Monday 21 May 2012

The Gold Coast's A To Z Of Winter


Gold Coast
The Gold Coast will be the place to be for many Australians during winter, as individuals and families choose the region's soothing sunshine to counter their own cooler climates. Rest and relaxation, wining and dining, hinterland escapes, active pursuits and an ever evolving events calendar confirm the Gold Coast as a year-long destination of choice.  

A - Venture to Australian Outback Spectacular's dinner and show to enjoy a journey that celebrates the history of our stock men and women. Culture is in abundance at the Arts Centre Gold Coast, while Aquaduck Safaris provides a novel way to tour the streets and waterways of the Gold Coast. Head to North Stradbroke Island and let someone at Australian Sunset Safaris guide you on an exciting day tour.

B - Despite being a little cooler than usual, the beach is still a great place to relax and unwind. On the Broadwater there's an endless range of on water activities available. Broadbeach is all about events focusing on food and music, while the great outdoors can be explored from above on a ballooning adventure. If you'd prefer an exploration on land try Bunyip Bike Tours or Bombora Tours Coolangatta.

C - Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary has animals of all shapes and sizes plus the Extreme Green Challenge ropes course and Segway Tours. Catch a Crab allows a fully interactive boating experience on the southern reaches of the Gold Coast, while cruises of all types along the waterways provide memorable experiences. Fill your weekend at Carrara Markets, travel south to Crystal Castle or north to Carlton Brewhouse.   

D - Dining is a major part of any Gold Coast short break experience. Day spas provide a welcome indulgence or be entertained at the new Dracula's stage show or Haunted House. No visit would be complete without spending time at Dreamworld.   

Gold Coast
E - Entertainment and Events; there's an abundance of both. Catch a fish at Ecopark Fishing World or explore the hinterland with Eco Safaris Queensland. The Escarpment at Mt Tamborine will ensure a captivating and enchanting time away. Choose from world-class events including Cooly Rocks On (1-11 June), Surfers Paradise Festival (20 June-14 July), Gold Coast Airport Marathon (30 June-1 July), Broadbeach Restaurant Week (13-22 July), Broadbeach Jazz Festival (17-19 August).  

F - Family fun comes in all shapes and sizes. Select from an amazing array of fishing charters or get back to nature on your 4WD adventure. Feeling hungry? Let the professionals do the hard work for you before popping by the local Fisherman's Co-op on the Spit.

G - See something special at the glow worm caves of Springbrook National Park. Gwinganna Health Retreat offers relaxation and rejuvenation of mind and body, or swing a club at a championship size golf course. Getaway Sailing Cruises is an awesome way to see the waterways, or try a high-speed 900 horse power adventure aboard Gold Coast Eco Extreme. Enjoy high flying antics with Gold Coast Skydive.

H - Enjoy 5-star luxury at the all new Hilton Surfers Paradise or slip into top gear at Holden Performance Driving Centre. Explore the region in style on a Heli Tour, catch up with friends at Hard Rock Café or get your retail fix at Harbour Town Shopping Centre.

I - Try an interactive laser and light show at Infinity in Surfers Paradise or share a special occasion aboard Imagine Cruises.

Gold Coast
J - Discover the impressive waterways of the Gold Coast with Jet Ski Safaris or try Jet Boating; the equivalent of a rollercoaster or rally car on water. Beach or bush, JPT Tours offers adventure and guidance, while day and night there's entertainment aplenty at Jupiters Hotel & Casino. JM Stand Up Paddle Board offers fun-filled lessons all year long.    

K - Four-wheeled fun for all ages is guaranteed at Kingston Park Raceway or travel to the southern reaches of the Gold Coast and enjoy the beachside setting of Kirra Surf Apartments. Live like a surfer and soak up the relaxing Coolangatta vibe at Komune Resort.  

L - Dine within exquisite surrounds at Lauxes Restaurant and Bar in Broadbeach. Lone Pine is the World's first and largest koala sanctuary, or choose a Great Barrier Reef day tour or overnight stay with Lady Elliott Island Eco Resort. Swing a club within the pleasant surrounds of Lakelands Golf Club or strap yourself in for a fun-filled session at Le Mans Kart Racing.    

M - Fashionable fun times are part of the package at Marina Mirage, nab a bargain or an indulgent meal along Tedder Avenue, Main Beach. Enjoy hinterland seclusion at the Mouses House chalets, take in a first class steak meal at Moo Moo The Wine Bar and Grill, or board My Seven Star for the ultimate in Broadwater cruising. A long lunch at Meesh's is also bliss at Burleigh Heads. 

Gold Coast
N - Visit sporting superstars at Northcliffe and North Burleigh Surf Lifesaving Clubs. Narrowneck beach near Surfers offers a more secluded swimming spot, while Nobby's Beach has a very impressive retail and dining precinct. The all new Nirvana by the Sea Kirra Beach has redefined Kirra's beachfront esplanade, creating a new class of holiday apartment.  

O - An O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat winter experience includes a choice of nature conscious retreats, stargazing, photography and bush inspired weekends. Retail and dining are staples of the all new Oracle in Broadbeach, while Oskars on Burleigh maintains a place among the more favoured Gold Coast restaurants.

P - The Gold Coast is the Australasian birthplace of Putt Putt Golf. Another landmark is the fashion inspired Palazzo Versace hotel. Paradise Resort is all about family fun, secure a retail fix at Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, or grace the fairways of past champions at Palm Meadows Golf Club. For dining in the Hinterland, the Polish Place provides a unique opportunity, while closer to the beach book a night at Peppers Broadbeach.

Q - The Q1 Resort and Spa offers luxury and relaxation, while QT Gold Coast has its signature Stingray bar and Bazaar restaurant as part of a comprehensive entertainment set. Quack 'R' Duck is an alternate mode of transport in and out of the water.

R - Robina Town Centre provides a shopping bonanza, Ripple Massage will have you relaxed and refreshed or pop by Ripley's Believe it or Not or maybe the all new Racecentre in Surfers Paradise for a fun-filled interactive experience. If the real thing is more you, board a Porsche or Lamborghini at Rent A Dream Car before completing your day with dinner at Room81, the Sofitel Hotel.       


Gold Coast
S - Fulfil a sense of adventure and love of food on the Gold Coast's Seafood Discovery Trail. Meet local marine life at Sea World. Strike Bowling in Surfers Paradise is a favourite past time or chill 77 stories high among the funky surrounds of Skypoint. Head outside and try the all-new Skypoint Climb. See what's on the menu at Songbirds and Sirromet or the all-new Seaduction restaurant at Sea Temple.

T - Theme parks are an all-time winner or test the sky-high limits at Tiger Moth Joy Flights. Tamborine Mountain is home to the Rainforest Skywalk, its own internationally acclaimed distillery, plus well regarded cooking school. Venture a little further and enjoy the scenic surrounds of Thunderbird Park. Try an exploratory tour of the waterways with Tall Ship Cruises or enjoy taste sensations at Tropical Fruit World.

U - Underwater adventures are a virtual unknown wonder of the Gold Coast. The region is considered Australia's premier inshore dive site, boasting year round access and a fish diversity unequalled by any other city in Australia. If you are into diving you may know of many famous dive sites, but none are within the city limits of a major urban centre and enjoy the luxury of being primarily shore based. 

V - V8 Supercars Australia is based here on the Gold Coast and while visitors have to wait until October for the Armor All Gold Coast 600 event, adrenalin junkies can find themselves behind the wheel at the V8 Superschool any time of the year. Satisfy your pizza cravings at Vapiano Soul and settle in nearby at the Vibe Hotel Surfers Paradise.

W - Choose a Gold Coast winery to offer some winter warmth or enjoy the local tastes and flavours at Witches Chase Cheese at Tamborine. Wet 'n' Wild plus WhiteWater World and Warner Village Theme Parks provide escapism from the everyday. The waters of the Gold Coast are nicknamed 'Humpback Highway' for a reason, so join the giants of the sea during a winter whale watching expedition.

X - Rest assured when it comes to the X factor, no matter what your definition of fun the Gold Coast has you covered this winter.    

Gold Coast
Y - Take the Yatala turn off from the M1 where you'll find the Gold Coast home of Dick Johnson Racing, a purpose built facility which includes race museum and retail store. Tours of the current V8 Supercar workshop can be arranged, plus you'll enjoy an extensive education about the cars that touring car legend Dick Johnson has made famous throughout the past four decades.

Z - ZZzzzzzzzzzzz After doing so much or so little, it can be good just to sit back, relax and watch the world go by. Of course there's no better place to do so than right here on the Gold Coast.

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