Gold Coast holiday: What to see and do

WHILE the Gold Coast will always conjure images of golden sandy beaches, locals know this cultural hub is so much more than a sunny patch of coastline.

gold coast

While the Gold Coast will always conjure images of golden sandy beaches, locals know this cultural hub is so much more than a sunny patch of coastline.

No longer just a summer holiday spot, the Gold Coast has evolved into a year-round mecca for its seemingly unending offering of events, activities and attractions. Music festivals unearth the next big thing; foodie haunts attract world-famous chefs, and art exhibitions and performances inspire the heart and mind. Here, some of the masterminds behind Gold Coast’s best attractions and events share what’s on offer.

HOME OF THE ARTS

“You can easily spend the day at Home of the Arts,” HOTA spokeswoman Sarah Christmas says. The precinct, just a 20-minute walk from Surfers Paradise, is nestled in parkland with stunning lake views.

“We’re looking forward to a series of boundary-pushing shows by our first international artist in residence, Laurie Anderson,” Ms Christmas says. “Queensland Symphony Orchestra [will] perform an evening of iconic movie soundtracks, and the legend that is Neil Finn will perform to a sold-out crowd at the end of the month.”

Act as the locals do and take in the art at the extensive gallery, catch a new release or art-house flick in the cinema, or sit under the stars while watching a live performance in the outdoor stage area.

MIAMI MARKETTA

https://www.miamimarketta.com/

You’d be hard-pressed to find a local who didn’t know about Miami Marketta. The street food precinct is a firm favourite with crowds flocking to the area every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night.

Visitors can expect street eats from all over the world, a dessert hall, cocktail and craft beer bars, and a new gin parlour with 75 varieties of the trendy spirit. There is also live music and boutique stalls selling local wares.

“The giant —  and we mean giant — lamingtons from Reid Street Kitchen are a definite must,” event manager Kath Gourley says.  

Gates open at 5pm so head in early, grab a seat and get your food sorted before the crowds set in and the live music starts playing.

COOLY ROCKS ON — JUNE 6-10

www.coolyrockson.com/

A celebration of cars from the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s rolls into Coolangatta from June 6, seeing four main stages serve up rock’n’roll, swing and rockabilly dances, Elvis impersonators, open-air cinema screening cult classics — even a poodle parade. Billed as the “coolest retro car festival on the planet”, all festivities are completely free and draw over 70,000 vintage car enthusiasts, vintage fashion fans and families.

The festival’s Peter Doggett recommends first-timers don’t miss out on the annual street parade and the popular Miss Cooly Rocks On and Miss Rockabilly contests.

“And this year we have introduced the ‘70s,” Doggett says. “We are delighted to have our headline act ‘Texas Typhoon’ Lance Lipinsky from the USA. He is supported by a star-studded entertainment line up including Lonnie Lee & the Leemen, Danny Mayers does the Delltones, as well as US guitarist Louie Shelton, among others.”

It’s good, old-fashioned family fun and worth checking out for the people watching alone.

NIGHT QUARTER

At NightQuarter, every weekend is a festival of food, music and street performances. Come for a bite to eat and stay for the vibrant storefronts, buskers and carnival-style rides.

For ankle-biters, or people who just want to take a break, there are sedentary options too.

“You also can book a table on our website in Tapas Street and enjoy table service,” owner Michelle Cristoe says.

GOLD COAST MARATHON — JUNE 30-JULY 1

If you’re a runner, why not make a trip to the Gold Coast part of your training regime? This year is the 40th anniversary of the Gold Coast Marathon, and there will be a range of races throughout the weekend to cater to different ages and fitness levels.

“We’re excited to welcome tens of thousands of participants from overseas, interstate and Queensland,” Events Management Queensland CEO Cameron Hart says.

“There is certainly no better way to experience the destination than by running it.”

GROUNDWATER COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL — JULY 27-29

From July 27-29, over 54,000 visitors flock to Broadbeach to catch some of the world’s best in the country music scene. Groundwater Country Music Festival is Australia’s fastest growing festival of its kind, boasting a long list of international and Aussie acts.

This year’s line-up features The McClymonts, US stars Suzanne Vega, Granger Smith and Lillie Mae, along with Aussie icon Bill Chambers.

If you’re thinking of making the trip out, remember — not all music festivals require camping.

“The huge range of accommodation options eliminates the usual music festival struggle of muddy campgrounds and shared showers,” the festival’s Sue McAullay says. “Patrons can enjoy five-star hotels all the way to affordable family accommodation.”

VIVA SURFERS PARADISE — JULY 13-22

http://www.surfersparadise.com/whats-on/annual-events/viva-surfers-paradise-2018

Viva Surfers Paradise attracts more than 60,000 music fans to experience the ultimate rock ’n’ roll legends tribute festival. The event showcases everything from live tribute shows and classic car displays.

Surfers Paradise Alliance CEO Mike Winlaw urges punters to check out the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest. “The country’s best tribute artists will perform their finest renditions of the King himself in order to take out the top prize and ultimate honour of representing the Asia Pacific at the world titles in Memphis, Tennessee,” he says.

BUSKERS BY THE CREEK — OCTOBER 13-14

http://www.buskersbythecreek.com.au/

This year’s theme “Carnival” promises to provide a weekend of colour, flavour and excitement. With over 300 performers and more than 30 food trucks, there’s plenty to enjoy.

“Every year we have a floating stage in the creek, and we also include world-record attempts in our program that should be on everyone’s to-do list,” organiser Cindy Jensen says.

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Originally published as Gold Coast holiday: What to see and do