Five Flavours of the Gold Coast

Australian Traveller Magazine's 100 Greatest Australian Gourmet Experiences includes only one member of the Gold Coast Tourism region.  It is a big oversight that they missed the other 4 on the Rainbow Tourism gay welcoming list - which includes Best Restaurant on Gold Coast and Best Restaurant in Queensland!

Recently sampled by our visiting & locals foodie team:

1.  Songbirds in the Forest - Winner of the Queensland Restaurant of the Year Award for Excellence, this is where you go for rainforest atmosphere and a leisurely, creatively-presented eating experience - eg Prawns, Seared Radish Cake & Black Pepper Sauce.

2.  Room 81 - Located at Sofitel Hotel Broadbeach, this chic and contemporary restaurant's menu includes a signature dish called Assiette of White Rabbit.  

3.  Lauxes - The place to go for Moreton Bay Bugs is the deluxe champagne dinning lounge  in Broadbeach's trendy dining district.  

4.  Amalfi Bistro & Wine Bar - Located at Watermark Hotel, with its lounge open to Surfers Paradise Boulveard, this is the place to be for lunch - and later for happy hour. Winner of Best Italian Restuarnt on Gold Coast

5. Ristorante Fellini - At #62 on the Top 100  Dining Experiences list, this Italian eatery is located at Marina Mirage and is the destination   for home-made, heavenly pasta.

Gay Gold Coast features inspiring things to see and do in Australia's dream destination...where vibrant lesbian and gay travel experiences are paramount!


If you have a favorite restaurant that should be on the must do list for locals as well as visitors, please comment below on the Where and Why of your favorite everyday or special occasion eatery.

From the sea to the mountains in search of cool waters on a hot day

Two weeks ago we listed some of the more popular beaches and swimming holes along the coast and up the Currumbin Valley.
This past Saturday, two of us headed out in the Redspot rental car to check off a few on the must-do list. We got to 4 of them, including breakfast at Broadbeach, lunch (an ice cream snack) at the Currumbin Creek and rock pool, and dinner of fish and chips (with Macedonian spices) across from Coolangatta Beach.

1.  Broadbeach at sunrise.
2.  Currumbin Rock Pool by noon.
3.  Rainbow Bay for afternoon delight.
4.  Kirra Beach at Coolangatta on way to airport and home.


Gay Gold Coast features inspiring things to see and do in Australia's dream destination...where vibrant lesbian and gay travel experiences are paramount!  Please comment below if you have a favorite beach that would be of interest to other gay and lesbian beach bums.

His & His - Hers & Hers Holidays

• Idleness vs Adventure
• Shopping vs Sport
• Spa vs Sea
• Up in the Air vs Underwater

She says somewhere close, you say interstate.  He says skydiving, you say retail therapy.
Before you call off your holiday together, find a destination and activities to keep you both happy.

  
Good news.  The Gold Coast is a destination that can satisfy both of you.  


While you explore the shopping districts, she can go up in a Tiger Moth biplane; while he learns to surf and gets his beach fix, you can whale-watch from a deck chair and learn to use your new videocam.  Later, you can take a spa treatment together and hit the after dark dining and dancing spots.

Gay Gold Coast features inspiring things to see and do in Australia's dream destination...where vibrant lesbian and gay travel experiences are paramount!
Tiger Moth Joy Rides is just one of many exciting things to add to your getaway itinerary.  Tell us what is essential on your leisure trip to the very gay Gold Coast.  Comment below.

Where in the Gold Coast would you rather be?

Surfing, swimming or snorkeling at the beach?  Driving through the Hinterland?  Exploring Springbrook National Park?  Enjoying handcrafted beer and local cheeses on Mount Tamborine?


There are 15 main beaches along the Gold Coast (including Surfers Paradise), a hundred Gold Coast precincts for shopping, dining and attractions, and 10 major destinations in The Hinterland - including two national parks.  


Also, the Gay Gold Coast team has uncovered at least three new after dark clubs and social groups for gay and lesbian visitors, and there are a dozen theme parks perfect for friends and family excursions.


AATET...Accommodation, Attractions, Tours, Events and Transfers!
  
There's a gay owned or gay welcoming operator in each category waiting to help create your Very Gold Coast experience.  Ask the concierge if you need help planning a gay getaway or family holiday.


Have a favorite spot in the Gold Coast region?  A favorite place to hook up with local lesbians and gays where visitors are welcome?
Please tell us your places of interest or comment on the myriad ones listed here.

Cocolate Indulgers Think Gold Coast for Easter

The Gold Coast has Easter covered this year with a range of special offers and interesting activities that will ensure an enjoyable time for everyone.

Worth some consideration during the upcoming holiday period are:

•           Warner Village Theme Parks extend Endless Summer Pass
•           Dreamworld and WhiteWater World – Wedgie, Illuminate and World Pass
•           Ecopark Fishing World
•           Paradise Jet Boating Easter Special
•           Super Duck Easter Special
•           Palazzo Versace – Chocolate Indulgent Activities
•           Harbour Town
•           Ripple Chocolate Massage

Or there's more...
•           Paradise Resort Gold Coast offer
•           Ashmore Palms Holiday Village – Unlimited entry to Dreamworld and WhiteWater World
•           Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort and Spa
•           Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove – Family Plan Package
•           Radisson Resort Gold Coast – Extended Holiday Special
•           Cedar Creek Lodges at Thunderbird Park
•           Kings and Crown Currency Exchange

Need help with accommodation over the Easter break?  Ask for Rainbow Tourism Recommendations.
Need more information on above activities?  Ask Gold Coast Tourism.

Follow the Adventure _ Gold Coast Trailer.

Follow the Adventure _ Gold Coast Trailer.
See Episode 1 on Gay Gold Coast You Tube.

Gay Gold Coast features inspiring things to see and do in Australia's dream destination...where vibrant lesbian and gay travel experiences are paramount!

Beach Report: 22 C at Top Spots

Gold Coast City's beaches have an average water temperature of 22 degrees. "Come on in; the water's fine!"  Here are 8 to try, with or without a surfboard.

8.  Currumbin Rock Pools is a locals favourite swimming hole. Enjoy a swim in the Currumbin rock pools, where you’ll discover crystal clear mountain waters; warm, sun-drenched boulders, & welcoming 

7.  Rainbow Bay

6.  Palm Beach

5.  Main Beach

4.  Broadbeach

3.  Burleigh Heads

2.  Kirra Surf

1.  Surfers Paradise  Coastal Watch Live Camera

For more information, try this great list of Gold Coast beaches with brief descriptions and photos.  

Need accommodation near your choice of beach?  Just a click away. 

Need more ideas?  See Very Gold Coast.com. 

Gay Getaways to the Gold Coast

Whether you live in Queensland, interstate, or are visiting from overseas, there's something for every style holiday in the Gold Coast Region.  

Here's one sample.  What would you add or subtract from this 3-day itinerary?

Day 1.  After picking up your rental car at Gold Coast Airport and checking into a comfortable room at Kirra Surf (just across the road from the airport!), it’s time to head for the hills for a scenic drive and overview of the area, before returning to the coast to pick out a restaurant along the southern coast Seafood Trail, or Broadbeach’s restaurant row, or along Surfers Paradise Blvd.

Day 2.  Up with the birds, grab a latte, and meet your group for a kayak paddle to Stradbroke Island – with Australian Kayaking Adventures. After lunch at a local waterside café, drive to Mount Tamborine for a stroll through the arts n crafts gallery row, visit the cheese and microbrewery, or go for a waterfall walk, depending on your interests and energy level.  You still have a late night planned.

After a relaxing swim in the surf or nap, find your kind of club for dancing or musical entertainment – like Escape Bar or the Meeting Place. There are many mixed venues, too, where you’ll be welcome.

Day 3.  Up early again if you want to see the coast from a hot air balloon or sleep in if you’d rather go for a Tiger Moth Joy Ride after breakfast (but don’t eat too much if you plan on the acrobatic ride).  The afternoon wouldn’t be complete without a visit to a theme park – like DreamWorld, WhiteWhater World – or a visit to the tallest building in QLD, the Q1 Deck, from the 78^th floor observation deck.

Time to shop till you drop, have another sensational meal, and relax in your hotel hot tub or pool.

If you go.

1.  If you want a budget or luxury hotel, a retreat or a Bed &  Breakfast, consult RainbowTourism.com before you arrive and book online. We recommend the hotels who are members of IGLTA, who are Gay Comfort certified, and Rainbow Tourism Accredited.

2.  If you arrive by land, sea or air, pick up a rental car from East Coast Car Rental, a member of Gold Coast Tourism’s gay-welcoming operators group.  Ask for GPS and program your destinations.  
3.  Also see Gold Coast section on Rainbow Tourism's Australia page. 
4.  Find more information here...

• Escape Bar: www.escapebar.com.au 
• The Meeting Place: www.mpnightclub.com.au 
• QDeck www.qdeck.com.au 
• Dreamworld/Whitewater World: www.themeparksgoldcoast.com.au 
• Australian Kayaking Adventures: www.australiankayakingadventures.com.au 
• Tiger Moth Joy Rides:  http://www.tigermothjoyrides.com.au/
• Gold Coast Tourism: www.verygoldcoast.com

Gay Gold Coast features inspiring things to see and do in Australia's dream destination...where vibrant lesbian and gay travel experiences are paramount!

Comments and contributions from locals and visitors are welcome. Tell us what you like about staying and playing on the very gay Gold Coast by clicking on the comment link below. 

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then...

what happens in the Gold Coast equals a book!   Surfing, hot air ballooning, kayaking, swiming, golfing, jet boating, entertaining, rejuvenating, relaxing etc.  

If you have a favorite photographic memory of the Gold Coast, we'd love to hear from you.

Here's my favorite...Lunch at Southport Yacht Club after a hearty paddle! 

Gay Gold Coast features inspiring things to see and do in Australia's dream destination...where vibrant lesbian and gay travel experiences are paramount!
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