There’s never been a better time.
There’s never been a better time.
It seems likely you’ve heard the Commonwealth Games are in town and if you’re a regular around here (thank you, friend) you’ll know there’s plenty of other excitement going on too.
Festival 2018 is providing all the arts and culture goodness you could possibly need (and then some), we’ve got world-class shopping precincts to spend time in and the waves are pumping everywhere (just to top things off).
You might say that at this very moment, there’s no better city in the world to be roaming around in. The good vibes are high, the sun is shining and the beer is cold and in abundant supply and that’ll about do us.
What you may not have heard is that Gold Coast roads are quieter than they may have ever been and it’s almost unbelievably simple to get around and sample the above fun times.
The point is this: right now there is more happening on the Gold Coast than there may be for a very long time and it would be crazy to miss such an opportunity.
Particularly because, who doesn’t love an adventure and secondly because #supportlocal.
Here are a few reasons to get down to the Gold Coast, kick back, relax and soak up the atmosphere.
1. Festival 2018
It’s not often you get to immerse yourself in world-class arts and culture performances from across the globe but now is certainly a time when you can do just that.
In the heart of Broadbeach, and along the beachfront at Surfers Paradise, you’ll find music by some of Australia’s most well known and emerging talents, circus-style performances, a giant inflatable maze, historical theatre-style acts, hands on workshops, a bloke performing every day life tasks underwater. You name it, it’s here, it’s free and it’s good.
Public transport is easy enough to jump on but if you’d prefer to chauffeur yourself, that won’t be a problem either.
2. World-class food
We love food and we know you do too. Excitingly, the Gold Coast is home to some of the best restaurants and cafes in Australia. Over the last year, more than 70 new foodie destinations opened across the Coast from five-star to family friendly.
Down Coolangatta way you can choose from newbie Sweet Lou’s Saloon, a southern style joint (opposite the ocean no less) boasting all your favourite American-style eats. Francie’s Pizzeria is a friendly local pizza bar, Eddie’s Grub House has got all your next-level burger needs covered and That Blue House is the best spot for a tasty breaky.
If you’re venturing through Broadbeach, there are more great venues than you can poke a hockey stick at. From fish and chips at the Beachside Pavillion to delightful dumplings at Harajuku Gyoza, the best breakfast you’ve ever eaten at Elk Espresso and Italian carby goodness at Rivea Italian, you won’t go hungry in this neck of the woods.
Surfers Paradise of course, has many an excellent option close to all the action. Sandbar is right on The Esplanade and offers everything from burgers to poke bowls, Hard Rock Cafe is both a good time and a great feed, Brooklyn Depot Kitchen & Brew has burgers as big as your head on offer and One Cavill, overlooking the beach, has cold beers and all your classic Aussie favourites to feast on.
So whether fine-dining or buffet-style grub is your thang, you will be absolutely stoked to eat your way around the Gold Coast. Trust us, we would never lie about food. Also, restaurant owners literally put their heart and souls into creating food for us, so we should return the favour and eat ourselves silly whenever possible.
3. Shopping
The Gold Coast has recently become home to a world-class shopping precinct in the form of Pacific Fair in Broadbeach. Just a short walk from all the Games action, Pac Fair (as it’s affectionately known to locals) is home to not only every single retail store you could possibly want or need in your life, they also boast an exceptional food court, chill zone for sport-watching and general relaxation time and a playground for the kiddos.
Across the road from the ocean in Broadbeach you’ll find both The Oracle and The Oasis shopping centres, two precincts boasting a variety of eating options and more shops should you have energy to spare
Surfers Paradise boasts the famous Cavill Avenue for all your purchasing needs including everything from Gold Coast snow globes to high end fashion.
4. Pumping Waves
We are certainly not the experts on this and the experts may not be stoked with us sharing this information but here we all are, celebrating the Gold Coast so soz experts. The swell has arrived at the perfect time and today we noticed someone’s Instagram story saying “the A frames are back” which means a wave that barrels both left and right and surely that means there’s plenty for everyone. Unsure but get out there and give it a whirl anyway – the water is warm and oh so sparkly.
So there you have it gang, there has never been a better time to visit the Gold Coast and we would all absolutely love to see you get out there and enjoy the festivities.
Promise you’ll have a good time.
Words by Kirra Smith.