Gold Coast
Golfers may be notoriously focused on the game but when one of the country’s top tee-off destinations becomes cool, they’re as happy as the rest of us. An explosion of hip cafés and modern dining spots – particularly in locales like Palm Beach, Burleigh and Miami – has opened up a whole new world beyond the 19th. There’s good shopping, too (thanks, Pacific Fair). And while the Goldie has an undeniably beachy focus (from surfing, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking to snorkelling with turtles), there are also more than 20 courses in the region. For the golfing traveller, it’s a bounty.
PLAY
First up, there’s Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club (sanctuary covegolfclub.com.au) for its two feted courses: The Palms, which reopened in 2011 following a spectacular $8.8-million upgrade, and The Pines, designed by late golfing great Arnold Palmer. The Pines is private but guests of the InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort (hotel.qantas.com.au/sanctuarycove) can secure tee times. Between the two courses, there are some 300 kangaroos so don’t be surprised if you attract a marsupial gallery.
Nearby, Links Hope Island (linkshopeisland.com.au) features undulating fairways and 128 pot bunkers. “Challenging but not demoralising” is how general manager Tracey-Lea Tiley describes it. Final stop? RACV Royal Pines Resort (hotel.qantas.com.au/royalpines) – 27 lush holes renovated by design expert Graham Marsh and the new home of the Australian PGA Championship.
STAY
It’s been four years since InterContinental took over at Sanctuary Cove and it’s looking better than ever: the revamped lobby exudes an elegant, grownup ambience, while the 243 rooms nod to the original Queenslander, Colonial-style architecture. The graceful 0.4-hectare swimming lagoon remains a highlight.
Further south, between beach and hinterland, RACV Royal Pines Resort has upped the game with a $60-million-plus overhaul. Features include an impressive fitness centre, decadent spa, several restaurants and the Gold Coast’s only undercover tennis courts (perfect for when Queensland chooses not to be its sunny self). Spa suites are the top pick.
EAT & DRINK
Rick Shores (rickshores.com.au) in Burleigh Heads is the eatery du jour. Why? It’s a tie between the drool-worthy fried Moreton Bay bug roll and the phenomenal views. For sharing feasts, Social Eating House + Bar (socialeatinghouse.com.au) in Broadbeach is your go-to, while The Collective (thecollectivepalmbeach.com.au) in Palm Beach offers a modern take on the food-hall concept. Tuck into brunch-ish staples at The Paddock Bakery (paddockbakery.com) in Miami or head to sister site Bam Bam Bakehouse (bambam bakehouse.com) in Mermaid Beach for the best baked goodies on the Coast. Japanese restaurant Kiyomi at The Star Gold Coast (hotel.qantas.com.au/stargoldcoast) – the $850 million reincarnation of Jupiters – takes care of that special night out. Don’t leave without ordering the crisp rice with spicy tuna and the Wagyu tenderloin with wasabi butter.