The Gold Coast is a tourist mecca so we might as well have a thread to discuss anything tourism related.

This include any news relating to hotels, tourism figures and reports and of course tourist attractions.

Apparently a new attraction has opened in time for the summer rush - CSI: The Experience has opened at Piazza Surfers Paradise.

The Gold Coast Bulletin (2/12/2011): http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2011/12/02/370545_more-gold-coast-gig-guide.html

Players from the Gold Coast Suns AFL team have roadtested the Skypoint atop Q1.

The Gold Coast Sun (19/12/2011): http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2011/12/19/375285_gold-coast-news.html

And accompanying report from NBN News (19/12/2011): http://www.nbntv.com.au/index.php/2011/12/19/sports-stars-get-early-run-on-q1s-latest-attraction/

I thought it would be a good idea to shift the talk on the nightclubs issue to here.

This time a candidate who wants to be Gold Coast mayor wants the nightclubs shifted to Bundall.

NBN News (7/1/2012): http://www.nbnnews.com.au/index.php/2012/01/07/mayoral-hopeful-wants-to-move-surfers-nightclubs-to-bundall/

^^ And now David Power wants a second Casino in Surfers! Good way to kill the SLSCs, RSLs, Bowls Clubs and anywhere else that relies on their meagre number of Pokies to remain viable.

While I love the prospect of new development in Surfers as much as the next person, I think Jupiters fulfils the casino aspect nicely!

Power's plan for Glitter Strip casino
Matthew Killoran | January 10th, 2012

MAYORAL contender David Power wants a casino on the Gold Coast's Surfers Paradise.

Under the high-profile candidate's plan, the city's second casino would be built on the Glitter Strip just one suburb away from Jupiters Hotel and Casino in Broadbeach.

Mr Power announced the plan as part of his bid to revamp the party precinct and turn the tide of bad behaviour.

Mayoral rival and Surfers Paradise councillor Susie Douglas scoffed at the idea, saying it would erode the social fabric of the city, while the concept has been treated with caution by the State Government.

Gold Coast already has more pokies per capita than Brisbane, Logan and Ipswich -- not including those in Jupiters.

Read more in today's Bulletin.

If it's one like that proposed Casino in Miami, I'm down!

stripper casino!!!

stripper casino!!!
your nation is in decline.

^^your empire has been in decline since the 19th century.

What's your point?

There is always Treasury Casino in Brisbane if people want to go somewhere else than Jupiters. Also the Twin Towns Club at Tweed Heads has large sections dedicated to poker machines.

pretty sure Casino's fall under State Govt legislation anyway.... So this wannabe mayor can want a casino all he wants but it doesn't mean shit...

Yeah, the Queensland Government can issue licences for casinos as they see fit.

If a new casino brings in tourist dollars for the GC (which it will) then I don't really see a problem.

Tourism on the rebound.

NBN News (10/1/2012): http://www.nbnnews.com.au/index.php/2012/01/10/gold-coast-welcomes-tourists-back-on-year-on-from-floods/

If a new casino brings in tourist dollars for the GC (which it will) then I don't really see a problem.

There's two parts to the problem – firstly there's already a well established casino literally one suburb over in Broadbeach – Jupiters, which is currently undertaking a big refurbishment and expansion program it time for the Commonwealth Games. Sydney and Melbourne only have one casino each for their considerably larger populations and large tourism markets, while SEQ already has two with the Treasury in Brisbane (also slated for a big redevelopment program). Is a third casino in SEQ sustainable, let alone one a suburb away from Jupiters?

Secondly, the Gold Coast already has more pokies per capita than Brisbane, Logan and Ipswich combined (ie 'Greater Brisbane') and that's without including the ones in Jupiters. A second casino could have a terrible effect on the multitude of SLSCs, RSLs, Bowls/Sports Clubs and a multitude of other venues with their own gaming rooms who really depend on that revenue for the club to remain financially viable. As Jupiters has been there for over 20 years now, most clubs have adjusted to that environment, but opening a second big one could shut down some of the smaller clubs, many who may be in financial difficulty already due to the drop in tourism. This would not be a good outcome for the coast.

^^I agree entirely. I was going to post this morning saying I don't think it would work to oversaturate the Gold Coast with casinos. Dividing what money Jupiters makes with another Casino isn't going to make either business prosper.

Q1's skywalk is now open!!

NBN News (14/1/2012): http://www.nbnnews.com.au/index.php/2012/01/14/gold-coast-home-to-australias-tallest-outdoor-climb/

Does the Gold Coast really need a water jet? Don't people go there for the waves?

The Gold Coast Bulletin (4/2/2012): http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2012/02/04/387875_tourism-news.html

GejDXWPEEbU

finally! the gold coast is breaking another record! now that q1 isn't the tallest resi building anymore we build the tallest water jet. mind you dubai will just build a 600 meter version......

not sure if they will get away with lasers every night.... but the geyser idea seems pretty cool.

finally! the gold coast is breaking another record! now that q1 isn't the tallest resi building anymore we build the tallest water jet. mind you dubai will just build a 600 meter version......

This is not a certainity.

lolz i can totally imagine the stupid people here trying to swim out to it

very lame though.

There are a couple of fools that always want to be heroes in some form or another and use the Gold Coast as their stage.

lolz i can totally imagine the stupid people here trying to swim out to it

very lame though.

I will be that fool :-P

But seriously they will most likely put a boating exclusion around it, and I used to cruise down that section on a jetski :(

Now when i get another one i wont be able to do this.

I think that is a terrible idea, why bother?

"We will build a water jet" - that bloke's voice is brilliant! Hmmm... I'm not too sure... It could be a little tacky, but I do like the fact that it only "operates" briefly each day, rather than running constantly. The fact that it allegedly runs on green power is a plus, too. I don't love it, but I like the fact that they're at least thinking outside the box, unlike the schmucks behind the "gold coast wheel"....

I think its a great idea? I can see all the photos of people with it in the background :) I think it would be great for the Gold Coast :)

this would definitely turn into a gold coast landmark. the only problem is although people think of good ideas they are forgotten of quickly by people none other than the council

"We will build a water jet" - that bloke's voice is brilliant! Hmmm... I'm not too sure... It could be a little tacky, but I do like the fact that it only "operates" briefly each day, rather than running constantly. The fact that it allegedly runs on green power is a plus, too. I don't love it, but I like the fact that they're at least thinking outside the box, unlike the schmucks behind the "gold coast wheel"....

You'd be lucky if it was on for three hours a day, like at the Captain James Cook Memorial in Canberra. It would also be subject to weather conditions as well.

It would also be a huge challenge having it placed on the open ocean.

Correct me, this thread is about tourism buildings or just tourism in general? I think Cooloongatta Airport should be upgraded. Airlines may come and go but it's obvious they are going to need more facilities when Chinese airlines come. Scoot will be a rubbish airline but it is good to hear that a direct flight to Singapore will be commencing soon.

Generally anything to do with tourism including attractions.

A recent review of Skypoint by Liz Cantor from The Great South East on Channel Seven Brisbane (26/2/2012)

5R5_OFK67Tc

Does anyone think that Surfers Paradise will ever get the F1GP as per the report stated in gold coast news last week?

It will be fantastic if they do but i doubt it.

I know the roads and tightness of track is stopping it but do you think the Gold Coast can host a major even like this.

Link below...

http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2012/03/02/396141_gold-coast-queensland-state-election.html

I don't see how it's possible, as awesome as it would be. The track is too narrow, and there's no run-off to prevent accidents. Indy/Champ cars were the Coasts best bet, A1 were a decent substitute but now they don't even exist :p

Melbourne will probably end up throwing more money to just keep it.

Bernie Ecclestine annoys me. He has rocks in his head about Australia and F1. We love our motor racing.

Does anyone think that Top Of The Mark will ever get the knock down? Directly behind Soul, would it be viable? Or would Sands/St Torpz go first?

A Superhero 'hub' is coming to Warner Bros Movie World.

Source: The Gold Coast Bulletin (11/3/2012)

Superhero 'hub' coming to Coast
Lucy Ardern | 12:01am March 11, 2012

A SUPERHERO hub is on its way to Movie World and the first new ride to get off the ground will be the Arkham Asylum rollercoaster, in time to attract the crowds for Easter.

Movie World general manager Bob White said more than $2 million would be sunk into the new attraction, which replaces Lethal Weapon and is based on the asylum where Batman's arch enemy The Joker was imprisoned.

Mr White revealed another new ride was on its way in the superhero theme and would join the Green Lantern Coaster, Batwing Spaceshot and Superman Escape by September.

Village Roadshow -- which owns Movie World, Sea World, Wet'n'Wild and Outback Spectacular -- has opened 16 new attractions at its Gold Coast theme parks in the past two years after investing little for years.

Its competitor, Ardent Leisure, has launched another five new rides and shows in the past two years to keep up crowds at Dreamworld, WhiteWater World and the Skypoint Climb.

The DreamWorks Experience is about to be opened at Dreamworld and will feature three new lands -- Shrek's Faire Faire Away, Madagascar Madness and Po's Garden.

Mr White said attendance figures were up at Village Roadshow's parks in January and February and the new attractions were a key reason.

http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2012/03/11/398565_tourism-news.html

The Arkham Asylum coaster sounds very interesting! Being a bit of a graphic novel collector with more than a few Batman titles in my collection (including the book Arkham Asylum) I really hope it lives up to my rather high expectations!

Does anyone think that Top Of The Mark will ever get the knock down? Directly behind Soul, would it be viable? Or would Sands/St Torpz go first?

Oh god I hope so! The sooner it's banished from the face of the coast, the happier I'll be for it!

A silly idea to cordon off sections of Gold Coast Beaches for sunlounges. Its fine for Europe but not there.

The Gold Coast Bulletin (13/3/2012): http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2012/03/13/399001_gold-coast-news.html

Does anyone think that Surfers Paradise will ever get the F1GP as per the report stated in gold coast news last week?

It will be fantastic if they do but i doubt it.

I know the roads and tightness of track is stopping it but do you think the Gold Coast can host a major even like this.

Link below...

http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2012/03/02/396141_gold-coast-queensland-state-election.html


As per my discussion couple of days ago.

INDY CAR MIGHT BE COMING BACK TO SURFERS!!!! GOD I HOPE SO!!!

http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2012/03/14/399261_gold-coast-600.html

A silly idea to cordon off sections of Gold Coast Beaches for sunlounges. Its fine for Europe but not there.

The Gold Coast Bulletin (13/3/2012): http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2012/03/13/399001_gold-coast-news.html

The Gold Coast City Council had some common sense and voted against it.

NBN News (13/3/2012): http://www.nbnnews.com.au/index.php/2012/03/13/gold-coast-council-votes-for-beaches-to-stay-public/

^^ There would have been widespread outrage by the local population (and rightfully so) if council did pass it.

Excuse me SE Queenslanders, I'm thinking of coming up for a football match in May and wondering if Metricon Stadium is close to the train line from Brisbane. Don't really want to stay in the Gold Coast, prefer to stay in Brisbane and take train down for the day

^not really, nope. It's not even close to many of the hotels on the Gold Coast, either - only the Royal Pines Resort.

^^Metricon isn't close to the train station in that it's not right near it, but it is relatively close. Only about 3km down the road. There are regular buses from Nerang Station to the stadium

^^ There would have been widespread outrage by the local population (and rightfully so) if council did pass it.

It's UnAustralian to charge people to visit a beach.

^not really, nope. It's not even close to many of the hotels on the Gold Coast, either - only the Royal Pines Resort.

^^Metricon isn't close to the train station in that it's not right near it, but it is relatively close. Only about 3km down the road. There are regular buses from Nerang Station to the stadium

thankyou, after doing a bit of googling, it reckons that if you show your match day ticket you get free travel on any Translink bus and QR rail service. Does that mean you can get all the way from Brisbane to the ground for free?

Yes. Free travel covers Queensland Rail train services and Surfside buslines services (all Gold Coast buses).

Two men have unveiled plans for an offshore cruise ship terminal.

NBN News (4/4/2012): http://www.nbnnews.com.au/index.php/2012/04/04/gold-coast-residents-release-plans-for-offshore-cruise-terminal/

Paul Dainty is confident that the upgraded Jupiters Theatre will pull in the big names...

The Gold Coast Bulletin (18/4/2012): http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2012/04/18/408625_more-gold-coast-gig-guide.html

^^ Judging by their having Michael Bolton, Tony Bennett and Seal practically back to back, I don't at all doubt him! And the plan to host more stadium shows at Metricon is promising too. While I didn't see the Foo Fighters there myself, some friends did and very very impressed!

Paul Dainty is confident that the upgraded Jupiters Theatre will pull in the big names...

The Gold Coast Bulletin (18/4/2012): http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2012/04/18/408625_more-gold-coast-gig-guide.html

While this is great, it is a worry that artists will bypass Brisbane. While many do and GC people have to travel, the public transport from GC to Brisbane is horrible. We have to stay overnight so a concert night is now 500 dollars with everything. Already we have missed Frankie Valli, Michael Bolton (no loss), Seal and now Dame Edna. Now it is great to have them at Jupiters but provide some decent public transports by bus to the station and rail. We have to get a taxi from Bowen Hills anyway. Answer is to play in both Brisbane and Gold Coast but that may be unviable.

While this is great, it is a worry that artists will bypass Brisbane. While many do and GC people have to travel, the public transport from GC to Brisbane is horrible. We have to stay overnight so a concert night is now 500 dollars with everything. Already we have missed Frankie Valli, Michael Bolton (no loss), Seal and now Dame Edna. Now it is great to have them at Jupiters but provide some decent public transports by bus to the station and rail. We have to get a taxi from Bowen Hills anyway. Answer is to play in both Brisbane and Gold Coast but that may be unviable.

^^Brisbane always pulls bigger/better concerts than Gold Coast.

Jupiters theatre is great but it only holds 2500 (?) so Brisbane is not missing out.... unless you have a thing for Michael Bolton, Tony Bennett etc

Anyway we regularly travel to Brissy for concerts and return same night. No big deal, its just up the road.