Australia’s Gold Coast is the place of dreams. White sand, blue ocean, an exciting nightlife and lots for the kids. While the Gold Coast has certainly seen its moments of flamboyance, this weekend the Gold Coast really is the perfect Summer destination. From surfing competitions, to night markets and swimming labyrinths children, and adults alike, dream of.
First up, is the 2016 Burleigh Pro, the World Surf league QS 1000-rated men’s and women’s event. The three day event is the first of the QS events on the Australian surfing calendar for the year, held at the Burleigh Headland. It’s set to be a hot weekend, with thunderstorms, so make sure you pack sunscreen, you don’t want to be caught out!
Summer always brings a run of great events, and this year the NightQuarter markets in Helensvale don’t disappoint. Held every Friday and Saturday night, from 4pm till 10pm, the shipping container city is filled with over 120 specialty producers. Enjoy an American-style bar and tacos in The Depot and a quintessential Aussie BBQ in The Backyard, there is even a Singaporean Hawker market. Looking for something different? Then don’t forget to stop by the bazaar-like alley, which hosts a eclectic mix of jewellery, art and homewares from local artisans.
And so, as Summer comes to an end, so too do the festivities that come with it. This weekend is the last for Summer at the Cultural Precinct at the Arts Centre, and there is a great lineup to close off the brilliant season. Bev Killick headlines at the Comedy in the Basement on Friday night from 8pm and the final Pop Up Pictures sees The Wizard of Oz grace the outdoor screen at Evandale from dusk on Saturday. And don’t forget to head down to Bundall Farmers markets on Sunday morning and visit the local producers and sample the gourmet food on offer to satisfy any craving.
It is also the last weekend of the Broadwater Parklands January calendar of events. Pack a picnic and head down for an array of water sport adventures from stand up paddle boards to the Aquasplash inflatable water park (pictured above) open daily beside the swimming enclosure. There is also great land activities like pedal cars and yoga classes.
To close off the weekend, head to Cucina Vivo at Jupiters Hotel and Casino on the Gold Coast to celebrate their first birthday and enjoy a delicious meal inspired by the Amalfi Coast in Southern Italy. The porchetta comes highly recommended, in fact so too does the pappardelle with Italian Sausage and broccoli, and don’t forget the Kipfler potatoes on the side! There is also a great menu at the newly opened Garden Kitchen and Bar, inspired by seasonal, fresh produce, a must try is the house smoked salmon with fresh peas and garden herbs.
So there you have it! This weekend is set to be a busy one on the Gold Coast for everyone. Relax and enjoy everything on offer, which may just be a day at the beach! Let us know what you get up to @mindfoodmag.
