Your ultimate Gold Coast footy trip guide/discussion

[Matchu]

First, if a mod finds this thread to be in the wrong spot then please move it to the correct place. I'd appreciate if you didn't delete the thread because I have spent quite a bit of time creating it.

We all know the Gold Coast is a popular tourist destination but what if you could combine all the best tourism aspects of the city with the greatest game of all? What if you could get the full Gold Coast experience in a 2-3 day period while also fitting in a footy match? This thread is designed to give any reader an idea/guide to what a weekend on the Gold Coast might entail and I'm sure a discussion will ensue.

We'll start with the obvious, who will be playing on the Gold Coast in 2014 and what time of year they will be playing. The teams in order of when they play at Metricon Stadium are Richmond (15 March), Brisbane (5 April), Hawthorn (12 April), GWS (26 April), Bulldogs (25 May), Sydney (8 June), Geelong (21 June), Collingwood (5 July), St Kilda (2 August), Port Adelaide (16 August) and West Coast (TBA). Now let's talk about the logistics of it all.

Accommodation
It's no secret that tourists will almost always stay in Surfers Paradise while on the Gold Coast and to a lesser extent Main Beach/Broadbeach. Only one of these three suburbs is serviced by a shuttle to Metricon Stadium on game day and that is Broadbeach. Don't fear, you can still stay in Surfers Paradise/Main Beach if your heart so desires but remember, you will need to make use of the public transport in order to reach the shuttle area in Broadbeach.

Sound too complicated? You're in luck. In June 2014 the Gold Coast will open its first tram route which conveniently runs through Main Beach, Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach. The Broadbeach North tram stop will drop passengers off about two blocks from the shuttle area to Metricon Stadium. Keep in mind this option will only be available for games during/after June which includes Collingwood, St Kilda, Port Adelaide and West Coast. It may also include Sydney and Geelong depending on when the trams are fully operational. I'll go more into this later in the post.

Cost can also be an issue for some people. For a point of reference I've taken the Richmond game and looked at the pricing for a two night stay with two beds (Friday and Saturday) in three of the most popular hotels in Surfers Paradise. The total cost ends up between $600-$700. Keep in mind, this is a two night stay in three of the most popular hotels in Surfers Paradise and one night/a less popular hotel would be considerably cheaper.

The Footy
Metricon Stadium is located in Carrara, about a 15 minute drive west of Surfers Paradise. It's a very well designed boutique stadium that fits 25,000 at capacity. Ticket pricing is pretty standard when it comes to AFL venues and you are looking at around $25 for an adult in general admission or $50 for a family (2 adults, 2 kids). A really nice bonus for people travelling interstate is the fact that you are allowed to have a kick on the ground after the game (as long as it doesn't rain) and a training oval is located right next to the stadium which is open to anyone at any time. Long story short, bring your footy!

Non-Footy Attractions
No trip to the Gold Coast would be complete without taking advantage of some other aspects the city has to offer. There are four popular theme parks located on the Gold Coast and they include Dream World, Wet n Wild, Movie World and Sea World. Similar to Metricon Stadium, the theme parks aren't exactly within reaching distance of the preferred hotel destinations. In fact, most are even further away!

The closest theme park to Main Beach/Surfers Paradise/Broadbeach is Sea World but it happens to be the least favoured of the four. Route 750 will take patrons from Main Beach/Surfers Paradise/Broadbeach to the front of Sea World. Route TX2 will take patrons from Main Beach/Surfers Paradise/Broadbeach to Movie World, Wet n Wild and/or Dream World. Cost of entry into these theme parks is quite expensive for one day (around $70) so be aware of that before you catch the bus there.

We can't forget the nightlife either. The most popular destinations for nightclubs/bars on the Gold Coast are Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach. Almost all the clubs/bars in Surfers Paradise can be found on Orchid Avenue. Broadbeach doesn't offer as many clubs/bars but does boast Jupiters casino, the only casino on the Gold Coast. The nightclubs will often charge entry fees but this is pretty easy to get around if you put yourself on a VIP list via Facebook. Promoters on the street will often hand out free entry cards in Surfers Paradise as well.

And, of course, you have the beach. Main Beach, Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach are all on the coastline and similar experiences in terms of a beach. Surfers Paradise is the most popular of the three beaches for obvious reasons.

Public Transport
Transport on the Gold Coast has always been fairly confusing and definitely needs some explaining. First, the airport is located about 40 minutes south of Surfers Paradise. This causes a few problems in itself but the Gold Coast Cabs company has recently introduced a flat fare of $56 from the airport to Surfers Paradise and $46 to Broadbeach. Alternatively, you could take a bus to your hotel for around $10 but that will take a lot longer and will cause all sorts of awkwardness with your luggage.

As mentioned before, a tram network will be opening in June 2014 on the Gold Coast and will run from Southport to Broadbeach, going through Main Beach and Surfers Paradise along the way. It would be in your best interests to make use of the trams during your stay, especially between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach. The Broadbeach North tram stop is located about two blocks from the Victoria Avenue shuttle bus that will take you to Metricon Stadium. The shuttle will take around 15-25 mins to get the ground (depending on traffic) and is free of charge with a pre-purchased ticket. Return shuttles offer both Broadbeach (Victoria Avenue) and Surfers Paradise (Cavill Avenue).


In my next post you'll find my suggestions for each individual game and how you might go about planning your specific trip.

 

[Matchu]

Here are my suggestions for each game at Metricon Stadium in 2014:

• Round 1 - Richmond (15 March 2014)
• Round 3 - Brisbane (5 April 2014)
• Round 4 - Hawthorn (12 April 2014)
• Round 6 - GWS (26 April 2014)
• Round 10 - Bulldogs (25 May 2014)
• Round 12 - Sydney (8 June 2014)
• Round 14 - Geelong (21 June 2014)
• Round 16 - Collingwood (5 July 2014)
• Round 19 - St Kilda (2 August 2014)
• Round 21 - Port Adelaide (16 August 2014)
• Round 23 - West Coast (29-31 August 2014)

 

[GC2015]

Wow Matchu. That is a big write up. After looking at your suggestion if I were from Melbourne I would schedule my trip to go like this:

Arrive on the Friday night
Stay in a hotel in Surfers Paradise
Go out on the Friday night in Surfers Paradise
Go to Dream World in the day on Saturday
Go to the footy on Saturday night
Go to the casino after the footy (to drown my tears if I were a Richmond supporter)
Go to the beach on Sunday
Go back to miserable weather down south

 

[Kapital city TIGER]

That's a great rite up, no doubt, (tl, dr)

You've really made a trip of it, which, isn't what everyone wants tho
I'm sure, for the same coin;
invest in cyber dine systems
Become new terminator
Relieve ruck for Ivan!
No that's a good spend.

 

[Changaneen]

Good effort Matchu, gives some top ideas. I'm not so sure about a theme park and the footy all in one day though. My parents live on the Gold Coast, and ive done the theme parks numerous times as they are forever expanding and changing. To really get the most out of them, you need to spend a whole day at just one. And usually finish up around five in the arvo. Can be a long day, especially with kids in tow.

To then skip onto the footy after, im wondering if the edge and excitement would be taken off, purely because of the day spent on fast rides, themes ect. Rocking up to the footy, 3/4's spent, tired may make for an uncomfortable night. I suppose it depends on what age group you are targeting, and how much enthusiasm you have.

There are so many other things well away from the tourism side of the Coast, but i guess im lucky in that my old man knows where these places are.

Anyway, as i said, great write up, i suppose people visiting for the first time will be full of beans.

 

[Changaneen]

Now you've got all the other teams to go, i'll read this with baited breath

Me and the Mrs are going up to see Mum and Dad, and catch the Gold Coast v Port game. Whenever we go up, we usually end up at the Burleigh Heads Tavern, and try to educate those knuckle head rugby supporters all about AFL

 

[Matchu]

Now you've got all the other teams to go, i'll read this with baited breath

Me and the Mrs are going up to see Mum and Dad, and catch the Gold Coast v Port game. Whenever we go up, we usually end up at the Burleigh Heads Tavern, and try to educate those knuckle head rugby supporters all about AFL

Thanks mate. I tried to write the suggestions for the main demographic that would travel for the game (18-30 year old men) but also tried to fit in as much of the Gold Coast experience as I could. I suppose in a way you are robbing yourself of the full theme park/footy experience by doing it on the same day but it's pretty hard to fit both in otherwise. I wouldn't mind hearing some of your ideas for other things to do on the GC, keeping in mind the public transport here doesn't offer a huge amount of options from Surfers Paradise/Broadbeach.

As for the write ups on other teams, I might just make some call backs to previous posts because it turned out to be a lot longer than I thought it would be. I just wanted to be thorough so no one got confused but it's turned out to be very long. Burleigh Heads Tavern is great, walking along the esplanade in Burleigh would be a great suggestion if it weren't difficult to get to and back for the tourists.

Haha I know what you mean about some of the Rugby League locals though. Truth is, things are changing dramatically on the GC. Almost everyone knows who Gary Ablett is and they have a fair understanding of the Suns. It's indicative of the fact that people on the Gold Coast were never that against Aussie rules in the first place.

 

[Changaneen]

I wouldn't mind hearing some of your ideas for other things to do on the GC, keeping in mind the public transport here doesn't offer a huge amount of options from Surfers Paradise/Broadbeach.

You probably have done it the correct way, the Gold Coast experience so to speak, taking into to consideration that visitors will only use public transport.

I'll have a think and try and come up with some other ideas, maybe if hire cars or even if people drive themselves. Which young familys tend to do.Theres so much of a wide scope, i guess i hijacked your thoughts of the 18 - 30 year old male because i have always taken my family.

 

[Matchu]

You probably have done it the correct way, the Gold Coast experience so to speak, taking into to consideration that visitors will only use public transport.

I'll have a think and try and come up with some other ideas, maybe if hire cars or even if people drive themselves. Which young familys tend to do.Theres so much of a wide scope, i guess i hijacked your thoughts of the 18 - 30 year old male because i have always taken my family.

Hiring a car could be an option but I thought it may restrict you in a way because that target demographic of 18-30 year old men are almost definitely going to drink alcohol at some point during their GC trip. I truly believe once the tram network is running it'll become a lot easier to do these sorts of things as a tourist. Tram stations at Cavill Avenue, the Q1, Jupiters casino/Victoria Avenue will make the whole trip less confusing and won't result in tourists getting on the wrong bus.

Of course your trip will be different if you intend on taking a young family to the Gold Coast, probably a lot more emphasis on the theme parks and a lot less on the nightclubs and casino haha.

 

[Rob]

I went to the Gold Coast a few years ago and made the very sensible decision to hire a car and book accommodation with a car park. I shudder to think how long I would have been standing around waiting for buses if I didn't. The tram system will certainly help, but I don't know anyone that's ever been there that has said how great the public transport was.

 

[Matchu]

I went to the Gold Coast a few years ago and made the very sensible decision to hire a car and book accommodation with a car park. I shudder to think how long I would have been standing around waiting for buses if I didn't. The tram system will certainly help, but I don't know anyone that's ever been there that has said how great the public transport was.

That's a fair call. I think I'll add the car rental option in for the games prior to the tram line opening so it isn't such a hassle. With the exception of the theme parks, nearly all the tourist things to do will be on the tram line.

 

[PumpyChowdown]

When the light rail gets going, it will be 1000% easier to get around (on the northern end of the Coast at least).

Some things worth noting:

• Generally speaking, Surfers is a shithole.
• About 20 minutes directly West of the beach is the Gold Coast Hinterland which is very underrated and makes a great half day or full day trip if that's your sort of thing.
• IMO the best beaches are on the southern end of the Coast at Burleigh Heads, Kirra, Coolangatta and especially Rainbow Bay/Snapper Rocks.
• Driving an hour south into Northern NSW is an excellent day trip as well.

 

[Matchu]

When the light rail gets going, it will be 1000% easier to get around (on the northern end of the Coast at least).

Some things worth noting:

• Generally speaking, Surfers is a shithole.
• About 20 minutes directly West of the beach is the Gold Coast Hinterland which is very underrated and makes a great half day or full day trip if that's your sort of thing.
• IMO the best beaches are on the southern end of the Coast at Burleigh Heads, Kirra, Coolangatta and especially Rainbow Bay/Snapper Rocks.
• Driving an hour south into Northern NSW is an excellent day trip as well.

It certainly will be easier for tourists when the light rail is running. You have to think about this from a tourist's point of view, they don't have the local knowledge of Surfers Paradise that you do and think Surfers Paradise is the best part of the GC. Not much point in travelling down to Snapper Rocks/Burleigh when you can probably get everything you want at Surfers Paradise beach anyway. I agree the Gold Coast Hinterland is definitely underrated but you really need a good amount of time to do it properly. Remember, it is a weekend football trip. Don't mind the idea of driving to the NSW-QLD border. You would obviously need to rent a car for this. Considering how close the border is to the airport, you could easily factor this in just before your flight home.

 

[Matchu]

It was announced earlier today that the light rail will be fully operational for passengers on June 1, 2014. This means the first game that will allow tourists to make use of the tram system will be against the Swans on June 8. Now I have a much better scope to make suggestions for all the Gold Coast footy trips in 2014.

 

[Matchu]

Richmond (6:40pm, 15 March)

Flights: I've taken a look at both Jetstar and Virgin for the cost of flights if you were to fly out of Melbourne (Tullamarine) on Friday night (14 March) and return on the Sunday afternoon (16 March). Both end up costing just under $300 so we'll go with that price. Take note this post was made on 12 December and cost of flights will likely change closer to the date of the game.

Accommodation: Due to the fact that the tram network will not be running in March it would be wise to stay in areas that are easy to navigate around. In my opinion, the best two places to stay would be close to Cavill Avenue in Surfers Paradise or near Victoria Avenue in Broadbeach. Obviously cost varies based on the quality of hotel but you can generally get a two person room for two nights for around $450.

Friday night activities: Presuming you land at Gold Coast airport around 8:30pm, you should be able to get to your room in Broadbeach/Surfers Paradise by 10pm if you use a taxi. The Gold Coast Taxis company offers a flat rate of $46 to Broadbeach and $56 to Surfers Paradise so I suggest using that. Once you arrive it's time to get ready to go out because most clubs will cut off free entry at 11pm and you don't want to be paying entry fees all night. In Surfers Paradise, just head to Orchid Avenue and make use of all the nightclubs or in Broadbeach you can visit the nightclubs on Surf Parade and surrounding streets. Note that entry fees will be charged if you do not attempt to get on any VIP lists for nightclubs.

Lockout on the Gold Coast is at 3am so that gives you around four hours to find a club of your liking. It is also worth noting that Jupiters casino is located in Broadbeach and may be worth looking at for your Friday night activities but I am saving that for the Saturday night. Drink prices in the clubs/bars aren't any different to most places in Melbourne and I would bring $100-$150 to be on the safe side.

Saturday activities: You've probably stumbled into your room drunk at about 4am so getting up early isn't a high priority at this point. Getting up at 10am seems fair and will allow you to get in some day activities. The game starts at 6:45pm so this gives you around 8.5 hours to play with. I suggest visiting one of the four theme parks. If you have your heart set on Sea World then I won't talk you out of it but I strongly suggest you reconsider the other three theme parks. In my opinion, Dream World is the best normal theme park while Wet n Wild is definitely the best water park. Dream World, Wet n Wild and Movie World are all on the same bus route so you could even leave the decision until you get on the bus.

I'm going to go with Wet n Wild in my suggestion because going to a water park seems more attractive to someone who comes from an area which doesn't provide good weather. You're looking at around $60 entry into the theme park. You will need to take the TX2 from with Pacific Fair (Broadbeach) or Appel Park (Surfers Paradise). Both stops have the TX2 come through at 10:30am so I would suggest getting on at that time. Note the timetable could change and you should be prepared to check before you plan anything.

You will get to Wet n Wild/Movie World (they are right next to each other) at about 11am or Dream World around 11:10am. This gives you around five hours to play with at the theme park and you will want to leave at around 4pm to be safe. Taking the 4:10pm bus from any of the theme parks is a good move as it will be express back to Surfers Paradise/Broadbeach and you will get there at about 4:50pm. You should be able to get back to your hotel by 5-5:10pm and this gives you exactly an hour and a half until the footy starts.

This is where you have to be careful if you are staying in Surfers Paradise. You will need to get to Victoria Avenue in Broadbeach in order to catch the shuttle to Metricon Stadium. Seeing as the shuttle takes around 25 mins to get to the stadium, I would say you would want to get to Victoria Avenue at 6pm to be safe. If you are staying in Broadbeach it is a simple task of just walking to the shuttle area but anyone staying in Surfers Paradise will need to catch a bus/taxi to Broadbeach. It should take between 10-15 mins to get there from Surfers Paradise.

Pre-purchasing your ticket is advisable as the ticket booth can sometimes get very busy and you don't want to miss the start of the game. The shuttle bus will take you to the front of the stadium and you will just need to walk to your seat. Bring your footy because you will most likely want to have a kick on the ground after the game. Presuming you have kicked the footy after the game, you'll go outside to find shuttles to either Cavill Avenue (Surfers Paradise) or back to Victoria Avenue in Broadbeach. I suggest going back to Victoria Avenue and spending a night at Jupiters casino. Jupiters is located across the Gold Coast highway from Victoria Avenue and will take you about 10 minutes to walk to the entrance. It's hard to miss, it lights up blue at night.

Sunday activities: Once you are done with the casino for the night, you will want to catch a taxi/bus up to get to your hotel in Surfers Paradise or walk to your hotel in Broadbeach. The hotels generally like you to leave the room at 10am and this gives you a few more hours to get in some more activities before you leave the Gold Coast. I suggest going to the beach in the morning followed by a trip up to the Skypoint Observation Deck at the Q1 building in Surfers Paradise. This will cost an adult $22 and you will give an amazing 360 degree view of the entire city. Once you are done with these activities, it'll be about the time you need to head to the airport. Presuming your flight takes off around 4pm, you'll want to leave Surfers Paradise by about 2:30pm to be on the safe side.

Getting to the airport can be tricky as flat fares are not offer by the taxis. You'll probably be looking at a fare around $70 to be honest. Okay so here is a recap of my suggested trip for the Richmond game. One again, note that prices will change and you'll need to work out the cost of your trip yourself. This is just a guide.

Friday, 14 March 2014

• Fly out of Tullamarine airport around 7:30pm (Victorian time) Cost: Around $150 ($300 total for the return flights)
• Land at Gold Coast airport around 8:40pm (Queensland time)
• Leave Gold Coast airport around 9pm in a Gold Coast Taxis cab (flate fare of $46 to Broadbeach and $56 to Surfers Paradise)
• Arrive at your hotel around 9:45pm and get to your room around 10pm. Cost: Around $225 a night (close to $450 total for two nights with two beds)
• Get ready to go out and walk to Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise to start your night in the clubs/bars. Bring around $150 to ensure you have a good night.
• Decide on your club of choice before the 3am lockout.
• Arrive back at your hotel between 3-4am and sleep.

Saturday, 15 March 2014

• Wake up at 10am and start getting ready to go to the theme parks. Walk to Appel Park bus stop in Surfers Paradise or Pacific Fair bus stop in Broadbeach and get on the bus that leaves at 10:30am. This will probably cost you about $7.
• Arrive at Movie World/Wet n Wild/Dream World around 11:10am and enter the theme park of your choice. Entry will cost you about $60.
• Take the 4:10pm bus back to Surfers Paradise/Broadbeach (will likely cost around $7 again) and upon arrival at about 4:50pm walk back to your hotel.
• Get into your hotel at around 5:10pm and start getting ready for the footy. Leave your hotel around 5:30pm and get to the shuttle area in Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach. Either walk if you are in Broadbeach or take a bus/taxi if you are in Surfers Paradise.
• Get to the Victoria Avenue bus shuttle area around 5:50pm and take the free shuttle bus to Metricon Stadium.
• Get to Metricon Stadium around 6:20pm which gives you around 20 minutes to familiarise with the stadium and find your seat. Pre-purchase a ticket before you get to the game as you don't want to have to line up and potentially miss the first bounce. General admission will cost you about $25.
• At the conclusion of the match around 9:15pm, head out on to the ground for a kick. Bring your footy so you don't miss out.
• Head over to the shuttle area outside Metricon Stadium at about 9:45pm and catch the free bus back to Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach.
• Arrive at Victoria Avenue around 10:10pm and walk over to Jupiters casino.
• Arrive at Jupiters casino at about 10:20pm. Leave whenever you want but keep in mind the hotel will want you out around 10am the next morning. I would say $150 would ensure a good night at the casino.

Sunday, 16 March 2014

• Wake up before 10am and check out of your hotel.
• Head to the beach and enjoy the waves.
• Walk to the Q1 tower (five blocks south of Cavill Avenue) if you are in Surfers Paradise or take a bus/taxi there if you are in Broadbeach.
• Go to the Skypoint Observation Deck in the Q1 and check out the amazing view. It will cost you $22.
• Make sure you leave the Q1 around 2:30pm in order to arrive at the airport in time for your 4pm flight. Take a taxi will probably cost you around $70.
• Board your flight and get back to Melbourne around 7:30pm (Melbourne time).

Estimated Total Cost Of Trip:$1300
Notes: It's very likely you'll spend less than this amount and going with more people will make it considerably cheaper. I have put together the price for a room with two beds as if one person was going to pay the lot and the same with taxi rides as well.

 

[Matchu]

Okay last time I did this it took a lot longer than I thought it would so I'm going to change the structure and hopefully make it easier for readers. This is the big one... Collingwood!

Collingwood (4:40pm, 5 July)

Two Night stay

• Fly out Friday (4 July) afternoon and land at Gold Coast airport early in the night.
• Take the Gold Coast Shuttle bus (see below for more info) to your hotel.
• Check into your hotel and unpack your stuff.
• Insert Activity 1 for Friday night (see below for activities)
• Get back to your hotel and go to sleep.

• Get up Saturday morning.
• Insert Activity 2 for Saturday morning/afternoon.
• Get back to your hotel and start getting ready for the footy.
• Use the tram to get to Broadbeach North station and walk to Victoria Avenue (see below for more info)
• Take the free shuttle bus from Victoria Avenue to Metricon Stadium.
• Watch the footy (see below for activities at the stadium)
• Take the free shuttle bus away from Metricon Stadium (see below for more info)
• Insert activity 3 on Saturday night
• Use the tram to get to the closest station to your hotel.
• Get back to your hotel and go to sleep.

• Get up Sunday morning.
• Insert Activity 4 for Sunday morning/afternoon.
• Take the Gold Coast Shuttle bus back to the Gold Coast airport.
• Fly home.

One Night stay

• Fly out Saturday (5 July) morning and land in the Gold Coast in the late morning/early afternoon.
• Take the Gold Coast Shuttle bus (see below for more info) to your hotel.
• Check into your hotel and unpack your stuff.
• Insert Activity 1 for Saturday afternoon (see below for activities)
• Get back to your hotel and start getting ready for the footy.
• Use the tram to get to Broadbeach North station and walk to Victoria Avenue (see below for more info)
• Take the free shuttle bus from Victoria Avenue to Metricon Stadium.
• Watch the footy (see below for activities at the stadium)
• Take the free shuttle bus away from Metricon Stadium (see below for more info)
• Insert activity 3 on Saturday night
• Use the tram to get to the closest station to your hotel.
• Get back to your hotel and go to sleep.

• Get up Sunday morning.
• Insert Activity 4 for Sunday morning/afternoon.
• Take the Gold Coast Shuttle bus back to the Gold Coast airport.
• Fly home.

Transport Info

• Book the Gold Coast Shuttle bus for your trips to your hotel and back to the airport for a total cost of $38. It's the cheapest and most efficient way to do it. Website here.
• To get to Metricon Stadium use the Goldlinq tram to get from Surfers Paradise to Broadbeach North station. Then walk to the shuttle bus area on Victoria Avenue, half a block south of the Broadbeach North Goldlinq station. Pic supplied below if there is still confusion.

 

[raboyle]

If one game of footy isn't enough for your weekend in GC, the Southport Sharks may be an option during the NEAFL season.

Fankhauser Reserve is on the corner of Musgrave and Olsen Avenues, it's a great club and about 10 minutes north of Surfers Paradise. If anyone does catch a game there, make use of the balcony area -- also known as the Cabana area -- for an awesome view of the action. And last I looked, they don't charge entry to the ground but if you decide to use the balcony you'll have to sign in at the main desk.

www.southportsharks.com.au

 

[Matchu]

If one game of footy isn't enough for your weekend in GC, the Southport Sharks may be an option during the NEAFL season.

Fankhauser Reserve is on the corner of Musgrave and Olsen Avenues, it's a great club and about 10 minutes north of Surfers Paradise. If anyone does catch a game there, make use of the balcony area -- also known as the Cabana area -- for an awesome view of the action. And last I looked, they don't charge entry to the ground but if you decide to use the balcony you'll have to sign in at the main desk.

www.southportsharks.com.au

That's a great idea if you are looking to get into the local scene as well. Southport Sharks is no doubt a great venue but there are some problems with the idea. Firstly, there are only two Sharks games played on the same weekend as a Suns home game in 2014. These games being on the weekends of the Hawthorn and Collingwood games. Even then, the Collingwood game starts three hours afters after the Sharks game starts so you would need to leave early to ensure you aren't late for the game at Metricon.

Another issue is the fact that getting to the Southport Sharks can be difficult so using the tram line would make the most sense but that will only be available for the Collingwood game, not the Hawthorn game. The Southport Sharks is about a 15 minute walk from the future Gold Coast University tram station.

It's a good idea but I'm not sure how practical it is for a tourist. Of course if you have a car you can just drive there.

 

[raboyle]

Well there's that or there's QAFL action at the Broadbeach Cats... not that far from Jupiters, so not far from the bus service to Metricon.

 

[johnno77]

Great write up Matchu! I have already booked my flights and accomodation but it was a good read nonetheless.

Just as an alternative to hotels is something called: AirBnB (https://www.airbnb.com.au/s/Gold-Coast--Queensland). I use it in Melbourne as a host and this will be my first time using it as a guest but the cost of staying in a private room in someone's mansion on the Isle of Capri was just over $100 per night (There are places cheaper and more expensive than that). Through the website, you can book a private room or a whole house/apartment and is much cheaper than a hotel for what you are getting. I can recommend it highly.

I work in restaurants down here. Any fine dining places for dinner and/or good brekky places that you could recommend?

 

[Matchu]

Great write up Matchu! I have already booked my flights and accomodation but it was a good read nonetheless.

Just as an alternative to hotels is something called: AirBnB (https://www.airbnb.com.au/s/Gold-Coast--Queensland). I use it in Melbourne as a host and this will be my first time using it as a guest but the cost of staying in a private room in someone's mansion on the Isle of Capri was just over $100 per night (There are places cheaper and more expensive than that). Through the website, you can book a private room or a whole house/apartment and is much cheaper than a hotel for what you are getting. I can recommend it highly.

I work in restaurants down here. Any fine dining places for dinner and/or good brekky places that you could recommend?

Wow that certainly is a nice alternative. I had no idea that existed. I'm curious, could you give a little run down on what you plan on doing on your footy trip to the GC?

I suppose it depends on what you want in terms of restaurants. I know Moo Moos in Broadbeach is quite popular among the wealthier population. There is also plenty of nice restaurants in Main Beach along Tedder Avenue. Probably the most convenient for a footy trip is either Jupiters casino or some of the restaurants along Surf Parade in Broadbeach.

 

[johnno77]

Wow that certainly is a nice alternative. I had no idea that existed. I'm curious, could you give a little run down on what you plan on doing on your footy trip to the GC?

I have a few mates that live either on the Coast or in Brisbane who me and the missus will be catching up with. We've added some extra days and don't leave till Wednesday. Prob a late lunch/early dinner before the game. A BBQ somewhere on Sunday and then look at chilling during the day, swim, late brekky and maybe hit a theme park one of the days. One of my mates loves the water and offered to take us paddle boarding or surfing as well.

By night, we'll be looking at one or two nice dinners out and maybe check out the casino.

 

[Matchu]

I have a few mates that live either on the Coast or in Brisbane who me and the missus will be catching up with. We've added some extra days and don't leave till Wednesday. Prob a late lunch/early dinner before the game. A BBQ somewhere on Sunday and then look at chilling during the day, swim, late brekky and maybe hit a theme park one of the days. One of my mates loves the water and offered to take us paddle boarding or surfing as well.

By night, we'll be looking at one or two nice dinners out and maybe check out the casino.

Sounds like a good weekend mate. Hopefully lots of other Tigers fans head up.

 

[johnno77]

Sounds like a good weekend mate. Hopefully lots of other Tigers fans head up.

I reckon there will be. They will be hungry for footy and thirsty for beer! I cannot wait!

 

[Joker91]

Is it true that all the clubs on the Gold Coast make you cover up tattoos?