Destinations.

Gold Coast.

The Gold Coast Region was charted around 1840 by The Government Surveyor of the time. The area was first exploited by Southern Loggers who plied their trade in the Nerang and Mudgeeraba vicinity. Cedar was plentiful and after cutting, the logs were rafted down The Nerang River to meet the ocean going sailing ships. Two of the loggers, William Duncan and Edmund Harper built a hut and were accredited with being the first residents of Surfers Paradise. Pioneers of the day include J. Meyer and J.Cavill. Both built hotels, The Main Beach, and The Surfers Paradise respectively. The most influential identity in the development of Surfers Paradise as a great holiday playground was Sir Bruce Small. Arriving from Melbourne in 1958, the successful millionaire businessman proceeded to buy up land and develop with alacrity. His vision of Surfers Paradise in those early days is now established, as Surfers Paradise is the Premier Destination for visitors to Australia from around the world.

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Transport.

As Surfers Paradise developed,so did the ever increasing traffic. In December 1964, parking meters were introduced, much to the chagrin of visiting motorists. Enter Bernie Elsey, a property developer with a scent of an idea. The Surfers Paradise Meter Maids were formed, and their task was to top up all the expired meters along the strip. This gesture has continued to this day, and The Meter Maids Website and online- store flourish as one of the highly successful businesses on the Gold Coast today.

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Gold Prospecting.

Trout Fishing.

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Saltwater Fishing.

Backpacking.

Restaurants.

Theme Parks.

Most of the daytime action,is on the northern end of the Gold Coast. This is where the theme parks are situated.The closest , Sea World, is between Surfers Paradise and Southport, on The Spit. The Marina Mirage Hotel and adjoining Shopping Complex are passed as you approach Sea World and Nara Resort. From the road you can see the Monorail that circles the theme park. Continue to the end of The Spit and you will come to the Gold Coast Seaway. The other 3 Theme Parks are situated after Labrador, north on the Gold Coast Highway . Another great stopoff in this area is Sanctuary Cove.

Passing through Mermaid Beach with its huge cinema complex we arrive at the suberb of Broadbeach. Extremely popular for its restaurants, Pacific Fair Shopping Centre on the Nerang River, and, of course, Jupiters Casino on Broadbeach Island. The casino is linked to the Oasis Shopping Centre on the opposite side of the Gold Coast Highway by the Gold Coast's second Monorail System. The Nerang -Broadbeach Rd. heads west to the Hinterland suberbs of Mudgeeraba and Nerang.
After Broadbeach is Surfers Paradise with its glitz and glamour, including the famous Meter Maids. Nightspots and bars are plentiful and the restaurants cover culinary dishes from all parts of the globe.

Coolangatta is a popular area for the Surfies, as are most of the beaches through to Burleigh Heads.
Currumbin is a pleasant spot just up the road from Coolangatta. The Bird Sanctuary is a must for visitors. Feeding time with the Rainbow Lorakeets is a good photo shoot,and World of Bees is on the opposite side of the road. Travelling a few klms. north is Tallebudgera Creek, an opportunity for the very young to paddle in the very still, protected waters. Burleigh Heads is next stop on the road. A picturesque beach setting with the added attraction of Burleigh Heads National Park.

The Gold Coast Hinterland