The prestigious Gold Coast event is back.
The prestigious Gold Coast event is back.
Ponies, people watching and pretty frocks is the name of the game at one of the Gold Coast’s most prestigious (and popular) events, Polo by the Sea, which is returning to our shores on Saturday June 1st.
The largest and longest running polo event on the Gold Coast, will again take place at the picturesque Doug Jennings Park, the home of Urban Polo in our seaside city since 2014.
Presented by McLaren Gold Coast, the high end event treats guests to the unable-to-tear-your-eyes-away action of Urban Polo over two games plus the time honoured tradition of Divot Stomping (yep, just like in Pretty Woman) and the Dash, where you fine folks have the opportunity to demonstrate your physical prowess after a Prosecco or three.
In case you’re not familiar with the Urban Polo phenomenon, allow us to explain.
The sport was developed in Australia in 2005 with the intention of bringing polo into the 21st century and making it more spectator friendly. The changes have resulted in plenty of rule changes to make the sport both faster and more exciting. But us Gold Coasters just show up for the fun of it really!
Urban Polo is now widespread across Australia, with a total of nine events staged annually.
Back to Polo by the Sea though.
There are a couple of options if you want to get involved in this years’ event and both allow you sweet views and access to all of the tipples your heart desires.
The Main Beach Polo Club returns as a mid-way point between the ‘invite only’ VIP Marquee and the public Polo Lounge.
Revel in the polo action, mingle with like-minded mates and polo players, participate in Fashion on the Field, and kick up your heels to the tunes of a resident DJ.
The deluxe Polo Club experience includes a shaded service bar, communal seating and shade umbrellas, as well as viewing areas adjacent the fence-line. The ticket price ($228pp) is inclusive of food and beverages.
The popular general access Polo Lounge returns in 2019, where $85 gives you event entry and access to the bar for food and drinks, plus a casual beer-garden vibe while watching the games and being entertained with live tunes. What a time.
So there you have it. Pop June 1st in your calendar so you don’t miss out on what’s sure to be a (whip) cracking day.
LOCATION: Doug Jennings Park, Main Beach
WHEN: Saturday June 1st from 11am
Winter is (almost) here. So naturally, as Gold Coasters, we’d like to skip that part of the year and get straight to spring.
Particularly because this year, we’re getting a festival dedicated to the prettiest of spring things, flowers. Our fave.
Taking place on Saturday September 7th and Sunday September 8th, The Main Beach Spring Flower Festival is set to become a regular on the Gold Coast social calendar and isn’t that a lovely change from our regular programming.
The goal for the festival is to share in the stunning floral delights Main Beach has to offer plus, of course, the delightful array of bars and eateries that can be found in the northern suburb.
Margot de Groot, owner of Flowers on Tedder, recently returned from the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show and was inspired to create an event of our own. Having also attended the RHS Chelsea Flower Show last year in London, she wanted to share her passion by celebrating flowers with the people of the GC.
The Spring Flower Festival has also brought on renowned floral designer Julia Rose whose work combines art, fashion and performance, to curate the event.
Julia is quite the addition to the September festival, she’s about to represent Australia at the World Flower Summit in Bali and has recently been named as a feature artist in the couture edition of the influential American Florists’ Review. So she’s amazing.
The festival will be made up of lots of pretty aspects including stunning floral displays, ticketed workshops, a flower tour and ticked events including Queensland Sotheby’s Festival Launch and Auction, an Ink Gin Cocktail Soiree and a signature high tea with Julia Rose.
All of which sound particularly lovely.
Flowers and festivals, two of our favourite things coming together to delight our senses.
Bring on September.
LOCATION: Various, Main Beach
WHEN: September 7th and 8th, 2019
Words by Kirra Smith
Over the last few years, a lot of attention has been cast around our city by way of new up-and-coming eating precincts and suburbs with hospo prowess to rival our southern neighbours. One such stretch of the Gold Coast which has always been a hotspot for good dining experiences is Main Beach. Sure, it may have been a little in the shadow of other areas in recent times, but we certainly believe there is still a serious collection of great restaurants deserving of your hard-earned eating-out budget! Plan ahead, people: start blocking out next weekend and booking tables, as we run through our picks of the suburb.
Omeros Bros Seafood
If you’re in the market for fresh, first-class seafood, Main Beach is where it’s at: and more specifically, it’s at Omeros Bros Seafood at Marina Mirage. A multi-award-winning venue with the most fabulous to-die-for seafood platter around. It’s called Omeros Indulgence, and it’s a mix of hot and cold seafood and possibly the most decadent dish you’re likely to find in the city. Do you know what else goes well with quality seafood? Quality beverages. You’ll find a superb drink offering here to match the food also.
Where: Shop 55/74 Marina Mirage, Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
Main Beach Fish Grotto
New to Tedder Avenue dining scene is this luxe adaptation of a humble fish and chip shop worthy of anyone’s attention. This nautical-themed and whitewashed eatery serves only the best seafood alongside crispy chips and a wisely sized selection of wines and beers. There’s ample reason to stay and dine in with comfort, but if you do decide to takeaway, a drink or two can’t hurt whilst you wait.
Where: 20-22 Tedder Avenue, Main Beach
Terraces – Sheraton Grand Mirage
Should a 5-star experience be on the cards for your break from the kitchen, then strip off your apron and make a beeline for this Main Beach culinary gold mine. You’ll be spoilt with a luxurious setting overlooking the renowned Sheraton Grand Mirage swimming pool and grounds before you even take your first glance at the food. A deluxe buffet-style arrangement means you’ll have a sophisticated ocean to plate favourites hand-delivered to your table, so you can focus on all the coastal tranquillity this fantastic property has to offer.
Where: 71 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
Shuck
This Main Beach institution has been around since 2001, and affection for the cleverly named venue has only grown in that time. The team pride themselves on sourcing the outright freshest seafood; so much so their Crab Lasagne is absolute proof, and out of this world! Take in the tranquil tree-lined street of Main Beach while you enjoy your dishes and wash it all down with an icy glass of Chardonnay — or two.
Where: 20 Tedder Avenue, Main Beach
Glass Dining & Lounge Bar
Another Main Beach restaurant, another mind-blowing view. Glass Dining & Lounge Bar is found at Marina Mirage overlooking the water and serving up fine dining treats and some pretty sweet cocktails too. The menu uses only the best quality produce, meats and fresh local seafood, and it’s long been a local favourite. We highly recommend the Tempura Battered Bugs marinated in garlic and chilli served with mayo and grilled lemon. Just wow.
Where: Level 2, Marina Mirage, 74 SeaWorld Drive, Main Beach
Fisherman’s Wharf Tavern
Picture the scene: the sun is dipping behind the hinterland, the last light is caressing the still water over the Broadwater, and you’re sat soaking it all in with some fantastic food. Sounds too good to be true, but, at Fisherman’s Wharf, it’s yours for the taking. Right on the water, the casual setting is unflawed when it comes to relaxing over eats whilst enjoying drinks and taking in some wonderful regular live music.
Where: Shop 40, 60-70 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
Southport Yacht Club
Overlooking the sparkling Broadwater, Southport Yacht Club is the ultimate in epic views and affordable eats for not just you but the entire family. It’s a casual eatery open for breakfast (weekends only), lunch and dinner! Or why not just head in for a drink to overlook one of the most beautiful stretches of water (and yachts of course) you’re going to find in Australia.
Where: 1 MacArthur Parade, Main Beach
Vanitas
An utterly remarkable European dining experience is found behind the golden doors of Palazzo Versace by way of Vanitas. A five-star dining setting with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients that make up some of the most stunning dishes you’ve ever sampled. If you needed any more convincing, Vanitas has won a multitude of awards over the years and can boast of A-list celebrities, from far and wide, enjoying the deluxe dining experience regularly.
Where: Palazzo Versace, 94 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
Domanis Café Restaurant & Bar
For nearly a staggering 30 years, the team at Domanis have been serving up good times and even better food — and it shows in the hordes of people constantly streaming in and out. Their pizzas are award-winning and putting it simply: epic. Perched on the corner of Tedder Ave, it’s the perfect spot for a frosty cold ale and relaxing lunch or dinner. Try it for yourself, and you’ll see what all the fuss is about.
Where: 1/19-21 Tedder Avenue, Main Beach
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
