The Best Tips When Visiting The Gold Coast

As the weather starts to chill down in many parts of the world, we feature one of the paradise places to be during winter break. Today we meet with David Callan, chapter leader and founding committee member of Gold Coast Travel Massive.

David has been in the travel game since he was 19 and has worked with a variety of travel industry professionals including Hyatt, Marriott, Accor, Rydges, Wotif and is currently working as a travel agent for Ignite Travel on the beautiful Gold Coast. Let’s see what is happening in the Gold Coast this year.

How long have you lived in this city?  

I moved here with my family in November 1984 when I was 7.  I went to school and University here before leaving in Jan 1999.  I have just returned to live here in March of this year.

What makes your city so awesome?  

There are so many things to do here, the beach, theme parks, the Hinterland and there’s an emerging restaurant scene to put us up there with the likes of the other capital cities.  

What surprises people most about your city?  

I think it’s size, we have 600,000 people living here now, compared to 120,000 when we moved here in ’84.  People who spend more than 2 or 3 nights here are surprised by the diverse amount of activities for them to explore.

Is there a social, political or environmental issue at the heart of your city which people want to drive change to?

Protecting our Foreshore is pretty important to most Gold Coasters.  We are truly blessed to have some of the best beaches in Australia right on our doorstep.  In previous decades, rapid urban development on top of the dunes has meant most of our beaches are at the mercy of mother nature every time cyclone season hits. In more recent times, there’s been a push to protect our beaches.  Recently the stretch of beaches from Burleigh in the north to Snapper in the south (about 20km) was declared a world surfing reserve –  only the 8th in the world.

Best sustainable travel tips for visiting your city?  

Weirdly you should try staying in a Caravan Park!  They’ve got the best locations up and down the Gold Coast strip and they have come a long way over the last few years in terms of standard.  Just book ahead – they’re pretty popular.

Best local food or restaurant?  

My favourite restaurant is Little Truffle at Mermaid Beach or Social Eating House at Broadbeach.

Best local drink or bar?  

Has to be the new Walrus Bar at the Watermark Hotel, cracking cocktails and $5 tap beers on a Friday afternoon make it a great stop.

Best spot to get off the beaten track?  

O’Reillys up in the Hinterland, simply gorgeous.

Are there any helpful words or lingo in the local language we should know?  

No one calls it the Gold Coast, we know it as the Coast.  Please don’t call it the GC – we hate that.

Any strange by-law in your city?  

No budgie smugglers more than 100m from the beach!!!

In the City is a monthly series that profiles a unique Travel Massive city around the world. Connect with David on Travel Massive and be sure to join the Gold Coast Chapter for updates on their upcoming event.