HOLIDAY BOREDOM BUSTERS
Whether you seek the great outdoors with beaches, theme parks, and the Hinterland or wish to tempt your tastebuds in a myriad of wonderful ways ... the Gold Coast has all of this and much more SAY goodbye to boredom these Christmas holidays with this list of 20 fun things to do.
1. NATURAL BRIDGE Springbrook NP
THE Springbrook National Park’s Natural Bridge rock formation – once formed by the force of the waterfall eroding over the basalt cave – is easily accessible from the NerangMurwillumbah Rd car park. Start the 1km subtropical circuit clockwise and descend through ancient Gondwana rainforest to the Natural Bridge rock arch.
2. NIGHTQUARTER MARKETS 1 Town Centre Drive, Westfield Helensvale
THE NightQuarter markets are a favourite among locals. Featuring food, drink, live music and activities, this is one for the whole family.
3. 9 Hamilton Ave, Surfers Paradise
Q1 SKYPOINT CLIMB
IF you’re feeling brave you can do the SkyPoint Climb, a 90minute climb of the Q1 Tower, which is 270m tall and
Australia’s highest external building climb, to experience amazing views from the beaches to the Hinterland.
4. STAND-UP PADDLE BOARDING Tallebudgera Creek
ALSO known as “SUPing” to the locals. If you haven’t been stand-up paddle boarding, put it on your bucket list and tick it off on the Gold Coast. Tallebudgera Creek is a hotspot for the inexpensive activity.
5. TRY A SYRINGE DOUGHNUT Blackboard Coffee
YOU’VE seen them all over Instagram, now it’s time to try a caramel or Nutella-filled doughnut at the cafe that started the trend. Blackboard Coffee at Varsity Lakes also serves up some of the Coast’s best coffee.
6. THE KITCHENS Robina Town Centre
EAT your way around the world minus the expensive plane ticket. The Kitchens at Robina Town Centre offers all types of cuisine, cooking demonstrations and cooking classes for kids.
7. Currumbin Creek Road
CURRUMBIN ROCK POOLS
A SECRET among the locals in the Currumbin Valley, the Currumbin Rock Pools is nestled a fair distance away and tourists know nothing about it. Plunging waterfalls, rock slides, grass areas and massive pools to swim in, this spot is nature at its finest. Want to know another wonderful part about it? Well, it’s totally free.
8. MIAMI MARKETTA 23 Hillcrest Parade, Miami
BRING the family to enjoy live music, performers and delicious food with gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian and raw food options available for your health-conscious friends.
9. HIT THE BEACH The entire Gold Coast coastline
WE’RE renowned for our beaches and huge stretches of sand. There are plenty available to choose from for those who love surf and sunshine. And if you hit Surfers Paradise, you’re kicking back on the second best beach in Australia for 2017, according to TripAdvisor.
10. ARTS CENTRE GOLD COAST 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise
HOP on to The Arts Centre Gold Coast website and check out what movies, shows, theatre, comedy and art exhibitions are taking place during the Christmas holidays.
11. BOUNCE INC 10 Energy Circuit, Robina
FLY through the air and bounce off the walls. Bounce is a massive indoor trampoline park for all ages at Robina.
12. AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK SPECTACULAR
Entertainment Drive, Oxenford
THE locals may roll their eyes, but Outback Spectacular is no longer just for the tourists. Featuring classic Aussie songs and some of your favourite animals, this show really is spectacular (and they serve you bush tucker for dinner).
13. MERMAID BEACH SURF LIFE SAVING CLUB Hedges Avenue, Mermaid Beach
YOU might not know this, but if you dine here you’re sitting in the middle of classic Gold Coast history. The Mermaid Beach Surf Life Saving Club was established in 1945 as part of a government initiative after World War II. It was the perfect outlet for fit and able returned servicemen.
14. RAINFOREST SKYWALK Geissmann Dr, Mt Tamborine
THIS Mt Tamborine gem is tucked away in the rainforest but worth the drive up the mountain. Enjoy the spectacular views of the lush Gold Coast Hinterland from the canopy walk through the trees.
15. POINT DANGER LOOKOUT
Marine Parade, Coolangatta PERCHED high on a hill straddling the state borders of Queensland and New South
Wales, the Point Danger lookout is a must see if you’re on the southern end of the Gold Coast.
16. THE VILLAGE MARKETS
Burleigh Heads State School
ON THE first and third Sunday of every month, fashion-savvy Gold Coasters descend on The Village Markets to check out more than 100 fashion, arts and creative stalls. It’s just the perfect spot to find up-cycled and handcrafted furniture and clothing.
17. MOVIE WORLD STARS TOUR Movie World
THIS is the ultimate behind-thescenes theme park experience featuring Australia’s first coaster track walk along with an inside look at how the park operates.
18. BURLEIGH HILL Burleigh Heads
BURLEIGH Hill is such a versatile place: you can have a picnic, walk your dog, peoplewatch … the list goes on. On a sunny day, pack a picnic basket and lay down a rug for a few hours of family fun.
19. PALM BEACH DOG BEACH Palm Beach
PULL out the lead and take the dogs down to this puppy paradise. Located on Lacey’s Beach, the dog zone circles are all the way round to the creek, and the dogs are in their elements.
20. BAM BAM BAKEHOUSE
Gold Coast Highway
IF it’s good enough for Margot Robbie, it’s good enough for us. Bam Bam, endorsed by the Hollywood star, creates quirky pastries and desserts.
BONUS 21. SAY HELLO TO SANTA
YOU’RE never too old to sit on Santa’s lap and get a snap with the family. Visit Marina Mirage or any major shopping centre to say hello to the bearded man.