Gold Coast Observations...............

How things have changed!!!

It's really amazing how quickly the Gold Coast has changed in three years, if like me you haven't been back for a while, here are some observations.

Qdeck is a great space for functions and events and to view the whole coast from the 78th floor, the Titans new stadium is now available for events and functions and just around the corner in Robina Shopping Town you will find the most amazing shopping center used by the Gold Coast locals and a few savvy tourists, its completely different from 3 years ago and this new and spectacular center makes Pacific Fair, Harbor Town and Australia Square look old and small. Parking is a breeze and most importantly the prices are indicative of lower rental fees and a much larger local population base. The new railway line soon to be opened from Varsity Lakes adds to the region, but I cannot understand why it was not put through to the Gold Coast Airport linking both Brisbane and the Gold Coast, plus a toilet really is required for the 1 1/2 hour trip.

Cavil Avenue in Surfers Paradise was the jewel in the crown, but with the huge building works for Hilton Surfers Paradise, it simply is not worth returning until its completed trying to relax in paradise with the noise was impossible and some of the Gold Coasts beaches have a major problem with sand erosion making the beach twice as close and twice as crowded. We walked up Cavil Avenue expecting to see busker's, artists and enjoy some free entertainment, but that's all gone, no longer allowed, but at least there's no touts or sprukers pestering everyone.

My pick of the places to go is Broadbeach, the new streetscape and choice of eateries like Sage and Yellowfin are attracting the oldies the ones over 30 and not the Schoolies. There are several new apartment blocks in Broadbeach offering $300 luxury apartments on wotif for under $100 which is great for tourists but don't be fooled, the corporate market rates are still better at most of the reliable hotels like Sofitel. Just remember most would agree when price integrity goes out the window so does service.

Some of the other changes to note are the Royal Pines Resort is now an RACV hotel and Resort, they are currently building a new restaurant that is sure to attract many more of the Victorian motoring club members. At Nerang The Villa has closed so the owner of Nifsan can use it again as his residence which was a major dissapointment to the hundreds of couples that had booked it for weddings.

I called in to Sheraton Mirage to meet Jane Strangman back from maternity leave she informed me the hotel was being sold by the bank that day and hopefully they will be able to announce new owners and put an end to the Skase memories of old.

It was great to see both Palazzo Versace and Hyatt Sanctuary Cove although three years older, they actually looked even better than the last time I saw them, a testament to the landscape gardeners and that first impression set by the door men and front office.

Finally, My best Memory of the Gold Coast August 2009 apart from 9 pound 2 ounce Chase Dakota - our new grandson, was to witness something really very special, if you are heading to the coast check out the whales because whilst we was outside fishing 14km off the coast we were welcomed by over 40 whales during three hours that surfaced within 100 metres of our anchored boat, and yes we bagged some snapper, taylor and 12 Spanner Crabs.

The Traveller

30th September

An Invitation to Star City Hotel and Casino

Let us show you a great start to the day for your group!!

Your opportunity to enjoy a Private Corporate Breakfast with 20 elite buyers of meeting and event space at 7am - 830am in Astral PDR

Star City Hotel & Casino
80 Pyrmont Street, Pyrmont NSW 2009, Australia

Register here

8th October

Jika International Conference Centre

LUNCH AT JIKA ON US

An invitation to everyone looking for a venue out of the CBD that is cost effective, reliable and willing to negotiate on multiple bookings because we know you will want to come back..........

Register Here to attend at midday on 8th October

Click to download our Conference Information Kit 2009. www.jika.com.au

Regards,
Simon Sokolski General Manager

Jika International Hotel

551 Heidelberg Road, Fairfield Victoria Phone: (61 3) 9481 2822

October 9th

A 2 Day overnight Famil Tour

Hey Thrill Seekers Come and find out how exciting Wollongong can be!

Sky Dive the Beach, Harley Davidson bike riding along Grand Pacific Drive and much more. This is a perfect opportunity for corporate famil club members to experience great Wollongong hospitality". We encourage famil club members to take up this great opportunity to gain a better understanding of what Wollongong has to offer conference and meeting organisers.

Register Here to attend

22nd October

YOU ARE INVITED TO AN AMORA EXPERIENCE

At Amora Hotel Riverwalk on Thursday 22nd of October at 6pm

Register for an intimate dinner for 20 Dinner Guests

Register Here

Sarah Di Berardino
Conference Sales Manager
Amora Hotel Riverwalk
T: 03 9246 1200

2nd and 3rd of October

Overnight Famil Tour

Stay overnight and visit some of the best venues in Victoria

Famil Tour - Register Interest here

SPRING PACKAGES

View here