Gold Coast still packs a punch

It takes less than a minute of feeling the soft, groomed sand of Surfer’s Paradise between your toes to be seduced by the charm of the Gold Coast, Australia’s premier playground.

Of course, the Gold Coast is much more than pristine beaches, but they’re as good a place as any to start.

>> Destination Gold Coast, Weekends For Two

There’s no doubt the Gold Coast has diversified greatly in recent times, with world-class restaurants, day spa centres, vineyards just some of the alternatives on offer.

The theme parks are constantly upgrading their attractions, with the RM Williams Outback Spectacular, a $29 million multi-media evening presentation recapturing some of the magic of the horsemanship of the Opening Ceremony of the Sydney Olympic Games. A dinner of gourmet Queensland fare is served during the show. The staging effects with sound and projection are extraordinary – there’s even a helicopter muster in the show.

Outback Spectacular is located next to Movie World, where new rides and movie-themed attractions keeps the theme park fresh and energized and always means there’s something new to experience.

Another newcomer on the Gold Coast is the Q1 skyscraper. There’s an observation deck on Level 77 to relax over a sundowner and take in the seemingly endless views up and down the coast. The restaurant strip at Tedder Avenue has long been where the rich and wannabe rich Gold Coasters can be spotted day and night.

The Gold Coast is also renowned for its championship golf courses - the superior weather conditions providing an undeniable edge.

Take a sunrise hot air balloon flight over the lush green hinterland or a scenic helicopter flight along the beaches. You’ll discover a whole new dimension to a great place for a weekend away.