> > by Holidays for Couples
It’s got glitz! It’s got glamour! But there is more to the Gold Coast than meets the eye. Find out why it is the perfect destination for couples who are looking for more than just a beautiful beach on their honeymoon.
The immediate drawcard is as clear as the Pacific Ocean which splashes upon this little slice of paradise – 70 kilometres of glittering sands dusted through 40 distinct beaches. Legendary surf breaks, calm coves and an abundance of sea-faring wildlife make the Gold Coast a magnet for couples around the world.Then there’s the cornucopia of cool attractions which forms the traditional double whammy of Gold Coastgoodness. It won’t take you long to get acquainted with the award-winning dining along Tedder Avenue and Broadbeach, world-class day spas, hotels and shopping at The Spit (north of Main Beach), and personality-plus nightlife which have helped put ‘the Goldie’ on the map. Not to the mention the thrill seeker’s smorgasbord of legendary theme parks, sky diving, jet skiing, hot air ballooning and much more to tempt the wild at heart.
What you may not get from first impressions however, is the beauty which lies beyond the beach, the lush Gold Coast hinterland. Under an hour from the glamorous bustle of Surfers Paradise you can dive into a totally different world; 100,000 hectares of world-heritage rainforest. This serene-green wonderland of towering waterfalls, mountain vistas, endless bushwalking tracks and secluded accommodation is made for a romantic sojourn.
ROMANCE
Here’s our top three romantic things to do when honeymooning on the Gold Coast.
1. Enjoy a Champagne picnic of fresh seafood on a deserted beach.
2. Romantic sunset dinner cruise on a luxury Gondola preceded by a scenic helicopter flight.
3. Two day retreat at world renowned Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat in idyllic Tallebudgera Valley.
DINING
Every honeymoon deserves special meals. Here’s our top three Romantic Restaurants on the Gold Coast.
Absynthe at Q1 on a Saturday night has an innovative degustation menu prepared by a Michelin starred chef. (Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise 5504 6466).
Vanitas at Palazzo Versace is everything you would expect from this glamorous and luxurious resort. (Seaworld Drive, Main Beach 5509 8000).
Perennial favourite for a special meal is Ristorante Fellini upstairs at Marina Mirage - great food, wine and views. (5531 0300).
HINTERLAND ROMANCE
Roaring fireplaces, cellar doors and award winning cheese-makers seem far removed from the glitz and glamour of the Gold Coast strip but let’s not forget the green behind the gold - the Gold Coast Hinterland which is only a 45 minute drive from the coast’s sun-drenched beaches. Whether it’s Mount Tamborine, Binna Burra or Springbrook, these gorgeous mountain areas are where the locals go to chill out and regenerate.
Here’s our top ten hinterland escapes ...
Mount Tamborine sits nicely half way between Brisbane and the Gold Coast so it’s a popular getaway from both places. St Bernards Hotel on Alpine Terrace has been here forever and is a favourite place for a drink or a quick lunch with views to die for; stop by Cedar Creek Estate Vineyard & Winery at 104 Hartley Road to sample some superb wines at the cellar door; purchase award-winning cheese made from local milk at Witches Chase Cheese Co,165 Long Road Eagle Heights; have lunch at multi-award winning restaurant Songbirds (lunch Wednesday to Sunday; 55452563); visit Gallery Walk, the premier art and craft centre of South East Queensland where you’ll find paintings, sculptures, hand-made jewellery and much more. Try to visit during the week.
The Coomera Circuit walk from Binna Burra was voted number one by local walking groups because of the beautiful scenery of rainforest and waterfalls encountered along the way. Binna Burra is an easy mountain drive behind Nerang. See the hinterland in style from the back of a Harley; walk in the canopy of a magnificent rainforest at Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk and Eco Centre, join a discovery guide at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat at Lamington National Park for a fascinating insight into the natural world or spend a day in the beautiful Springbrook National Park and walk to the magnificent Purling Brook Falls that plunge 100 metres down the mountainside.