Iceland: Bundall ice skating rink run by Sullivan family closes after nearly 30 years
The Gold Coast’s sole ice skating rink was a beloved venue for decades and proved popular each summer as an escape from the omnipresent heat. This is its incredible 30-year story.
Gold Coast
Don't miss out on the headlines from Gold Coast. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The hot summer days always felt a bit cooler with a visit to Iceland.
The Gold Coast’s sole ice skating rink was a beloved venue for decades and proved popular each summer as an escape from the omnipresent heat.
News of its closure in January led to an outpouring of sadness from locals who had fond memories of a skate on the ice.
Grahame and Sharon Sullivan, who first opened the complex with Mrs Sullivan’s father Patrick Burley, said via statement they wanted to “keep the spirit of Iceland alive”.
“The decision to close this beloved rink has not been an easy one – Rising insurance premiums and operating costs have made it impossible to continue (and) like many in the industry, we’ve faced challenges beyond resolution,” they said.
“We want to thank everyone who has been part of this journey – skaters, coaches, players, parents, and supporters. You’ve all helped make Iceland the special place it was.
“While the Bundall rink has now closed, the next generation is dedicated to carrying the brand forward and we remain optimistic about Iceland’s future as we look to find a new location.”
The announcement brought down the curtain on nearly 30 years of fun memories which date back to the mid-1990s.
The Gold Coast at the time was already home to a roller skating rink – the famed Skaters Paradise in Southport.
But nobody had attempted to operate a permanent venue.
Enter Patrick Burley, a legendary figure in the skating world who wanted to change all of that.
Iceland was announced in late 1995 by Mr Burly, a legendary skating figure who opened rinks across Australia and had built special facilities for Torvill and Dean.
His wife Nancy was an Olympic skater in the 1950s, while his daughters Sharon and Robyn won nine titles between them.
Sharon Sullivan also represented Australia at the Helsinki Winter Olympics in 1976.
Built inside an abandoned warehouse at a cost of $1m, Mr Burley predicted it would be a success.
“We installed a temporary ice skating rink at Pacific Fair a while back and it was a tremendous success,” he said at the time.
“When we found the Bundall property we thought what a wonderful opportunity it was to set up a permanent rink here.
“It is an extremely complicated process but the vibes we are getting from the public I believe will make it extremely successful.’’
It opened in January 1996 and was an immediate success, drawing in crowds of locals, holiday-makers and more.
Competitive skating and ice hockey were both common sights within its walls.
Among those who used the facility were the city’s very own ice hockey team – the Gold Coast Grizzlys and later, the Gold Coast Bluetongues which competed in the Australian Ice Hockey League (AIHL).
Coach Kevin Sanes said in 2008 there was a love of the sport on the Gold Coast.
“`One of the issues being in Brisbane was that a majority of the players on the team live on the Gold Coast,” he said.
Some of Australia’s best-known skating talents of the past three decades also hit the ice to practice or compete over the years.
In recent years the future of the rink has been up in the air as the site was sold several times.
In 2017 a NSW investor bought it for $2.4m, while it was then snapped up in 2020 by developer John Potter’s Potter Group for $2.8m.
Mr Potter later announced plans for a $10.5m strata-titled warehouse development project which is yet to progress.
‘Heavy hearts’: Why beloved Gold Coast ice skating rink has closed
The Gold Coast’s last remaining ice rink has suddenly closed after nearly 30 years in business, with its operators saying the decision was “not an easy one”.
Bundall’s Iceland Ice Rink opened in 1996 and has been a favourite attraction for generations of families but the Sullivan family say rising costs have made it impossible to continue.
Grahame and Sharon Sullivan, who first opened the complex with Mrs Sullivan’s father Patrick Burley, said via statement they wanted to “keep the spirit of Iceland alive”.
“The decision to close this beloved rink has not been an easy one – Rising insurance premiums and operating costs have made it impossible to continue (and) like many in the industry, we’ve faced challenges beyond resolution,” they said.
“We want to thank everyone who has been part of this journey - skaters, coaches, players, parents, and supporters. You’ve all helped make Iceland the special place it was.
“While the Bundall rink has now closed, the next generation is dedicated to carrying the brand forward and we remain optimistic about Iceland’s future as we look to find a new location.
“Thank you all for your unwavering support (and while) Iceland may be closing its doors, the impact it has had on so many lives will live on forever.”
Iceland was announced in late 1995 by Mr Burly, a legendary skating figure who opened rinks across Australia and had built special facilities for Torvill and Dean.
His wife Nancy was an Olympic skater in the 1950s, while his daughters Sharon and Robyn won nine titles between them.
Sharon Sullivan also represented Australia at the Helsinki Winter Olympics in 1976.
Built inside an abandoned warehouse at a cost of $1m, Mr Burley predicted it would be a success.
“We installed a temporary ice skating rink at Pacific Fair a while back and it was a tremendous success,” he said at the time.
“When we found the Bundall property we thought what a wonderful opportunity it was to set up a permanent rink here.
“It is an extremely complicated process but the vibes we are getting from the public I believe will make it extremely successful.’’
Ownership of the Bundall property on Strathaird Road, has changed several times in recent years.
In 2017 a NSW investor bought it for $2.4m, while it was then snapped up in 2020 by developer John Potter’s Potter Group for $2.8m.
Mr Potter later announced plans for a $10.5m strata-titled warehouse development project which is yet to progress.
Mr and Mr Sullivan said the decision to close had been difficult and had been made with “heavy hearts”.
“For decades, it has been a home for skaters, hockey players, and ice sports fans of all ages,” they said.
“Gold Coast Iceland was not just a rink — it was a legacy, a place where we made lifelong memories and formed many lasting relationships.
“Grahame carried Pat’s vision forward from Victoria to the Gold Coast, creating a space where both beginners and seasoned athletes could thrive.
“The Burley family legacy in the ice-skating world is unmatched, and through Iceland, they ensured the name remained synonymous with quality, passion, and innovation in ice sports.”
More Coverage
Originally published as Iceland: Bundall ice skating rink run by Sullivan family closes after nearly 30 years
‘Ridiculous’: GC party venue slams council rejection of midnight fun
The owner of one of the city’s few queer and gay friendly venues is questioning why council repeatedly knocks back his trading hours push. FULL STORY
Family claims ‘nothing but crickets’ from childcare in breach of laws
A family embroiled in a legal fight with a Gold Coast early learning centre which breached child safety laws, including drawing on their kid, claims it has stopped responding to emails. Full story.