Australia’s Gold Coast is Famous for fun and with unlimited entertainment offered night and day that’s sure to strike a chord among Arab families yet to decide where best to spend the upcoming holiday period.
A family that plays together, stays together; and with the Gold Coast boasting the widest assortment of attractions and activities in the southern hemisphere, the City is an attractive home away from home for potential holiday-makers.
Munir Sherwani of leading UAE travel agency, Al Rais Travel says the coastal City has always been an attractive holiday option and should remain so over coming years, despite uncertainty surrounding travel habits during the Holy Month of Ramadan.
“Ramadan is about creating strong family bonds and the Gold Coast is tailor-made to ensure family fun and a total sense of togetherness can be achieved during a visit to the Australian city,” said Mr Sherwani.
“For those very same reasons Australians also choose to holiday on the Gold Coast so the destination really does have that universal appeal across all cultures.
“The City offers numerous forms of after-dark entertainment options for families that will hold great appeal during the Holy Month, complementing the theme parks and other activities available during the day.”
“Here in UAE Al Rais Travel is geared up to meet the requirements of the Ramadan travelers to give them full information on the facilities available in Gold Coast to cater to their Fasting requirements. With special priced packages to tempt the most discerned traveler to try these facilities, Al Rais travel will create tailor made packages to meet the demand.”
A dedicated Ramadan evening lounge facility will be offered free of charge, three nights a week in Surfers Paradise through August, where local and visiting Muslims can gather and meet from sunset.
Arabic speaking locals will help facilitate a tour information desk within the evening lounge, located at a second level suite of the Hotel Grand Chancellor, where a range of Iftar food and beverage offerings plus shisha pipes will be available in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.
But ultimately it is the ability of the Gold Coast to provide wholesome family fun that should have it on the short list of places to visit during the coming holiday period for Arab families.
Night Time Fun On The Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is unsurpassed in its ability to provide endless family fun for holiday makers.
Even when the sun goes down there are famous Gold Coast experiences to keep young minds active and provide welcome respite for parents.
As with any time spent throughout the region visitors are limited only by their imagination.
Putt Putt Golf
One of the more iconic after-dark past times is to coordinate a challenge among the fantastically themed Putt Putt Golf courses. Full lighting provides countless hours of enjoyment throughout three adventure-laden 18-hole circuits at Mermaid Beach, while King Tutt’s Putt Putt has a further three, themed courses to choose from. Both outlets offer a games arcade and refreshments, making for a great night out.
Within the Surfers Paradise entertainment precinct are some major mainstays for the entire family to enjoy:
Ripley’s Believe It or Not
The interactive Ripley’s Believe It or Not will introduce the family to hundreds of exhibits, state of the art interactive opportunities, amazing movies, games, magic, mystery and incredible illusions.
Dracula’s Haunted House
Or explore among the five-story labyrinth that is Dracula’s Haunted House, where a thrilling, horror-inspired theme is introduced on each level. This amazing walk-through experience features mind blowing optical illusions, displays and special effects.
Infinity
At Chevron Renaissance it’s an out of this world adventure at Infinity, where visitors will enjoy a mind-blowing journey into spectacular, futuristic maze-like worlds of wonder. An extraordinary series of around 20 multi-sensual environments are filled with unique special effects, atmospheric sound fields, groovy music and illusions.
Centro Surfers Paradise
Centro Surfers Paradise has something for everyone among its array of shopping and entertainment outlets. A Timezone arcade and ten-pin bowling lanes are featured, plus numerous retail and dining opportunities which ensure added convenience throughout the centre.
Skypoint Observation Deck
Australia’s only beachside observation deck, Skypoint is located on level 77 of the iconic Q1 residential tower and boasts informative feature zones, static displays and video presentations and is equipped with high altitude lounge bar.
Racecentre
The adrenalin will be pumping at Racecentre where drivers race against each other in full-motion driver training simulators in the car model of their choice including F1, V8, Lamborghini, Ferrari and Porsche.
Movie Theatres
For something a little more laid back you can’t go past the tried and true formula of a night at the movies with Robina Town Centre, Pacific Fair Shopping Centre and Harbour Town factory outlet all boasting movie theatre complexes.
Aussie Water Balls
Also available at Pacific Fair is Aussie Water Balls, a leisure activity where riders enter a clear plastic inflatable ball, are zipped up and released onto the water, allowing the person to walk/run/roll or float on water within the “bubble”.
Night Tours of the Hinterland
Perhaps you prefer an escape from the city lights for a peaceful outing throughout the Gold Coast Hinterland? Let highly qualified eco-tour guides show you around one of our many World Heritage-listed National Parks. Experience the night forest by torchlight and discover the amazing hidden antics of nocturnal wildlife and surrounding flora. Take a guided rainforest walk where thousands of mystical Glow Worms light your way through the unique cavernous environment. Enjoy a delightful supper before heading on further for an enlightening spot of stargazing at the Springbrook Observatory.
Cruise the Waterways After Dark
The Broadwater caters to every on-water activity imaginable and after dark there are guided cruises available that allow a unique exploration under the stars.
Duffy Electric Boats
Maybe navigate your own intimate cruise by renting out a Duffy Electric boat. There’s no licence required and the vessels are extremely easy to operate.
Night Time Dining On The Gold Coast
When it comes to adding a real wow factor to your Gold Coast after-dark experience, visitors are encouraged to include night time animal encounters as part of their dining options.
Australian Outback Spectacular II
The Australian Outback Spectacular II is located within the City’s theme park corridor and offers a three-course dinner and show enjoyed within a brilliantly presented indoor arena. Here you’ll enjoy the story of the Australian Light Horse Brigade and a celebration of the Aussie outback through a mix of theatre, music and interactive displays.
Currumbin Wildnight Tours
Likewise, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary’s Wildnight Tours are a must-do experience, combining a tasty barbecue buffet with a guided tour of the sanctuary to introduce the nocturnal world of Australian wildlife.
And to take the hassle out of dining there are quite a few establishments that specialise in catering to the whole family at an affordable price:
Surf Lifesaving Clubs
Gold Coast surf lifesaving clubs are renowned for their value for money meal options and as a locals’ favourite, there is always a friendly and welcoming smile for guests as they indulge in one of the great traditions of Australian beach culture. Try Southport to the north, Northcliffe in Surfers Paradise, Kurrawa at Broadbeach, North Burleigh or Coolangatta surf lifesaving club further south.
Fisherman’s Wharf Tavern
At Main Beach, Fisherman’s Wharf Tavern is an icon of the Gold Coast and offers the ultimate in casual waterfront family dining.
Twin Towns Services Club
The Twin Towns Services Club in Coolangatta has numerous dining options to satisfy all tastes including steak and seafood buffets, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese and Malaysian cuisine, fresh pizzas, burgers, pastas plus numerous dessert options, all at value for money prices.
Night Time Activities At Resorts
Fun for all ages coupled with facilities and amenities that serve to make the holiday experience all the more enjoyable is what defines popular Gold Coast resorts such as Paradise Resort in Surfers Paradise and Seaworld Resort and Water Park at Main Beach.
Consistent high standards of holiday housing can be coupled with additional day and night time children’s activities offered as part of your stay package.
Best of all, because of the exceptional standard of product, there are always happy families in abundance where children can mix and mingle and make new friends.
Gold Coast Accommodation
Arab visitors are encouraged to indulge at any one of the many luxury hotels of the Gold Coast, stay for a while in one of Australia’s best apartment resorts or forget about the world in a hinterland retreat.
Choose memorable Gold Coast locations situated alongside pristine beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see, or succumb to nature as you unlock the secrets of World Heritage-listed rainforest from the vantage point of your own cottage style hinterland accommodation.
The Gold Coast offers the greatest assortment of theme parks in the southern hemisphere, 70 kilometres of pristine coastline, 100,000 hectares of world heritage listed rainforest, numerous private islands plus more than 600 restaurants and cafes. For Arab visitors in particular, there really is no better place to plan your next holiday or short term getaway.