast in areas including Southport, Robina, Biggera Waters, Coolangatta and Sanctuary Cove.
The Gold Coast continues to evolve as a haven for retail enthusiasts with a vast array of shopping options headlined by signature fashion boutiques and larger iconic department store brands.
Health & Cosmetic
A full range of essential health services can be found on the Gold Coast, including doctor surgeries, emergency hospitals, medical centres and pharmacies, as well as dentists and other necessary facilities.
Looking to switch off? Good for you. Step away from that screen and take a proper break – one that rejuvenates the mind, body and soul. To experience a sense of relaxation and tranquility make sure you take the time to escape the day and immerse yourself in the tranquil ambience of a relaxing massage.
Indulge in all that a massage or beauty treatment has to offer from the moment you smell the calming aroma of essential oils and enjoy the serene ambience to ensure your holiday is enjoyable and stress-free. A number of beauty enhancements from teeth whitening to facial fillers while holidaying will have you return from your vacation truly feeling and looking refreshed.
Despite having access to all the medical help you could ever need on the Gold Coast, it’s important to remember that you can avoid having your holiday soured by illness or injury by simply observing surf safety guidelines, road rules, and wearing adequate sun protection.
Sun Safety
They don’t call it the Sunshine State for nothing – the Queensland sun is beautiful, but can be very harsh on your skin and cause lifelong health issues. To protect yourself and prevent sunburn, always remember the following tips:
• Apply and reapply SPF 30+ sunscreen regularly throughout the day
• Wear a hat and a collared shirt
• Try to stay indoors during the hottest part of the day (10am – 2pm) or ensure your apply extra protection during those hours
Surf Safety
The Gold Coast’s beaches may look inviting, but both visitors and locals must keep in mind that the ocean can by very dangerous. Follow these tips to ensure your safety at the beach:
• Always swim between the flags at designated lifesaving clubs on the Gold Coast
• Never swim without telling someone where you are going
• Swim to your limits – don’t go out in the deep water if you are not a confident swimmer
• Never swim under the influence of alcohol
• Be water wise and enjoy the beaches responsibly
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Hinterland
34 St Bernards Hotel
35 Pineapple Tours
37 Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk
38 Scenic Day Tours
39 Balloon Aloft
While we love our coastline, every now and then we trade our salty air and surf to binge on fresh mountain air and waterfalls. If the urge to reset befalls you, hit the road and head west along ribbon-like roads winding through a canvas of verdant hills dotted with vineyards and roadside produce stalls. The yin to the coastal yang, the Gold Coast Hinterland is a definite sojourn for the well-informed traveller and a revelation to those lucky enough to stumble across it.
Just a 40-minute drive inland from Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach sees the scenery change from surf to serenity; where the air is crisper and the stars shine brighter. Stand hundreds of metres above sea level and drink in the infinite views that stretch across an ancient realm. Can’t make it to the Hinterland? Salute the sun with a beach side yoga session, work up a sweat with the sand between your toes, dip yourself in the ocean, or check yourself into a luxury wellness retreat. Because, while our inner city friends are moaning about overflowing inboxes and the morning commute, we’re making sure we’ve set aside time to get our daily sunrise or sunset soul fix or we’re working off our cheeky wines and cheese platters with a hike through the mountains... it’s all about finding balance right?
Springbrook National Park
Nestled in the untouched World Heritage area, Purling Brook Falls is a must for any visit. You’ll hear it before you see it with fresh water falling over 100 meters to the rock pool below. Let
101 Alpine Terrace, Tamborine Mountain (07) 5545 1177 admin@stbernardshotel.com.au
the night birds be your soundtrack at 850m above sea-level at a Rainforest Retreat.
If a cosy cedar chalet isn’t enough to pull on the heart strings, the sound of a mountain stream cascading beside the chalet and hard wood crackling in the fireplace just might.
Mount Tamborine
Mount Tamborine boasts 12 walking trails each no longer than around 3km. If adventure calls, head to Morans Falls. Stop in to collect some local produce, including cheese, wines from Witches Falls or some award-winning liqueurs from the Mount Tamborine Distillery, each born of native mountain delights.
Lamington National Park
This is a jewel in the crown of Australian bushwalking destinations. Don’t miss Elabana Falls, cool off at the swimming hole along the Box Forest Circuit and stay overnight at a Lodge or Rainforest Retreat.
Open 7 days a week from 10am Open for breakfast Saturday & Sunday from 8am-10am
Escape to tranquility at St Bernards Hotel, nestled in the picturesque beauty of Tamborine Mountain. Surrounded by lush rainforest and breathtaking views.
Indulge in exquisite dining experiences, and warm hospitality, all set against the stunning backdrop of Queensland's natural wonders.
Did we mention we have our very own Saint Bernard dogs too? Syrah, Cooper and Norman! They can’t wait to meet you!
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Tamborine Mountain Golf Club
