Gold Coast
Overview of the city of Gold Coast:
Situated on the east coast of Australia, Gold Coast is the coastal city in South East Queensland. This city is the second most populous city in the state and the most populous non capital city. Gold Coast comprises of suburbs, localities, towns and rural districts. Aiysha Saagar is the first Indian to become the brand ambassador of Gold Coast.
The climate of Gold Coast is humid subtropical in nature. Winters in this city are warm, while summers are hot and humid. One can witness mild showers during the winter season. Similarly, clear skies and dry air dominate winters in this city.
In the city of Gold Coast, one can come across over 100 schools run by both the public and private entities. One very old and well-known school in this city is the Southport State High School. Two important University campuses based in the city of Gold Coast are Bond University at Robina and Griffith University at Southport. Apart from this, two other Universities, which run small campuses on Gold Coast are Southern Cross University and Central Queensland University.
Health Care is of central importance in Gold Coast. Both public and private hospitals operate in this city. Gold Coast University Hospital and Robina Hospital are the two important public hospitals in this city, while Allamanda Private Hospital, Pindara and John Flynn Private Hospital are the ones run by private bodies.
Due to a rapid rise in the population of people residing in the city of Gold Coast, traffic congestion has become a major area of concern for both its residents and the Government. This has led to the Government focusing its attention on sustainable transport as such. Various modes of sustainable transport that are being explored in this city include a brand new ferry service, community bike hire, the light rail system and other infrastructural developments such as the Gold Coast Oceanway, which makes life easy for pedestrians and cyclists alike. Taxes, buses, ferries, heavy rail, light rail and monorail are common public transportation modes.
The Gold Coast Airport is located at Coolangatta. From here, one can board flights to various cities of New Zealand, Malaysia, Japan, Singapore and other interstate capitals.
The Gold Coast Bulletin is the daily, local newspaper of Gold Coast, which is published by News Corporation. Australia’s Surfing Life, a popular national surfing magazine is published in the suburban area of Gold Coast. A number of FM stations are operative in this city. Sets of commercial stations pertaining to both Brisbane (metro) and Northern New South Wales (regional) are broadcasted all over the city of Gold Coast.
Sports, Recreation & Events in the City:
Gold Coast Titans represent this city in the Rugby League Football, while Gold Coast Suns play Australian Rules football for this city, both of which are national competitions. Few vital sporting areas in this city include Carrara Stadium, Nerang Velodrome, Sports Super Centre and Carrara Indoor Sport Centre. The city of Gold Coast has produced sporting gems such as the former World Wrestling Entertainment performer, Nathan Jones, tennis champions, Samantha Stosur and Sally Pearson and Olympic gold medal winning swimmer, Grant Hackett.
As far as the area of recreation is concerned, major focus is on activities such as surfing, fishing, cycling, boating and golf. One is likely to stumble into an array of golf links in the city of Gold Coast, which necessarily include, Hope Island, The Glades and Sanctuary Cove. For avid readers, there are a wide range of libraries in Gold Coast.
The city of Gold Coast hosts a number of popular events throughout the year. Gold Coast 600, which is a car racing event, is held in this city every year in the month of October. This event covers many other sub events such as Indy Undie Ball and Miss Indy Competition. In the month of June, one can be a part of the Cooly Rocks On event that takes place at Coolangatta. This event was earlier known as the Wintersun Festival. Gold Coast Marathon is another popular event in this city, which kick starts in the month of July every year. One leg of the ASP World Tour of surfing is conducted at Gold Coast every year where the world’s best surfers are seen competing in the Quicksilver Pro.
Places to visit in Gold Coast:
Sea World: If you wish to have a fun cum adventurous time with your family in Gold Coast, then there is no thinking twice before heading to the award winning, Sea World Resort. Right from rides to animal exhibits, this marine mammal park, oceanarium and theme park has a lot in store for its visitors. A number of entertainment shows also take place at this resort.
Burleigh Heads: If you are up for some one of its kind surfing experience, then Burleigh Heads is the place for you. One can also opt for a quick swim at this place. Covered with pine trees, this picturesque venue makes for an apt picnic and barbeque outing.
Q1 & SkyPoint Observation Deck: Q1 is a must visit skyscraper in Surfers Paradise. This place lost its title of world’s tallest tower to The Marina Torch in Dubai. A minute’s walk from Q1 leads you to the SkyPoint Observation Deck. Run by Ardent Leisure, this beachside Observation Deck features a museum, weather station, theatrette and lounge bar across two levels.
Springbrook National Park: Springbrook is a protected park in Gold Coast, which is known for its landforms, flora and fauna. This park comprises of four reserves, which are spread across the plateau. Presence of high rainfall coupled with variety of volcanic soil types has given rise to diverse flora at this park. As far as, animal life in this park is concerned, one can have a rendezvous with nocturnal animals such as mountain brushtail possum, the ringtail possum and the sugar glider.