Gold Coast Info

GETTING AROUND

Broadbeach is centrally located on the Gold Coast, which is a long and spread out, geographically. Fortunately, everything you could possibly need during your stay is within a short walking distance of The Star, but if you do wish to explore further afield, there are some good options.

A large bus depot sits about a five minute walk away from the casino, and there are two G:Link (tram) stops within a couple of minutes – Broadbeach South, and Broadbeach North. From either of these you can hop on a tram and head north a stop or two to Surfers Paradise to check out the famed nightlife and profusion of awesome Asian restaurants, or head further north to Southport and the Broadwater Parklands. No tickets are necessary, you just tap your credit card when you get on, and then again when you get off. If you want to head south to check out the stunning southern beach destinations of Burleigh or Palm Beach, buses are your best bet.

PLAY

Broadbeach is a major hub on the Gold Coast, and is packed with options for a fun stay. It is home to some of the Gold Coast’s most sought-after restaurants, including the award-winning Social Eating House (you’ll need to book weeks in advance for this one), Moo Moo (famous steaks), Mecca Bah’s middle eastern delights and Miss Moneypenny’s, where you can hang with all the movers and shakers. Of course, this is all if you’re feeling a bit fancy. If you’re looking for something more wallet-friendly, then it’s hard to go past The Lamb Shop, The Loose Moose (killer burgers), Harajuku Gyoza and Beer Stadium, and arguably the most Instagrammed café on the GC, Elk Espresso, which does out-of-this-world brekkies and brunches.

Broady is also a major retail destination, with the huge Pacific Fair playing host to every kind of shop imaginable, from big department chains like Kmart and Big W to the finest designer boutiques. It also boasts a massive range of dining experiences, supermarkets, great cinemas and chill spaces. And it’s just a short stroll down the road. Across from The Star is Broadbeach Mall where you can go record shopping, grab a snack of the best hot chips on the Gold Coast at Madison’s Café, pop into Woolies for some room supplies, check out some seriously funky bars, or hit up some live music at Den Devine. The Oasis Shopping Centre in the mall is a smaller option, if you can’t be bothered hitting up the behemoth that is Pac Fair.

We would be remiss without mentioning the beach, of course. Broadbeach is aptly named. It’s a gigantic wave beach with pale golden sand and sparkling views as far as the eye can see. It’s excellent for surfing, swimming (between the flags!), or just kicking back in the sunshine. There are beach volleyball courts set up near the foreshore, and enough space that you can spread out comfortably. The shady Kurrawa Park sits at the foreshore and is a great picnic spot. There are also often markets on here where you can grab a bunch of local art, artisan food products, clothes and heaps more. For those travelling with the family, Kurrawa Park has the largest fenced outdoor playground on the Gold Coast, as is a massive favourite with kids. The Kurrawa Surf Club also does great specials and affordable kids’ meals, with one of the best views around.

THE STAR

The Star is a local institution. Not just a casino, it’s a full entertainment hub replete with several theatre spaces, several accommodation venues and some of the best dining around. In terms of the fancier dining options, Cucina Vivo slings real Neapolitan-style woodfired pizzas all day long, and Kiyomi, The Star’s flagship Japanese restaurant, is arguably the best Japanese food you’ll find in Queensland. There’s always plenty of live entertainment happening at The Star, which buzzes with activity pretty much 24/7. Head to Uncle Su for fancy yum cha or head up to Nineteen, the rooftop bar, for a signature cocktail in the wee hours after a long night’s tagging. The Isoletto Pool Club lets you lounge around in style while you grab a snack or cool off with a dip, and Asure Spa and Fitness means you get your workout in, or grab a relaxing beauty treatment in between contest sessions. There’s also a huge range of casual dining options available.



 

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