Posts Tagged ‘gold coast’
Gold Coast Beach Safety Tips
March 23, 2010
Australia’s Gold Coast is not only known for it’s beautiful white sand beaches but for it’s many dangers as well. Because of this the Gold Coast is home to Australia’s largest surf life saving service.
One service is the Queensland Shark Control Program (SCP). There have been no fatal shark attacks since the late 1950, on the protected ocean beaches, however there have been two fatal attacks in inland lakes areas since 2002. The SCP uses nets and baited drumlins to catch the sharks off of the major swimming beached, although they do get within range of the patrolled beaches.
The two fatalities were both male, who were swimming in the morning. These men wear attached by a bull shark, also known as the whaler shark. Bull sharks are common, worldwide, along warm coastal waters and in rivers. It is also known for its predictable and aggressive behaviors. At the first sight of a shark the life guards will immediately call for everyone to evacuate the waters.
All Gold Coast Beaches are free and the life guards are paid for by the council, the life savers are volunteers. Do not believe some unscrupulous tour guides if they say that there are charges associated with the beach. There are no charges and if you want to give you money away, then donate it to the Surf Life Saving Association.
There are flags on each patrolled beach that relate to the area you are in. Below is a guide for you to follow on your next visit.
Red and Yellow flag: indicated that this is the safest swimming area and are the most common flag you will see. On popular beaches they are usually only a few hundred metres apart so you can always swim on a patrolled beach.
Solid Yellow Flag: This flag is cautioning you against potential dangers. Check with the beach patrol to see how long the danger will be present.
Solid Red Flag: This means that the beach is closed for swimming as there is a definite danger present. you should not enter the water no matter what the circumstance is.
Red and White Checkered Flag: This flag indicates that there has been a shark sighting in the water. Shark patrol will chase the shark well away to ensure there is no more danger before reopening the beach.
Blue flag with surfer person on: indicates that this is a board riding area for surfers and a safe area to ride your surfboard.
There are various surfers paradise accommodation for you choose from for your upcoming vacation. To find gold coast hotels that are suitable for your stay log onto www.goldcoastinformation.com.au.
An Australian Region Worth Visiting
March 10, 2010
Tourism is the Gold Coast regions biggest industry contributor with more them 10 million tourist and $4.4 billion coming into the city each year.
Gold Coast City is a major film production centre in Queensland and has accounted for approximately three quarters of all film production in Queensland since the 1990s. Warner Brothers have a large film studio just outside of the city at Oxenford which have been the filming locations for films such as Scooby Doo, the House of Wax and many Bollywood films such as Singh is King. The studios consist of eight sound stages, editing rooms, production offices, construction workshops and water tanks and with an overall floor space of nearly 11,000 sq metres, is one of the largest studios lots in the Southern Hemisphere. The Gold Coast is also the filming site for popular TV series Big Brother, H2O: just add water and The Strip.
The Gold Coast Indy 300 (formerly known as Lexmark Indy 300) is a car racing event held annually in October. The course ventures through the streets of Surfers Paradise and Main Beach. The Indy 300 comprises many other events such as the Indy Undie Ball and the Miss Indy Competition.The V8 Super cars event also coincides with the Indy 300 using the same track route .This attracts a huge following and most hotels and accommodation is booked out around this time.
Other tourist attractions include theme parks and surf beaches. The Gold Coast is also home to the worlds highest residential tower, the Q1 building. The Q1 building has the second highest vantage point in the southern hemisphere, the Eureka Building in Melbourne being the first. The building observation deck is located on the 77th level, where you can get an expansive view from Brisbane to Byron Bay.
The other infamous Gold Coast tourist attraction is the Bikini Clad Metre Maids. These were introduced in 1965 to Surfers Paradise in an attempt to put a positive spin on new parking regulations.To avoid tickets being issued for expired parking, the Metre Maids dispense coins into the metre and leave a calling card under the windscreen wiper of the car. The Maids are still a popular part of the Surfers Paradise culture but are now run by private enterprise and not by the local government.
With the various gold coast hotels to pick from, one may find it difficult to decide on which one is more suitable for their needs. For a complete list of available gold coast accommodation check out www.goldcoastinformation.com.au.
How To Have A Smooth Flowing Australian Holiday
March 4, 2010
When you are looking to have the most wonderful holiday experience then you should make plans to visit the Gold Coast region of Australia. No matter where you are traveling from to visit there are many reasons that you will find the Gold Coast as a wonderful region. There are three main factors to having the best possible experience while visiting the Gold Coast, and they will be outlined in the latter part of this article.
Proportion Your Time Effectively- The Gold Coast is an attractive area, scenic and made up activites for you to enjoy. Getting the best conceivable vacation experience entails balancing your slow days along the beach with days made full with activities. It is a difficult balance, but one that will bring the most beneficial and wonderful experience to your vacation. Make certain that the day you come and the one just before you depart are lazy beach days. Seeking to execute too many activities constitutes a mistake when traveling to this area. Alternating activity days with beach days and will give you the finest from both worlds.
Plan Beforehand- attempt to range the all important prospects of your journey well beforehand. Utilize the internet to attain the data you want and to attain reservations. The further you arrange matters u beforehand, the less you’ll entrust to luck, and this will constitute for a most flourishing vacation.
Learn The Rules- If you are traveling to this region from an international location, then make sure that you learn all about the region before you travel. Understanding traffic laws, the rules of the beaches and even the different terminology and language will allow you to travel with ease. Every region of the world has its own acceptable and unacceptable rules and laws, so when traveling it is important to know what to expect in advance.
If you have already chosen the Gold Coast for your next holiday vacation destination, you will not be disappointed. It is the perfect location for a beach holiday filled with fun and adventure. No matter what you fancy you will find it on the coast of Australia .
There are so many broadbeach hotels for you to choose from it can take you days just to research and price compare. However, there is one way that will only take a manner of minutes. Log onto www.goldcoastinformation.com.au, to find all you need on broadbeach accommodation.
North Tamborine Gold Coast Holidays
February 19, 2010
North Tamborine is located only a thirty minute drive from Gold Coast beaches and was the first national park established in the Gold Coast, and for that matter in Queensland. It is home to many ancient plants and all types of flora that are unseen in other locations. One attraction, and often found in the Zamia Grove area, is the rare and cycads which date back 150 million years. North Tamborine visitors may also be luck enough to see the worlds largest bird wing and skink butterflies and the famous Albert’s Lyrebird with is unique to this region. Two favourite locations in the North Tamborine National Park are Witches Falls which is a great picnic stop and The Knoll.
The region also includes some unique shopping experiences the famous Gallery Walk offering local artworks, crafts, gifts, clothing and fresh local farm produce. If you like your shopping experience and purchases to be a little different then this is the place for you. North Tamborine falls into what is broadly known as the Tamborine district and includes Eagle Heights, North Tamborine and Mount Tamborine. There is literally days of sights, sounds and attractions to experience in North Tamborine.
Eagle Heights, a suburb of Mount Tamborine, should never be missed for anything in the world. Situated in the Gold Coast hinterland, the view from this place allows you to watch a 280 degrees range, covering the area from Tweed Heads in the south side of the Gold Coast to the Moreton Bay in the northern side. Gold Coast accommodation in this area includes lodges, bed & breakfast and resorts. Apart from the beautiful sceneries, parks declared as World Heritage, theme parks, gallery walk and wineries are the other attractions in Eagle Heights. You can reach this place from Brisbane airport in about 50 minutes. If you want to come to Eagle Heights from Surfers Paradise, it will take about 40 minutes, while it is an hour’s drive from Coolangatta airport.
Mount Tamborine should be included in all Gold Coast holidays. It is easily reachable and is situated inland and behind the bustling Gold Coast beaches. It was formed by a lava flow from the nearby Mount Warning. There is an abundance of native flora and fauna and the entire region is a joy for nature lovers with platypus, scrub turkeys, lorikeets, lyrebirds and wallabies all at home here. For those that are energetic you can climb to the top of Mount Tamborine and take in the views from Brisbane to Mount Warning. At the other end are the stunning rainforests with some stunning waterfalls and rambling creeks and streams. Located here are Cedar Creek Falls, Cameron Falls and Witches Falls which are all ideal for families. There is also plenty of produce in the area with kiwifruit, macadamia nits, and avocados very common.
It would be fair to say that Gold Coast hotels, Gold Coast resorts and motels in North Tamborine contract greatly to the Gold Coast accommodation that you will find on the coast. There is a good selection of accommodation available in North Tamborine and the surrounding districts though a lot of it is at the higher end of prices. The aptly named Camelot is ideal for couples looking to have a romantic escape and not concerned about the price tag. The Avocado Sunset Bed and Breakfast can also be costly but offers an excellent alternative with themed guest rooms. The Cottages on Tamborine Mountain, Songbirds Rainforest Retreat, Witches Falls Cottages, Lisson Grove Boutique Resort and Pethers Rainforest Retreat are also excellent but do come with a price tag. For those with a strict Gold Coast holiday budget it is worth finding the cheaper Gold Coast hotels and Gold Coast resorts in Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach or Main Beach and make a day trip to Mount Tamborine.
Learn more about Gold Coast Accommodation. Stop by Bailey Jamieson’s website where you can find out all about Mount Tamborine and where to stay.
Shopping On The Incredible Gold Coast
February 14, 2010
If you decide to visit the Gold Coast, for your upcoming holiday, the one thing you will never have to worry about is what you will do. the fact of the matter is, if you really want to enjoy all that this region has to offer you may need to plan a return visit, more than once.
There are many wonderful adventures that await for you in the Gold Coast region of Australia. From adventurous under water and over water activities to the numerous amusement areas there is plenty to keep you occupied and happy. Then, of course, there are the many spectacular shopping areas that are suited to all types of shoppers. In fact, shopping is one of the most popular past times for the Gold Coast region.
Perhaps one of the most incredible shopping experiences in the Gold Coast region is the Pacific Fair complex. This indoor/outdoor shopping center is home to almost 300 retailers including many unique shops, banks, a post office, plus many unique dining experiences as well. Medical services are also available at this mall.
The Pacific Fair complex also is home to popular retailers such as K Mart, Target, Lowes and Toys R Us. Then there are smaller, locale retail shops for jewelery, clothing, and books. On top of all this you can pamper yourself with a hair cut and manicure at a wonderful salon or talk a walk and enjoy the parks, greenery, lakes and streams. If you are visiting with children there is a play park as well, so that they can have a little fun themselves while you are visiting from one retail shop to another.
And while there are many things to do and see on the Gold Coast, if shopping is your thing then you will definitely want to make a visit to the Pacific Fair complex. An incredible shopping bonanza, a trip to this shopping complex is a great way to spend an afternoon strolling around and taking in a delicious lunch or dinner.
There are many surfers paradise accommodation for you choose from for your upcoming trip. To find gold coast hotels that are suitable for your stay visit www.goldcoastinformation.com.au.
A Newer Look To The Gold Coast Airport
February 1, 2010
When you are visiting the Gold Coast region of Australia, you will find that it is one of the greatest vacations that you have had in a long time. Gold Coast offers something for everyone, from the wonderful sandy beaches, large amusement parks, incredible entertainment and of course wonderful accommodations. No matter where you decide to stay in the region you are sure to have a great time.
Now there is good news for those looking to vacation on the incredible Gold Coast, an airport expansion that doubled the size of the current airport, which already handles almost 5 million passengers a year, over half a million that are arriving from international destinations. Growth like this will expand the options when flying into the Gold Coast and will help create new options and reduce fairs.
The new terminal will have some economically friendly airlines, and they feel that this will assist in stimulating the economy of the region. There are so many wonderful, and unbelievable, ticket deals that they hope the tourism rate will continue to increase at a rapid pace and help boost the Australian economy.
Airlines that you can expect to see coming in and out of the new terminal are those of Tigr and AirAsia, both known for their reasonable airfares, helping to further encourage tourism in this region. The Gold Coast has become a gateway for travel to many other Australian holiday destinations as well, opening it up to more traffic both international and domestic than it was capable of handling before.
If you have been wanted to travel to Australia but could not fit it into your budget, now you will have your chance. Prices for a flight have never been lower or simpler. Do a little research online and start planning your next trip to one of the most memorable vacation destinations that you have ever visited.
For the best value and selection in surfers paradise hotels, check out goldcoastinformation.com.au today. Whether you are looking for surfers paradise accommodation or any other location, check us out today.
Five Things You Must Do On Your Gold Coast Holiday
January 16, 2010
One of greatest destination to visit, when you are looking to escape from it all, is the Gold Coast region of Australia. There are many thing to see and do during your visit, and below you will find a list of the experiences you will not want to miss out on.
SPEND SOME TIME AT SURFERS PARADISE: This is one of the most fun places to visit as a tourist. It is filled with little shops and a lot of fun things to see and do. You don’t have to be a surfer, just someone who enjoys a day for site seeing. Great fun for all.
CHECK OUT AT LEAST ONE OF THE THEME PARKS: Want a day off the beach? Than consider spending a day at Dreamworld. It is a theme park with a water park too, and can bring a day of true adventure and fun while you are staying in the Gold Coast. If you think that Dreamworld is a little too intense for you, than consider one of the other theme parks like Sea World, Wet n Wild, Movie World, or Paradise Country, they are a little less intense and still a world of fun.
SURFING THE DAY AWAY: The Gold Coast is a great place to surfer, no matter if you have never stepped foot on a board, are a beginner in the sport, or a professional surfer. There are numerous areas that you can rent a surf board, as well as purchase surfing lesons. Ifyou have considered giving surfing a try there is no better place than the Gold Coast to start this chapter of your life.
FLY IN THE SKY: Taking a hot air balloon ride is another favorite among Gold Coast tourists. These rides are resonably prices and offer you a pectacular view of the coast.
GET PAMPERED FOR A DAY: Many of the GOld Coast accommodation offer wonderful spa treament packages that you should take full advatage of. It is a great way to wash away the bordens of your everyday life and let someone pamper you for a change.
Planning a vacation to Australia, for the family, can be stressful enough without having to worry about what gold coast accommodation are the best. Now you can put your worries aside by logging onto www.goldcoastinformation.com.au. They have the information for all your gold coast hotels needs.
Australians Gold Coast Provides Fun For All
January 13, 2010
Australia’s Gold Coast is that area that lies on the eastern-most point of the Australian continent on the border between the Queensland and New South Wales Regions.
The Gold Coast is famous for its many attractions and there are, in fact, so many that they have to be divided into different categories like extreme sporting activities, theme parks, historical attractions and museums just to keep them straight. Among the well known historical attractions is the Tamborine Mountain Pioneer Homestead, which is situated in the Tamborine District of Queensland’s McPerson Mountain Range and which gives visitors an idea of what it was like to survive in the district’s pioneer settlements of 170 years ago. Extreme sporting activities in the Gold Coast area include the Sling Shot Bungy, which is the only bungy jump on the Gold Coast, and which first hauls tourists 14 stories in the air and then lets them fly free.
Support a Local Team: For a day that the entire family will enjoy, you can watch an Australian rules football game, a rugby game, a basketball game, and even a local iron man contest. You are guaranteed to have a good time.
Treat Yourself To A Spa Day: There is an ever growing list of high class spa centers throughout the Gold Coast. If you are looking for the pleasure of walking around, in the daylight hours, in a plush and comfortable robe and slippers, while be pampered there are many places for you to visit. Some of the notable locations are Golden Door Spa Health Spa, Main Beach and L’qua Spa.
Take A Ride In The Sky: Although a ride in a hot air balloon is not cheap, prices starting at $175.00 per person, it is really worth the price. It is an grand experience, floating over the Gold Coast, taking in the spectacular views from Brisbane to Mt. Warning.
Gold Coast is a beautiful place to visit and a Gold Coast accommodation is easy to decide on, if you log onto www.goldcoastinformation.com.au. They have information on various Gold Coast events, Gold Coast hotels and much more.
Family Vacations In The Gold Coast
December 28, 2009
The Gold Coast is one of the best vacation destinations, for those looking for an fun and adventurous family vacation to those that are looking for a romantic get away with that special someone. Not only does this place offer white sandy beaches, but it also have a lot for family ot enjoy and adventures for all.
The settings provided by the Gold Coast is perfect for that tropical getaway, if you are planning on traveling with your family you may be wanting to look for some activities to do, in between all the tropical beach fun. AL though you will probably content with sitting on the beach, taking in some sun and listening to the waves crash along the shore, I am willing to bet that this is not the ideal vacation for your children.
Depending on your family and the ages of your children, you may wish to take in some of the local amusements parks like Dream World and Movie World, a great way to fill the day, you will find that there are activities in both these parks that suit just about any member of the family and some that will suit all. It is a good way to keep the kids entertained and they will love these very unique parks and rides.
If amusement parks really aren’t your family’s style, than there are many natural attractions to check out as well, including the Wildlife Sanctuary and Sea World, both are incredible for the creature lovers in the group. You will get hands on with many different creatures and even have the opportunity to feed them if you desire. It is great fun and a unique way to experience the creatures that are indigenous to this region, while learning a little bit about each of them.
If your family is big into water fun then there are also some great options for you. Wet n Wild and White Water World, are excellent choices for filling your days with excitement. There are also many pools located at local parks around the region. With so much to do, and a vast array of choices, it is truly the best locations whether you are looking for a romantic getaway or family fun filled vacation.
Whether you’re searching for surfers paradise accommodation, what to do or destinations to visit, you’ll find it all by logging onto www.goldcoastinformation.com.au. You can also book surfers paradise hotels through them as well.
The World’s Most Unforgettable Hotels
December 9, 2009
The hotel has evolved throughout the years. Whereas once it was simply a lodging, a place where you could go and get a hot meal and kick off your shoes for a night or two, today, hotels are so much more.
The trend in hotels is towards providing guests with an immersive experience. Hotels have become concepts; no longer is enough to be a stop over. Modern hotels are escapes; they act as little pockets of luxury, of freedom from the normal 9 to five grind.
Everywhere you look there are various themed hotels that have cropped up in all corners of the world. You can find a designer hotel with art themed rooms in practically every major city. There are hotels dedicated to fashion, to music, to being sustainable, to books and to celebrity personalities. And the public loves it.
Of course, that doesn’t mean that your standard luxury hotel has gone out of fashion. These are still very much in vogue. Sitting in the lap of luxury by the seaside sipping Mai Tais and other umbrella cocktails is a standard, especially for the jet setters and those on vacation. You can’t visit the pristine beaches of Phuket or the labyrinthine passage ways of Venice without finding a chic and exclusive hotel featuring big screen LCDs and 24 hour room service. These hotels will always be popular. You can always count on the big luxury chains like the Hilton or Four Seasons to offer you every creature comfort in the book.
But, for those looking for something different, for something a little more off the beaten track, something more adventuresome or creative, there are a host of options out there.
Here’s a look at just some of the latest and most unique hotels you can find in exotic and not so exotic locals around the world.
The Magic Mountain Hotel, located right in the middle of the beautiful and scenic Huilo Huilo nature reserve in Panguipulli, Chile is indeed a sight to behold. The hotel is one of a kind-it was actually constructed in the shape of a mountain. Guests will marvel at the waterfall which springs from the peak of the ‘mountain’ and flows down the sides. As the hotel makes its home in the midst of a forest, guests can go for hikes, enjoy the natural hot tub made from giant wooden logs, participate in white water rafting and go on customized skiing trips.
You’ve probably heard about the famous Ice Hotel-in fact, now there are several in the world. The first, however, was built in a small town in northern Sweden called Jukkasakjarvi. The hotel started out as an art project, a small igloo constructed on the frozen Torne River. That igloo soon gave birth to the 5500 square meter Ice Hotel, which is made entirely out of ice and snow-it’s an experience you won’t forget.
In the Netherlands, visitors can head over to the Harlingen Lighthouse and stay in this charming tower. While the tower only houses two, and must be booked well in advance, it makes the perfect romantic weekend getaway. Although it doesn’t come cheap, it’s great for couples looking for an escape from the stress of daily life.
The Franklin Feel the Sound Hotel in Rome is all about music. This place is dedicated to good tunes, good design and modern technology. Located a few blocks away from the Vatican in the Prati quarter, this hotel offers guests all the creature comforts including high quality stereo sound systems and vinyl records.
Damian Papworth loves helping people on their Gold Coast Holiday. As such, for additional convenience he offers a search engine to choose Gold Coast hotels Australia.