It’s one of Australia’s most internationally-known cities, but what are the ‘Aussie-iest’ spots on the Gold Coast? We’ve ranked our top five…
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Australia’s many native animals are perhaps our proudest national treasure, and there’s no better place to see them on the Gold Coast than at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. From bird-spotting in the lush rainforest setting to cuddling with koalas, feeding kangaroos and wallabies and getting up close and personal with our reptilian locals, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary gives you the opportunity to see a huge array of native animals all in one place. Watch the Currumbin Wildlife hospital in action, walk with dingos or take a Segway Safari tour to see the park faster – there is so much to see and do at Currumbin.
www.currumbinsanctuary.com.au
Rosella’s
It doesn’t get much more Aussie than Rosella’s – the Burleigh Heads bar and restaurant that puts fun spins on some Aussie classics. Serving up nostalgic native fare – from Vegemite beef jerky to just about every jaffle combo under the sun – and True Blue bevs like Zooper Dooper Spritz’s and Pét Nat Slush Puppies, simply reading through the menu at Rosella’s is an experience. Enjoy a long lunch here, then head over to Burleigh Hill to watch the sun set over the Gold Coast skyline and call it a day.
www.rosellasbar.com.au
The beach
It probably seems obvious, but we couldn’t exactly list the most Aussie things to do on the Gold Coast without mentioning the beach, could we?! With kilometres of pristine coastline and world-class surf breaks, it’s little wonder the once quaint surf town became a must-visit destination. We’re blessed to have places like Tallebudgera Creek, the Kirra surf break and stunning Broadbeach right here in our backyard, so fill up the esky, pack plenty of sunscreen and make the most of it.
Your local surf club
Is there anything more Aussie than a surf club lunch? Created to fund the vital work of the surf lifesaving clubs that patrol our beaches, the surf club tradition has been described as a ‘cultural cathedral’. With a sprawling menu featuring everything from chicken parmies to rib eye fillets (though somehow, every meal pairs perfectly with a cold beer) and uninterrupted beach views, eating at your local surf club doesn’t just taste good – it feels good knowing you’re helping surf life savers do what they do best. We can’t think of anywhere more appropriate to celebrate what makes Australia so special.
Jellurgal Cultural Centre
Before it was the Glitter Strip, the Gold Coast’s original inhabitants kept the land – and you can experience their story at the city’s only dedicated Aboriginal cultural centre, Jellurgal. Nestled into the Burleigh Headland, just next to Tallebudgera Creek, the Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre is fully owned and operated by the local Aboriginal community. It provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity for Gold Coast locals and tourists alike to learn about the area from the people who have known it the longest.
www.jellurgal.com.au
Cover Image: Kirra Smith Photography for Rosella’s
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