When you look at the quality of the beaches, the exquisite pace of life and weather that will please any sort of person, it’s hard to find a reason to avoid Australia’s Gold Coast at any time of year. Yet depending on your taste, some months might be better than others, so look over this schedule of events and pick your ideal month to visit.
This calendar is in no way the final word on the matter. The Gold Coast has so many different attractions that I recommend doing some exploring besides checking out these recommendations.
January: How does the Magic Millions Carnival sound? That’s exactly what you’ll find on the Goldy every January with this legendary horse racing event. You’ll find yearling sales, races, formal dinners, parties and more, all leading up to the main event, the Magic Millions Race, where more than $3 Million will go to the winner.
February: Because of the light schedule in February, the traveler looking for quiet days at the beach will find them in abundance. The school holidays finish up, the tourists clear out and the Gold Coast has that local feel all over again. If you like to relax without remembering the society you left behind, come in February.
March: March is the surfers’ month, when the World Tour hits the Gold Coast and pro surfing’s best navigate their way through the pounding surf and excited crowds. The Gold Coast has always been a favorite for surfers from all over the world, so this period is a special time, when old friends get together and locals see the visitors all come out for a great time.
April: More surfing is on the schedule in April, but leave the flashy tricks behind, as our Malfunction Surf Festival is a paradise for the old school surfers. The nostalgia is thick in April as the longboards and baggies are seen everywhere on the coast, with plenty of classic surf memorabilia for sale and on display. If you’re longing for that classic surf culture, you’ll find it in April.
May: May is blues month, as Broadbeach’s Blues Festival lights up the schedule for five days of music, fun and partying in one of the biggest events of the year. Over 100,000 are on hand for this party, which takes some of the world’s best musicians and adds them to a street festival only Australia could host.
June: The Whale Watching season begins in June. Come and watch these magnificent creatures as they make their annual migrations to the North.
July: July’s annual Gold Coast Marathon is more than your average race. It’s a weekend of events surrounding the big show, which showcases these great athletes tackling a massive challenge.
August: Food and drink lovers make their way to Australia’s Gold Coast every August to sample wines and cuisines in the festival known as Tastes of the Gold Coast. In this idyllic setting, the best local chefs and wine producers put their creations on display and the epicureans among us get to feast until your hearts are content. If you think Australia’s cuisine can’t compare with the world’s best, stop by in August.
September: September finds art lover heading down to Currumbin Beach for the annual Swell Sculpture Festival, without comparison in the world. With artists producing sculptures intended for outdoor use, you’ll see some impressive creations that are larger and more imposing than anything sitting in a museum. Of course, with the art comes the party, and you’ll see quite a lively festival surrounding the event, with tourists and artists mingling through it all.
October: Car racing enthusiasts should mark October on the calendar and hit Surfers Paradise for the show. Whether it’s A1 GP or Indy, you’re going to get a taste of speed in this exciting festival.
November/December: Not for the faint of heart, Schoolies Week comes down on Gold Coast dwellers at the year’s end. When Australians finish high school, this week is their time to celebrate a graduation and a new beginning. For three weeks the Coast is filled with teenagers out to have fun and forget about the classroom (until university, that is). If you’re around the same age and want a little release, come on down.
For the more mature crowd, this Schoolies Week could seem like something out of a nightmare, but don’t be scared off. Booking a hotel outside of Surfers Paradise will keep you away from the epicenter of things. In Mermaid and Collangatta cooler heads can prevail and a relaxing time enjoyed by all.
I hope that helps you plan your next vacation, I look forward to seeing you here.
Damian Papworth has learned there is too much to see for ladies coming on a Gold Coast holiday. That is just another reason why buying the perfect women’s shoes is so crucial.
