June Excitement On the Gold Coast

Baby Dolphin at Tangalooma

There are many great things to see and do this winter.on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia

New Developments

Baby Dolphin Arrives At Tangalooma

One of Tangalooma Island Resort's favourite mums, dolphin Tinkerbell, has a brand new calf in tow. The calf is number four for the 22 year old mother and her experience has been shining through as she carefully steers her new bub away from the other dolphins at the nightly hand feeding session. Tinkerbell's other offspring are the very popular teenage dolphins Tangles and Storm and the juvenile Phoenix. It may be some time before dolphin carers will be able to determine the sex of the calf and at least 12 months before it joins the feeding program. http://www.tangalooma.com/

Gold Coast Eco Extreme

Leaving from Runaway Bay Marina, climb aboard the custom designed 900HP RIB "ECO 1" and get set for a 50 kilometre, one and a half hour Gold Coast waterways journey.  Heading north toward Jumpinpin Bar, at the tip of South Stradbroke Island, you'll gain an excellent view of some of Queensland's biggest and most exclusive properties on Sovereign Island. Gold Coast Eco Extreme staff will enlighten you about the rich history of the area, while introducing you to the many varieties of resident birdlife including Sea Eagles and Ospreys that are among 200 species that call this region home. The islands are inhabited with healthy numbers of wallabies and numerous other Australian native animals. As your tour ventures out into the deep blue ocean, scan the water for turtles, dolphins and the elusive Dugong. http://www.ecoextreme.com.au/

Jungle Cats Family Fun Restaurant Opens In BroadbeachJungle Cats is the Gold Coast's first Family Fun Centre offering a unique combination of fine dining and indoor games. Features include a fully licensed Restaurant, play areas for children, play structure maze, toddler zone, rides and games, Safe-T-Kidz Fun Cars, Jungle Cats Train Ride, plus facilities for parties and functions! There is also the very unique opportunity for children to take control of life-like robotic animals, walking them around throughout the precinct. Four robotic jungle animals are available at Jungle Cats: an elephant, a giraffe, a zebra or a lion. Not only do these terrific beasts move and make sounds, but they can be controlled with a very simple control stick by your child! Imagine the look on their face as they make the animal walk around the track. What a treat! http://www.junglecats.com.au/

Sea World Dinosaur Island

Sea World Dinosaur Island

Sea World on Australia's Gold Coast will step back in time more than 65 million years, with the launch of a brand new interactive dinosaur attraction that will take visitors on a journey into the prehistoric world. Launching in mid June 2012, Sea World's Dinosaur Island will include a stunning indoor jungle display, a fossil centre as well as an outdoor forest featuring life-size Dinosaurs, skeleton displays and fossil replicas from the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. "One of the attraction's best features is that it's highly interactive. Both the young and young at heart will be in awe as they watch the dinosaurs come to life, moving their heads and tails, breathing and roaring. Visitors will even be able to control the movements of some of the Dinosaurs using special interactive panels," said Village Roadshow Theme Parks Chief Executive Officer Tim Fisher. "The kids will love the interactive Excavation Site where they can become real life palaeontologists and dig for fossilised Dinosaurs footprints, just like the ones coming to life all around them," he added. http://www.seaworld.myfun.com.au/

Warner Village Theme Parks VIP Pass Relaunch

The Gold Coast's big three theme parks, Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World and Wet'n'Wild Water World have announced the return of Australia's best theme park deal - the VIP Pass, just in time to escape the winter blues. With a host of exciting new rides and attractions planned for 2012 including Sea World's Dinosaur Island opening in June and the new Justice League Alien Invasion 3D ride opening at Movie World in September, the VIP Pass is the best way to experience amazing theme park fun while getting a great value family experience. For the first time ever, the new VIP Pass will provide up to thirteen months of unlimited entry to Movie World, Sea World and Wet'n'Wild until June 30, 2013 for the incredible price of just $99.99, plus if you pre-purchase before August 31 you can buy three passes and get one free. http://www.myfun.com.au/

Ripple Massage Winter Options

Adding chocolate, honey, sea shells or Russian techniques to an array of massage opportunities sets Ripple Massage apart.  Ripple's chocolate massage brings all the decadent aromas with none of the calories. Each treatment includes a chocolate gift box including a chocolate soap, chocolate candle and a little box of chocolates for those who want to indulge. Honey sourced from the Numinbah Valley makes this unique massage exclusive to Ripple and according to Ripple owner Alison Shaw "Honey is magic for the skin, promoting  tissue growth and fabulous for exfoliation. Amino acids help retain the skin's natural moisture and antioxidants assist in reversing skin damage." Ripple's Russian massage uses techniques that have existed for over 100 years and is based on the philosophy that through massage the body can learn to heal, relax and repair itself. Using a mix of reef shells, including speckled cowries, ginger scallops, lions paw fans and elegant sun dial shells, this style of massage taps into the energy of the shells whilst giving a deep and calming massage. http://www.ripplemassage.com.au/   

Look Polished @ Vibe Hotel Gold Coast

Vibe Hotels is pleased to announce the launch of Look Polished @ Vibe*,  the brand new accommodation package featuring four limited edition travel sized nail polishes that will see women pampered during their stay. From just $199*, the Look Polished @ Vibe package includes: overnight accommodation for two adults in a vibe-rant guest room, a set of four mini Vibe nail polishes in this season's hottest colours - Pillow Taupe, VIPink, Refresh-Mint and Welcome Black, a delicious full buffet breakfast for two at curve cafe plus late check-out at noon to catch up on beauty sleep. The limited edition set of four Vibe Hotels nail polishes are at the forefront of colour trends this season and come in mini sizes, ideal for travelling. What better reason for gal pals to host that long overdue girly getaway or for the ladies to snag themselves a little something extra whilst travelling with their plus one? http://www.vibehotels.com.au/      

O'Reilly's School Holiday Fun

Put down the gaming controls and slap on a hat! Come experience the real life 'PlayStation' and get a 'Wii' bit excited at O'Reilly's these school holidays. With over 80 years of experience raising three generations of family members on the mountain, the O'Reilly family are experienced at providing quality family entertainment. O'Reilly's is now making it easier for families to getaway in these tough economic times with new great value inclusions. All stays in O'Reilly's traditional Rainforest Retreat now include participation in their early morning bird walk and evening audio-visual presentation - complimentary! For school holiday fun, O'Reilly's Eco Rangers program is an educational and entertaining way for children to learn about the rainforest and its inhabitants. The 'Eco Rangers' program helps the next generation of children discover the magic of the rainforest. 'Eco Ranger' activities are based on environmental education concepts that incorporate learning about the rainforest and its weird and wonderful inhabitants with fun games, arts and crafts. http://www.oreillys.com.au/

Savings At Gwinganna For Queensland Residents

If you are feeling tired, stressed and run-down, Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat has the perfect short break for winter with a saving of 20%* off regular rates for Queensland residents. It's an ideal way to holiday close to home yet feel like you are a million miles away. Gwinganna is set on over 200 hectares of bushland in the Gold Coast hinterland, with scenic views of the coastline, two swimming pools, exceptional facilities and the largest spa in the Southern Hemisphere. Packages also include Gwinganna's popular certified organic cuisine, including new winter items such as lamb shanks and kangaroo, seafood and chicken, all snacks, optional organic tea and coffee each morning with a glass of organic wine at dinner. Whether it's to celebrate a special occasion or just to get away and recharge, this is a weekend like no other. http://www.gwinganna.com/

Gold Coast Whale Watching

Gold Coast Whale Watching

Overview

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 Humpback Highway with approximately 25 000 viewing opportunities during the annual migration up and down the coasts of Queensland. The advantage of having to travel just 10 minutes out to sea to witness these giants of the sea 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. Gold Coast whale watching departure points include Marina Mirage, Sea World, Sea World Resort, The Spit, Surfers Paradise and Coolangatta/Tweed Heads Golf Club. 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 of 8,000kms 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.

Gold Coast Whale Watching Operators:  

Tall Ships - ph: 1300 942 537 http://www.tallship.com.au/   

Whales in Paradise - ph: 07 5538 5219 http://www.whalesinparadise.com.au/

Sea World Whale Watching - ph: 133 386 http://www.seaworld.myfun.com.au/   

Coolangatta Whale Watch - 07 5599 4104 http://www.coolangattawhalewatch.com.au/

Rivers Whale Watching Tours - 07 5527 6361 http://www.rivers.net.au/

Spirit of Gold Coast - ph: 07 5572 7755 http://www.goldcoastwhalewatching.com/    

Palazzo Versace Unveils Aqua Marine Wildlife Encounter

Palazzo Versace, Gold Coast is offering guests a luxurious Aqua Marine wildlife encounter and accommodation packages this whale watching season, giving them the chance to get up close and personal with the amazing and gentle migrating whales as they make their way past the Gold Coast.

Aqua Marine guests will enjoy overnight accommodation and a buffet breakfast for two in Il Barocco restaurant before heading out to sea to experience the wonder of the whales. Perfectly positioned overlooking the tranquil Gold Coast Broadwater, Palazzo Versace encompasses the feel and beauty of the ocean with its relaxed and serene atmosphere. The exciting day trip takes place onboard the Spirit of Migaloo, which was named in honour of the world's only white humpback whale, Migaloo. The $3.5 million vessel is Australia's most advanced whale watching vessel, custom-designed for an environmentally friendly experience. http://www.palazzoversace.com.au/

Foodie Experiences

Seaduction Chocolate Master Class with Kirsten Tibballs

Seaduction welcomes chocolate Queen Kirsten Tibballs - one of Australia's most celebrated and internationally respected pastry chefs and chocolatiers as she hosts two special Master Class and lunch events alongside Seaduction Executive Chef Steve Szabo on 27 and 28 June. An Australia Ambassador for leading chocolate manufacturer Callebaut, (a rare honour as there are only 24 in the world), Tibballs regularly travels throughout Europe and the Asia Pacific demonstrating her skills, and visiting major International cocoa plantations. Tibballs has represented Australia at the World Pastry Championships in Las Vegas where she was recognised as the best in the world for her handmade chocolates, as well as winning gold in the Pastry Olympics in Germany. Recently, Tibballs judged the World Chocolate Masters in Paris and The Patisserie Grand Prix in Japan. http://www.seaduction.com.au/

Southern Flavours and Master Class Featured at Palazzo Versace

Palazzo Versace is heating things up for epicureans by hosting three of Victoria's hottest chefs, Scott Pickett of Melbourne's The Estelle, Mathew Macartney of Eleonore's Restaurant in the Yarra Valley and Pierre Khodja of the recently reopened Flinders Hotel, for a long weekend of gala dinners and a mouth-watering master class.  From Friday July 27th to Sunday July 29th, the haute hotel will become a culinary haven, showcasing cuisine from the visiting chef's award-winning restaurants. The trio will serve an enticing four-course gala dinner on Friday and Saturday evening, incorporating their sense of style and flair into their selected dish. The gala dinners will incorporate a topical discussion of the chefs' insights on Australia's ever growing food culture. On Sunday, the three chefs will host a 'Showstopper Cuisine at Home' Master Class, teaching guests how to create amazing meals in their own kitchens. http://www.palazzoversace.com.au/

Sanctuary Cove Food and Wine Festival (10 June)

The Marine Village Sanctuary Cove invites you to indulge your senses at the Sanctuary Cove Food and Wine Festival on Sunday 10 June from 10am. This is a chance to enjoy a day of live entertainment and tantalizing tastes in a picturesque setting by The Marina. Held in the Sanctuary Cove Festival Marquee on the Rotunda Lawn, the Food and Wine Festival will offer epicurean entertainment, children's activities and of course, the chance to sample the many culinary offerings from Sanctuary Cove cafes and restaurants and participating exhibitors representing a wide variety of gourmet options. The event will feature cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs, including Ben O'Donoghue and Junior MasterChef sisters Isabella and Sofia Bliss. Tickets are essential and are just $16.50 each. Entry is free for children. www.sanctuarycove.com/events

High Tea At Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove

Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove continues to prove its reputation for elegance and class, introducing a daily High Tea sitting in Cove Café and The Verandah Bar through until the end of July. Perfect for those who enjoy the finer things in life, guests can experience a slice of high society as they indulge over a selection of bite-sized delights. Set daily from 2.30 - 5pm, the High Tea offers an array of gourmet finger and open-face sandwiches, savoury items, homemade chocolates, pastries and a selection of freshly brewed tea and coffee. For those tempted by a glass of sparkling, an extensive wine list is also available.  http://www.sanctuarycove.hyatt.com/   

Awards

World Cup Success For Burleigh Brewing

Burleigh Brewing has returned triumphantly from the prestigious World Beer Cup in San Diego, collecting the much-coveted Gold medal for the German-style wheat beer category, with their Burleigh HEF variety. 'Wheat beer is a classic German and Bavarian beer style. Over in Europe they have a 600 year or so head start on us in brewing that style. Our whole team has worked very hard on perfecting this style, so to have our brewing recognised in this way, at the 'Olympics of Beer' is a real thrill,' remarked Burleigh Brewmaster Brennan Fielding. In a further coup the Gold Coast brewers were also acknowledged at the Australian International Beer Awards in Melbourne. Their European-style Duke Premium was awarded two Silver medals and the highest award in its class. 70's style 28 Pale Ale took home the Silver Medal. English-style My Wife's Bitter was presented with two Bronze medals and HEF was recognised with a Bronze and a Silver. http://www.burleighbrewing.com.au/

Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat Confirmed Australia's Best Luxury Spa

 The Gold Coast's Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat has won two prestigious spa awards including the World Luxury Spa Awards accolade for Best Luxury Spa in Australia. Voted by thousands of spa guests worldwide, Gwinganna has been recognised as the very best spa within the country. The World Luxury Spa Awards is the highest accolade a spa can ever hope to receive. For participants the World Luxury Spa Awards challenge service excellence and highlight the importance of constant improvement. In addition to the honour, prestige and global exposure of winning a World Luxury Spa Award, winners share in fantastic marketing benefits including online profiles and marketing guides that further build staff moral and maintain credibility. Gwinganna also won Best Australian Health and Wellness property in the Luxury Travel Magazine Gold List awards for 2012 for the second consecutive year. Voting was open to the public. Visit http://www.gwinganna.com/

Events

Jupiters Gold Coast National Finals Rodeo (14-17 June)

The Jupiters Gold Coast National Finals Rodeo will be held at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre in Broadbeach from June 14 to June 17, 2012. Event co-ordinator Marshall Hall said the Jupiters Gold Coast National Finals Rodeo (NFR) was the largest indoor Rodeo and entertainment event in Australia. "For the Australian Professional Rodeo Association, this is the pinnacle of rodeo events in Australia,'' said Mr Hall. "Each year more than 350,000 spectators watch tens of thousands of hopefuls compete in the 120-plus accredited rodeos that are held across Australia and it all culminates in the National Finals Rodeo on the Gold Coast. "The best of the best of Australia's rodeo riders compete here and it is a privilege to have the support of a naming rights sponsor which is also clearly the best of the best in the region." Jupiters Hotel & Casino Acting Managing Director Craig Peachey said the property was excited to once again be the naming right's sponsor and official after-party venue for the 2012 Jupiters Gold Coast National Finals Rodeo. "With the recent launch of our $20 million redeveloped Jupiters Theatre and concerts from Michael Bolton, Tony Bennett, Seal and Kelly Rowland, Jupiters is all about entertaining experiences," Mr Peachey said. http://www.nfrgoldcoast.com.au/

Surfers Paradise Festival (20 June - 14 July)

The Surfers Paradise Festival 20 June to 14 July will offer something for everyone during a month long celebration of Gold Coast art, culture, music and food. Launch It! Beach concert on 22-24 June occupies an entire weekend of the Festival... and it's all free. From 29 June to 1 July the Australian Street Entertainment Championships will be staged, bringing together some of the world's best street artists - jugglers, acrobats, magicians, puppeteers and musicians - as they vie for the crowd's attention. The Oneway Street party takes top billing on Saturday 7 July transforming out-of-the-way Appel Street into a showcase of the Gold Coast's sharpest musical and artistic talents; the Gold Coast's hottest indie bands do their thing across two stages, interspersed by contributions from Elsewhere's DJ roster. The following Saturday to close off the Festival, A La Carte in the Park  stars the city's finest restaurateurs in a groovy picnic blanket affair, transforming Lionel Perry Park, on the banks of the Nerang River, into a swirl of tantalising tastes, decadent drops and live music from the pick of local jazz and folk talent. With food from almost every imaginable cuisine on offer and nothing more than $10 a plate, A La Carte in the Park brings top-shelf dining to the everyday connoisseur. http://www.surfersparadisefestival.com.au/

Paddle for Prostate Charity Regatta at Sanctuary Cove (24 June)

Mulpha Sanctuary Cove is pleased to host the 2012 Paddle for Prostate Charity Regatta and Dragon Boat Challenge on Sunday, June 24. This fun-filled annual event raises much-needed funds for Cancer Council Queensland to support prostate cancer research. For the fifth consecutive year, The Marina at Sanctuary Cove will be the site of a challenging long-distance paddle and exciting sprint races. Everyday heroes will take to the water for a day of light-hearted competition, raising awareness and funds for a very worthy cause. The event will kick off at 10.30am with a dragon boat paddle of the Gold Coast Broadwater, beginning at Paradise Point and finishing at the Sanctuary Cove Marina.  Teams will then hit the water from 12.30pm to take part in the thrilling sprint races.   www.sanctuarycove.com/events

The Straddie Salute Multisport Festival (15/16 September)

From humble beginnings in 2008, this year the Straddie Salute is set to take a giant stride offering what no other triathlon can - a road and off-road cycle course. In the past, competitors swapped their traditional triathlon road bikes for mountain bikes to take on the island's tracks & trails.  This year, for the first time, triathlon competitors will have the choice of road or dirt and it's this unique option which will enhance the event's already broad appeal. The new Straddie Salute Roadie triathlon course will use the same swim and run leg as the original but the mountain bike course is replaced with a slightly shorter, 15km road cycle. The new festival format, introduced in 2011, offers three events over two days in one big weekend of adventure. http://www.weekendwarriorevents.com.au/

Netfest (25-28 Otober)

Netballers from Australia and New Zealand will be adding 'sand, sun and socialising' to their training regime as they prepare for this year's NetFest carnival on Queensland's world famous Gold Coast. NetFest will see Australia's iconic Surfers Paradise beach transformed into the ultimate netball mecca with over 1,000 participants ready to practice, play and party. The event has been rescheduled to the end of the competitive season in October, creating 'the ultimate end-of-season trip' for netballers of all levels. Adding to the excitement is the announcement that Liz Ellis is the official NetFest ambassador. Registrations are open now to participants over the age of 18 years. For more information or to register, visit http://www.netfest.com.au/