More to move you

Can’t wait until the next Blues on Broadbeach festival? Here’s what else is on offer this year, plus other attractions to add to your itinerary.

Springtime is supported by youth radio station triple j and free to attend. It brings high-profile acts such as Thelma Plum, surfgarage rock trio Skegss and electronic-hip hop duo Hermitude to the beaches and streets of Surfers Paradise from September 2-4. springtimegc.com.au

Roadtrip Music Festival celebrates the indie-folk lifestyle and will bring together some of Australia’s best indie-folk musicians and bands. With themes of freedom, life on the road, surfing and the outdoors, the one-day festival will ease music lovers into the warm summer months ahead. September 18. roadtripmusic.com.au

Groundwater Country Music Festival is in town from October 28-30 with three days of free live music. It features a mix of homegrown talent and international and up-andcoming artists like Fanny Lumsden, Gina Jeffreys, and Kaylee Bell from New Zealand. groundwatercmf.com

BEYOND THE BLUES Whether killing time between sets, or visiting out of festival season, there is much to do on the Gold Coast to keep visitors entertained.

Wine and dine

Broadbeach is home to some of the Gold Coast’s best restaurants. Social Eating House and Bar is a lively barcum-restaurant where the dishes are designed to share, making this a great spot to dine as a group. Miss Moneypenny’s offers relaxed fine dining with low lighting and great service. Uncle Su (❃tured) dishes up lunchtime yum cha and classy Chinese cuisine in stylish surroundings. For something more casual, there is the Bavarian Bier Cafe where European beers and good times go hand in hand.

Out and about

If you’re after things to do around Broadbeach, The Star Gold Coast offers entertainment galore, ranging from guitar duos to Abba tribute shows, free movies and the chance to try your luck in the casino. Pacific Fair Shopping Centre has hundreds of shops, ranging from department stores to high-end designer boutiques, and an indoor-meets-outdoor tropical ambience. On the first and third Sunday of every month, the Broadbeach Markets offer handmade finds, quirky souvenirs and ocean views.

Day trips beyond Broadbeach

Swap the beach for the Great Barrier Reef with a day trip to Lady Elliot Island. Take off from the Gold Coast at 6.45am for a scenic 90-minute scenic flight to one of the few islands located right on the reef. Day trip guests get their own dedicated guide who looks after everything from showing people around the island to finding the biggest turtles to swim with on the included glass-bottom boat and snorkel trip. After a tasty buffet lunch, there’s time to soak up the sun, take a walk

around the island, spot rare nesting birds or squeeze in another snorkel before the flight back to the Gold Coast.

Or you could head for the hills on a day trip to Lamington National Park with Southern Cross Tours. Along the way you’ll stop at scenic lookouts, hand-feed native parrots in every colour of the rainbow, bounce along a tree top canopy walk in World Heritage-listed rainforest, explore a scenic walking trail and spot native birds with an expert local guide.

Canungra Valley Vineyards is the perfect place to stop for an afternoon glass of wine and a bite to eat before the tour returns to Broadbeach.