Drought is over – it’s been almost four months since our last public holiday, and finally, the Gold Coast Show Day is almost here. Not sure how to make the most of it? Don’t stress. Rain or shine, near and far, we’ve got your public holiday plans sorted – no matter what you feel like doing.
Get out of town
One of the things we love most about the Gold Coast (this will sound crazy, but stick with us) is leaving it: we just have so many great day trips on our doorstep. From the Sunshine Coast to Toowoomba, not to mention having the Northern Rivers region and the Scenic Rim so close to home, we’re seriously spoilt for choice. Whatever the weather, use the public holiday to explore somewhere new or go back to an old favourite.
Support your local
While public holidays come as good news to most, they can be painful for small business owners (the struggle of increased penalty rates and staff shortages is real). Many will likely close their doors for the occasion, but there will be some that remain open for one reason or another. Take the opportunity to support your local and spend with them during the public holiday, whether that means treating yourself to breakfast, lunch or dinner out (surcharge and all) or taking the downtime to do some shopping in-store or online.
Take a hike
Our location between the beach and bush means we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to places to hike. From the beautiful Burleigh Headland to the trails of Springbook National Park, there’s a hike nearby for every age and skill level. Looking for a hike with somewhere to refuel afterwards? How about somewhere to walk with your dog in tow? Or perhaps your favourite hikes include a rock pool or waterfall to enjoy a well-deserved dip in? Whatever you fancy, we’ve got it all right here on the Gold Coast.
Eat outdoors
Nothing says ‘time off’ like turning a meal into a major event, so why eat lunch indoors this Friday? Grab a blanket and hit one of the Gold Coast’s many parks for a proper picnic, or claim a free barbie somewhere like Burleigh Hill or Paradise Point. If the crowds put you off, the Currumbin Rock Pools do double duty, offering creek swims between your snags. The best part? No bookings, no bill, just a footy, an esky and someone else’s speaker playing too loud nearby.
Hit the beach
Passing a public holiday without hitting the beach is basically a criminal offence on the Gold Coast. If your idea of the perfect beach day involves a bit of friendly competition, pack more than sunscreen. From reliable crowd-pleasers like beach cricket and volleyball to more exotic options like Kubb or Finska, our beach games guide will keep you busy, sandy and sweaty all day long. If all else fails, a sandcastle competition keeps the kids (and let’s be honest, the adults) occupied for hours.
