Gold Coast Tourist Magazine Ed. 52

Attractions

Activities

Cruising & Watersports

Whale

Watching

Dining & Entertainment

Shopping & Beauty

Hinterland

Car Hire

Local Maps

Now that the weather is beginning to cool, there is no better time to retreat from the beaches and find an activity that keeps you a little warmer. If you’re looking for something new or different, 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 and blog at insidegoldcoast.com.au.

Inside Gold Coast is your go-to guide for things to do, where to eat, where to shop and what’s on around the Gold Coast.

So whether it’s attending an event or simply visiting a locals’ fave, we hope you enjoy your stay, we love having you here and remember... always swim between the flags.

Managing Editor: Carly King

Artwork: Filipa Scott

Sales: Debra O’Kane

Wendy Leach

07 5576 3044

sales@infomaps.com.au

Inside Gold Coast: Belinda Symons

Bianca Trathen

Brittany Kreskas

Website: insidegoldcoast.com.au

Social Media: #insidegoldcoast

AUSTRALIA’S LARGEST SHOPPING CENTRE

Your Outlet for entertainment, eats and over 220 popular international and iconic Australian stores offering up to 70% off every day!

Open Daily: Mon

9am

5:30pm

Just 15 minutes north of Surfers Paradise

OUTLET

HARBOURTOWNGOLDCOAST.COM.AU

THE GOLD COAST’S SHOPPING & DINING DESTINATION

Over 400 stores including the best collection of luxury, international brands, Australian fashion and dining, right in the heart of Broadbeach.

FREE SHOPPING SHUTTLE

Available for guests visiting the Gold Coast and operates in a loop north to Seaworld Resort and south to Burleigh Heads. The service runs daily, 9am–5:30pm. See pacificfair.com.au for timetable.

VISITOR PRIVILEGES PASS

Collect your complimentary Visitor Privileges

Pass from the Visitor Lounge to receive over 80 exclusive retailer offers.

OPEN 7 DAYS

Shop ‘til 6pm, dine ‘til late. Visitor Lounge with luggage lockers, shower facilities and prayer room. Free WiFi available.

PACIFICFAIR.COM.AU

Open late every day. 365 days.

PARADISE

FOUND

New beachfront dining, entertainment and shops now open.

Paradise Centre is the home of dining and entertainment! Explore delicious dining with 8 new beachfront restaurants including Nahm Talay Thai, Wahlburgers, Enzo’s Cucina, El Camino Cantina, Gelato Messina, Hero Sushi, La Playa and TGI Fridays.

For hours of fun, visit the world’s largest Timezone, Zone Bowling, MANIAX Axe Throwing, Holoverse Dinosaur World and Holographic Aquarium. Shop more than 90 stores including fashion at Vans, Surf Dive N’ Ski, Rip Curl, Baku Swimwear, Fast Times Skateboarding and Stateside Sports, or convenience at Woolworths and Priceline Pharmacy. There’s so much more to explore at Paradise Centre. Located on Cavill Avenue, just metres from Surfers Paradise beach.

10 Holoverse

11 Village Roadshow Theme Parks

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15 Infinity

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20

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25

83 Australian Outback Spectacular

Back Cover Crystal Castle

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 heritagelisted 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.

T R A P P E D I N A R O O M W I T H O N L Y 6 0 M I N U T E S T O E S C A P E !

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F u l l o n s i t e b a r w i t h p o o l t a b l e !

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P e r f e c t f o r f a m i l i e s a n d f r i e n d s o f a l l a g e s

- G r e a t f o r f u n c t i o n s w i t h d r i n k s a n d c a t e r i n g p a c k a g e s a v a i l a b l e !

C A N Y O U R T E A M W O R K T O G E T H E R T O S O L V E T H E P U Z Z L E S ? O P E N F R O M 1 0 A M T I L L A T E E V E R Y D A Y !

• LARGEST ROOMS ON THE COAST

• HIGHLY IMMERSIVE

• BEAUTIFULLY THEMED

• TECHNOLOGICALLY ADVANCED

• CREATIVE & DIVERSE PUZZLES

THE SHOOTING CENTRE

Open 7 days 10am-6pm

26 The Shooting Centre

27 Putt Putt Golf Mermaid Beach

28 Cork’n Fork

29 Slideways Go Karting Centres

30 Burleigh Barrels Brewery

31 Capricorn Distillery

Fully

by qualified range officers NO

Revolvers and Semi-Automatic Pistols

Up to 50 cal. including 9mm .357 & .44 Magnum

10 bays x 25 metre lanes available

Photo ID and enclosed footwear required.

Unit 1, 76 Ferry Road, Southport

Phone 5531 1153

Bookings Required

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.

We all love theme parks and sunny beaches, but many people forget about all of the other activities that makes the Gold Coast such a well-rounded and varied holiday destination. Today, underrated Gold Coast attractions such as winery tours, walking trails, island adventures and mountain drives are just as popular as the theme parks and beaches.

Includes

Half

Capricorn Distilling Co. is an urban small batch distillery in Burleigh Heads.

AWARD WINNING SPIRITS

including six variations of rums and three different gins.

FREE DISTILLERY TOURS

Let one of our head distillers lead you on a journey through our distillery, all whilst sampling our range of Rums and Gins. BAR

Enjoy a tasting paddle, perfect pour or a delightful gin or rum cocktail.

CELLAR DOOR

Wednesday – Sunday

21 Ern Harley Drive, Burleigh Heads

capricorndistilling.com

@capricorn_distilling

BOOK A FREE TOUR HERE

Dine aboard Your Own

cruising & watersports

2 Jet Ski Safaris

32 Gold Coast Gondolas

33 GC Jet Boat & Parasail

34 Quack’R Duck

Wild Thing Fishing Charters

35 Surfers Paradise River Cruises

36 Hop On Hop Off Ferry

37 Hooker 1

The vast range of waterways makes the city a haven of fun-filled pursuits with good times assured among the numerous aquatic attractions.

The Broadwater caters to every on-water activity imaginable, where thrill seekers can choose from jetboating, parasailing, kite surfing, diving or a jet-ski safari. Enjoy snorkelling, cruising or stand up paddle boarding for a more relaxed pace.

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.

JET BOAT THRILL RIDE

• ADULTS • KIDS (5-14 YEARS) • FAMILY 2 ADULTS - 2 KIDS

PARASAILING ADVENTURE

SOLO FLIGHT

• Min weight 75kg • Max weight 135kg

TANDEM FLIGHT

• Min weight 75kg • Max weight 200kg

TRIPLE FLIGHT

Max weight 135kg Min weight 50kg Max weight 200kg Min weight 75kg

AUSTRALIA’S LARGEST PARASAIL CAPACITY

EXPERIENCE

• Min weight 75kg • Max weight 200kg

SCAN

SCAN QR CODE FOR PRICES

QR CODE FOR PRICES

PARASAIL & JETBOAT COMBO AVAILABLE

Valued at $50.00 for one activity or $60.00 for both activities. Not valid with any other offer, and can only be used with the activities listed on this page. No

&

• See homes of the rich and famous

• Fun facts commentary

• Casual 1.5 hour river and canal cruising

• Dolphin spotting

• All cruises include complimentary nibbles

• Fully licenced bar on board

• Sundeck balcony seating

• Inside covered seating

• Sunset cruises available (Adults/Seniors $49)

BEST VALUE RIVER CRUISE ON THE GOLD COAST

AFTERNOON CRUISE: 2.00pm to 3.30pm

$SENIORS 40

MIDDAY CRUISE: Available peak periods

SUNSET CRUISE: Ring for time

The ultimate Gold Coast fishing experience

38 Kokomo Cruises

39 Spirit of Gold Coast

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 coasts of Queensland.

Travel just 10 minutes out to sea to witness these giants in their natural habitat. Ensuring a fun-filled couple of hours whale watching with plenty of time left in your day to appreciate the many other attractions on the Gold Coast.

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 the Gold Coast whale watching season, visitors are given the rare opportunity to spot Humpback Whales, whale calves and dolphins all in their natural habitat.

Don’t jus t se e Whales, E XPER I EN C E THEM !

Onboard our Australian Built Vessel , we offer a more intimate, personable and comfor table Whale Watching experience.

JOIN US ON A CULINARY JOURNEY

Halal Certified/Modern Moroccan/Middle-Eastern/ North African Cuisine

dining & entertainment

40 Mecca Bah

41 Unicorn Seafood Restaurant

42 Nahm Talay Thai

44 Shiraz Persian Restaurant + Bar

46 Citrique at JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa

47 Cowch Broadbeach

48 Surfers Pizza & Kebab

49 Diggers & Sports Club

50 Pancakes on the Rocks

51 The Oasis

52 Hideaway Kitchen & Bar | Precinct Brewing Co.

53 Greenmount Beach Surf Club

The Coast is a place where night bites, hatted restaurants, street-eats and breweries are all served with a side of alfresco. A place where five-star feasting means dusting the sand from your feet; where surfers swap their boards for a latte at sun-up and little ones break from beachside frolics to feast on epic spreads of fish and chips.

Whether you find yourself among the cool crowd at Nobby Beach, or part of the social scene in Broadbeach or Surfers Paradise, consider yourself an acai aficionado, a sausage sizzler or a coffee connoisseur, nothing says you’ve had a cracker-of-a-holiday quite like gaining a little extra padding around the middle. Bon appétit!

Citrique’s a la carte dining and weekend seafood buffet showcases fresh, locally sourced seafood for the ultimate sea to table dining experience.

Citrique’s a la carte dining and weekend seafood buffet showcases fresh, locally sourced seafood for the ultimate sea to table dining experience.

Citrique’s a la carte dining and weekend seafood buffet showcases fresh, locally sourced seafood for the ultimate sea to table dining experience.

Crafted by award-winning Executive Chef, Paul Smart and culinary team, Citrique is the perfect location for every occasion!

Crafted by award-winning Executive Chef, Paul Smart and culinary team, Citrique is the perfect location for every occasion!

Crafted by award-winning Executive Chef, Paul Smart and culinary team, Citrique is the perfect location for every occasion!

+61 7 5592 9800

+61 7 5592 9800

citriquerestaurant.com

158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217

+61 7 5592 9800

citriquerestaurant.com

citriquerestaurant.com

158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217

158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217

Going to the Theme Parks?

YOU’RE SPOILT FOR CHOICE AT THE OASIS

ESCAPE TO THE OASIS FOR BREAKFAST | LUNCH | DINNER

There’s something for everyone with restaurants, bars and cafés all on your own door step. Plus a fully stocked Woolworths, Level Up Arcade and unique boutiques.

Escape to The Oasis for great food and family fun.

Open 7 days | oasisshoppingcentre.com.au

shopping & beauty

4 Harbour Town Premium Outlets

6 Pacific Fair

8 Paradise Centre

54 Strand at Coolangatta

55 Australia Fair

56 Tweed Mall

57 Bras in Paradise

58 Captain’s Candy

59 DeBra’s

60 Celebrity Ink

61 Australia Fair Metro

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 worldclass 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.

hinterland

62 Queensland Wine Centre

Witches Falls Winery

The Polish Place

63 Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk

64 Australian Outback Opals

65 Cedar Creek Glow Worms

67 Mountview Alpaca Farm

Queensland Wine Centre

The Queensland Wine Centre is located in the Gold Coast Hinterland tourist area of Mount Tamborine. Provides wine lovers with a great range of local Queensland wines.

Open 7 days – 10am to 4pm

104-144 Hartley Rd, Tamborine Mountain 07 5545 1666 cedarcreekestate.com.au

Witches Falls Winery

Crafting exceptional-quality wine is what we do best at Witches Falls. Discover Queensland’s finest wines at our stunning Tamborine Mountain Vineyard and Cellar Door.

Open daily from 10am

79 Main Western Rd, Tamborine Mountain 07 5545 2609 witchesfalls.com.au

333 Main Western Road, Tamborine Mountain (07) 5545 1603 polishplace.com.au

Everything to eat, drink & do on the Gold Coast.

Everything to eat, drink & do on the Gold Coast.

Everything to eat, drink & do on the Gold Coast.

Curious?

Curious?

SCAN ME

SCAN ME

car hire

A great way to explore the surrounding regions of the Gold Coast is to hire a car and discover it for yourself. From rural Beenleigh in the north to picturesque Byron Bay in the south, west to the hinterland region and the famed Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach in between; the Gold Coast experience is much more than you expect.

Just 40 minutes drive from Gold Coast beaches is a hinterland of subtropical rainforest, interspersed with mountain villages, bushwalks, waterfalls and swimming holes, plus valleys of working produce farms and cattle stations.

The World Heritage-listed Springbrook and Lamington National Parks, plus the extended township of Tamborine Mountain offer access to unmatched landscapes, roaming wildlife and an array of flora and fauna represent nature at its finest.

Our Guarantee

No hidden fees. What we say is all you pay.

Hatchbacks, sedans, wagons, SUV’s and people movers

Family owned and operated

Over 35 years experience

Low insurance excess

Friendly, hassle free service

Usage from Noosa to Byron Bay

Baby seats, booster seats and GPS available

Two Locations: 6

Gold Coast Aquatic Centre

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort

Paradise Centre

Soul Boardwalk Chevron Renaissance Circle on Cavill

HOTA (Home of the Arts)

PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE

PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE

Find the heritage listed Pink Poodle Motel neon sign! It remains one of the few surviving pieces of neon artwork linked to the booming 1960s.

Surfers Paradise

Energetic, enthusiastic, electric, eclectic! These are just some of the words that sum up the social scene that Surfers Paradise was built on. Since the days of the original Surfers Paradise Hotel, Surfers has always been an entertainment playground famous for its world-class nightlife venues, international events and pumping atmosphere.

Annually, Surfers Paradise hosts a series of great events including prestigious Surf Life Saving competitions, free

artistic and cultural community events throughout the precinct, including the Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets operating every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings.

The new foreshore is bustling throughout the day with walkers, cyclists and skateboarders taking advantage of this beachfront boulevard vista overlooking the surf and sand. Like the Surfers Paradise of yesteryear, beachside shopping, dining, bars and clubs continually offer the complete holiday experience all in one compact destination package.

Surfers Paradise comfortably maintains its position as the good-times hub of the Gold Coast, so there’s no better time than now to rediscover this icon.

The Star Gold Coast

tOp tip

After a long day of perusing (and purchasing) your luxury designer items at Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, relax in one of the new outdoor eateries. Open late every night.

Broadbeach

Boy has bustling Broadbeach come a long way baby. Once the little brother to big sister Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach or “Broadie” to locals, is all grown up. We could start in the surf, with its beautiful beaches, framed by lazy parks home to weekend markets and weekday yoga classes. Or wander down the Broadbeach Mall, peppered with roving street artists and framed by alfresco dining whose tentacles seem to keep spreading in all directions.

Yes, you’ve now met one of the Gold Coast’s dining divas, with everything from gourmet delis, to bistros and brasseries.

There’s five-star feasts to be had along here too, and seemingly a new restaurant or bar every time you blink. Not that it’s overdone. That’s not Broadie’s style.

If you do want some razzle dazzle, head across the Gold Coast Highway to The Star Gold Coast, with its 24-hour casino, bars, lounges, restaurants and shows galore. You’ll also find the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre here, home to top international and Australian recording artists and business conference.

Let’s not forget that other icon – Pacific Fair (pg. 6) – one of Australia’s largest retail centres with more than 400 stores, cinemas and casual dining. Sure, Broadbeach has grown up, but it will always be Broady to us.

Mermaid Beach

Boasting waterways with names such as Rumrunner Lake and Lake Wonderland, it’s easy to see the appeal of Mermaid Waters, a canal community which sits at the elbow of Mermaid Beach. Australian surveyor John Oxley first came to the area in 1823 and gave it its name after the cutter ship Mermaid on which he travelled.

Primarily a residential suburb, it’s worth a wander here to check out the luxury homes situated along the canals and lakes. There’s a wide range of Asian and European restaurants in this area, which offers easy access to nearby Mermaid Beach.

In the Gold Coast fairytale, where Surfers Paradise would be cast as Cinderella, if there was to be a Little Mermaid, then Mermaid Waters would most certainly fit the bill.

Nobby Beach

This amazing café precinct borders the famous Hedges Avenue ‘Millionaire’s Row’ and is home to an array of boutique bars and restaurants. This local favourite blends a familyfriendly atmosphere with an ultra-trendy vibe that is frequented by surfers, cyclists and healthy lifestylers. At the southern end, the beachfront offers park, playground and barbecue facilities ideal for young families and offers an enjoyable walking track that connects to the picturesque lookout at North Burleigh Hill.

Miami

For 69 years, this relaxed Gold Coast suburb was home to Miami Ice, an iconic ice factory built from two recycled army huts which were demolished in 2013.

Even Australian singer John Farnham used this venue to film his Two Strong Hearts film clip. But while the controversy over the demolition of this cultural icon has since melted, Miami remains an uber cool place to visit with its burgeoning café culture.

A highlight of a visit here is Miami Marketta, where Miami bursts alive with an outdoor dining experience seating 650 people and serving food from around the globe. Edgy local watering holes such as The Cargo Bar and Gin Parlour serving boutique wine, locally-brewed beer and gin, while the main stage is a hot bed of local blues, jazz, roots and independent artists.

Blessed with a beautiful beach, a wide range of accommodation, and a host of beach shacks which remind you of the Gold Coast of old, you could be forgiven for thinking you were in that other Miami. Yes, Florida. White suits optional.

mermaid beach to miami

tOp

tip

After a stroll around the hip Village Markets wander over to Burleigh’s first rooftop bar, Justin Lane. Enjoy a long Sunday session with their famed pizza.

Burleigh Heads

Burleigh Heads, or simply Burleigh to locals, sits like a cool comma between Surfers Paradise to the north and Coolangatta to the south. It’s a picturesque punctuation mark along the Gold Coast and most definitely somewhere to pause. Let’s start with the beach, which enjoys dual popularity with those who like to swim in her protected waters and those who love to surf around the headland. On a day when it might be a little choppy everywhere else along the Coast, you can bet your bottom dollar there’s a protected corner at Burleigh in which to dip. Even strict landlubbers will adore this destination for the Burleigh Heads National Park which wraps around the headline like a fashionable head scarf, offering views

of the ocean on the left and a number of walking trails and wildlife to experience. The Burleigh foreshore is home to towering fragrant pine trees characteristic of the coast and in this parkland there are plenty of places in which to picnic or barbecue. This is also an ideal spot for regular art and craft markets, where you forage along the foreshore with the ocean shouting encouragement in the background. Absolute oceanfront dining exists here where you’ll swear the fish on your plate has jumped straight out of the water, and there’s a burgeoning funky café culture in these parts. New designers are also starting to pepper the shopping areas and an amble along here won’t disappoint.

Strand at Coolangatta

Tweed Mall

Home to the world’s largest natural cr ystals where you can sit in an ancient amethyst cave. Wander the tranquil Shambhala Gardens adorned with sacred statues.

Home to the world’s largest natural cr ystals where you can sit in an ancient amethyst cave. Wander the tranquil Shambhala Gardens adorned with sacred statues.

Enjoy breathtaking views, a delicious lunch and homemade desser ts.

Enjoy breathtaking views, a delicious lunch and homemade desser ts.

Discover t he Jewel of By ron.

Discover t he Jewel of By ron.

Open 7 days per week 10am—5pm (NSW time). No entry after 4pm. Only 40 mins from Gold Coast Airpor t at 81 Monet Drive, Mullumbimby

Open 7 days per week 10am—5pm (NSW time). No entry after 4pm.

Only 40 mins from Gold Coast Airpor t at 81 Monet Drive, Mullumbimby