DESTINATION : GOLD COAST

GOLD STANDARD

No matter how well acquainted you are with the Gold Coast, the region continues to surprise and delight with creative experiences, venues and attractions on offer, as Brittney Levinson found out.

Queensland’s Gold Coast, home to the Yugambeh/ Kombumerri people, is renowned for its stunning beaches, year-round warm climate, and coastal charm. But aside from its natural assets, the Gold Coast's-do attitude is one of its biggest strengths, with operators and suppliers willing to pull out all the stops for business events. Want to take over an entire theme park for the night? Not an issue. Looking to host a three-part progressive breakfast in an art gallery? You’ve got it.

Whether you’re new to the Gold Coast or haven’t visited in some years, here’s a glimpse at the creative ideas that can be made possible for business events.

WELCOME EVENTS AMONG WILDLIFE

Many Aussies have childhood memories attached to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary on the Gold Coast, where visitors have been flocking to have their photo taken with the resident lorikeets. For business events, groups can immerse themselves in wildlife with a breakfast or alfresco lunch event in the park’s lush, green surroundings. There are also six distinct meeting spaces for organisers to choose from.

SET OFF ON A SUNSET SOIREE

Luxurious superyacht YOT Club made a splash on the Gold Coast events scene when it launched in2019. The 400-pax floating event venue is ideal for a welcome event or post-conference gathering. With a full commercial kitchen facility on board, YOT Club serves up delicious menus focusing on fresh seafood and bite-sized treats, while the venue’s eight-metre-wide stage can accommodate live entertainment and guest speakers.

EMBRACING THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Soak up the warm Gold Coast climate with an alfresco event at RACV Royal Pines Resort, known for its expertise in hosting memorable outdoor events. Arriving by golf buggy, guests can explore food stations and live entertainment under twinkling festoon lighting. For conferences and seated banquets, RACV Royal Pines Resort also boasts 333 hotel rooms and events spaces for up to 1,800 delegates, including a pillarless ballroom and 14 versatile meeting rooms.

CENTRE FOR BUSINESS

The award-winning Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre is the jewel in the crown for the region’s business events offering. The venue can accommodate an array of gatherings, from casual foyer business meetings to elaborate banquet dinners for large groups. With capacity for up to 6,000 delegates, award-winning cuisine, and EarthCheck Gold certification for its sustainability expertise, the centre is a popular choice for event organisers.

NEW KID ON THE BLOCK

The Gold Coast’s newest cultural attraction HOTA, Home of the Arts, is a stunning multi-purpose venue for corporate events. Organizers can choose from a range of versatile indoor and outdoor event spaces, including the 1,128-seat theatre, an outdoor stage and the brand new three-level gallery. Inside the gallery, corporate events can be held at the rooftop The Exhibitionist Bar or in the foyer.

INTO THE SWING OF THINGS

One of the newest arrivals on the theme park strip and just a five-minute walk from Warner Bros Movie World, Topgolf Gold Coast is a popular choice for casual gatherings and after-party drinks. With capacity for 1,200 guests, the venue encourages golfers from beginners to experts to hit microchipped golf balls into the vast outfield. On-site catering and beverage service ensures delegates have everything they need for an enjoyable event.

THEME PARK TAKEOVER

Warner Bros. Movie World is not just known for its thrilling rides and family fun, the venue is well-versed in creating unforgettable business events. Organizers can take over the park after dark, giving delegates exclusive access to the rides, venue, and entertainment for a show-stopping gala or cocktail event. The venue can bring in a cast of entertainers and performers to suit the event’s theme, with the likes of Austin Powers and Batman likely to make a surprise appearance. Perfect for large-scale events, Warner Bros. Movie World has capacity for 3,000 delegates standing or 1,200 seated.

DON’T MISS

SkyPoint Events

Take in the views from Australia’s only beach-side observation deck, SkyPoint, located at the top of the iconic Q1 tower. Level 77 is the perfect venue for pre-dinner cocktails, while the function room on level 78 is the ideal space for private events.

QT Gold Coast

Set to undergo a complete room refurbishment, QT Gold Coast remains the talk of the town with its quirky interiors and coastal charm. The hotel features 297 guest rooms and 15 versatile function spaces, including a vibrant open-air garden terrace.

InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort

Located on the northern end of the GoldCoast, InterContinental Sanctuary CoveResort is an all-encompassing haven for events. It features 243 rooms and suites, alongside more than 2,000 square metres of indoor and outdoor event space.