Gold Coast
Back in 1940s when tourism industry was peaking up, price of land in this area soared like gold. People believes that the name Gold Coast came from that phenomena. The city with 57 kilometers beach is located in the state of Queensland. Comfortable climate and fabulous beach make Gold Coast a magnet not only to Australians but foreign tourists as well.
Getting There
Gold Coast is well connected. Europeans traveling in budget mode can fly Air Asia X from London to Kuala Lumpur and then to Gold Coast. Tropical addicts can enjoy two tropical paradises in Bali as flight from and to Bali is easily available. Many flight options are also available from most Asian hubs such as Singapore, Bangkok, and Jakarta.
What to See
If Singapore has Duck Tours, Gold Coast has Aquabus. The amphibious vehicles take tourists along the Surfers Paradise with cascading restaurants then jump into the sea to enjoy the cascading luxurious properties along the shoreline, one of which belongs to Jacky Chan. Aquabus Safari, 7a Orchid Ave, Surfers Paradise, Tel. 61 755390222
If you are interested to dance riding the wave you can take a learn to surf class of Go Ride a Wave to get a two hours lesson to catch the wave and stand on the board. Equipment is not a problem as everything you need is provided. Go Ride a Wave, Surfers Paradise Shop 189, Centro Centre, Cavill Avenue, www.gorideawave.com.au.
Soaring as high as 230 meters, Q1 is the highest residential tower in the world. A visit to QDeck on the 77th floor will give you a 360 degrees view of Gold Coast. You will understand what make the area is so attractive: infinity shoreline, cascade of soaring skyscrapers along the beach, decently laid out canals. QDeck has QBar which performs live DJ every weekend. Q1, Surfers Paradise Boulevard, www.qdeck.com.au.
Where to Stay
Located in the heart of Surfers Paradise, only 100 meters away from the beach, Holiday Inn is a suitable place to enjoy the fun of Gold Coast. 22 View Avenue, Surfers Paradise 4217, Tel. 61 755791000, www.holidayinn.com.au. Rates start from $125.
In Gold Coast you can do more than wearing Versace, you can sleep in it. Stay at Palazzo Versace Hotel, the first Vesace’s property in the world, and see how the Italian fashion design dissolves into interior, exterior, and furnitures. Sea World Drive, Main Beach 4217, Tel. 61 755098000, www.palazzoversace.com. Rates start from $715.
Where to Eat
Oceanic interior dominated by Greek’s typical blue and white colors makes George’s Paragon Seafood Restaurant a romantic dining venue. More than fresh food in extra large portion you will enjoy warm service. Corner of Gold Coast Highway & Nerang Street, Southport, Tel. 61 755030277, www.georgesparagonseafood.com.
Go for more than just the memorabilia but also enjoy the culinary experience of Hard Rock Cafe Gold Coast with jumbo portion of international dishes. Choose the balcony area to enjoy the sweeping views of Surfers Paradise. Corner of Cavill Avenue & Gold Coast Highway, Surfers Paradise, Tel. 61 755399377, www.hardrock.com.
Those addicted to Asian food should give Golden Legends Malaysian Seafood Restaurant a try. Here you can find two rare things in Australia, rice and sambal (Malaysian spicy paste). Carrying moslem’s halal certificate, the restaurant hosts a long array of fresh and delicious seafood. Shop 1 & 2, 3041, Gold Coast Highway, Surfers Paradise, Tel. 61 755046398.
Where to Shop
At Royal Gifts Tax Free you will not only find Australian souvenirs but also the benefit of friendship. Owned by Malaysian the shop often gives extra discount to Indonesian visitors. Oscar the owner spent 10 years living in Kalimantan, Indonesian official name for Borneo. Shop 7, Paradise Tower 3049, Corner of Gold Coast Highway & Trickett Street, Tel. 61 755383890.
With a discount card from Tourism Lounge you will get extra discount at Harbor Town which has 120 stores offering both local and international brands such as Ralph Lauren, Lisa Ho, and Oroton. Corner of Gold Coast Highway & Oxley Drive, Biggera Waters 4216, Tel. 61 755291734, www.harbourtownshopping.com.au.
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