Sleigh your Christmas part-ay planning with the Mercure Gold Coast Resort.
Sleigh your Christmas part-ay planning with the Mercure Gold Coast Resort.
We’ve been welcoming the momentary bliss that comes with the return of warmer weather, until… it hits us. The realisation that it’s almost spring and basically one long blink until – suddenly, it’s December… ZOMG, how is it already time to lock in our silly season soirees?!
Well, consider this a little PSA, for our fellow organisers and nominated planners of things, aka the glue that holds together every family and corporation, ever. This year we’re proposing you stress a little less (after all, we could never stop completely, millennial dread and all).
Some well established experts at throwing the perfect shin-dig, the Mercure Gold Coast Resort, have long since been helping us put on the perfect wedding, corporate event and, you guessed it the most holly, jolly Christmas celebrations. They have everything we could ever need, including all-inclusive packages complete with the chance to revel amongst their stunning resort surrounds – a very merry Christmas (or, baby shower, family reunion, gala, corporate retreat…) indeed. Did we mention they also throw a pretty rad picnic, too?
This year, to get us through the festive year without a total breakdown (unless of course you choose to enter a shopping centre carpark come December #neveragain), they’ve put together some top-notch packages that are going to take care of all most of the silly season heavy lifting (after all, they’re not gonna handle your Christmas shopping #soz)
There’s the Snowflake Soiree, a Christmas Canapé Selection for $95pp. Perfect for a gathering those who you know will prefer the sips to be the star of the show, it includes a 3 hour beverage package and a selection of delicious morsels to nibble such as lamb kofta with minted yoghurt and steamed prawn and scallop dumpling with shoasing dressing. Umm, yes to all of the above!
The Twinkling Tastes package offers a Festive Buffet Feast for $115.00pp. A buffet-style offering, complete with 3 hour beverage package ideal for those who want to eat, drink and be merry. Nosh on chef specialties that rival our actual Chrissy day spreads, with roasted lamb shoulder, chickpeas, spiced tomato and grilled reef fish, roasted cherry tomato, caper butter to tantalise the tastebuds. Also, there’s mud cake, fresh berries and vanilla brulée praline cups, so actually is it too late to change our minds?
The final but equally as tempting Mistletoe Moments offers an enchanting plated affair for $115.00 pp. A 2 course alternate serve with your choice of entree & main OR main & dessert #decisionsdecisions and that all important 3 hour beverage package. The main event includes an alternate drop between barramundi, herb crushed potatoes, seasonal greens, blistered cherry tomatoes, salsa verde or the grilled sirloin, caramelized balsamic onion jam, potato rosti, baked parsnip, zucchini, vine tomato jus, so no matter which way you go there’s going to be some very happy campers.
All three packages include venue hire for events 30 guests and above, which offers an epic assortment of venues to soak up the idyllic surrounds of the Mercure grounds. If you’re not in the mood for your visit to be quite so short and sweet, there’s always the option to extend your visit with a stay in one of their modern Resort Rooms and make the most of those top-notch Mercure facilities instead of just, y’know, admiring from afar. We highly recommend this option, and thanks to #nailing an epic Christmas shebang, you know you’ve totally earned it #soefficient
Where: 64 Palm Meadows Drive, Carrara
When: Contact the events team to check the availability of your preferred date.
Words by Kellie Leader.
STORY SPONSORED BY MERCURE RESORT GOLD COAST
Ahh, the glorious sunshine state. Even in the winter months, it never takes us long to thaw out once those sun drenched mornings roll around for another day. And what can we say – the chance to soak up all those rays without our pesky friend humidity ruining the vibes is too good to pass up. It’s lucky the daily SPF is a staple inclusion in the ol’ skincare regime because we cannot. get. enough.
If you also welcome any opportunity to make like a lizard and bask all. day. long. – we would argue that this is the superior time for the underrated outing of glorious weather – the humble picnic – to make an appearance again.
Luckily for all us foodies and lovers of spectacular outdoor vibes, our friends at the Mercure Resort Gold Coast have thrown together the ultimate picnic option.
Why do we always forget how good picnics are? Maybe it has something to do with the fact that every time we embark on the chill, alfresco adventure we’re imagining – halfway through all the buying and preparing of all the delicious, one-handed fare we remember that organising picnics is a lot of work (and even though it inevitably gets eaten outside, the kitchen still ends up trashed with a capital T).
What if we told you we have a solution that eliminates that whole logistical ordeal entirely? And yes, when we say “we”, we do mean the Mercure.
Picture this: round up the fam, saunter on over to the lush Mercure grounds and grab yourselves a signature Picnic Pack or two. Throw down a blanket, kick back on the MCG-worthy manicured lawns and let the good times roll (instagrammable sun hat optional). For $53, you get to nom your way through the winning combo of a couple of gourmet sandwiches, 2 x organic juices, 2 x packs of the GOAT Red Rock Deli chippies (all top shelf here folks, it is the Mercure after all).
In fact, any of the goodies available on The Cart Takeaway menu are available down on the Lakeside Lawn, so why not treat the kiddos to an ice cream ($8) and the adults to a bottle of wine (from $35) – or perhaps some fries ($9) – for everyone, obvs #sharingiscaringkids. And would you look at that – this just became the best picnic ever.
You could bring your old trusty picnic rug rolling around in the boot (everyone has a dedicated boot-rug, right?) or leave the whole thing up to the Mercure and hire one of theirs, and a cute basket for the full picnic experience (refundable bond required). There’s also lawn games to hire, you just have to peel yourself away from lounging on that nice spongy lawn first.
So next time those clear blue skies beckon and the brain says ‘let’s do something fun’, while the motivation levels suggest a nap – throw everyone in the car and head on over to the Mercure Gold Coast Resort to luxuriate in those immaculate surrounds and indulge some in delicious alfresco treats. What more could you need? (..okay, so maybe just that nap to top it all off make it a perfect 10)
Where: 64 Palm Meadows Drive, Carrara
When: 11:00am – 4:30pm
Words by Kellie Leader.
STORY SPONSORED BY MERCURE RESORT GOLD COAST.
On the Gold Coast we are blessed with pretty spectacular weather year-round, which means picnics are high on the agenda. Thankfully we have no shortage of pretty spots to throw down a blanket for a spot of cheese and biccies with friends.
Here’s a list of 10 of our favourites.
Hinze Dam, Advancetown
This underrated hinterland destination will be your new favourite picnic spot. There are several parks that surround Hinze Dam, so take in the stunning scenery, sip on a cold glass of bubbly and generally enjoy the company of family and friends. There’s a BBQ area, kids playground and even a small cafe in case you need fresh supplies. Make sure if you’re taking the pooch to one of the designated areas, they’re kept on a leash to preserve the wildlife.
Cedar Creek Falls, Mt Tamborine
Mt Tamborine is a picnicker’s paradise and has more picnic areas than a year has days, Cedar Creek Falls being by far one of the best. Driving up the winding roads and taking in the scenic beauty is almost enough entertainment, but that’s not all. Cedar Creek Falls are located just metres from three waterfalls and countless walking tracks, making it the perfect place to spend your next Sunday.
Macintosh Island, Surfers Paradise
This little oasis nestled in Surfers Paradise (most commonly used for getting around the GC500 every year) is great for picnic dates of all sorts. The tranquil setting with cascading water running through the park is home to many birds (including peacocks), so don’t forget your stale bread. There’s also that super fun bridge previously built for the Indy in 2007.
Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens, Benowa
Hard to believe that this beautiful little piece of paradise is just a mere 10 minute drive from Surfers Paradise. Take the whole family or soak up some solo serenity, it’s the perfect setting for both and anything in between. There’s even a butterfly garden for your gazing pleasure.
Cascade Gardens, Broadbeach
Cascade Gardens can be found between Surfers and Broadbeach and there are plenty of barbecue and undercover picnic shelters. This peaceful riverside sanctuary is the perfect date spot and with a huge area to run around, it’s also popular for families wanting to keep the kids entertained for hours (hopefully not on a date).
Burleigh Hill, Burleigh
In unsurprising news, Burleigh Hill is probably the most popular picnic spot on the Coast. You can’t beat the Insta-worthy views overlooking the Surfers Paradise skyline. If you want to get a good spot on a Sunday get there early `cause the whole Gold Coast likes to unite here to see and be seen.
Ed Hardy Park, Miami
Next to North Burleigh Surf Club the park offers great people watching and a few BBQ areas perfect for that Sunday arvo picnic with the gang. Walk up Miami Hill and take in the views or have a sneaky swim in the ocean. There’s a takeaway bottle shop across the road if you need to stock up on sips.
Tallebudgera Creek, Tallebudgera
The battle between which side to choose continues. But no matter which is your go-to, Talle Creek won’t disappoint as favourite picnic spot. The calm creek waters are perfect for a little splash before devouring your mobile buffet. Beware the hungry bush turkeys!
Long Tan Park, Currumbin Valley
Not many people know about this pretty but somewhat hidden picnic spot in Currumbin Valley. It’s the perfect spot to get away, relax by the creek and pop in for a dip. There are no toilets or BBQ stations and uninhibited nature is purely the theme here, so go prepared. Drive along Currumbin Creek Road and take a right turn at Bains Road, the park is situated just over the bridge.
Kirra Lookout, Coolangatta
Kirra Lookout is the Burleigh Hill of Coolangatta, just not as busy and with more parking opportunities (we like the sound of that). You can either drive or walk up, but be warned, it’s quite steep, you’ll burn off your picnic before you make it to the top. Enjoy the view whilst nibbling on some crackers and sipping on an icy cold one, it’s pretty special!
