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7 free Gold Coast activities to get your heart pumping

Prep your summer bod on the cheap.

Yoga by the beach (image supplied)
Yoga by the beach (image supplied)

They say summer bodies are made in winter and that’s probably all well and good in places that actually experience seasons but here on the Gold Coast, we really need summer bodies all year round.

Which is both a lot of pressure on both our inner comfort food and red wine loving selves and potentially on our wallets.

Luckily our good friends at the Gold Coast City Council have the answer in the form of free active classes for all ages across the Gold Coast

Here’s a few to try, should your winter body be getting the best of you or you know, just because exercise is good for you and you should do it regardless.

Tai Chi
Tai Chi is a lovely place to start when it’s time to get moving (and especially if it’s been awhile). It’s a healing martial art combining slow movements with Qi (energy) circulation, breathing and stretching techniques and it makes you feel so very good. Free Tai Chi classes run every single day across the Coast in various locations and it’s good for all ages and levels of fitness.

Yoga
If you’re keen to up the ante slightly, yoga is where it’s at and again, any fitness level and age can get involved. Basically yoga connects movement to breath but don’t be fooled, things can definitely get sweaty and there are poses you’ll need to work your way up to. You’ll feel both like you’ve had a workout and super relaxed and that’s pretty much all you need right? Free classes run every day across the Coast.

Dancing
From Zumba to Rock ‘n Roll classes and very good time called Lights Out and Dance (so nobody can see you, guys), there’s SO many fun classes to get your heart pumping and there’s nothing quite like a good old dance to put a smile on your face. Go solo or gather up the girls and make a night of it, this one’s good for body, mind and soul. Classes can again be found across the Coast and there’s definitely one in your suburb or very close by.

Pilates
Strength training meets stretching meets weights and you get all of the toned body parts. How good. There are free classes for specific things like lower back care plus general Pilates classes for all levels and it will not only push you physically but also improve your posture and make you feel so very good within your body. You’ll become more aware of your body and do a good amount of sweating while you’re at it. Classes can be found across the Coast at various times.

Aqua classes
You know what’s a very good time? Exercising in the water because a) you are buoyant and b) that makes it feel as though you’re not working very hard but YOU ARE and it’s very good for you. Deep water running is a thing you can do, it’s both amusing and will put you through your paces and there’s also just general aqua fitness involving weights and the like. It’s perfect if your joints are an issue or if you just really like being immersed in cooling liquids. 

Strength training
Covering quite a lot of bases is strength training involving everything from 30-minute intense group sessions to hour-long sessions and performance training. These classes mean business and you’ll certainly feel the burn after having completed one. Classes run every day of the week in local beaches and parks and you can do a quick little session if you don’t have much time or spend a bit of time getting stronger a few times a week. Take some friends to share in your pain or pleasure or whatever.

Leisure
This is a big group of activities ranging from walking to hiking, running, croquet (who knew) and all enjoyed in groups of new friends and old across the Coast. It’s a good way to meet new friends and get some exercise while you’re at it. There are actually lots of running and walking clubs across the Coast, so you can find one near you, or far away if you want to venture out, and make it a healthy habit.

There are also specific exercise classes for families and Mums and bubs and you can find the entire timetable, grouped by type of exercise here.

Happy exercising!

Words by Kirra Smith

Things to do on the Gold Coast at sunset

The Collective Rooftop (image supplied)
The Collective Rooftop (image supplied)

Sunset has to be the best time of the day (some people we know say sunrise, but we wouldn’t know, ahem) — so sunset it is.

Especially here on the Gold Coast, where the pastel colours of the sky are both incredible and almost always ever-changing as the sun begins to dip.

Perhaps you’ve had a big week at the office, have friends from out of town visiting or maybe it’s just been a while since you last appreciated a decent sunset. With winter fast approaching we thought it was more than appropriate for us to highlight the best places for you to enjoy those autumnal hues.

Kick back at a rooftop bar
This one shouldn’t need an explanation… but wait for it. As a city it took us a little while to catch up with our southern neighbours and have rooftop bars, strange, because we have the best weather in the country hands down, right? These days there are thankfully many on the Gold Coast, so, we say make up for lost time and decide on your favourite, pick the best vantage spot, and kick back with a beverage while the sun slips behind the horizon. Go on, you deserve it after all the waiting.

Aviary Rooftop Bar (image supplied)
Aviary Rooftop Bar (image supplied)

Overlook the Gold Coast at Mt Tamborine
The Gold Coast hinterland is obviously the perfect spot for a bit of sunset spying. With 180-degree views of the ocean and eye-catching cityscape in the foreground, you’ll be in awe of just how beautiful our skyline is. There are lots of vantage spots, but we suggest The Polish Place because not only do they offer the very best views, but they also have a toasty fireplace and comforting, authentic Polish food. Why not make a weekend of it and stay a night or two mixing waterfall fuelled adventures with some sunset action?

Take a picnic at Fingal Beach
Ok, so not technically on the Gold Coast. In our opinions, Fingal is almost always forgotten about, making it completely to your advantage. Grab someone important in your life, pack some goodies and pull up a blanket on some of the most neglected and pristine sand within driving distance of home. Pop open your wine (because you most definitely brought wine) — now, with a completely unhindered view watch our Southern sky do its thing. And relax.

Greenmount Beach (image supplied)
Greenmount Beach (image supplied)

Sip frosty beers at a surf club
How lucky are we to have surf clubs? SO lucky. Affordable beers and eats, super chilled vibes and, of course, always found by the ocean for absolute bulk sunset-watching opportunities. Grab one of those affordable beers (in jug form, obviously) and pull up a table facing the sea. It’s the most laidback Gold Coast-esque way to enjoy yourself a sunset.

Take a dip anywhere
Yep, so it makes sense that any one of our numerous beautiful beaches, creeks or canals are also the perfect spot to watch the sun go down. Plus, at the moment, the water is an absolute treat so you may as well get yourself submerged while watching the sun disappear. We encourage you to bob around in the waves while the sun sets and marvel at how the sky changes colour. This is living your very best life.

Prep your schedules friends, because another sunset is on its way.

Words by Alex Mitcheson

15 free things to do on the Gold Coast

The Undercurrent - Burleigh Singlet (image supplied)
The Undercurrent - Burleigh Singlet (image supplied)

There have been about 53 public holidays of late, meaning more time for activities and more money going out of your wallet. Meanwhile, the sun is shining (most of the time) and it’s almost summer, so there are still plenty of good times to be had.

Thankfully we have the answer, FREE THINGS TO DO on the Gold Coast. They do say the best things in life are free!

Bike crawl to Burleigh
There are many sweet spots to cruise along on the Gold Coast. Start at Kurrawa Park in Broadbeach and head south to the hill at Burleigh Heads. You’ll mostly be on the Esplanades but there are bike lanes on the roads for max safety. Wear your helmet.

Sunset at Burleigh Hill
Everybody’s favourite picnic spot. Roll out a blanket and kick up your heels for one of the best sunset views on the Gold Coast. People watching is at an all-time high here too if that’s your thing. Take some sport-related things to throw/kick and join in with the rest of the revelers.

Burleigh Hill (image courtesy of Destination Gold Coast)
Burleigh Hill (image courtesy of Destination Gold Coast)

Cruise through the markets
The Coast is home to lots of epic markets including beachside ones at Surfers Paradise, Coolangatta and Broadbeach, the ever-popular Village Markets at Burleigh Heads State School every second Sunday and the HOTA markets every Sunday. So many goodies.

Stroll through the national park
We are lucky enough to boast some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the world (if we do say so ourselves). Take a stroll over Burleigh Hill through the national park and around to Tallebudgera Creek and then return on the Oceanview path. Make sure to keep an eye out for breaching whales.

Tallebudgera creek (image supplied)
Tallebudgera creek (image supplied)

Paddle in Tallebudgera Creek
The water in Talle Creek is all of the absolutely stunning shades of blue and green and it’s truly a sight to behold. Swim out into the middle, float around on your back and think about how lucky you are to experience it.

Check out The Spit
Main Beach is home to a spot called The Spit which is home to a dog beach and a sweet pier-style situation so you can both make lots of hairy new friends and take some sweet snaps to remember it all.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary (image supplied)
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary (image supplied)

Feed the birds
Okay, so this one is almost free but well worth the gold coin donation. Head to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and feed the hundreds of lorikeets who gather there twice a day (8am and 4pm). They’re beautiful and loud and it’s an amazing experience.

Splash at Currumbin Rock Pools
Just a short drive from Currumbin are the Currumbin Rock Pools, complete with a jumping rock and little waterfalls to splash around in. It can get busy but it’s a relaxing spot to spend an afternoon.

Take a hike
Actually. There are TONS of hikes you can take around the Gold Coast from short little easy ones (yes please) to more challenging, mountainous ones and all with absolutely stunning views and lots of natural goodness to soak up.

Springbrook National Park (image by Sebastian Hans, unsplash)
Springbrook National Park (image by Sebastian Hans, unsplash)

Swim in a waterfall
Also just a short drive from Currumbin are Cougal Cascades, a collection of beautiful waterfalls you can swim under and take pretty pics of. You can also laze about in the rock pools and slide down the rocks themselves. It’s a delight. There are plenty more around too.

Slide into a playground
The Gold Coast is home to many epic playgrounds for kids. Most of them have tables and BBQ facilities, so pack an esky and make a day of it. The perennially popular Pirate Park in Palm Beach has just had an upgrade and it’s now bigger than ever.  Other unmissable parks include Bim’bimba Park, Pimpama, named the 2020 Best New Park in Queensland and the new Broadwater Parklands North with a 5 storey slide!

Pirate Park Playground, Palm Beach (image by City of Gold Coast)
Pirate Park Playground, Palm Beach (image by City of Gold Coast)

Find the frog
Down south a little further, there’s a stunning walk around the ocean from Coolangatta to Snapper Rocks. Go in search of the big green frog on your way, he’s overlooking a secluded little beach called Froggies (for obvious reasons).

Gaze at local art
The Gold Coast is home to several art galleries showcasing our talented local artists plus, of course, some from further afield. Find 19 Karen in Mermaid Beach, Dust Temple in Currumbin and the impressive contemporary HOTA Gallery in Bundall. Grab your Nikes, a LIME bike, skateboard, scooter, or your choice of wheels and hit the trail of the Gold Coast’s best street art with Art Roll. Their easy-to-navigate maps will have you rolling to the best street art by suburb.

HOTA Gallery exterior (photo by John Gollings)
HOTA Gallery exterior (photo by John Gollings)

Frolic on the beach
We’re lucky enough to be home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. From Surfers Paradise to Snapper Rocks, the options are endless and each one more beautiful than the last. Don’t forget water and sunscreen of course, that Gold Coast sun is unrelenting.

Make your way up the mountain
Mt Tamborine is only a 40 minute drive from the Coast and the views from up there are next-level. Not only that, there are more beautiful walks than you can poke a stick at, waterfalls and the main street is a sight to behold in itself. Plenty of shops to scope out if you’ve got some spare change too.

Curtis Falls (image supplied by Tourism & Events Queensland)
Curtis Falls (image supplied by Tourism & Events Queensland)

Enjoy, friends, those should keep you going for awhile.

Words by Kirra Smith

6 things to do on the Gold Coast if you’re single

RACV One Spa (image supplied)
RACV One Spa (image supplied)

First of all, yes we are experts and second of all, there’s nothing wrong with consuming an entire packet of Tim Tams while binging on Gossip Girl for the fifteenth night in a row (Mum said so).

But in case that’s not your jam (insert eye roll), and because we’re keen to widen our circle of single lady pals, here are a few things to do on the Gold Coast if you’re sans a significant other.

Dance, dance, dance
Not only is channeling your inner Beyoncé a fun way to work off those pesky Tim Tam calories, it also boosts the feel good vibes and gives you the perfect excuse to down an extra margarita or two (because seeya inhibitions). We recommend Retros Cocktail Lounge in Surfers for the old school beats and spacious d-floor.

Try all the foods
No, not Tim Tams (unless Cold Rock is involved then by all means). There’s something liberating about eating out alone and, with the ridiculous amount of five-star restaurants on the Coast, you’re doing yourself a disservice if you stay at home and order UberEATS every night. We recommend starting with Burleigh because a. good-looking people watching and b. Rosella’s, Iku, Nightjar, Jimmy Wah’s, Rabbath, Rick Shores, Lockwood Bar, etc.

Treat yo’self
Spa days are the ultimate single gal good time. Go solo or grab your girl gang and make a day of it. There are plenty of places to indulge on the Coast from escape-for-a-week retreats like Gwinganna to the sophisticated, Moroccan chic vibes of The Bathhouse for massages and magnesium baths. Smooth skin and super chill vibes await.

Get crafty
Making stuff is a good time. Unless it’s an intricate recipe that takes four hours to create, only to be devoured within four minutes. Anywho, crafts and the like are fun. The Craft Parlour in Miami run MANY workshops like intro to ceramics, macramé weaving, watercolour 101, all the creative things. Plenty of people sign up solo so we suggest you do the same and make a few new friends while you’re there.

Shop up a storm
Retail therapy is a thing y’all (experts on this topic too). Not that any of us need therapy (right!?) but new clothes are always a good idea and you’re gonna need ‘em for the dancing and the eating out solo. Pacific Fair is our pick for a splurge and Harbour Town Outlet Shopping Centre on a budget, unless you’re more of an online shopper then we definitely recommend supporting the many local brands around these parts.

Get fit
Or die trying. After you’ve bought all the pretty activewear, you might want to take up a new active hobby. How about hiking? Fresh air and fitness, it’s a combination for the ages. OR, join a random touch football team and expand your social circle while getting fit and having a good old laugh at how unfit you’ve become thanks to the irresistible allure of Netflix and Tim Tams.

Put a fork in us, we’re done. Admittedly, all that sounds pretty tiring, anyone got any good Netflix recommendations?

Words by Kirra Smith.

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