Where to go til Monday – Gold Coast
Need a quick break? Somewhere kids-friendly? Well if you live in South East Queensland or Northern New South Wales.. how can you beat the Goldie! 57 kilometres of white sandy beaches, shimmering Pacific blue, and the Hinterland. Park your camper at one of many caravan or tourist parks along the stretch of the Gold Coast, from Main Beach to southern Coolangatta on the New South Wales border.
Main Beach
Pavilion 34 is an old bathing pavilion which has been reinvented as a café, with a local retro feel. The first Gold Coast Surf Club was at Southport which resides right near a lovely park – perfect for a day out or picnics. From Main Beach, take a drive or a bike ride out to ‘The Spit’, and the foreshore parks. The tourist attraction and Marine Park ‘Sea World’, which has been in existence since 1972, is located at The Spit and worth taking little kids to for a day out. The beach itself is popular for surfers, and early sunrise presents wonderful opportunities for dawn photographs.
Surfers Paradise
The most iconic area of the Goldie, well-known internationally, this beautiful seaside resort is home to annual events such as Seafire – a spectacular fireworks display; Carols on the Beach – held in December; Surf Life Saving comps; the Supercars race; and Kids Week – celebrating all things kids during Spring School Holidays. A must-do at Surfers is a visit to the Beachfront Markets on the Esplanade end of Cavill Mall, where you will find 100 market stalls, live entertainment and great food choices. Surfers bustles with the activities of cyclists, skateboarders, joggers and walkers all soaking up the sunshine and serenity of the surf and sand.
Burleigh Heads
Burleigh is a little land-nut that juts out from the straight line of the beach, with some protected waters for swimming or surfing, and lovely Tallebudgera Creek which leads into the canals of Palm Beach. Not much further south you will find Currumbin and the reserves, and of course the Wildlife Sanctuary. Currumbin Beach and Elephant Rock are known for holding the ANZAC Day Dawn Service, a national day of remembrance hosted by the Currumbin RSL. Many walking trails are to be found out around the Burleigh Heads National Park headland, and for the foodies there are plenty of absolute beachside dining opportunities.
The Hinterland of the Goldie boasts unspoiled World Heritage areas; gorgeous mountain townships where you can visit markets, antique stores or enjoy a coffee and sweet. Head up to the Hinterland to explore the rainforests or art galleries and be impressed. The Goldie is sure to leave you wanting more, and every visit at any time of the year will be memorable. Camp in the Hinterland, or stay at a Beachside Tourist Park – there are more than enough places to find something suitable for everyone!
