What's on for the very gay Gold Coast

More news stories coming soon to this relaunching site for local, interstate and international visitors, www.gaygoldcoastaustralia.com.


Meanwhile, keep up with the buzzing local scene catering to gay and lesbian travellers on our other sites and share them with locals and visitors.


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Gay and Lesbian Destination Guide to Australia's Gold Coast

800 kilo saltwater croc named Holey turns 40 at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Holey, measuring five metres in length and weighing nearly a tonne, is a true heavyweight when it comes to crocs in captivity.  If you take your visitors and family to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, you'll want to take a peak at Holey in his private watering hole.  He looks big underwater, and bigger on land.  And he's just a babe at 40, and will grow twice as long.  

Rainforest Revelry

At Songbirds Rainforst Retreat, atop Mt. Tamborine in the Hinterland, you are serenaded by bird song. The surrounding rainforest of this open-air restaurant makes you feel a world apart – but it is just a short trip from Surfers Paradise.

Insiders know this hidden gem is fast becoming known to international foodie fans and to those seeking a unique rainforest escape.  The North Americans pictured here were wowed by the food and service, not to mention the birds and the luxurious villas adjacent to the award-winning restaurant.

Songbirds has luxurious views inside and out. There are six villas scattered over the pristine property situated in idyllic surrounds. Besides gorgeous views, the villas have every amenity you could desire. Breathing clean mountain air and awaking to the sound of birds is heavenly as well.

If you go to Songbirds for lunch, you should take in the adjacent Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk attraction first. Or if you overnight, you may want to do the canopy walk after breakfast.

Before you go...

Click to read The Gay and Lesbian Visitors Guide which lists Songbirds and other gay welcoming restaurants around the Gold Coast.

SkyPoint Observation Deck Has New Look and Feel

This attraction stirs up local pride.  It is an impressive and meaningful place to entertain and show off to visiting family and friends.  It tells the Gold Coast story  via displays and video presentations that promote th lifestyle and entire spectrum of experiences available on the coast.

The deck doubles as a chic louynge bar after dark, with live entertainment every weekend evening.  Their signaturee drink is called "Mile High," though only 230 m above the ground.

Keep up with the buzzing local scene catering to gay and lesbian travellers on our other sites and share them with locals and visitors. Gay Gold Coast Facebook Gay Gold Coast on Twitter.

Rainforest Skywalk is a Canopy Walk in th Park

Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk is a new eco-adventure exploring the beautiful rainforest canopies and habitat in a different and thrilling way.

Visitors depart from the Rainforest Eco Gallery and begin the adventure on a spectacular elevated walkway through the beautiful middle and upper canopies of the rainforest. It descends gradually to the lower canopy and follows points of interest including rockpools, a butterfly lookout, local history information and sheltered rest areas along the way until reaching the amazing Cantilever. This is a 40 metre long span soaring 30 metres above the valley, with spectacular views over the creek and the rainforest canopies below.

Just another reason to get out of the city and off the beaches for some clean mountain air and crisp temperatures in the ancient rainforest on Mount Tamborine.  For more information, see http://www.rainforestskywalk.com.au/

International Women's Day at Sofitel Broadbeach

March 8 is the anniversary of International Women's Day, and locally you can celebrate everything femme and fantastic over a fabulous lunch at Room 81 at the Sofitel in Broadbeach.  The chef - a lovely man - has created a three-course menu with sparkling wine for just $39.  It also include's Paul's signature dessert - raspberry souffle with which chocolate ice cream.

The Sofitel is a member of IGLTA, and the hotel and restaurant will be hosting the IGLTA contingent of journalists and agents on Tuesday.  The four women in the group will be pleased, as this is a perfect spot for celebrating the achievements of women past, present and future on International Women's Day.

Surf World Gold Coast - The Alley Fish Fry

Surf World Gold Coast is hosting The Alley Fish Fry Night on Saturday 5th March, from 6.30 PM and the

Currumbin Alley - The Alley Fish Fry - on Sunday 6th March.

This is great opportunity to meet other people interested in the Fish surfboard and other alternate boards that have spawned from the innovative shapers of our surf community. It is also a chance to hear from some very talented individuals who build them.

The Fish shape has led to a wider interest in alternate shapes from the past, such as the Simmons, finless boards and other planing hulls. Rich Pavel, Jordan Nobel and Ryan Lovelace will give a brief overview of their various backgrounds and experiences with shaping these boards. This will be followed by an open question and answer forum with the guys. Just a sample of the talented shaper you're likely to meet at the Fish Fry in the park at Currumbin Alley the next day.

Gold Coast Hosts Biggst Surfing Events

The surfing world will converge on the Gold Coast from 26 February to 9 March as two of the biggest surfing events kick start the 2011 ASP Men’s and Women’s World Tours.

The 2011 Quiksilver Pro presented by Land Rover will feature the world’s top male surfers including the likes of reigning and ten-time x World Champion Kelly Slater (USA), two-time World Champion Mick Fanning (AUS) and hometown hero Joel Parkinson (AUS).

The Gold Coast’s most southern break of Snapper Rocks will also be host to the women’s Roxy Pro presented by Land Rover and brings together the world’s top female surfers including the reigning and four-time World Champion Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) and world number two Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS).

Best Kept Secrets

Known for its laid-back lifestyle, excellent swimming and surfing conditions, the Southern Gold Coast boasts many of the area's best-kept secrets.

This more tranquil environment has attracted Australians for many years, and now its charms attract an increasing number of international visitors.
These beaches offer the perfect place to enjoy some of life’s great, but simple pleasures. Relax on a blanket with fresh cooked fish and chips from one of the many local shops and enjoy the lights from Surfers Paradise in the distance as the sun sets slowly over the mountains of the hinterland.

GO|STAY|PLAY

Find your secret spots here:
Burleigh Heads
Coolangatta
Currumbin
Kirra
Mermaid Beach
Miami

Shop in Style

Marina Mirage is Queensland's finest waterfront shopping and dining resort.
Marina Mirage is situated on the Gold Coast, directly opposite the five star Sheraton Mirage Resort & Spa and is adjacent to the world's first Palazzo Versace Hotel.
Marina Mirage offers award winning restaurants, designer boutiques filled with the world's top fashion labels, and speciality stores overflowing with elegant homewares, gifts and exceptional artwork.

With its spectacular waterfront location overlooking the beautiful Broadwater, Marina Mirage is one destination you cannot miss. One of the stores not to miss is Upper Deck Sportswear which has something hot for the guys: a new range of beach shorts called “The Rocks Push.” Designed for the Australian lifestyle, the shorts can take you from a day at the beach to sunset drinks on the Marina Mirage Broadwater.

In Two Weeks: CHOCS AWAY SWEETIE

Resistance is useless, give in to your inner sweet tooth desires with a cooking demonstration by one of the world’s finest chocolatiers and Director of Savour Chocolate School, Kirsten Tibballs. Learn the sacred secrets of how to create delectable chocolate, divine nougat and delicious macaron treats. Sponsored by Callebaut Belgian Chocolate, this deliciousness comes with an exclusive cooking demonstration and appetising two course lunch all washed down with a lovely glass of wine in the exclusive Vanitas Restaurant at Palazzo Versace.

Two classes only on the 28 February and 1 March 2011. Day one is filled with chocolate creations and nougat delights. Day two will cover meticulous macarons and joyful jellies.

Time: 9.30am until 1.30pm
Ticket: $90 per person per class
Bookings: 07 5509 8000

Dubmarine Stars at 2011 Good Vibrations Festival at Parklands

Australia’s high-powered, high energy, dub and dancehall sub bass vessel, “Dubmarine,” are prepping the ship, and plotting a course for 2011 which is already shaping up to be huge, following the launch of their debut LP “Depth of Sound” to rave reviews.

Dubmarine features 9 musicians and is lead by the vocal gymnastics of indigenous Australian superstar, Darumbal man D-Kazman.

For more information, check out the festival news site.

Where the Women Come to Play Golf

The ANZ RACV Ladies Masters will be played at the RACV Royal Pines Resort between 10-13 February, under the co-sanctioning of Australian Ladies Professional Golf and the Ladies European Tour. 

See seven times champion Karrie Webb take on a stellar field of world stars.  She's a hometown hero who can still surprise us with miracle shots on the 18th (like the Eagle celebration at a recent tournament).

For more information, check out the official website.

Keep up with the buzzing local scene catering to gay and lesbian travellers on our social media sites and share them with locals and visitors.

Download Guide:  Gay & Lesbian Destination Guide to Australia's Gold Coast

SkyPoint Observation Deck - 360* Unlimited Locals Pass $29

SkyPoint Observation Deck offers you unlimited entry for 12 months to experience the spectacular 360* views of the Gold Coast plus many other benefits as well for only $29. You can sit back, relax and enjoy the view whilst grabbing a bite to eat from our licensed Cafe & Bar.  (Formerly called Q1 as Queensland's tallest building.)

The iconic SkyPoint Observation Deck is located in the heart of Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast. Rising 235m into the sky, SkyPoint takes you to the highest point above the Gold Coast and provides stunning panoramic views from the surf to the hinterland and beyond.

Your journey begins with an inside look at the construction of this landmark development before boarding one of the world's fastest express lifts which transports you from ground to Level 77 in less than 43 seconds. Once at the top you'll be amazed by spectacular views which reach, on a clear day from Brisbane to Byron Bay.

You can relax and marvel at the glittering Gold Coast skyline at the fully licensed bar located on Level 77 and enjoy coffee and cake during the day or indulge in a cheese platter and cocktails at sunset.

SkyPoint is a must see Gold Coast attraction.  With your locals' pass, you can take your next set of out-of-towners up for a look up the coast.  It's also a nice change of scene for date nights or happy hour drinks with friends and co-workers.  


Join Your Coast and get vouchers like this SkyPoint deal every month.  

Are you a big kid? Talk to Paradise Jet Boating this month

To welcome the newest addition to its fleet, Paradise 3 - the safest and most advanced jet boat in the world – Paradise Jetboating has a special offer for locals this month.

Experience the ultimate dose of extreme adrenaline packed adventure - including extreme 360* spins, awesome wake surfing, high speed drifting and incredible `Beach Buzzing' - on the 55 minute Broadwater Adventure.

Get the voucher here and let the kid inside you come out.

Foodies Beat a Path to Hinterland's Songbirds Restaurant and Retreat

While most Gold Coast holidaymakers find seventh heaven with surf and sand, others are drawn to the green behind the gold.

The Gold Coast Hinterland is draped like a crushed velvet backdrop to the high-rises, theme parks, and glitz of the coastal strip. You won't find bikin'd meter maids or shopping arcades in the 'green behind the gold', but you'll gain a new appreciation of the region's hidden charms.

In the heart of the Hinterland's Mount Tambourine National Park, is the acclaimed Songbirds Retreat. Once a run-down tearooms struggling to pay its way, Bonnie Rodwell had the vision in 2004 to transform the 51-acre rainforest property into a unique hideaway of gourmet restaurant, luxury villas and spa. Within 18 months, she'd beaten 500 other restaurants to win Queensland's Best Restaurant – the first time the Gold Coast had taken top honours from Noosa and Brisbane's established restaurants.

Foodies beat a path to her door while stressed city-dwellers book in for a few days of massage, pampering and battery recharging.

Despite its popularity, Songbirds remains a haven of tranquility. Kookaburras and colourful parrots gather at feeding trays around the open air restaurant. human visitors are also encouraged – lunchtime guests are invited to explore the retreat's walking trails and lush organic gardens before plunging back into the coastal throng.

Keep up with the buzzing local scene catering to gay and lesbian travellers on the other Gay Gold Coast sites and share them with locals and visitors. Gay Gold Coast Facebook Gay Gold Coast on Twitter Gay Gold Coast Australia on You Tube.

Events Galore Around Gold Coast for Locals and Visitors Alike

The Gold Coast is famous for its spectacular, year-round event calendar - from sports to festivals to performing arts. The Your Coast list of events with special vouchers should be bookmarked, too. For example, it has details on the real party on BMW Magic Millions day.  You can buy your tickets here for the Party in the Paddock on 15 January - from $45 per person.


With a little online  research, you can find a gay and lesbian calendar of local events. For example, the social group called Gold Coast Rainbow Alliance has plenty on offer for locals - and visitors can join in. Like kayaking at Tweed on 6 Feb.