WORLD’S BEST SAND CASTLE
AND YOU CAN EVEN STAY IN IT
A WORLD-first “sand hostel” for holidaymakers who can’t get close enough to Gold Coast beaches is expected to be completed next week.
Gold Coast Tourism beat out competition from Sydney’s Bondi Beach to partner with global booking website Hostelworld to build a hostel out of sand on the Kurrawa foreshore.
Organisers would not comment on how much the promotional stunt will cost ratepayers, citing commercial confidence.
The hostel, which has a timber frame, will be open on the foreshore for three nights next week.
The Sand Hostel will include two accommodation spaces, including an eight-bed dormitory and one private double room.
Bookings for the 10 places at the Sand Hostel open at Hostelworld.com on Wednesday next week, for about $7.50 per night with food and drink included.
Organisers said visitors not staying at the hostel overnight were welcome to check out the facilities and listen to live music at a beachfront lounge and bar when the venue opens from September 20-22.
Food trucks, beach volleyball, surf lessons, beach yoga and sand sculpting classes will also be available among other activities.
Organisers said the Sand Hostel was being created by production designer Jon Dowding, who worked on films such as Mad Max and The Blue Lagoon.