Touring the Australian Gold Coast
The City of Gold Coast is located in the southeast corner of the
Australian State of Queensland. It is one of the top ten most populated
cities in the country, with over half a million residents. The City of
Gold Coast is one that is booming with industry and culture. The true
origin of the name of the Gold Coast is still debated by experts and
historians to this day, but one thing that is not questioned is the
beauty of the region and the plethora of activities which both foreign
tourists and native Australians can enjoy with the whole family.
The region that is today known as Gold Coast was of little interest to European explorers and settlers until the early 1800s. It was not until the early 1900s, almost a hundred years after it was initially settled, that residents and visitors began to notice the potential for the Gold Coast to turn into a profitable tourist destination. Tourism ignited as a prime industry in the area after the Surfer's Paradise Hotel was established in 1925 by Jim Cavill. The area began to further develop at a rapid pace in the mid 1970s when real estate developers established dominance in local politics, which led to numerous high rise buildings being erected and the construction of a major international airport.
Gold Coast's climate is officially described as sub tropical, with summer temperatures reaching the mid sixties to mid eighties Fahrenheit and winter temperatures dropping to the high forties to high sixties Fahrenheit. What this means to the traveler is that temperatures are generally comfortable all year round. This is a plus to those seeking a budget vacation because it allows tourists to travel during off peak travel times and still experience the same enjoyment as those who travel to the location during the summer. This is an additional plus to travelers who have had trouble finding a good enough excuse for digging out their favorite Hawaiian print shirt from that pile in the back of the closet.
The city itself is located along more than forty miles of beach which has become the main identity of the Gold Coast. Gold Coast locals take their beaches very seriously, and they are very proud of their beautiful coast line. To the Australian's, their beaches are more than where the sand meets the water. australian beaches hold a kind of historical and cultural pride. The beaches have created jobs and revenue for the island nation through the millions of dollars which tourism has brought to it. With beaches being central to life in Australia, and with the entire country being surrounded by beach on all sides, beach safety is also an important subject for government leaders on all levels. The City of Gold Coast employees Australia's largest lifesaving service which has the mission of keeping people safe while promoting surf and ocean safety. Several other beach safety, management, and preservation initiatives exist in the area to keep the beaches enjoyable for everyone. Examples of such initiatives include the Gold Coast Shoreline Management Plan and the Shark Control Plan. Efforts of these plans have proven to have an impact in preventing or reversing damage to the region and harm to patrons. Severe beach erosion brought on by a multitude of cyclones around the region since the 1960s has been dealt with through a variety of engineering projects in the works since the 1970s recommended after a special commission studied the problem. As for the Shark Control Program, it exists to prevent shark attacks, and it has been successful in areas of protected beaches, waterways and canals, since the late 1950s. Nets and bait are used to trap sharks and keep them away from swimmers, but when the sharks do come within eyesight of swimmers, lifeguards are trained and required to alert all swimmers and clear them from the water if they perceive a safety risk.
Tourists will find the Gold Coast a convenient location because of the Gold Coast Airport minutes from the downtown city. In fact, if you're travelling light and want to save the money of a cab ride, you could walk to one of the many surrounding hotels that are still close to the water fronts and night life. The close proximity of hotels to the airport is also convenient if travelling with children who just endeared one of the longest plane rides of their little lives.
The Gold Coast has it all. From bar hopping night life junkies, to honeymooning newlyweds, to veteran married couples looking to rekindle the flames, to parents looking to do something nice with the family, every type of visitor to the Gold Coast will find just what it is that they are looking for. The Gold Coast offers the freedom of a balance between city excursions, beach blanket surf trips, and outdoor hiking trails.
Cairns is the gateway to Australia's natural wonders
Cairns is a city that has a lot to offer to those who are fortunate enough to visit. Located near the beautiful rainforest, the mountains, and the sea, the city is surrounded with natural beauty and a wide range of diverse habitats and ecosystems, just waiting to be explored.
The city is especially popular with tourists, and Cairns has adapted itself to be especially accommodating. Here, you’ll find a wealth of accommodations, suiting every budget, as well as an array of world-class restaurants and local eateries specializing in regional cuisine. Sightseeing tours, both in the city limits and outside, as well as numerous opportunities to see local wildlife and culture, abound for the traveler staying in Cairns.
Whether you choose to spend most of your time in the city itself or to venture out and explore some of the nearby or more far-flung areas that surround Cairns, you’re sure to find activities that suit your travel and vacation dreams. Cairns is near the Great Barrier Reef – and it’s also near the oldest rainforest in ten world. It’s that sort of diverse setting that makes Cairns one of the most popular spots to visit in Australia.
A brief history of Cairns
Long before colonization by Europeans, the Cairns area was inhabited by the Walubarra Yidinji clan, who called the area “Gimuy.” The area was first mapped by Europeans in 1770, when Captain James Cook visited the area, naming it Trinity Bay. But it would be a full century before future expedition would determine the establishment of a port.
In 1876, Cairns was founded, its initial purpose being to serve the needs of miners who were migrating to the area following the discovery of gold in the nearby tablelands, as well as the need to export the gold effectively. Originally no more than mangrove swampland dotted by ridges, the area was drained and filled and in 1886, a railway line was laid connecting Cairns to Herberton, and ushering in a major influx of immigrants. Soon, more land was opened to these new residents for use as grazing and farm land, with crops including sugar cane, bananas, and pineapples. It was primarily the area’s wealth of arable land that resulted in the port becoming successful. In 1903, Cairns was officially named a town, with a population of 3,500.
The Cairns area became a base of operations in the Pacific Theater during World War II, and after the war, the city began to work in earnest toward becoming a popular spot for tourists. In 1984, the Cairns International Airport opened, followed by the opening of the Cairns Convention Center, establishing the city as a popular spot for tourists as well as conventioneers.
The city was named for William Wellington Cairns, Queensland’s governor when Cairns was founded.
Climate
The climate in Cairns is described meteorologically as a warm, tropical climate, with both a wet season, extending from December to April, and a dry season, which lasts from May to November. Moonsoons are not uncommon during the wet season, and often cause major flooding of the nearby Mulgrave and Barron Rivers, which at times cuts out both road and rail access to Cairns. Summers are generally hot and humid with an average maximum temperature of about 86°F, while winters are mild and dryer, although showers are fairly frequent. Winter temperatures reach an average low of 63°F.
Tourist attractions in Brisbane
Brisbane is home to many popular tourist venues in Australia. The Lone
Pine Koala Sanctuary is the largest - and first - sanctuary of its kind
in the world. It is, by far, the most popular attraction in the city of
Brisbane. The sanctuary is home to 130 koalas and other wildlife in
their natural habitats. Guests will learn about the koalas, snakes,
tropical birds, lizards, and many other species native to Australia.
Visitors to the sanctuary can get up close and personal with the animals
and interact with them under the supervision of trained caretakers.
Queen Street Mall is the second most popular attraction in Brisbane. It attracts 26 million visitors each year to its open-air style complex. Queen Street Mall is like a city within a city. The mall is home to over 500 retailers offering everything from artesian handicrafts to clothing and jewelry from high-end designer labels. Other venues located in the Queen Street Mall complex are luxury spas, five star hotels, countless eating establishments, bars, casinos, salons, and movie theaters - just to name a few! Many of the properties within the complex are open 24 hours, allowing visitors to explore every inch of the complex at their leisure.
The Wheel of Brisbane, a Ferris wheel measuring 60 meters in height, offers visitors a bird’s eye view of the city. The Wheel of Brisbane isn’t your typical Ferris wheel. It offers forty two full enclosed air-conditioned capsules to ensure the comfort of the riders. Each capsule has a seating capacity of up to six adults and two children. The ride lasts about 15 minutes and provides breathtaking panoramic views of the city of Brisbane and the adjacent Brisbane River.
Dreamworld is a theme park located on the outskirts of Brisbane and is the Nickelodeon version of Disney World. Popular characters in the theme park include Dora The Explorer and The Wiggles. Dreamworld offers all the standard theme park fare, such as roller coasters and other thrill rides, shopping outlets, dining establishments, live shows, water park, street entertainers, as well as live music and other seasonal events. In addition to their theme park offerings, Dreamworld also has a wildlife adventure park named Tiger Island where nature’s largest felines are the stars of the show.
Night Life on the Gold Coast, Acommodations and hotels
Night Life
Everyone needs to unwind, that’s the point of a vacation. Even on vacation, though, some of us may tend to fall into a structured routine just as structured and stressful as the routine we originally needed to take a vacation from. Sometimes, it’s okay to leave behind the tour schedules and tell the paid guides to take a hike of their own. Sometimes, it’s okay to let loose on the town. The Gold Coast is just the place to let that happen.
The Coolangatta Sands Bar and Nightclub consists of the Port o Call Bar and it operates seven days a week. Along with live entertainment and a beer garden, the club also allows any visitor who wants to a chance to dance on the tables.
The Minus 5 bar is the kind of place you go to just so you can tell people that you’ve been there. The entire bar is made of tons of pounds of ice carved to form the bar, walls, seats, glasses, and everything else which is used in the bar. Keep in mind that this bar is family friendly for part of the day. Visitors under the age of 18 are allowed to enter the bar until 6:30pm.
The Q-Bar is the highest altitude bar in the Gold Coast. It is located on the 77th floor of the Q1 Tower. The Q-Bar offers a 360 degree view of the Gold Coast while visitors enjoy any number of the fine wines and cocktails. The bar’s menu also offers cakes, dips, cheeses, and other fine dining delicacies. Live entertainment in the form of various guest DJs is put on display. The kids will have to stay home for this trip, as the bar only allows entry to guests 18 years old and up.
This is only a small list of the full array of local bars and lounges which guests to the Golden Coast can enjoy. The bars are beautiful and accommodating enough to make patrons want to stay in one bar for the night, but there are also enough bars located near and adjacent to each other that makes bar-hopping possible.
Taking an Australian Holiday: The Top Aussie Vacation Destinations
After spending several years traveling, it must be said that one of the
most incredible vacation spots is also one of the most underrated ones.
Australia is an extremely diverse country with much to see and do. As a
beach comber, it must be said that Australia has some of the most
beautiful shore lines that by far I have ever seen. The beaches are
clean, white sand beaches and the water is bluer than the skies in this
incredible tourist location. Here are just a few of the areas in and
around Queensland, that I recommend checking into for your next holiday.
GOLD COAST
This area is just about as incredible as its name, with about 300 days a year of sunshine. Whether you are looking for a quiet beach vacation on one of its beautiful shores or for great things to do like everything from kiting and surfing to visiting the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, you are bound to love this scenic, luxurious destination.
CAIRNS
A large tourist attraction since people began pouring into Cairns in search of treasure during the first gold rush, today’s prospectors enjoy an area rich in natural beauty and environmental abundance. This area is in close proximity to the tropical Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. This area attracts a young and intrepid crowd that adds to the vibrancy of this incredible city.
BRISBANE
Brisbane is an area that attracts the more cosmopolitan tourist. An incredible city with beautiful parks, incredible nightlife and fantastic year round weather, Brisbane is an area rich with culture and jam packed with something for everyone. Not to mention the fact that it is in close proximity to the shore line, making a day at the beach just a hop, skip and a jump away.
PORT DOUGLAS
This incredible tropical oasis with sophisticated accommodations in a small village atmosphere, this area combines the beauty of the sea with the incredible scenery of the forest. In this area where glittering green merges into blue two incredible sites exist together, the Great Barrier Reef and the rainforest of Daintree. Just an hour outside of Cairns via a spectacular costal road, this is a vacation destination like no other.
MOOLOOLABA
Perfect for a riverside picnic or for sightseeing in the unique specialty shops, Mooloolaba is an another incredible Australian destination with a lot to see and do. With many beautiful beaches the Mooloolah River is also the site of the Underwater World Complex which in addition to its many restaurants houses The Wharf, as well as many shops and the Oceanarium.
PALM COVE
Covered in romantic beaches and filled with lots of fun things to do, this vacation spot will suit everyone from the honeymooning couple to a family with children. With diversified accommodations in this area ranging from apartments and cottages, to beautiful luxurious hotels, Palm Cove truly is a beach paradise destination.
What tourists should know before planning a Brisbane vacation
When planning your stay in Brisbane at one of the many available
accommodations in the city, there are some caveats to be aware of in
order to better prepare yourself for your trip.
In the past, Brisbane has found providing enough freshwater for its residents to be a challenge so limit your water usage accordingly. At times, there are water restrictions in place that call for limiting showers to four minutes and the recommended per person daily water usage is 170 liters total.
Australia’s summer runs from December to February. Those months can be unbearably hot and humid at times so pack accordingly.
For bicycle enthusiasts visiting the city, it is important to be aware of the city’s helmet usage requirement. Police actively search for riders riding without helmets and issue tickets. Additionally, every cyclist is required to have and use a bell on their bicycle.
In the Central Business District, it is very important to pay attention to all warning signs when parking in the area. After 4pm cars that remained parked in undesignated areas will be towed at the owners or lessee’s expense.
As far as nightlife goes, there is a 3am cutoff time for bar patrons. After that time additional people will not be admitted to the clubs and/or bars. Further, Brisbane follows a strict no smoking policy in regards to places where food and drink are served. This includes outdoor venues as well.
Free Internet access is available at the City Council Library and the Queensland State Libraries. Many restaurants and cafes offer free access to patrons as well.
The phone number to Brisbane’s emergency services - including fire, ambulance, and police is 000 from landline phones. Travelers needing to utilize the services from cell phones may use 000 and 112.
Do not be offended if you are not greeted with the customary “Sir” or “Madam”. Australians believe is it perfectly acceptable to greet everyone using the term “Mate”. It is not intended to be derogatory nor offensive.
Tipping for services is not expected in Australia, nor is it encouraged. There are never any gratuities charges included in any billing statements for services received.
Boradbeach and the surrounding areas
Australians maintain the old saying ”all roads lead to the Gold Coast”
To give travelers a better idea of it’s location, listed below are a few Australian landmarks and their distances to The Gold Coast:
- Brisbane (80km/50 miles north)
- Sydney (855km/530 miles south)
- Melbourne (1730km/1075 miles south)
- Cairns (1790km/1112 miles north)
- Bundaberg is the most southerly gateway to the Great Barrier Reef)
To travel to Broadbeach and the Gold Coast by Air you must fly into the tow closest airports, which are: Gold Coast Airport and Brisbane Airport
You can travel by rail via Queensland Rail or with the train service offered by Airtran. Airtran links Brisbane Airport, Brisbane CBD and the Gold Coast with their train service. Queensland Rail offers connections from the Gold Coast north to Brisbane. Railway stations (south to north) include Robina, Nerang, Helensvale, Coomera and Beenleigh:
By Road you can travel to your Gold Coast destination in many ways. You can travel from Brisbane via the eight-lane Pacific Motorway, from Sydney and coastal New South Wales via the scenic Pacific Highway, or from Melbourne and regional New South Wales via the inland New England Highway.
You may also reach the Gold Coast by sea. World-class waterways, marinas and boat maintenance facilities make for an irresistible current for the nautical types.
- The Port of Brisbane is the second largest capital city port in Australia. Brisbane also hosts major cruiseliners with convenient connections to The Gold Coast.
Australia's Gold Coast is now a must see destination for the “super-yacht” as well. Yachtsmen can expect necessary deep-water moorings and high tech sophisticated facilities to meet their every need.
However your travel plans lead you, Broadbeach is a popular vacation destination and one that must be taken in while visiting any part of beautiful Australia.
Tourism facts about Port Douglas
Closest Airport: Cairns International Airport (60Km)
Australia’s 7th busiest international airport, pilots have been landing
at Cairns since 1928. Originally a domestic airport, Cairns now offers
many direct international flights.
Climate: Tropical
Port Douglas is warm year round. January through March is the rainy season. The peak tourist season is April through December. During this time, it is dry and warm with temperatures between 65°-75° F.
Best FREE Tourist Attractions: Island Point Port Douglas is situated on a picturesque beach that is perfect for long walks, star gazing and picnics. In addition, the great barrier reefs are right off the coast and are ideal for scuba diving and other water sports.
Unusual Zoo: Cairns Night Zoo
Open Monday-Thursday and Saturday, the Cairns Zoo offers a once in a lifetime nocturnal experience. The experience runs from 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm and includes dinner. Guest have the opportunity to see crocodiles glowing eyes, learn how an owl hunts and meet other creatures of the night. Reservations are required.
Archeological Site: Atherton Chinatown & Hou Wang Temple
Not unlike the early settlers to California, in the United States, the Chinese flocked to Australia in search of gold. Most didn’t find vast fortune in gold and as the resource was expunged many Chinese had to find other work. Eventually, most left the area; however, they left behind a historical archeological site and a Temple.
Favorite Vacation Destination: President Bill Clinton During his administration, President Clinton choose this area to vacation with his family and stayed at the Outrigger Hotel. One lucky couple had their marriage license witnessed by the President. In 2001, President Clinton was visiting the area again when he received the news regarding 9/11.
Significant Festival: Port Douglas Carnivale
Each May, the Port Douglas Carnivale takes over the streets of Port Douglas. The event includes music, art, food, sports and other entertainment. Many of the events are FREE. Be sure to check out the Gourmet Gladiators cook-off, experience the longest lunch or participate in a sailing regatta.
Famous Highway: Captain Cook Highway This is the route used by most visitors between Cairns and Port Douglas. It provides a very scenic route and eventually leads to Daintree National Park.
Cairns Restaurants, Cafes And Other Dining Accommodations
Cairns is filled with a wide variety of restaurants, serving local fare as well as more exotic dishes. Sushi, pizza, Italian specialties, grilled steak – it’s all here. The greatest variety can be found in the general area of the Esplanade. Most of the restaurants here don’t open before 11 am, and if you want to get a bargain for dinner, try looking for places that offer discounted “early bird specials.” Cairns is very popular with Japanese tourists, so you’ll find a good number of Japanese restaurants here, too.
For Italian food, try Donnini’s Ciao Italia, located at the Pier Marketplace. Meals are served both indoors and outdoors, and offer a lovely ocean backdrop. Not too far off, the Villa Romana Trattoria offers great Italian meals, as well as a number of seafood options. And for pizza, try the Esplanade’s La Pizza Trattoria. In addition to delicious pie, you can watch the pizza chefs working the dough that just might be your pizza!
Sushi Express is a good choice and a popular spot for Japanese food, offering a sushi train decorated to resemble the local Kuranda Railway. Don’t miss the tempura!
Perotta’s at the Gallery on Abbott Street offers full fare from breakfast all the way through dinner, with a menu featuring Western fare with a definite air of sophistication. Or, try Hide’s Coffee Cafe on Lake Street, for a quick, no-frills breakfast or lunch.
In the evening, head for one of Cairns’ popular and vibrant nightspots. The city’s bars vary in atmosphere, catering to locals, students, and travelers.
Consider the Rattle ‘N Hum on the Esplanade, especially if you hanker for a good meal with your beverages. Their meal specialties include wood-fired pizza, and while you’re waiting, you can play a few games at the pool table. Or, sit at one of the tables outside (it’s torch-lit at night) and do a little people-watching. For another good bar and grill option, consider the Woolshed Chargrill and Saloon Bar, on Shields Street, which is especially popular with travelers and visitors to Cairns.
Boutique beers are a specialty at the Blue Sky Brewery Bar and Restaurant on Lake Street. Every beer here is handcrafted and unpasteurized, a product of natural brewing techniques that allow the true flavors of the beer to shine through. The Blue Sky also has a large wine cellar and a diverse – and delicious – menu.
Palm Cove tourism, plenty of tourist attractions
The nearby islands of Green Island and Haycock Island are popular
tourist attractions. Green Island is a small coral cay with lush
rainforests that is known for its amazing diving and snorkelling
opportunities. Green Island is equipped with picnic tables, pools,
showers, an underwater observatory, and its own aquarium, Marineland
Melanesia. Haycock Island, also known as Scout Hat Island, is an
uninhabited island just northeast of Palm Cove, and gives its visitors a
glimpse of the diversity of Australia’s Far North Queensland with its
rough terrain. Either island makes a satisfying day trip for Palm Cove
vacationers.
Relaxing on the beach is the best choice for many, but for the livelier types, the number of water sports available is virtually unlimited. Snorkelling is always a favorite activity, but the Coral Sea is also an excellent location for swimming, surfing, and kayaking. Fishermen (and women) are welcome to cast their rods in an attempt to score a mackerel, a grunter, or even a squid. Away from the beach, active Palm Cove vacationers can choose to go golfing at one of the many courses in the area, go horse back riding, or even take a skydiving lesson.
Those wishing to explore Palm Cove can do so by foot on a guided or solo tour, or they can purchase a helicopter ride or boat cruise around the area.
Resort guests are given even more opportunities for entertainment. Most Palm Cove resorts have spas with services that relax the mind and beautify the body. Nearly all Palm Cove accommodations offer guests access to private pools, and many can supply vacationers with tours and other excursions.
Visitors who wish to plan their Palm Cove trip around special events in the area should consider an October excursion. The Palm Cove Fiesta is held every year in mid- October, providing locals and tourists with two days of food and entertainment. Vacationers who travel to Palm Cove in December can take part in Carols by Candlelight, held every year on Christmas Eve. January 26 is Australia Day and Palm Cove celebrates this annual event with food, prizes, entertainment and various demonstrations. Of course, many of the resorts in Palm Cove offer their own events as well.
Broadbeach Local Entertainment and Accommodations
Braodbeach hosts many local family friendly festivals each year that many tourists (and locals) will not want to miss out on. The current lineup includes:
Broadbeach’s Family Easter at Kurrawa Park, April 10-13, 2009.
This is a family Easter celebration with lots of free entertainment for all ages, including a bounce house, face painting, kid’s games and craft activities, sand sculptors, magic shows and a visit from the Easter Bunny from 11A.M. until 2P.M.
Blues on Broadbeach, May 28-31 2009
Blues on Broadbeach is one of Australia’s most well known Blues
Festivals. Here you can experience the musical sounds that started it
all. This year’s annual festival the 8th of many to come and is growing
in popularity each year. Anyone of any age will enjoy this village
festival. The relaxed atmosphere provides a musical experience unlike
any other, featuring local talent as well as international acts. Street
performers and local vendors line the streets for a truly unforgettable
event.
Broadbeach Restaurant Week, July 17-26, 2009
The first of it’s kind- Broadbeach Restaurant Week will be held from the 17th to the 26th of July 2009. With Broadbeach being the mecca of fine cuisine on the Gold Coast, there is no better place to host this world class dining experience. Participating Broadbeach restaurants will offer three course meals all encompassed within one set price. Look for a list of local participants and prices to be released upon a later date.
Broadbeach Blends of Jazz Festival, August 21-23, 2009
This three-day music festival offers an abundance of live jazz
performances throughout the streets of Broadbeach. The Broadbeach Blends
of Jazz festival showcases live musicians, both local and international
performers, on outdoor stages and multiple venues throughout the local
Broadbeach precinct. Many local nightclubs and restaurants feature live
stage performances during this time as well.
Broadbeach is the perfect location for combining world class Jazz with it’s multiple award-winning restaurants. This is a great time to stay within the precinct and make a memorable weekend out of it, by enjoying the small town atmosphere, the sun and sand, and spend some time soaking in the fabulous feel of this festival.
Palm Cove After Sundown, Palm Cove Night Life
There is always a wide variety of evening entertainment options in Palm Cove. Whether you’re looking for a quiet romantic night out or a big night out with a group, Palm Cove has entertainment choices to accommodate any mood you’re in. for everyone.
Aprés beach bar and grill is located at 119–121 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove
Apres features wide variety of beer, wine and spirits, both domestic
Australian and imported. They offer live Karaoke most nights and are
open until 12A.M. nightly
Blue Ice is also located on Williams Esplanade, in Palm Cove
Blue Ice Bar is relatively new and it’s specialty is vodka cocktails. It is Palm Cove’s only upscale beach location and is the hottest place to see and be seen. Blue Ice offers a relaxing atmosphere filled with ambience. Their featured drink ‘Vodka Blue Ice’ composed with Wyborowa Single Estate Vodka, Hpnotiq Liqueur and tropical fruits with cognac. They’ll give you a sample if you request one or you may prefer a selection from their wide variety of imported and local beer, wine and spirits.Blue Ice Bar is a picture perfect postcard of Palm Cove’s fine dining and the tropical North Queensland tranquil atmosphere. They are open until 11pm nightly
Colonies at the Cove is located in the Palm Cove Shopping Village, at 117 Williams Esplanade
Colonies is a great place for a fun night out. They offer live outdoor entertainment including themed specialty nights such as Salsa night. This establishment offers fine Australian wines as well as the BYO option (bring your own alcohol.) They are open late, some nights later than aothers, but usually 2 A.M.
The Surf Club is located at 135 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove
The Surf Club offers reasonably priced drinks and the only pool tables in Palm Cove. There is a tropical beer garden for a casual night hanging out with friends or enjoying the pokies or a football game. The Surf Club is open 'til 11pm nightly
Far Horizons is located at 1 Veivers Rd, Palm Cove
Far Horizons features live jazz and piano music four nights a week. Their beachfront cocktail bar is a gorgeous setting for a magical romantic evening. They are open until 10 P.M. nightly. A must see experience for couples.
Palm Cove Tavern, located at 26 Veivers Road, Palm Cove
Palm Cove Tavern is just that, a Tavern. It lives up to it’s name with the many big screen T.V.’s and the gaming offered within. You can take a group and try your luck at the pokies or enjoy a game of Keno, or even place your bets at the TAB. This is a great place for Football fans. Their hours of operation are 8:30 A.M. to 9P.M. daily.
Y Bar is located within the Novotel Rockford Palm Cove Resort
At Y Bar fruity drinks are the specialty, but not the requirement. There are very comfy wicker chairs where you may enjoy your cocktail from a coconut or a pineapple while overlooking the beautiful pool area. V Bar opens at 10:30 A.M. so it’s also another great location for coffee, tea, or a light afternoon snack. Happy Hour and live music get this place hopping most nights and they are open until 11 P.M.