Hello Gold Coast Summer 2022–23 (December – March)

From the EDITORS

Welcome to the Gold Coast! You will most likely enjoy sunny days and warm temperatures during your stay, so there is no doubt you will be spending some time by the water or riding a wave here. If you are headed to Surfers Paradise, make sure to visit the brand-new dining precinct located just a few meters from the beach. They have great dining options and stunning views!

In this guide, you will find a range of things to do that the whole family can enjoy. With a massive line-up of entertainment experiences, activities, water sports, dining and shopping destinations, we’ve got you covered.

We’re always on the hunt for new things to do on the Gold Coast, so check out our socials to see what we are up to in real time, and

SUMMER 2022–23

head to our website for upcoming events and exclusive online offers. hellogoldcoast.com.au

@hello_goldcoast

Hello Gold Coast

We hope you’ll have a wonderful time exploring the region, while ticking off some of your bucket list wishes!

Your Editors, Aurelie, Celine & Emma

ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES

BUILD-A-BEAR WORKSHOP

Bounce, skip and giggle your way through interactive bear-making stations, creating your very own personalised stuffed animal. With more than 30 furry friends to make and hundreds of outfits and accessories to choose each Build-A-Bear experience is a new one. Page 29.

CURRUMBIN WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

Enjoy exciting, interactive displays, presentations and dining experiences. Nestled within 27 hectares of lush eucalyptus and rain forest, you will be face to face with extraordinary wildlife in shows and encounters. Page 2.

DRACULA’S CABARET

Join Dracula’s Cabaret for an evening of quality dining, comedy entertainment and a thousand thrills. Ride the Ghost Train into the theatre and prepare to have fun. Inside cover.

ESCAPE HUNT

The Escape Hunt Experience is the global leader in the fast-growing themed entertainment industry, offering live ‘escape the room‘ games for the public. Every game offered is a unique adventure and experience for your group.

Page 21.

FOX IN A BOX

Europe’s no1 Escape Room company is now in Surfers Paradise! With a large reception area, games to play while you wait and drinks available. Choose from one of their 8 immersive escape rooms. Ideal for families, large groups, corporates and parties.

Page 18.

iFLY INDOOR SKYDIVING

Whether you’re 3 or 103, iFLY is not just a thrill ride, but is the latest thing in action sports. Simply lean forward inside the giant glass tunnel into a column of air and float effortlessly into flight guided by qualified instructors. Page 16.

ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES

ILLUSIONS

MAGIC SHOW

Witness some of the world’s most impressive Las Vegas style grand Illusions with 5-time champion of magic and Australian Entertainer of the Year, Master Illusionist Matt Hollywood. Page 26.

INFINITY

INFINITY is a unique and mind-blowing journey into spectacular, futuristic maze-like worlds of wonder – an extraordinary series of 20 multi-sensual environments filled with unique special effects, emotive atmospheric sound fields, sensuous aromas, ultra-groovy music and amazing spectacular illusions that appear to go all the way to infinity! Page 6.

LEVEL UP ARCADE

Level Up Arcade is an upmarket amusement centre for kids, adults, teens & families. The arcade is located in The Oasis Shopping Centre, Level One (directly above Woolworths) right in the heart of Broadbeach and is fully licensed. Page 15.

LOST LOCKS ESCAPE ROOMS

Lost Locks Escape Rooms is a locally owned and operated escape room attraction located in the heart of Surfers Paradise. Staffed by long-term enthusiasts who want to see everyone get the chance to play more escape rooms with exciting new stories, themes, and twists. Page 25.

MOUNTVIEW ALPACA FARM

Not only can you feed the alpacas but you can also walk them around the vineyard grounds and order a bottle of wine or a picnic basket while you spend time with your new fluffy friends in a relaxed and country setting next to Canungra Creek! Conveniently located within the grounds of O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards. Page 41.

PUTT PUTT MERMAID BEACH

Let the fun begin for everyone! Anytime is a great time to enjoy a game at Putt Putt Golf with 3 Fun Filled 18 Hole Putting Courses including Jungle Trail, Waterways and Fun Run. Open 7 days and nights. Page 11.

ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES

RAGE CAGE SMASH ROOMS

Feeling tense? Take out your frustration in a fun and safe environment at Rage Cage Smash Rooms in Southport. They provide all the necessary equipment and have a wide range of things for you to smash – TV’s, Glassware, Printers, Microwave, and more. Page 31.

RIPLEY’S BELIEVE IT OR NOT

Curiosity seekers have no fear. Ripley’s have the best spot for family fun on Soul Boardwalk! Strike a pose next to the incredible wedding dress made out of toilet paper and even see a Tibetan Skull. With 9,000 Square Ft. of oddities, Ripley's Surfers Paradise will leave you amazed. Page 12.

SKYPOINT CLIMB

SkyPoint Climb is a must-do Gold Coast adventure, featuring an awe-inspiring, openair adventure atop one of Queensland's most recognised landmarks - the iconic Q1 Resort

Building. Rising 270m into the air, SkyPoint Climb is Australia's highest external building climb and provides unparalleled 360° views of the Gold Coast and beyond. Page 33.

SKYPOINT OBSERVATION DECK

The SkyPoint Observation Deck is located on Level 77 of the Q1 Building in Surfers Paradise. SkyPoint is Australia's only beach side observation deck where you can sit back, relax and enjoy the unsurpassed 360° Views of the Gold Coast beaches to the hinterland and beyond. Page 1.

TAMBORINE RAINFOREST SKYWALK

Set in 30 private acres of magnificent rainforest alongside a kilometre of tumbling creek and rockpools, Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk is an eco-adventure exploring the beautiful rainforest canopies and habitat in a different and thrilling way. Page 35.

Ripley's

ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES

THE BIG WEDGIE INFLATABLE WATERPARK

Here's a great reason to get a Wedgie... The Big Wedgie! It's the world's TALLEST and most EXTREME standalone inflatable waterside, and it’s coming back to the Gold Coast for the Summer school holidays! Also coming along for the ride are smaller slides, The Just Right Wedgie and The Little Wedgie, awesome for ages 3 and up! Page 22.

THE SHOOTING CENTRE

Shoot a round at the Gold Coast’s most modern and safest indoor range. Test your skill with a large range of revolvers and semi-automatic pistols. No experience necessary. Page 10.

THE WAX MUSEUM

Gold Coast Wax Museum is the largest wax museum in the southern hemisphere! Meet famous people who made history – Movie Stars, Scientists, Explorers, Villains and World Leaders all presented with startling realism and dressed in authentically reproduced costumes of their times. Page 5.

TIMEZONE

Timezone is your go-to entertainment venue on the Gold Coast with the latest and greatest arcade games and experiences. All set in a bright and familyfriendly space. Page 8.

TROPICAL FRUIT WORLD

Tropical Fruit World's award-winning farm tours showcase amazing exotic fruits, share regional food sources, and celebrate sustainable farming practices. Enjoy plantation safaris, tractor train rides, wildlife boat cruises, animal park and exotic fruit tasting experiences. Page 23.

ZONE BOWLING

Experience a whole new Bowling experience at Paradise Centre, with 12 incredible Interactive Bowling lanes! Add that to a brand new Café & Bar, ambient dining area, plus all your favourite Arcade Games, Laser Tag, Bumper Cars and more, right next door at Timezone Surfers Paradise. Page 9.

DAYTRIPPER’S GUIDE TO TAMBORINE MOUNTAIN

As the third oldest National Park in the world, it’s no surprise why people travel from far and wide to experience Tamborine Mountain’s magic. Just over 40 minutes from the heart of the Gold Coast, unlock a treasure trove of things to see, treats to taste and natural beauty to discover. With the perfect mix of new and old world charm, there’s no better way to escape the hustle and bustle, experience the Gold Coast’s infamous hinterland and breathe the fresh mountain air than a daytrip to Tamborine. Here are some ideas to plan the perfect day!

FOOD & WINE

Tamborine Mountain offers a range of delicious eateries, with something to entice all tastes. Make a stop at a roadside stall and stock your basket with locally grown fresh produce, or sample more than 40 varieties of mouth-watering fresh fudge at Granny Macs. For something a bit more substantial, enjoy slow cooked ribs and grilled meats at Hickory. Wash it all down with a cup of liquid gold at The Forest Cafe, dubbed Tamborine’s finest espresso.

NATURE

If you love to explore on foot, Tamborine provides plenty of options. Choose from 12 walking tracks on the mountain, each no longer than 3km and suiting a range of fitness levels. For a truly special experience, take an underground journey to the Tamborine Mountain Glow Worm Caves filled with thousands of flittering lights, water features and stalagmites and stalactites.

To explore the best of it all on an easy walk, visit the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk. Just 1.5km long and taking around 45 minutes at a leisurely pace, the route will take you over bridges, including a 40 metre high Cantilever, to the Cedar Creek viewing platform for sweeping views to the coast and along a winding pathway through the canopy floor.

WATER SPORTS &CRUISES

GOLD COAST GONDOLAS

Few experiences can rival the sheer Romance of a gondola cruise. Enjoy this ultimate experience on the spectacular canals of the Gold Coast, either cruise only or dinner on board, as you enjoy stunning views by day or shimmering lights by night. Page 45.

JETSKI SAFARIS

Hire and ride your own jet ski and feel the freedom and extreme exhilaration that Jet Ski Safaris has to offer as you explore the wild blue yonder and the hidden islands of Surfers Paradise and the Gold Coast. Page 43.

RESTAURANTS & NIGHTLIFE

CITRIQUE

Situated in JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, Citrique Restaurant welcomes diners with fresh seafood and a lively atmosphere. Their buffet restaurant has become one of the area's most talked-about dining destinations and is an absolute must-visit for visitors to the Gold Coast. Page 50.

DRACULA’S

Strap yourself in for an adrenaline-filled night of Vampire madness. Dracula’s Cabaret offers VIP or Cabaret Tickets, which include a quality 3-course meal with a set entrée and dessert and a choice of mains. Inside Cover.

GEORGE’S PARAGON

Sail into the Gold Coast’s Number One Seafood Restaurant. You won’t find better value on the Coast than George’s half price lunch. Three superb locations. Page 36.

HOG’S BREATH CAFE

The home of Hog’spitality! Specialising in 18 hour slow cooked Prime Rib Steaks. The best a steak can get! Huge menu. Fully Licensed. Steaks, salads and burgers. Come and dine in this upbeat and casual restaurant located in Surfers Paradise and Main Beach. Inside back cover.

MONTEZUMA'S SURFERS PARADISE & THE AZTEC

The Aztec Broadbeach & Coolangatta and Montezuma's Surfers Paradise are familyfriendly relaxed Mexican restaurants. The taste of Mexico where the locals meet to eat with a terrific Mexican decor. Authentic Mexican cuisine at exceptional prices. Page 51.

PANCAKES IN PARADISE

Pancakes like you've never tasted before. You can also enjoy sweet and savoury crepes, steaks, ribs, fish, chicken, nachos, waffles and salads. All servings are generous and their ultimate sweet pancakes are sensational. Pancakes in Paradise in Surfers Paradise and Pancake Diner in Coolangatta are fully licensed, open 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Page 51.

PANCAKES ON THE ROCKS

Not only serving succulent sweet and savoury pancakes, Pancakes on the Rocks also offers pizza, ribs and brekkie. Always with the aim of serving quality food, with a friendly service, and in a welcoming atmosphere. Page 47.

SHIRAZ PERSIAN RESTAURANT

Shiraz Authentic Persian Restaurant is perfect for couples, families and larger group bookings, with easy access to parking, central location and prompt friendly service. Enjoy Middle Eastern cuisine with a great selection of meat and vegetarian dishes, great coffee and desserts. Page 49.

SURFERS

PIZZA & KEBAB

Surfers Pizza & Kebab brings the whole family together with great food made with the freshest ingredients! Conveniently located in Surfers Paradise and Arundel. Page 48.

SHOPPING, HEALTH & BEAUTY

ALLURE HAIR

Allure Hair make hair dreams come true using the highest quality products applied with care and passion. Their braiding specialists have extensive experience in all types of braiding. Choose from the wide range of styles they offer, or bring in a photo of the style you would like for their team to create your own special look! Page 53.

AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK OPALS

Australian Outback Opals showcases the exquisite beauty of Australia’s national gemstone on idyllic Tamborine Mountain. Sourced from all the major opal mining areas in outback Australia, they offer a wide range of Australian opals to suit all tastes. Page 39.

DEBRA’S

DeBra’s product range does not stop with bras, they stock a wide range of quality swimwear, sportswear, lingerie, maternity bras. From sizes 6-36, A-K cup. They believe

in every body and every size. Having a fuller bust does not mean that you must settle for unfashionable, ill-fitted and unsupportive bras. Plus, they are conveniently located in Broadbeach. Page 54.

THE OASIS

Located in cosmopolitan Broadbeach Queensland, The Oasis includes awardwinning restaurants and cafes, over 100 specialty stores and services and has direct access to patrolled beaches. Back cover.

SHOPPING,

Pacific Fair Shopping Centre

THE OASIS SHOPPING CENTRE

Broadbeach | THURSDAY HOURS: 9am – 7pm

The Oasis offers family dining with tons of great value options to choose from. So head to The Oasis for your next family dinner and enjoy great food in a great setting at one of their famous Broadbeach dining destinations.

WANT TO KEEP THE KIDS ENTERTAINED?

Check out Level Up Arcade on level 1 of the Oasis. They have classic arcade games for all ages.

GOLD COAST FAVOURITE MARKETS

If you’re after a last minute gift or just wanting to spend a good time with your family and friends, why not head to one of the many art, craft and food markets located in the most famous Gold Coast areas?

BROADBEACH MARKETS

Where: Kurrawa Park, Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach When: 1st & 3rd Sunday of every month Time: 8am to 2pm artandcraft.com.au/broadbeach

BURLEIGH MARKETS

Where: Justins Park, The Esplanade, Burleigh Heads When: Last Sunday of the month Time: 8am to 2pm artandcraft.com.au/burleigh-heads

CARRARA MARKETS

Where: Gooding Drive, Carrara When: Every Saturday & Sunday Time: 8am to 3pm carraramarkets.com.au

COOLANGATTA MARKETS

Where: Queen Elizabeth Park, Marine Parade, Coolangatta When: 2nd Sunday of the month (plus the 4th Sunday of five Sunday months) Time: 8am to 2pm artandcraft.com.au/coolangatta

SHOPPING,

EMERALD LAKES

TWILIGHT MARKET

Where: Emerald Lakes Complex, The Boulevard, Carrara When: Every Thursday Time: 3pm to 7pm marketsdownunder.com/emeraldlakes-market

HOTA FARMERS & ARTISAN MARKETS

Where: HOTA – Home of the Arts, 135 Bundall Rd, Bundall When: Every Sunday Time: 6am to 11.30am goodwillprojects.com.au/ markets/hota

JACOBS WELL MARKETS

Where: Jacobs Well Bayside Tavern, 1170 Pimpama Jacobs Well Road, Jacobs Well When: 1st Saturday of every month Time: 7.30am to 12pm jacobswelltavern.com.au/ jacobs-well-market

MIAMI MARKETTA

Where: 23 Hillcrest Parade, Miami When: Every Wednesday, Friday & Saturday Time: From 5pm miamimarketta.com

MOONLIGHT NIGHT MARKET

Where: Dreamworld, Coomera When: Every Friday & Saturday Time: 5pm to 9pm Cost: $2 entry, free for kids & Dreamworld’s guests moonlightnightmarket.com.au

SURFERS PARADISE BEACHFRONT MARKETS

Where: The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise When: Every Wednesday, Friday & Saturday Time: 4pm to 9pm surfersparadisemarkets.com.au

THE SANCTUARY MARKETS

Where: On The Village Green, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, 28 Tomewin Street, Currumbin When: Every Friday Time: 4pm to 9pm marketsdownunder.com/ sanctuary-markets

THE VILLAGE MARKETS

Where: Burleigh Heads State School, Lower Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads When: 1st & 3rd Sunday of the month Time: 8.30am to 1pm thevillagemarkets.co

SHOPPING, HEALTH & BEAUTY

The Gold Coast name says it all. 70 kilometres of sun-kissed sand stretching from Coolangatta to South Stradbroke Island.

COOLANGATTA

Home to some of the region’s prettiest beaches. The rugged headland of Point Danger offers superb views. Popular amongst families and surfers.

KIRRA POINT

Famous as a board-riding beach, producing challenging waves for the experienced surfer to attempt.

CURRUMBIN – PALM BEACH

Gentle surf and small rock pools make Currumbin’s beaches a popular choice with families.

TALLEBUDGERA

Have the choice – catch a wave ocean side or head to the still waters on Tallebudgera Creek estuary.

BURLEIGH HEADS

Offers magical views North to Surfers Paradise. A very popular surfing spot, hosting major surfing tournaments.

BROADBEACH

Known for its wide expanse of sandy beaches and adjoining parkland with picnic areas and playgrounds.

SURFERS PARADISE

Situated at the head of Cavill Mall, the very heart of Surfers Paradise. Sit back, relax and take in the sights.

MAIN BEACH

Popular for its scenic walk all the way to Surfers Paradise. Stop for refreshments at the historic bathing pavilion.

SOUTHPORT BROADWATER

A hub for many water activitives like; cruises, jet skis, jet boats and parasailing.

THE SPIT

A magnificent beach with a 500m long jetty to walk out on.

SOUTH STRADBROKE ISLAND

A 20-minute ferry ride from the mainland, the island offers a quieter experience from the more popular beaches.