Let’s face it, there is always an occasion to drink, but every now and again there’s a need to take some time off. Whatever your reason may be, the following ten suggestions will have you keeping that cold one in the fridge, because you won’t need any booze where you’re going honey.
1. Hiking
The Gold Coast is home to the ancient Gondwana rainforests and with an estimated third of all Australia’s plant life species located in Southeast Queensland we are lucky to call this place home. On your doorstep you have the options of Springbrook and Lamington National Parks with many day and multi-day hikes, showcasing waterfalls and stunning views. There are also multiple shorter walks at Tamborine Mountain for those who aren’t excited by a few hours of bush walking, like Tamborine Rainforest Walk, not forgetting beloved Burleigh National Park.
2. Golf
Did you know that the Gold Coast claims over 35 golf courses, which according to ‘We Are Gold Coast’, boasts the most significant number of courses per capita than anywhere else in the country. That is an impressive feat, and yes, I know most enjoy a tipple while they golf, but you don’t have to! If you are not a keen golfer, why not try Top Golf in Oxenford, a gentle putt putt in Mermaid Beach or Surfers Paradise, or one of the many driving ranges.
3. Visual Arts
Just recently, president of Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards (AACTA), Russell Crowe, announced that the annual event would shift from Sydney to, you guessed it, the GC. Multiple cinemas, such as the independent Dendy, Event Cinemas and not forgetting the Home of the Arts (HOTA) are scattered along the coast. HOTA offers a range of fun activities for adults and children alike, from theatre productions, an art gallery, exhibitions, farmers markets, and live music – there really is an option for all.
4. Pottery
Stone studio offers two sites, Miami and Kingscliff and has a variety of pottery classes depending on what you want to make and who you want to go with, from workshops to kid friendly classes. Pot studio in Tugun is another option with date night workshops to four-week courses for beginners - and let's be honest, it’s difficult enough without an alcoholic beverage!
5. Bowling
No matter where you live on the coast, you’ll be relatively close to a bowling alley; Coomera, Ashmore, Coolangatta, Robina and Surfers all have them. Compete with friends, teach the kids or tease a little rivalry into that romantic connection - you may even bowl them over with your talent.
6. Go Karting
We all know not to drink and drive; so, Go Karting is the perfect way to get your adrenaline pumping and a fun way to spend an afternoon with your mates. There are a few to choose from depending on where you are located: Slideways in Nerang, Game Over in Helensvale and Xtreme Karting in Pimpama for you northern Gold Coasters.
7. Amusement and Theme Parks
Worlds collide on the coast with a juicy offering of theme parks, with nearly too many to choose from in such a short distance. You can choose from: Dreamworld, Warner Brothers Movie World, Wet’n’Wild and WhiteWater World to name a few. But if you have the time, you can try them all with the locals one year pass priced at $219. Infinity located in Surfers Paradise is another option, only $19.90 and open daily 10am-10pm.
8. Adrenaline-fuelled activities
Had a hectic week? Gather a group of friends and head down to Miami for a spot of axe throwing to move some of that stagnant energy around at Lumber Punks. Open seven days a week, with five different session times lasting for 1.5 hours, it’s a fun start to any group hang. If that’s not your thing, what about indoor skydiving at iFly in Surfers Paradise – it's never too late to try something new.
9. Beach activities
The Gold Coast has 52kms of beach coastline for locals to enjoy, and 27 beaches patrolled year-round. With world class surf breaks, beautiful creeks and canals for swimming, kayaking, Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP), jet skiing, kite surfing, spear fishing, snorkelling, scuba diving and sailing, there are too many options really.
10. Wildlife
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary has won Queensland’s Best Major Tourism attraction more than one year running with its fun and family friendly offering of shows, encounters and the wonderful wildlife hospital. David Fleay Park in Burleigh Heads is also just around the corner. Sea World is another big draw card on the coast and from May to October, Sea World offers whale watching tours along with other independents so we can say g’day to our winter visitors.
What else do you love to do booze-free on the Gold Coast? Let us know at news@blankstreetpress.com.au
THIS PIECE WAS CREATED FOR BLANK'S SPECIAL 100th EDITION, DISTRIBUTED IN MARCH 2023.
