A day in the life of a local… at Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast
Usually the day doesn’t actually start until noon. I don’t know what tourists are up to, maybe joining a tour on the Aqua Bus which is shaped like a duck or hiring some kayaks to paddle through. Surfing lessons are often a good idea in the mornings; otherwise it gets really crowded by the afternoon.
Meeting with friends – usually under the big guitar of the Hard Rock (opposite DFS) as the ‘usual’ spot. There’s always so much to choose from for lunch. The underground Hog’s Breath, the Bavarian Haus Restaurant (for something completely different and rather Scandinavian), other random Japanese/Korean/Chinese noodle and eatery shops in Orchid Avenue. “Go where there are crowds of Asians in the restaurant,” is the motto for authentic Asian food.
For some afternoon dessert, my current obsession is Icey Ice, on Surfers Paradise Boulevard. It’s like eating fairy-floss ice. With flavours of green tea milkshake, chocolate, cappuccino, strawberry and mango. (Plus your choice of all kinds of toppings for an extra price).
By the afternoon, of course, just getting a blanket out and lazing on the beach. You can also buy boogie boards for $5 at various equivalents of The Reject Shop, randomly sprawled across the streets of Surfers.
Swimming between the flags is highly recommended, and if you want to walk along the sand remember you’ll need to turn back to where you started – don’t keep walking until you’re tired. You’ve probably reached New South Wales and will need to take a bus back.
On Friday nights I like to browse the night markets, which have all kinds of crafts and knick-knacks. From the typical koala toys, painted boomerangs and hacky-sacks, there are also often crystals, sand postcards, jams, wines, and a lot of unnameable quirky stuff.
When we’re sick of the Gold Coast weather, we like to visit the minus 5° Ice Lounge for a completely opposite experience – a bar made of ice. Even the drinks are served in cup-shaped ice. Ladies, whatever it was you were planning to wear to look pretty in the night time, don’t bother. Just focus on the face make-up because you’ll be completely covered in a giant snow jacket.
Many sites of gentlemen’s entertainment open up much, much later at night (Players Showgirls, Hooters). The clubs and lounges are easy to spot with the bright signs and blonde girls in very little fabric – even in wintertime Gold Coast. As a local, my favourite club is Melba’s. It’s not too fancy and not too shabby. Plays a lot of pop and R&B and has a huge dancefloor.
Some nights I am in the mood for something more edgey, and the Berlin Lounge is a great place for neon lights and funk, rock or indie music.
If my friends and I are bored of dancing, we go to Strike Bowling Bar for a game of tenpin and drinks (it’s opened til 2 am).
Though there are so many more clubs and lounges to discover. Some days will just randomly choose via “eeny-meeny-miney-mo.” Usually wouldn’t regret the choice. The fun is in the random anyway.
