Sofitel's Room 81 brings its French heritage to life with a Moulin Rouge inspired NYE celebration.

Why not celebrate New Years Eve @Room 81 and enjoy overnight accommodation at the Sofitel Broadbeach.  

For $250 each, an opulent evening of food, wine and cabaret starts with a glass of Dom Perignon on arrival.

Pace yourself as a six-course tasting menu follows, complete with matching wines.
 
Then countdown the final moments of 2010 with a glass of French Champagne, midnight canapes and a cabaret finale.

If you ring in the New Year at Room 81, you can continue the celebrations in a luxurious room at the hotel.  The hotel is taking direct bookings now for the Christmas Day Celebrations with an Igloo theme, and for the Cabaret theme event in Room 81. 
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The Sofitel is a proud member of IGLTA and is a Gay Comfort Certified accommodation.  For a list of other gay welcoming operators in the Gold Coast Region, click to view the Gay and Lesbian Destination Guide to Australia's Gold Coast.

The Broadbeach scene includes one of the best surfing spots on Gold Coast

Don't rule out the Gold Coast because you have a mental image of bright lights, theme parks and tacky souvenir shops. You'll find a whole different scene at the rather cosmopolitan Broadbeach.  And it just happens to be Brad's favorite spot, when we asked a local about where to ride the waves...
Local surf champion and coach Brad Holmes says “I like Broadbeach because it is often forgotten, tucked out of the way, yet in the centre of the Gold Coast. It’s a beautiful spot to learn to surf, with perfect conditions for beginner surfers.”

Broadbeach boasts an expansive glistening white sandy beach, plus very few high rise buildings, the Queensland Art Gallery adjacent the Broadbeach SLSC, Sunday Markets on the second Sunday of the month, and two great coffee shops within easy walking distance.

These are the main reasons why I conduct my surfing lessons at Broadbeach Surf Life Saving Club,” he says.

Contact Brad Holmes Surf Coaching, a Gay Comfort certified operator, for booking a surf lesson or stand up paddling session at Budds Beach in Surfers.  

Keep up with the buzzing local scene catering to gay and lesbian travellers on our other sites: Facebook, Twitter, You Tube.  The first edition of The Gay and Lesbian Destination Guide to Australia's Gold Coast is just a click away.

Dreamworld Relaunches the Tower of Terror

One of Australia’s most iconic scream machines, Dreamworld’s Tower of Terror, re-launched last week with a terrifying twist. 

If you thought the traditional Tower of Terror filled you with fear then get ready for the flip side of the ride and the mother of all modifications. On the all new Tower of Terror II riders rocket backwards at 160km/h, hurtle 100m skywards then hang for seconds in stomach-churning weightlessness before plunging face-first back to earth.

Unlike the original, adrenalin junkies will be harnessed into the deepest depths of the Tower’s lair, facing nothing but a dark void. An eerie silence lasts for just milliseconds before the car blasts backwards rocketing guests out of a 206m tunnel at rapid speed. 

If this sounds like a world of fun to you, get it a go.

Did you know? Gold Coast Tourism is committed to increasing gay tourism to the region and has just launched the The Gay and Lesbian Destination Guide to Australia's Gold Coast.  (Dreamworld is a supporter.) If you are planning a Gold Coast Getaway and would like a copy of the guide, please click here, or leave a comment here to have one emailed.

It's Not too Late to Go Whale Watching this Season from Versace's Marina Base

Palazzo Versace is making waves with their Aqua Marine whale watching and accommodation package.

Available until 6 November, the Aqua Marine package includes overnight accommodation in a superior room, three-hour whale watching tour for two, and aseafood buffet dinner at Il Barocco for two.  

Sounds like a whale of a deal and whale of a good time.  
The Versace Hotel - the only one of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere - is a great destination in and of itself.  It is among those places to stay mentioned in the new Lesbian and Gay Destination Guide to Australia's Gold Coast.  

Great Walks in Gold Coast Hinterland

You're not imagining it.  There really is a lot of fresh ideas for things to see and do around Australia's playground - The Gold Coast.

And there are a lot of old experiences - like a walk in an ancient rainforest - that should not be overlooked, whether you have 72 hours on the Gold Coast or stay longer to discover pure serenity after experiencing pure excitement on the coast.

It might take a week - or a lifetime – to explore the mountains, waterfalls and World Heritage-Listed rainforests and hidden valleys - of Lamington and Springbrook National Parks. Not to mention having close encounters with myriad wildlife. What are you waiting for? There are Great Walks that are escorted with accommodation in rustic chalets and cabins, and plenty of diverse trails for day hikes if you're a walker, birdwatcher, or nature photographer. 

PS  Keep up with the buzzing local scene on our Facebook.  Invite your friends to the fan page, too, to view the competitions and get news about ways to discover or rediscover the Gold Coast through gay eyes.

Fridays at Escape Bar is a Rewind...The club brings you all that music you have been missing for years.

Among the tourism venues mentioned in the first edition of The Gay and Lesbian Destination Guide to Australia's Gold Coast is the newest gay-owned nightclub in Surfers Paradise:  Escape Bar and Club.

Check out their calendar of events - like the Shipwreck Boat Cruise - or drop in for Ladies Night, Boys Night or Sunday sessions with BBQ on the deck from 3pm. Hear a good mix of live and DJ music, dance floor indoor and cocktails on outdoor deck.

Launching soon: Gay Travel Guide to Australia's Gold Coast

Did you know? Gold Coast Tourism is a member of IGLTA and GALTA, and is committed to increasing gay tourism to the region through a dedicated niche marketing effort headed by gay team members.


Forthcoming is the first edition of The Gay and Lesbian Destination Guide to Australia's Gold Coast.  You can request a copy of the .pdf document by leaving your email address in the comment box here.

Meanwhile, keep up with the buzzing local scene catering to gay and lesbian travellers on our other sites: Facebook, Twitter, You Tube.