Spotlight on the Australian Gold Coast
When Giovanni Versace was asked why he chose the Gold Coast as the location of Palazzo Versace, the world's first Versace hotel, he replied, "This is Monaco 20 years ago." Visiting the Gold Coast, it is easy to see what led Giovanni to make such a glamorous comparison. Located in the northeast Australian state of Queensland, just 50 miles south of Brisbane, the Gold Coast offers a relaxed, outdoor-focused lifestyle with all the conveniences of urban living. One can choose to while away an afternoon being pampered at one of Australia's top spas, or hiking in the Hinterland; wandering through world-class shops, or bungee-jumping out of a helicopter over the Pacific Ocean.
Now is the perfect time to buy a Gold Coast real estate dream home; according to John Natoli, a member of Who's Who in Luxury Real Estate Australia, "Australia is undergoing a major cultural change, known as the 'Sea Change'--a shift from an era of urban civilization sprawl to a new era of coastal living." John adds that the outlook for the future is just as bright: "The Gold Coast continues to upgrade and expand its infrastructure to cater to the rapid population growth. This will provide new opportunities for the movers and shakers of our region and provide stimulation for entrepreneurs of development and investors."
Following are a few of the reasons why the Gold Coast shines.
- Australia's World-Famous Beachesclick to read more
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With nearly 45 miles of coastline, the Gold Coast has dozens of spectacular beaches to choose from (and more than 300 days of sunshine a year on which to enjoy them). The region's many excellent surfing beaches draw boardriders from all over the world. At the other end of the spectrum is the Broadwater, an ideal place for family swimming, with calm, shallow water that is safe for children. The most famous Gold Coast beach is Surfers Paradise. This action-packed area has a wide array of shops and restaurants and is also the epicenter of the region's vibrant nightlife.
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- Activities Galore in Australiaclick to read more
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The Gold Coast is an adventure-lover's paradise. The miles of waterways make water sports a popular pastime, including surfing, scuba diving, water-skiing, sailing, windsurfing and fishing. Landlubbers can choose from balloon flights, horseback riding, rock climbing, skydiving and an array of other activities limited only by your sense of adventure! Kids will get a kick out of the Gold Coast's reputation as the Theme Park Capital of the Southern Hemisphere. Amusement parks include Warner Bros. Movie World, Dream World (offering thrilling rides and Australian wildlife), SeaWorld, Wet 'n' Wild (a water park with rides, pools, mega slides and "dive-in" movies) and Ripley's Believe It or Not.
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- National Parks & Rainforestsclick to read more
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The Gold Coast supports a number of national parks and rainforests (many of which are included on the list of World Heritage Sites), which provide an opportunity to see native animals and plants in their natural environment. Stand on the rim of an ancient volcano at Border Ranges National Park, or check out the Gold Coast's largest colony of glowworms at Springbrook National Park. If you're feeling fit, lace up a pair of hiking boots and scale Mt. Warning. You'll be rewarded with magnificent views from the summit.
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- A Selection of Spasclick to read more
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Those who like to spa have a wide variety of top-rated facilities to choose from. The créme de la créme is Salus Per Aquum (which means "Health through Water"), the "six-star" spa at Palazzo Versace where you might rub shoulders with a celebrity or two. Other first-class options include one of the world-famous Golden Door spas (it's connected to the Sheraton Mirage Gold Coast) and the Phoenician Spa Retreat. For a lengthier spa experience, consider booking a weeklong health retreat at Camp Eden in the Currumbin Valley, where packages include pampering sessions, healthy meals, nature-based activities and health and lifestyle advice.
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- Great Golf in Australiaclick to read more
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Choose from more than 40 championship and resort courses, some ranked among the best in the world. Play on courses designed by Greg Norman, Arnold Palmer, Peter Thomson and Jack Nicklaus. Don't be started if you run into a kangaroo or a wallaby on some courses.
A final (and for many people, the most important) reason why you should consider buying a vacation home on the Gold Coast: When it's winter in the United States, Europe and the rest of the Western Hemisphere, it's summertime Down Under!
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