Gold Coast Sports & Outdoors

2 more images

The south coast of Queensland is a great place to go surfing. It’s close enough to the tropics to have warm water and, for most of the year, the weather is far from cold. Sure, the waves may not be as large as some areas down on Australia’s south coast, but those areas are only for owners of wetsuits! Here a pair of boardshorts will suffice.

Maybe you’re unsure how to go about surfing? Classes are available, so that’s no excuse.

Of course, there is surfing and there is surfing. Often it is now equated with riding on a surfboard and while I wouldn’t argue with that, unless you hire one it’s unlikely you’ll have one with you if you flew in. The other alternative is body surfing – somewhat overlooked these days, but very enjoyable and requiring nothing more than you. The system is to wait for a suitable wave, swim like mad as it reaches you, then tuck your chin down while slightly hunching your shoulders and putting your arms to your sides. All being well you’re now rocketing toward the beach … And, if not? Well, the results shouldn’t cause any damage unless you picked a ‘dumper’ to ride!

So to the photos. Start with some lessons, as in the main photo, go out and get some practice as in photo 2 and, who knows, you may find yourself in a surfing competition like the surfer in photo 3!

2 more images

Robina Woods Golf Course opened in January of 1990. Designed by Graham Marsh & Ross Watson, this course presents a truly unique golfing experience as it has been carved out of the original woodlands, making every hole a unique challenge for any accomplished golfer.
Carved out of 65 hectares of native woodlands, with fairways lined by towering gum trees, this unique layout is unlike any resort course on the Gold Coast. Possessing maturity well beyond its years, Robina Woods has rapidly developed a reputation as one of Queensland’s best-loved resort courses.
Consistently ranked in the top 25 resort courses in the country, Robina Woods is a 6078 meter, 18 hole, Par 71 championship golf course, designed by the Marsh / Watson team.
The rolling fairways, manicured greens, and towering eucalyptus are strikingly beautiful and blend harmoniously with the surrounding residential development. A natural water-course featuring lakes, ponds, creeks and native wildlife completes a rare golf course environment.
It actually runs through the suburb so architecture is frequently in view as well.
Should you wish to remain friends, you'll refrain from asking my score.

Equipment: The facility features a fleet of electric carts, two tennis courts, driving range with sun protection cover and practice facilities, golf shop fully stocked with the latest equipment & merchandise, a club bar & bistro which includes alfresco dining on the terrace, as well as the Fairway and the Lakeview function rooms.

This is one of many golf courses within a couple of kilometres of each other about 5 kilometres inland from the beach.
Since it was my eldest son that booked us in, I can blame him. Still, it did give me a chance to flaunt my new clubs! I didn't play any better, just felt good.

Equipment: Emerald Lakes is touted as a championship course and, it's true that a championship has been played there but, compared to other courses that are available on the Gold Coast, this leaves a little to be desired.
There are excellent facilities here though, with on course lunch cart, great driving range and plenty of ball washing facilities. The carts also have on-board GPS so you can tell exactly how far it is to the hole.
The course itself though is flat and well used so it suffers a little from wear and tear.

This amphibious tour is very interesting. It covers Surfers Paradise Beach main road and then it dives into the Pacific Ocean and covers the broadwater coast. There is a continuous commentary regarding all the attractions along the route. The cruise time is approx one hour and there are various departure timings from Orchid Avenue at Surfers Paradise
Dep time 10:00; 11:15, 12:30, 13:45, 15:00, 15:15, 17:30 hrs
We have a similar one in Singapore and is quite popular there.

Equipment: The Aquaduck boat

Sea World Helicopters can arrange different type of tour as per your requirement. They have flights ranging from 5 minutes (A$49 Per seat adult and A$39 Per child 3-12 years old) to 30 minute flights, covering the whole of Gold Coast costing A$249 per adult and A$ 189 per child. The flights cover sea world, Surfers paradise, Burleigh Heads, Currumbin Valley etc, depending on the duration of the flight.
All these flights give a birds eye view of Australia's most beautiful coastline and hinterland. This can be once in a life time event, one that can be captured in your video and hence dont forget to bring your camera/video camera.

Equipment: Helicopter ride available from Sea World.

There are 3 bowling alley's on the Gold Coast, there use to be more but they have been closed down.

Ashmore Bowl is the biggest and the best of the bowling alleys on offer. They have a disco lights night every Saturday. The Surfers Paradise Tenpin has neon (glow in the dark) bowling all the time.

Book ahead to avoid having to wait around for a lane.

Ashmore Bowl:
20 Lanes
Fully licensed bar/Restaurant
137 Currumburra Rd Ashmore
Phone: 5539 6433

Surfers Paradise Tenpin:
16 Lanes
L1 Paradise Centre Cavil Ave
Phone: 5538 5222

Coolangatta/ Tweed Bowl:
16 Lanes
58 Wharf St, Tweed Heads
Phone: 5536 1606

Surfing is a major sport on the Gold Coast, attracting some of the world's best competitors. Duranbah, Burleigh Point, Kirra and South Stradbroke are just four of the many great surfing spots, providing pumping surf and great barrels.

The Gold Coast also plays host to international championships such as the Quicksilver Pro, Billabong Pro and the Roxy Pro.

Horse racing is going from strength to strength on the Gold Coast with weekly meetings held at the Gold Coast Turf Club at Bundall every Saturday.

In the second week of January every year the Gold Coast is the venue for the Magic Millions. It is ten days of carnival and society events surrounding the Magic Millions raceday.

There is a choice of over a dozen separate bars, restaurants, cafes and bistros at the GC Turf Club. It is always a fun and entertaining day out for everyone.

Also, at the Parklands Showground in Southport every Tuesday afternoon Harness racing and every Wednesday afternoon Greyhound racing is held.