Thread: Oz : Why the Gold Coast is better than a cheap holiday in Thailand or Bali

Why the Gold Coast is better than a cheap holiday in Thailand or Bali
Neil Herdegen
September 20, 2013


Jason Bright drives the #8 Team BOC Holden during the V8 Supercar Championship Series.
Photo: Quinn Rooney

The Queensland tourism minister has warned Australian parents that an increased focus on cost cutting could rob children of future memories of an iconic Gold Coast holiday.

Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games Jann Stuckey said much of what made Gold Coast holidays so memorable in times past was still available and readily accessible to Australian families.

"We urge Aussie parents to consider the impact on their children's future memories before choosing cheap overseas holidays simply based on price," she said.

"Many Australian adults are fortunate enough to have fond memories of their own childhood experiences on the Gold Coast. Nearly all the best aspects of a holiday on the Coast in times past remain accessible today, well within reach of most family holiday budgets.

"We have an obligation to our children to show them the natural attractions of the Gold Coast."

Despite a 6 per cent increase in international visitors in the last financial year, domestic tourism to the Gold Coast has continued to suffer, partly because of record low fares to cheaper destinations such as Thailand and Bali offered by airlines departing from the Gold Coast.

Tourism operators voiced concerns at the recent DestinationQ travel conference that cheap overseas flights were negatively affecting the local travel industry, just as the increased focus on cost cutting and outsourcing of production overseas had damaged the Australian commercial retail sector.

It's evident to most shoppers that the current race to the bottom in the retail sector through globalisation and offshoring is responsible for much cheaper goods and chronic declines in quality. Tourism operators are concerned a similar trend will damage local Gold Coast tourism and result in Australian children missing out on the famous Gold Coast holiday experience.

However, Gold Coast tourism operators are confident the V8 Supercar carnival from October 25-27, officially known as the Armor All Gold Coast 600, presents an ideal opportunity for Aussie mums and dads to relive some of the best days of their lives and share these with their youngsters.

12 reasons not to take a cheap overseas holiday:

1. The Armor All 600 V8 Supercar event

The entire family will enjoy what is shaping up to be the most spectacular race of the season - guaranteed to get the adrenaline pumping!

2. The world's best beaches

What better way to enjoy Queensland's "beautiful one day, perfect the next" weather?

3. Adventure theme parks

Excitement and adrenaline at Movieworld, Dreamworld, Wet & Wild and don't miss the brand new "Storm-chaser" wet roller coaster at Seaworld.

4. Surfing, fishing, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding

Rent a SUP board and cruise along Currumbin Creek in style or throw a line in and catch your own dinner.

5. Fish and chips on the beach

There's nothing quite like fish and chips from a paper wrapper with a fresh breeze and the surf roaring in the background.

6. International-class restaurants

A new breed of chefs are ready to amaze. New restaurants such as Bazaar at QT offer exciting dishes for all, no matter what your dietary preferences may be.

7. Value-for-money accommodation

Good quality hotels and family holiday apartments all along the coast are still available for the Armor All 600 V8 Supercar event.

8. V8 racing driving lessons

Thrill younger licence-holders in your family who are new to driving as they learn important new driving skills behind the wheel of a V8 supercar with expert instructors.

9. Q1 Skypoint walk

Take the twilight climb and strap yourself securely to the outside of Australia's tallest building, and gasp at the sublime beauty of a sunset you will never forget. An absolute must for visitors of all ages and guaranteed to be an unexpected highlight of your visit.

10. Wildlife parks

What's not to love about nursing a koala, feeding the kangaroos and having a rainbow lorikeet perch on your head?

11. Shopping

See why the Gold Coast's retail shops and big-brand outlets continue to draw visitors from Australia and around the world.

12. Clubs, pubs and night life

At night the famous Glitter Strip really lights up with its unique style of clubs and pubs. During the day, sit on the veranda, soak up the view of the Pacific and enjoy a family meal at one of the Coast's many surf clubs.

brisbanetimes.com.au

Well I'd go for the racing anything else...

There is more Asians on the gold coast than in Bali or Thailand so the experience would be much the same I guess.

I suspect a good few extra dollars would be required.

And absolutely no agenda from Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games Jann Stuckey.

Unless you want to shag a fat pig, Asia is a better destination for a holiday. It's also cheaper and aside from Bali, you can usually avoid any Australians.

Oh and don't forget, the a Armor All v8 60 Supercar event in case I forgot to mention it mates.

Is Stucky a bit more than just the Minister ?

The lack of Aussies could be a plus for foreign visitors Id agree

^ Didn't know any Australians lived on the gold coast It's all full of kiwi and their all beating the shit out of each other. every day it's on the news.

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Sep 12, 2013 - A man bashed by a barman outside a Broadbeach nightclub at a 2006 Christmas party, has been awarded nearly $1.4 million in damages.
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Aug 30, 2013 - Police are searching for two men after a taxi driver was assaulted and his cab was stolen on Queensland's Gold Coast last night.
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May 27, 2013 - A BIKIE gang member has been charged following last week's assault on a Gold Coast lifeguard.
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Apr 6, 2013
A SKATEBOARDER has been arrested over a violent road rage bashing at a busy Gold Coast intersection.
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The best part of the Gold Coast is the ruad north.

P4P is legal in QLD, no?

P4P may be legal but you won't get a $30 GFE with a 9/10 stunner
more like $1000

^
But not year round, is it? I mean it's okay in the Aussie winter, but not exactly "beautiful one day, perfect the next" as the pol suggested.

^he was probably on a little earner, surely you wouldn't begrudge him that - poor fella probably only earns A$100,000 per year or so - costs in Aussieland are on the rise too...

To each his own....

Without the superlative and comparative attachments.

Originally Posted by Tom Sawyer

^
Shagged a few Aussie cuties myself when traveling as I'm sure others have too (for 'free'). But that was a long time ago. These days, it's hard to argue against the FACT that a large number are really overweight. I like the Aussie girls I was with - and like Aussies generally - very down to earth by nature. But the "Minister" seemed to have a "racecar" agenda on the go.. thinly disguised as a general "holiday at home" mesasge

คนเจ้าชู้

Isn't there a rule that says English only?

Originally Posted by Koojo

Originally Posted by Tom Sawyer

^
But not year round, is it? I mean it's okay in the Aussie winter, but not exactly "beautiful one day, perfect the next" as the pol suggested.

Pretty much.
A few cold(ish) days in winter but generally sunny and bright, and in summer maybe some wet grey periods but it's never wet AND cold at the same time.
A ver comfortable environment.
I knew two pommy families (both neighbours) That went back to England because the weather was just the same pretty much day after day. (sunny). And I suppose they missed the miserable weather.
It's gorgeous.

Last time I was there, it was pretty grey and boring. That was around June I think (some years back). Fraser Island was ok - a 4X4 bus drove up the beach then back down on the main road (by tides). Otherwise, rather not very memorable. I went into the "life boat pubs or clubs" or whatever they're called, played the slots since there was fok all else to do and watched the locals who seemed rather loser-like. So maybe I hit an off-year for weather.. dunno

Originally Posted by Tom Sawyer

Isn't there a rule that says English only?

No - the rule is English or Monkey.

12 reasons not to take a cheap overseas holiday:

Reasons not to take a holiday on the Gold Coast:

1. expensive

2. politicall correct whingy mentality.

3. paranoia over taking photos that may include someone, or a part of someone's head in the photo.

4. Western rules and regulations.

Please explain in more detail items 3 and 4.