Gold Coast

First published on 4 Oct 2011. Updated on 15 Nov 2011.

Set to take off this summer is an adventure not for the faint hearted. High atop the Q1 resort and residential building, SkyPoint Climb, when open, will be Australia’s highest external building walk and will take daring climbers on a journey 270 metres above Surfers Paradise. Guides will showcase the best of the Goldy to climbers, who, of course, will be suited and harnessed up. Lvl 77, Q1 Resort, Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise 4217. (07 5582 2777).

For those who like to keep their feet on the ground and like their beer ice cold, a visit to the Burleigh Brewing Company is a must-do. On the first Saturday of every month at 2pm, Burleigh Brewing offers a one-hour ‘Tanks, Tales and Tastings’ session hosted by the company’s brewmaster. It’s a fantastic insight into one of Australia’s fast-growing boutique beer companies. And of course, you get to sample a few award-winning brews while you’re there. 17A Ern Harley Dr, Burleigh Heads 4220. (07 5593 6000).

 

The Goldy has been well known for its trashy bars, clubs and pubs for some time, but the arrival of the Hilton Surfers Paradise (see Stay) is sure to spark a revolution. Hilton has enlisted the services of famed chef Luke Mangan and noted mixologist Grant Collins. Mangan, known for his work at Glass in Sydney and the Palace in South Melbourne, has taken an open-kitchen concept into the hotel called Salt – a name he once used for his former Darlinghurst restaurant – which focuses on contemporary Australian. Mangan’s signature Hiramasa kingfish sashimi with Persian fetta is the star of the menu. Next door is Fix – ironically, the same name as the bar behind Salt when it was open at the Kirketon in Sydney – and Collins (Sydney’s Zeta Bar, Melbourne’s Sotano) has created a cocktail list that features a huge range of bourbon and gin. Order a Bulldog Martini or give the bar team some freedom with a classic bourbon cocktail. 3113 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise 4217. (07 5680 8000). 

In Broadbeach, MooMoo Wine Bar + Grill has been the best steak house on the Coast in sometime, thanks to the high quality of meat from the region’s leading family farmers. Seafood also stars on the menu, with freshly shucked oysters the highlight. 2685 Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach 4218. (07 5539 9952).

Nearby at Room 81 inside Sofitel Gold Coast, the brunch menu is a standout, while at night, the Martinis are hard to go past. 81 Surf Pde, Broadbeach 4218. (07 5592 2250).

  

 

The Gold Coast has had an injection of fantastic accommodation of late, with three new hotels. The Sea Sea Temple Surfers Paradise is the newest to open and is part of the sprawling Soul development across the road from the beach. Accommodation here is in luxuriously appointed apartments and all rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows. 8 The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise 4217. (07 5635 5700).

At Hilton Surfers Paradise up the street, the second tower of the hotel is now open (the hotel offers 420 rooms), along with a huge pool deck that includes cabanas and a BBQ area. 3113 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise 4217. (07 5680 8000). 

Peppers Broadbeach, meanwhile, has one of the best locations on the coast in an area that features good shopping, eating, drinking and possibly the best stretch of sand in the city. One-bedroom ocean view suites include king-size beds and large private balconies. 21 Elizabeth Ave, Broadbeach 4218. (07 5635 1000).