GOLD COAST

Is The Gold Coast slipping in its appeal as a Kiwi holiday destination?

That’s certainly the signal from all the would-be travellers who use google.co.nz to search for information about places to go.

When Google provided details of the 10 most popular travel-related searches in its New Zealand search engine during 2008, Australia was first, Gold Coast second and Brisbane fifth.

But the figures for 2009, just released, have Australia dropping to second, Gold Coast to ninth and Brisbane has fallen out of the top 10 altogether.

Of course, as the latest departure figures from Statistics NZ confirm, Australia remains by far the most popular destination for New Zealanders, though in the past year the numbers going there have slid by just under 1 per cent.

So if they are not heading for Queensland’s golden sands and theme parks where are they going?

If Google searches are anything to go by the Australian spots we find most appealing are Melbourne and Sydney.
No great surprise there, you might think, except that in 2008 Sydney didn’t feature in the top 10, so perhaps they are getting  more interested in restaurants, theatres and art galleries.

When they look for sand and sunshine, it seems, the Pacific Islands are attracting more internet attention than the Gold Coast.

 Google’s travel searches for last year Rarotonga came out on top, with Fiji third and Vanuatu sixth. That’s borne out by Statistics NZ because the number
of people going to the pacific islands did rise

                                                                                                                                 FIJI ISLANDS

source

Australian Surf Life Saving Championships are set to return to the Gold Coast in March for the next three years as part of a long term agreement with the Queensland Government.

Under the agreement, the Gold Coast is set to become a semi-permanent base for the ‘Aussies’ with the event to be staged at Kurrawa from 2010-2012 and rotate between other states and the Gold Coast every two years.

Thus, the Gold Coast will host at least seven Australian Surf Life Saving Championships between 2010 and 2022 (ie 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2019 and 2020). 

Dates have now been released for Aussies for the 2011 and 2012 events:

2010:   16-21 March, Kurrawa Beach       

2011:   5-10 April, Kurrawa Beach

2012:   27 March – 1 April, Kurrawa Beach

Queensland Premier Anna Bligh said anyone thinking of coming to the Aussies in 2011 and 2012  should circle the calendar now.

“The Aussies have come home to the Gold Coast and it’s great to see them back,” said Ms Bligh.

“This is an iconic event and I encourage everyone to mark down the dates and think about coming to see it for themselves – you won’t be disappointed.”

The Aussies is the largest event of its type in the world and Surf Life Saving Australia’s President Ron Rankin AM said there is something for everyone to enjoy.

“With more than 7,500 competitors expected to contest more than 290 events along with entertainment both on and off the beach, the Aussies is the biggest event of its type in the world. 

“We are very fortunate to have great support from the Premier Anna Bligh and her Government along with the Queensland Event Corporation and the Gold Coast City Council to help deliver and celebrate this great event. 

“This event is a true celebration of Aussie beach culture and sporting success and we’d encourage people to come along and help us celebrate,” said Mr Rankin.

THE FAMOUS CARRARA MARKET
Find A Bargain – Every Saturday and Sunday from 7am to 4pm

Nerang-Broadbeach Road
Contact: John Rosenelund -

 (07) 5579 9388

Carrara Markets are a must for every Gold Coaster and visitors looking for Value for Money. Our enormously popular Gold Coast markets offer a “ton of fun” for the whole family, with something special for everybody including FREE entertainment, FREE entry and FREE car parking.

Early birds enjoy our world famous breakfast from 6:30am: A tasty treat with a cold beer; Soft drink or a good cup of coffee at anytime of the day at one of the many great cafes at Carrara Markets. Browse the weekend markets in a relaxed atmosphere, as individuals and families enjoy a couple of hours or a whole day searching for bargains, being entertained and generally have a great time.
A bargain hunter’s paradise- Over 500 Stalls
Carrara Markets are a bargain hunter’s paradise with an unlimited variety of products from 500 stalls. Fresh Produce
Butcher
Seafood
Bakery Plant Nurseries
Flowers
 Gifts Arts & Crafts                                                                
  Tools
Pets  Watches
Jewellery
Leather goods Homewares
Toys
Luggage Latest Fashion Accessories
Clothing
Shoes 

are just some of the many diverse market stalls offering a large variety of unique and innovative goods at bargain prices.
Families Biggest and Best Day Out at Carrara Markets
Children always go home with a “big smile on their dial” after spending a day at Carrara Markets. Our Family Fun Lane offers an array of great entertainment and activities including Face Painting, Pony Rides, Merry-Go-Round and a Roaming Clown with Balloons.

Discover a range of favourite super hero & fairly costumes; Pets & Toys, even a snack break from the nearby food outlets.
Join us at Carrara Markets – the Biggest & Best Permanent Markets in Queensland – open every Saturday & Sunday from 7am to 4pm.

 MORE Gold Coast Markets   
There are numerous markets located around the Gold Coast.

Broadbeach Art and Craft Market
Kurrawa Park
1st and 3rd Sunday of the month, 8.00am – 2.30pm
Contact: Art & Craft on the Coast – (07) 5533 8202
 

Broadbeach Lantern Market (operating between September and July 9)
Broadbeach Mall
Every Friday 6.00pm – 10.00pm
Contact: Art & Craft on the Coast – (07) 5533 8202

  Bundall Farmers Market
Gold Coast Turf Club
Racecourse Drive (off Ashmore Road)
2nd and 4th Sunday of the month, 7.00am – 12.30pm
Contact: Coralie Harris – 0404 787 865 or (07) 5520 6634

Burleigh Arts and Craft Market
Justins Park
Last Sunday of the month, 8.00am – 2.30pm
Contact: Art & Craft on the Coast – (07) 5533 8202

Beechmont Village Fair
Cnr Beechmont and Binna Burra Roads Beechmont
Every third Sunday of the month (8.00am – 2.00pm)
Contact: Rowena – (07) 5533 3371

Canungra Markets
School of Arts Hall
1st Sunday of the month

Coolangatta Art and Craft Market
Queen Elizabeth Park
2nd Sunday of the month, 8.00am – 2.30pm
Contact: Art & Craft on the Coast – (07) 5533 8202

Dodges Touch Football Club Swap Meet
Barnard Street Reserve Labrador
2nd Sunday of the month (except Jan & July)
Contact: Shane 0414 775 575

Helensvale Craft and Garden Markets
Helensvale Community Centre, Discovery Drive
2nd Saturday of the month – 7.30am-12.30pm
Contact: Jan Burke (07) 5573 3773

Jimboomba Country Market
Jimboomba School Grounds
3rd Saturday of the month
Contact: Jimboomba School – (07) 5546 0214

Miami Organic Farmers Market
This is the only market in Queensland to ensure all the produce sold is 100% Certified Organic.
Miami State High School
Every Sunday from 6.00 am to 11.00 am
Contact: David Whyle – 1300 668 603             SEE  WEB  SITE

Marina Mirage Farmers Market
1st and 3rd Saturday of the Month from 7.00am to 12.00 noon.
Contact: Centre Management – (07) 5577 0088

Monaco Markets
Held on the second and last Sunday of each month with high end preloved & new fashion, plants, jewellery, condiments & crafts. 8am-12noon. Monaco Centre – Cnr Monaco Street & Rio Vista Blvd, Broadbeach Waters, Gold Coast 07 5538 5655

Tamborine Mountain Country Markets
Tamborine Mountain Showgrounds, Main Western Road
2nd Sunday of the month
Contact – (07) 5545 2155 or 0417 618 379

Mudgeeraba Farmers Market
Mudgeeraba Showgrounds
2nd and 4th Saturday of every month from 6.00 am to 11.00 am
Contact: Clint Parsons – (07) 5525 3525 or 0409 612 082

Nerang Markets
Lavelle Street and Bischoff Park
Every Sunday
Contact: Andrew Drake 0417 728844

Parkwood Farmers Market
Parklands Showgounds
2nd and 4th Saturday of each month
Contact: Parklands Showgrounds – (07) 5525 3525

Paradise Point Art and Craft Market
The Esplanade
4th Sunday of the month
Contact: Julie Pearson – 0417 636 662

Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets
The Esplanade
Every Friday night – 5.30pm to 10.00pm
Contact: Surfers Paradise Management Limited – (07) 5584 3700