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Can you hack this new axe-ellent addition to Surfers?

MANIAX Axe Throwing is coming to Paradise Centre and we are axe-cited!

MANIAX Axe Throwing Surfers Paradise - Paradise Centre (image supplied)
MANIAX Axe Throwing Surfers Paradise - Paradise Centre (image supplied)

Do you feel like letting off some steam? Or learning a bad-ass new skill? Or maybe you just really like the idea of chucking an axe because how could this not be totally satisfying and fun in equal parts?! Well, you’re in luck because the original urban axe throwing company, MANIAX, will come in swinging to our glitter strip on Thursday 4 August, and we have great axe-pectations! Current mood: AXE-CITED and okay, we’ll lay off the axe funnies before this article becomes a total ‘hack’.

Prepare to kick some serious axe (soz, last one) and channel your inner Ragnar Lothbrok at this brand-spanking-new custom-built thrill-seeker’s haven. Located in our beloved Paradise Centre, you can even take in awe-inspiring ocean views whilst you expel some serious big energy. Speaking of big, we’re talking 15 axe throwing lanes, as well as a Viking-themed bar, ‘Ragnar & Sons’ and thank goodness for that, because we’re quite sure pegging axes will make us hella parched. So go on and quench your thirst with a selection of craft beer, cocktails (please and thank you), and of course non-alcoholic options for the DD in the bunch.

MANIAX Axe Throwing Surfers Paradise - Paradise Centre (image supplied)
MANIAX Axe Throwing Surfers Paradise - Paradise Centre (image supplied)

Those who pre-book can keep their clan fully fuelled with a selection of succulent slow-cooked meats, mouth-watering pizzas, burgers or a trusty grazing board. And nowhere that’s anywhere is complete without an instagrammable backdrop, and here it’s the mighty warrior’s throne, surrounded by more horns, shields, axes, helmets and fur-hides than you swing an axe at. Say cheese!

Now don’t be mistaken, there’s a fine art to this sport. Your coaches will show you all the inside tips and tricks to have you hurtling axes like a pro, and brb because we’re updating our resume. All we can say is nobody will leave this place without a huge smile on their dial. Mums and Dads, be anything but basic and treat the fam to an experience to remember. Groomsmen and bridesmaids, it’s a cracking day/night out for your (mildy nervous) buck or hen. And bosses, switch up the boardroom for an axe throwing room and join elite companies like Google and Spotify wowing their staff, with epic team building events and celebrations. And PS – can you think of any better therapy for your recently divorced sibling/besty/parent and no, you cannot coz “I’m sexy and I throw it”.

Food offering at MANIAX Axe Throwing Surfers Paradise - Paradise Centre (image supplied)
Food offering at MANIAX Axe Throwing Surfers Paradise - Paradise Centre (image supplied)

The Workplace Health and Safety Officer in all of us may be wondering if we’re likely to, well, perish doing such a thing but relax, it’s safe as houses. MANIAX have the highest ratio of axe throwing coaches to participants and off topic, but is that not the coolest job title you ever did hear? This means that each person receives a safety briefing and a dedicated person dishing feedback on their technique, making sure everybody leaves in one piece. Quite literally. Plus, these guys are home to the biggest and best competitive axe throwing league in Australia, with close to 500,000 people through their doors Australia-wide. This equates to approximately 15 million axes thrown under their guidance – with no axe-idents beyond a mere splinter!

So next time you feel like doing something a little left of centre and let’s be real, just downright bloody awesome, MANIAX Axe Throwing is the place to go, day or “knight”. Now chop chop!

Where: Paradise Centre, 2 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
When: Opening Thursday 4 August

Words by Bianca Trathen.

STORY SPONSORED BY MANIAX GROUP

MANIAX Axe Throwing Surfers Paradise - Paradise Centre (image supplied)
MANIAX Axe Throwing Surfers Paradise - Paradise Centre (image supplied)

9 reasons locals love Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise Beach - Photo by Will O (Image from Unsplash)
Surfers Paradise Beach - Photo by Will O (Image from Unsplash)

Ah, Surfers Paradise. The jewel in the crown that is our fair city. The place visitors first picture in their minds and have done for the last several decades. While it is the most tourist-dense part of our Coast, what is it local’s love about it? Here we fill you in on the six best reasons locals love Surfers Paradise.

Belt out karaoke at Tune Up
The definition of karaoke, Tune Up is THE place to test out your vocal cords after you’ve had a few cocktails at bar instution The Avenue or a few schooners of ale from House of Brews. It’s an intimate environment that feels much like a house party where you can choose to mingle with everyone in the main bar or take up residence in your own little private room and sing your heart out. Count us in!
Where: Level 1, 23 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise (above Gold Coast Real Estate)

Have a Guinness at the D’Arcy Arms
Wet your whistle with a pint of Guinness at D’Arcy Arms where the historic first Guinness keg was brewed in Queensland (and arguably Australia), tapped onsite in 1988. This locals’ Irish pub fave offers a welcome change of pace if you want to take things slow, keep warm by the fireplace or if last night happened to get the better of you. There’s always great home-style food to be had, live music and a few friendly faces with some good craic.
Where: 2923 Gold Coast Highway, Surfers Paradise

Surfers Pavilion (image supplied)
Surfers Pavilion (image supplied)

Have a luxe afternoon at Surfers Pavilion
Aptly positioned with ceaseless waterfront views and boasting a substantial mooring site of 400sq metres, means if locals would like to arrive GC-style by boat or jet ski — so be it! Setting and glam aside though, the new arrival is perfect for enjoying our fantastic year-round weather with an outside frosé bar, and for those with a discerning palette, a dedicated oyster and Champagne station keeps the crowd more than occupied.
Where: 30-34 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise 

Hit 9 pins at Strike Bowling
Prepare to lose a few hours when you step into this space which is a literal smorgasbord of entertaining activities and feast for the senses. The highlight is the 10-lane glow in the dark bowling alley where competitive urges can be settled with groups big and small. But, it doesn’t stop there either. If you fancy further fun, then a 15-person karaoke room, cocktail bar, two escape rooms, and pool tables should do it.
Where: Circle on Cavill, Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise

Sip cocktails on The Island Rooftop Bar
Rooftop bars are one of the greatest things that ever happened to the Gold Coast. Period. Now, take this sentiment and couple it with this — the Gold Coast’s largest open-air rooftop bar — and voila, you have one of the best places to drink delectable cocktails, watch live music, and live your best life at the stream of ever-changing events (drag queen brunch anyone?). You are promised great times and vibes when you head to The Island.
Where: 3128 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise

The Island Rooftop (image supplied)
The Island Rooftop (image supplied)

Grab breaky at Cuppa on 41
If you find yourself in Surfers Paradise before the afternoon, then you need to head to Cuppa on 41 to energise yourself for the day — as well as for all the other inclusions on this list! The café is an excellent concept that allows local underprivileged youth to become experienced in hospitality, and coincidentally isn’t so hard on your pocket either! Our pick is the Bauernomelett, a German-style omelette straight out of heaven. You’ll leave with a satisfied belly and knowing you have contributed to a change in a Gold Coasters future.
Where: 41 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Indulge at Alfrescos Italian Restaurant
Creating picture-perfect pasta and pizza for the last 25 years, you might say what Alfrescos doesn’t know about Italian food and ambience isn’t worth knowing — and you’d be right! This charming family-owned and run restaurant has stood the test of time with locals and continually returning for great Italian classics and drinks to match. If you haven’t been in a little while, be sure to change that, the venue underwent a slight facelift late last year and is looking as enchanting as ever.
Where: 3/3018 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise

Retro's Surfers Paradise (image supplied)
Retro's Surfers Paradise (image supplied)

Boogie on down at Retro’s
When it comes to having a boogie along to cheeky tunes of yesteryear, you no longer have to hide in your bathroom in your towel to do so. All the locals know that Retro’s is the ultimate answer to having a fun night out and dancing the night away to the music you grew up with. With themed nights and drinks specials coming at you from all angles, you are destined to have a good time no matter what day of the week it is at this hotbed of a disco.
Where: 3 — 15 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Take in the view at Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club
After a swish refurbishment, this 100-year-old surf club is the faultless place to go for an ice-cold beer for a spot of people watching, seamless views across the Pacific Ocean and to chat to a local. The family-friendly atmosphere is full of locals after their early morning beach walk tucking into a big brekky (but they’re also open for lunch and dinner too!) — a great option straight off the sand and when you feel the need to escape the crowds with some uber-friendly Queensland hospitality.
where: Corner of Hanlan Street & The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise

Words by Alex Mitcheson.

Surfers Paradise Life Saving Club (image supplied)
Surfers Paradise Life Saving Club (image supplied)

Lumber Punks

Viking wannabe’s rejoice, you can now tick axe throwing off your bucket list thanks to newly opened Lumber Punks in Miami.

That’s right Gold Coasters, you’re actually allowed to throw axes (at a wall, relax) of all shapes and sizes in the name of good times and ultimate satisfaction.

It goes a little bit like this. You roll up to Lumber Punks, get yourself a safety briefing, learn the correct throwing technique and let the fun begin. You start small and work your way up to the quite heavy, need-two-hands-to-throw-it kind of axe.

You can go by yourself, on a Tinder date (hey, it happens) or with a group of friends. Each session is 1.5 hours and you can make a competition of it or simply release a little bit of pent up frustration.

Be warned, it’s a strange sensation, throwing a sharp object as hard and fast as you can at a wall and not getting in trouble but, once you’re over that little hurdle, it’s a very good time.

The sport is popular the world over, with over 30 centres in the US. There’s only one other axe throwing centre in Australia and Lumber Punks is Queensland’s first.

Owners Tyson and Sam, former hospo pals, literally had the idea to open the venue during a “business meeting” in the backyard, consuming beers and partaking in their favourite pastime, you guessed it, axe throwing.

The two threw around a few other ideas including a restaurant and outdoor furniture but ultimately wanted to share something they loved and give Gold Coasters something a little bit thrilling to do (you can only throw so many bowling balls in a lifetime right).

Oh and ladies, in case you’re thinking it’s more for the fellas, think again. 40% of the worlds axe throwers are women and we’re quite good it turns out because it’s more about accuracy than brute strength. Go girls.

If you’re after a bit of an adrenaline rush without the whole risking your life part, chop chop, sharp pointy objects await.

LOCATION: 19 Ozone Parade, Miami
HOURS: Thursday, Friday and Monday 4pm until late and Saturday and Sunday 11am until late.

Words and photos by Kirra Smith

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