Vodafone Ashes Series 2010-11
Inspection Report - The Gold Coast
Our Walkabout, Boomerang and Kookaburra tours all take in the first two Vodafone Ashes Series test matches at Brisbane and Adelaide. Between the two tests, Howzat Travellers on these tours will spend two nights on the popular Gold Coast, approximately 80km south-east of Brisbane.
The Gold Coast will be a hive of activity at the time we visit in their summer, with 'Schoolies Week' taking place in Surfers Paradise. We have opted to stay in the nearby Broadbeach, so that our guests can join in the mayhem further up the coast if they wish, or prefer to simply soak up the sun and enjoy a slower pace with everything else that Broadbeach has to offer.
Broadbeach
Broadbeach is perfectly positioned on the Gold Coast just minutes south of Surfers Paradise. It is a very popular holiday destination for Queenslanders, and has a very relaxed and village-style ambience.
Broadbeach has something on offer for everyone - wonderful beaches, a wide range of excellent restaurants, world-class nightly entertainment, dancing and music, and lots of options for shopping.
The Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre - the largest regional convention centre in Australia - is just over the road from the Phoenician, as is Conrad Jupiters Casino. A monorail service ($2 per ride) links the centre of Broadbeach with both the convention centre and the casino.
Hotel
Mantra Phoenician 4* All Howzat Travellers going to the Gold Coast will be staying at the Mantra Phoenician. Situated in the very heart of Broadbeach and just 100 metres (five mins walk) from the beach, the Phoenician is a striking, European continental-style property that is easily identifiable with its white 'twin towers'.
Everything you could need is on your doorstep - the monorail, the shops, restaurants, bars, a medical centre - you name it. Buses go from the nearby convention centre to Surfers Paradise every 10 minutes, or alternatively you can catch a taxi for approximately $10.
The rooms at the Phoenician are fully self-contained with kitchen and laundry facilities and spacious balconies. The gym and spa facilities are also impressive, and the delightful pool area also boasts self-cook BBQ facilities and a game/entertainment room.
The Phoenicial really is the ideal base to both relax and, if you desire, explore The Gold Coast.
Visit the nearby Kurrawa Surf Life Saving Club. Established in 1958 and host of the upcoming 2010 Australian Surf Lifesaving Championships, the SLSC offers a restaurant overlooking the beach. Check out one of several theme parks in the area - all of which are between a 15 and 45 minute drive; Seaworld,
Movieworld,
Dreamworld,
Wet & Wild and the
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Check out one of Broadbeach's award-winning restaurants; Moo Moo, Lauxes, Sage, Yellowfin and 123 - all of which come very highly recommended. Shopping! If you fancy splashing a bit of cash, then you are spoilt for choice. Check out the Australia Fair Shopping Centre,
Chevron Renaissance, Harbour Town,
Niecon Plaza Shopping Centre,
Oasis Shopping Centre or
Pacific Fair Shopping Centre. Visit Jupiters Casino, which features live entertainment, theatres, restaurants and clubs. Just a short monorail ride from the Phoenician. Dracula's cabaret restaurant is a must for those who fancy a fright whilst enjoying their dinner! Try one of the many day tours available, including
Hinterland and wineries tours or a trip to
Sanctuary Cove or
Stradbroke Island. Visit Mount Tambourine - Queensland's first National Park Reserve - perfect for bush walking or wine-tasting.
Weather
The Gold Coast's weather is very much like that of neighbouring Brisbane and has an average of 300 days of sunshine each year. Summar days are hot ranging from 19°C to 29°C and an average of 25°C. Sun cream, hats and light protective clothing are essential.
Hotel
Visit the nearby 
