Broadbeach - Once a Surfer’s Haven, Now a Top Tourist Destination
Years ago, Broadbeach was known as just a sibling to the bigger and mightier Surfers Paradise. These days, Broadbeach has a shine all its own, with tourists flocking to area hotels for more than just waves. Any trip to Broadbeach, which is situated along Australia’s Gold Coast, starts with the pristine sandy beaches that allow visitors to participate in a wide array of water sports and activities. After a day enjoying the fresh seaside air, you will find tourists and locals alike enjoying the city’s fabulous nightlife and dining options after a short break at their hotels. Unique restaurants serving international and local delights, excellent shopping, and a wide variety of exciting activities are all part of the hip and lively scene in Broadbeach.
A Food Lover’s Paradise
Many of the areas eateries, including restaurants in hotels, offer alfresco dining. This means visitors can have a meal outside in the fresh air while enjoying spectacular seaside views. Many visitors love to sample the local seafood, in particular lobster, mussels, eastern king prawns and crab. Not a fan of seafood? A number of the Gold Coast’s best restaurants are in Broadbeach, particularly in the Surf Parade area. If you’re searching for dinner and a show, Dracula’s Comedy Cabaret Restaurant has been one of the more popular restaurants in Broadbeach for several decades. It offers the most unique and exciting dining experience in the area. Guests are whisked away on Dracula’s ghost train that takes them to the restaurant area where they are met by waiters in scary costumes. Comedy skits and special effects await hungry guests who eagerly wait for their fresh and local three course meal. If you’d prefer to dine above the clouds, head towards the Skypoint Observation Deck, which offers spectacular 360 views of the Gold Coast skyline, from the 5th highest residential tower in the world. One way to access this tower is to climb 40 meters, up 300 stairs while harnessed to a rail system. Guests can also purchase a general admission ticket, and avoid the stairs. However you choose to get there, on the 77th floor awaits the chic and relaxing Seventy7 Café and Bar.
An Outdoor Utopia; Whales, Glow Worms, Koalas and Waterfalls
Visitors who wish to indulge in outdoor activities, both in the water and out, have many options to choose from. Whale watching is one of the more popular activities in Broadbeach with a number of companies offering guided ocean tours. Whale watching season usually runs from May to November and with a little luck you will see quite the variety of sea creatures! You need not be a professional to enjoy the selection of water sports, such as surfing, kayaking, paddle boarding or windsurfing. Visitors often join lessons, where Broadbeach locals will demonstrate how it’s done. Fancy a picnic or barbecue surrounded by beautiful flora? Cascade Gardens is the perfect place to do so. The park features a playground, several rainforest walking trails, a water bird sanctuary and picnic areas along the scenic Nerang River. If you don’t mind travelling a little further for an outdoor adventure, Springbrook National Park is about an hour from Broadbeach. Take a hike to the Glow Worm Cave after dark to catch a glimpse at these unique creatures, which light up the cave as if they were stars in the night’s sky. Springbrook Mountain features waterfalls, scenic lookouts and opportunities to view some of Australia’s more elusive animal species, including king parrots and koalas.
Festivals Galore
Broadbeach brings life to its shores in the form of musical talents, featuring festivals such as Broadbeach Country Music Festival, Broadbeach Jazz Weekend, and perhaps the local favourite, Blues on Broadbeach. Tourists need not worry about the price of indulging in these fun local get-downs, as all three of them are absolutely free. If music festivals don’t suit your fancy, check out the Supanova Pop Culture Expo, which is described as the Australian version of Comic-con. You can bring the whole family, as children under 12 gain free entry when accompanied by a paying adult. The Gold Coast Bleach* festival is last but certainly not least. This festival hosts local and international artists debuting talents of all varieties, from works of art, to performances on Olympic trampolines.
Day Excursions from Broadbeach
Nearby areas also feature popular attractions which visitors can access on their own, or with a guided tour which can be booked through their hotel. Byron Bay, a popular tourist area a little over an hour away, is a great destination for those seeking to experience a scenic coastal drive with opportunity to stop at many attractions including Cape Byron Lighthouse, more sandy beaches, and Cape Byron State Conservation Area. On the way back, why not take a detour to Bangalow, where you can find a monthly Sunday market filled with local crafts and foods, in a magical forest atmosphere. In the other direction, an hour north of Broadbeach lies the capital city of Queensland; Brisbane. Here, guests can hop aboard one of the CityCat ferries to get a feel for the area from the perspective of the Brisbane River. With all the activities these areas have to offer, guests will be ready for a good night’s sleep at their Broadbeach hotels.
