What’s new on the Gold Coast? The seaside city with soul
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By Lucille Burkitt
It's not hard to believe that the Gold Coast is speckled with a rich history - and then some. The shoreline and rivers have stayed their magnificent selves while the buildings dotted along the highway are now a mix of low-set architecture and high-rise vantage points. One drive down the esplanade will have you travel through past and present. The holiday stomping ground of the 50s certainly hasn’t lost its charm, but there’s plenty to see that’s new on the Goldie.
For generations families and friends have flocked to sandy dunes like Greenmount Beach to dig for pipis and yabbies, build sandcastles and ride boogie boards. Early mornings were spent paddling by Currumbin Creek and afternoons whiled by hotel pools. A serve of fish and chips, always in hand.
Now, the Gold Coast can be navigated like a split personality. Old-school spirit and fresh sights. There’s a beautiful nostalgia that lingers through the city for anyone returning after a long time. Landmarks tell their story of what’s changed, and you’ll soon discover what’s new on the Gold Coast.
1. The Goldie still has soul
Each decade has brought something new to the Gold Coast’s soul, without ever taking from it. Surfers Paradise and Cavill Avenue has always brought the nightlife, a vibrant hub for shoppers and explorers. There’s still plenty of glitz around Broadbeach and while the monorail between Oasis Shopping Centre and the Casino might not be the star attraction anymore, there’s still hints to where the cutting-edge attraction ran across the Highway for 30 years. Pacific Fair might have had a new lick of paint and a reno, but it’s still the go-to shopping destination for locals and visitors alike. While plenty of the fibro shacks and modest guesthouses have been replaced by modern architecture, the Southern Gold Coast still wears its low-set, retro vibe proudly.
Nowadays you’ll find a whole new generation of Goldie souls, hanging out by the Pavilion at Burleigh Heads or mingling by one of many seaside restaurants or local coffee haunts in support of their small business mates.
Above all, the Goldie’s soul remains.
2. The beaches are some of the most beautiful in the world
In a capital city where learning to surf is basically a birthright, it’s no surprise these beaches are claimed to be some of the best in the world. The older you get, the further you travel, the more you come to appreciate how rare these wide, expansive strips of paradise are – especially in Queensland’s backyard. Gold.
While developments have boomed in the northern end of the Goldie, you’ll still enjoy entire stretches of wide beach without high rises. From Miami to Kirra boasts a completely unobstructed afternoon sun so you can chase an endless summer a little longer each day.
What’s new to the Gold Coast’s beach strips? These days you can enjoy the beaches even more with the Gold Coast Oceanway, a 36km network of pathways which connects The Spit at the north to Point Danger in the south. While push bikes might have been a thing of the past – you can now rent an e-bike through Crooze Electric and uncover more Gold Coast hot spots for a few hours (or even a week!). Or, admire the beach views and calm waters of Tallebudgera while resetting your mind with a SUP yoga class. The perfect spot to experiment with something new.
3. A nod to the 60s still remains
In old black-and-white photos, the Gold Coast of the 1950s is almost unrecognisable (bar the stretches of soft beach and sweepingly distant hinterland). But new establishments popping up are paying homage to the 60s everywhere you look. The Gold Coast wears its history on its sleeve. There’s the inexpensive and completely charming hotel La Costa Motel, just steps from the beach at Bilinga. This aqua-weatherboard gem has turquoise vintage bikes, striped beach umbrellas and even plastic pink flamingos in the garden, and its crisp white studios with their polished wooden floorboards provide everything you need for a classic beachside holiday.
Up the road, Currumbin still has its classic Vikings Surf Lifesaving Club wedged into Elephant Rock and you can sign up as an honorary member to enjoy a meal directly above the pounding surf.
Or dip further south to Coolangatta where you’ll find The Pink Hotel – easily identified by its unmistakably retro heritage, pink exteriors and running balconies. A completely restored, mid-century masterpiece, lapping the shoreline of Cooly Beach. Worth a look for the nostalgia (and a photo op), but also renowned for their award-winning burgers and rooftop cocktail offering.
What’s old is new again!
4. The Gold Coast has moved on from tinned, instant coffee
Photo by Krista Eppelstun
A staple of the 70s and 80s, but we’re grateful to have moved on. Coffee on the coastline has come a long way since a tin of instant in the Kirra Beach caravan park. These days you can also get your coffee fix at a number of cafes or holes-in-the-wall like The Salt Mill, alongside modern-day staples like Acai bowls and smoothies.
Or if you like your arvos as brewed as your mornings, the beer on the Goldie’s had a facelift too. Just down the road you’ll find Currumbin’s very own craft brewery, Balter Brewing Company, created by surfing legends and Currumbin locals, Mick Fanning and Joel Parkinson. It’s a terrific spot with a great neighbourhood vibe where everyone’s welcome. Pop down on a Friday knock-off to find food trucks there, too.
5. Family favourite spots are now new and improved
Photo by @justyoumeandthesea
There’s no arguing that the Gold Coast has always been a family favourite hang-out. It’s bright, warm, easy-going and accessible. The sandy beach along Currumbin Creek is still as popular with families as it ever was – only now – you can even rent stand-up paddle boards, kayaks and fishing gear from the Boatshed Bait and Tackle. Even better? You can come back sandy and salty and enjoy a cold drink on some lunch on the Boatshed deck. Nothing tastes better than lunch after a swim. Nothing.
Take another dip and cool off afterwards at the Currumbin Rock Pools. The pools are suitable for all ages, with shallow sections perfect for the little ones as well as areas to enjoy a quiet picnic under the trees or visit the café conveniently located across the road.
