How To Conquer Gold Coast Effortlessly Like A Local. You’ll Never Want To Leave.
Putting the 'gold' in Gold Coast.
Published for AIR ASIA, 08 Oct 2015, 05:47 PM
1. Visit the markets for some rare finds, delicious eats and positive vibes
Hang out with the cool kids at The Miami Marketta. Every Wednesday evening, all tapas plates are under AUD6 and you can catch live music every Thursday evening. On Friday and Saturday evenings, the market comes alive with street food, live music, boutique wine and craft beer. This transitional space, buzzing with atmosphere is not to be missed!
Visitors love The Village Markets (TVM) for its positive, relaxed Sunday vibe, it's unique mix of high quality stalls, the delicious eats and the live local music. Shoppers can enjoy food from around the world thanks to the lineup of food trucks and gourmet eats on offer, grab a blanket and sit under the trees with friends, enjoying the sweet sounds of live local music.
thevillagemarketsgc.com.au
The Village Markets trades every month, on the first and third Sunday at Burleigh Heads State School 8.30AM - 1PM and the fourth Sunday at Paradise Point Park 8AM - 1PM on the Gold Coast, Queensland.
thevillagemarketsgc.com.au
2. Do some surfing. Café surfing, that is!
Gold Coast has a brewing coffee scene that is much loved by the locals. What better way to experience the local coffee scene than to go café surfing? Start your own café trail from Surfers Paradise's Black Coffee Lyrics or The 421, then move your way to Broadbeach's Elk Espresso to have a taste of the best of Gold Coast.
3. Your trip will not be complete without an adrenaline-pumped and fun-filled visit to one of the many theme parks...
When visiting the Gold Coast, the city's theme parks are are staple of any holiday to the region. As Australia's theme park capital, it is no surprise that the parks are one of the major draw cards for visitors.
experienceoz.com.au
4. ...or if you're feeling daring, feel even more adrenaline pumping through your veins when you're skydiving
The view of the stunning Gold Coast beaches and looking back to Surfers Paradise is beyond comparison. You will have the opportunity to take in the breathtaking scenery on the beautiful scenic flight to height. Once the aircraft has climbed to height, you will leap from the plane on an adrenaline-filled ride, rushing through the air as you fly towards the ground. Your parachute will open and you’ll float down to the sandy beaches of Kirra below; giving you yet another chance to take in the beautiful views and enjoy the feeling of your skydive.
goldcoastskydive.com.au
Bonus pro-tip: Make sure you get yourself a go explore card for unlimited bus and tram travel to all the attractions within Gold Coast.
One go explore ticket is AUD10 a day for adults, whereas AUD5 for children between the ages of 5 to 14. Each ticket entitles you to an unlimited one-day travel on TransLink buses and G:Link trams, from Gold Coast to Broadbeach.
5. Soak in on some sun, sea and sand goodness in Broadbeach and top it off with some shopping
Although the beach is key to life in Broadbeach there is much more on offer than just sun, sea and sand. With several fantastic shopping areas and malls, Broadbeach is the main shopping hub of the Gold Coast, with shops ranging from big high street names to unique boutiques. You'll also fine arts and crafts markets, perfect for hunting down those holiday souvenirs.
broadbeachtourism.com.au
The nightlife in Broadbeach is superb with all types of tastes catered for. There is everything from sports clubs to dance clubs, many featuring top name DJs. Broadbeach itself could keep you busy for weeks on end, but its fantastic location at the heart of the Gold Coast means that there is plenty to do nearby as well.
broadbeachtourism.com.au6. Enjoy the view and incredible skyline at the SkyPoint observation deck
SkyPoint located on top of the iconic Q1 Building, one of the world's tallest residential towers takes you to the highest point above the Gold Coast and offers spectacular 360 degree views from the surf to the hinterland and beyond. Rising 230m into the sky, SkyPoint is located on Level 77 and 78 of the iconic Q1 Tower in southern Surfers Paradise.
skypoint.com.au
By night, SkyPoint Observation Deck transforms into a chic, high altitude lounge bar with music every Friday and Saturday night and Sunset Sounds on Sunday afternoon. Enjoy drinks and delicious platters with friends and take in the glittering skyline.
queensland.com
7. For the gutsier ones, challenge yourselves with the SkyPoint climb that will leave you feeling like you're on the top of the world
SkyPoint Climb is a must-do Gold Coast adventure, lasting 90 minutes from the beginning to the end and featuring an awe-inspiring, open-air adventure atop one of Queensland's most recognised land marks – 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.
8. Get up close and personal with Australian wildlife in Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
The Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary has amazing Australian wildlife; you can cuddle a koala, feed a friendly kangaroo, experience the wild lorikeet feeding, free-flight bird show and Australiana sheep shearing. Witness Aboriginal presenters perform didgeridoo and dancers shows, test your physical ability on the Adventure Parc High Ropes Course, an exhilarating 80 challenge tree-tops ropes course, let the kids loose on Wild Island, the fun-filled outdoor adventure playground.
There is nothing like holding a koala and feeding the kangaroos at the Gold Coast's first and most loved major tourist attraction!
9. Reach to new heights in Gold Coast on a hot air balloon
10. Slow down your pace and feel at peace in the beautiful, serene Mount Tamborine
Located in the peaceful and picturesque hinterland only an hour from Brisbane and the Gold Coast, Tamborine Mountain is one of Queensland's secret treasures. The Tamborine Mountain, tropical rainforest, populated with distinctive, brilliantly colourful, exotic birds and many interesting variations of flora and fauna provides a peace and tranquility that is a complete contrast to the incessant daily noise and never ending demands on our time.
tamborinemtncc.org.au
At every turn you will encounter breathtaking scenery and views, abundant wildlife and clean mountain air. Also a strong cottage industry including many local arts and crafts, a host of natural and man-made attractions, award winning wineries and top-class restaurants, country markets, festivals and events, a whole host of accommodation choices including romantic couples’ cottages and B&Bs await you on Tamborine Mountain.
There are so many more things to do in Gold Coast that is up to you to discover, whether it's with artsy folks, your family, or adventurous friends!
Many travellers think they know what to expect on Australia's Gold Coast. While they are right about its thrilling theme parks, endless stretch of glorious beach and sensational surfs, the fun doesn’t just end there.
Whether you are single, travelling with a group of friends and in search of adventure, or married with children and on a mission to entertain the whole family, the Gold Coast offers such a diverse range of experiences that it warrants a return trip!
So many can be said about Gold Coast, but it's up to you to make your own memories and define the trip yourself!
With AirAsia X flying to Gold Coast 5 times a week, you can experience the exciting theme parks, adventure, and nature experiences. Book now HERE until 15 November 2015!