IT’S WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE IN SURFERS
A lifesize replica of an adult rhino is under construction and will be the centrepiece of a new $3m bar-restaurant on the Glitter Strip
ONE of the world’s most endangered species – the white rhino – is about to thunder into Surfers Paradise.
A 3.5m-long, 1.6m-high life-size adult rhino replica and a baby – both made of a fibreglass compound – will occupy pride of place in a new Surfers Paradise bar and restaurant. The new hotspot White Rhino Bar & Eats is being built in the centre of the tourism precinct at Circle on Cavill Mall next to Hurricanes.
Artesian Hospitality, the entity behind Surfers Paradise nightclubs Sin City, Bedroom and Havana, is shelling out five figures on the sculptures. An online competition to name the adult rhino is taking off with “Morty” emerging as the frontrunner so far.
The winner of the naming contest will score an invite to the two-level venue’s VIP launch party.
Artesian partner Matt Keegan said the replicas would be part of a jungle scene interior at White Rhino.
“We are not screwing around. We are creating a jungle scene wall feature and he is going to be popping out of that,” Mr Keegan said.
Mr Keegan revealed the opening would likely be in October, after ATG revealed construction was under way last month.
White Rhino will open for breakfast, lunch and dinner with bar trade through to 1am. It will have seating for 220 and capacity for 500plus with an al fresco feel.
A top restaurateur has signed on to do the menu and run the kitchen.
Artesian has commissioned Brisbane-based Natureworks to create the rhinos.
We are creating a jungle scene and he is going to pop out of it