Gold Coast celebs share staycay secrets: ‘It’s like being on a tropical island’

From an island paradise to a beach in our backyard, where Gold Coast personalities holiday at home

Need ideas for a staycay? From islands on our doorstep to heavenly hinterland hideaways, four Gold Coast personalities share where they holiday at home.

The Pink Hotel is one of radio personality Emily Jade O’Keeffe's tips for a Gold Coast staycay

Rainbow Bay in Queensland. Australia Picture: Istock

Emily Jade O’Keeffe

Rainbow Bay

The sun-drenched southern Gold Coast is full of happy holiday memories for 102.9 Hot Tomato breakfast presenter Emily Jade O’Keeffe.

“I love staying at Rainbow Bay and go every year for two weeks,” she says.

“With small kids, it’s nice to go somewhere only a small drive away so we don’t get the, ‘Are we there yets’.

“We love the simplicity of exploring the beach, teaching the kids to swim and surf, arvo naps, the playground just out the front door and going to sleep to the sound of the surf.”

Emily Jade says her family bunks beachside in Columbia Apartments on Rainbow Bay.

“When I was younger we stayed at Bayview,” she says.

“They are practically next to each other, and next to Rainbow Bay Surf Club which has, in my opinion, the best beach views on the Gold Coast.”

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Liz Cantor. Picture: NIGEL HALLETT

Noosa National Park. Photo: Noosa Tourism

Liz Cantor

Noosa Heads

A natural playground on the Sunshine Coast is Channel 7 presenter Liz Cantor’s go-to getaway.

“Noosa National Park is my favourite place in the world, especially now with young kids,” she says.

“It has shallow rockpools and sheltered beaches … and let’s not forget the ice cream in Hastings Street.

“Take the kids to the rockpool at the north end of Little Cove, then ice creams at Massimo’s Noosa – I highly recommend the rockmelon sorbet.”

Lunch at Bistro C – try the calamari – and a quick ferry hop over to the quieter Noosa North Shore spells holiday heaven for the TV personality.

“For those that like adventure, you can’t beat Equathon Horse Riding along Noosa North Shore,” she says.

Russell and Jules Ingall. Picture: Regina King

Snorkel the shipwrecks at Moreton Island. PHOTO: Jules Ingall

Jules and Russell Ingall

Moreton Island

It’s hard to beat the convenience of an island paradise in Brisbane’s backyard, according to this well-travelled couple.

“Moreton Island is an hour on the ferry from Brisbane port or you can go by boat or jetski, which we often do,” Jules says.

“It’s one of our favourite places in southeast Queensland.

“It’s like being on a tropical island, but only an hour from Brisbane and the wrecks are just incredible.”

The Ingalls either bunk on a boat or rent one of the island’s holiday homes and take a 4WD to explore further afield.

“The Gutter Bar at Kooringal does the best prawns and cold beer right next to the water and you can’t miss sunrise at the lighthouse,” Jules tips.

Former Miss World Australia and Cancer Council Ambassador Tess Alexander. Photo Lachie Millard

Maleny botanic gardens.

Tess Alexander

Maleny

The country charm of the Sunshine Coast hinterland is a breath of fresh air for former Miss World Australia Tess Alexander.

She retreats to a cute Airbnb at Maleny when she needs to recharge the batteries.

“I’m all about a staycay,” she says.

“There is something so relaxing about leaving your usual surroundings, even if it is just a short drive away.

“Maleny is so peaceful I swear I can feel my body relaxing in the mountain air.

“There are so many cute cottages on Airbnb with fireplaces, outdoor baths and 360-degree scenic view that could soothe any soul.”