Tiger Tales

Coast to Coast

The Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast may look alike, but each has a unique personality, and both offer the visitor a great time in different ways, says Christine Retschlag

At first glance, Queensland’s prized coasts – the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast – are like twins separated at birth. Both share the same core characteristics: golden beaches, lush green hinterlands, great shopping and dining experiences to intrigue every tastebud.

While the coasts (or “Goldie” and “Sunny” to locals) may come from the same Queensland gene pool, on closer inspection, there are plenty of differences to set these two dazzling destinations apart. What that means is more exciting choices for visitors.

The Gold Coast is the more flash and brash of the pair and the first to poke fun at its own sassiness, if the “Very GC” tourism marketing campaign is anything to go by.

The Sunshine Coast is a perennial favourite with families, and couples looking for a romantic vacation. It’s the dream mix of country and coast. Whatever your pick, holidaying on either coast will leave you satisfied and eager to book your next beach break.

Beaches

If the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast go head to head over anything, the coastline would be it.

Depending on the day, and the surfer you speak to, it’s debatable as to which coast has the better waves. But either way, water babies are definitely spoilt for choice here.

Boasting a coastline which stretches some 70km, the Gold Coast arches like a giant rainbow from its northern tip to the south. It is relatively flat, so it’s almost as though this region is one big suburb, rather than a series of small beach towns.

Surfers Paradise is the most well-known Gold Coast beach, with its landmark stretch of white sand, big surf and high-rise buildings. It’s where the beautiful people hang out. If you prefer to steer away from the crowds, Main, Duranbah and Currumbin beaches are great alternatives.

The Sunshine Coast is about 100km long and punctuated by rugged headlands. Its signature sand pit – Noosa Main Beach – is a protected, calm cove.

Visitors are privy to long stretches of sandy beaches, including Kawana, Maroochydore, Coolum and Sunshine Beach — whether you’re looking to surf or boogie-board, or just take a scenic walk. Kings Beach combines a surf beach with a salt water swimming pool. And for families, the peaceful waters of Mooloolaba Spit and Golden Beach are great, safe fun for kids.

Celebrities

Aussie tennis ace Pat Rafter calls the Sunshine Coast home, along with former Aussie Olympians Lisa Curry Kenny and Grant Kenny.

Sir Richard Branson is also a familiar face, with making regular visits to his Sunshine Coast home, Makepeace Island.

Australian TV travel show presenter Natalie Gruzlewski may spend a good part of the year globe-trekking, but it’s the Gold Coast she calls home, along with former Ironwoman Karla Gilbert and motor-racing champion Mick Doohan.

Wining and Dining

Diners won’t have any trouble looking for a place to dine; both destinations enjoy remarkable fresh water produce — you can’t go wrong with Australia’s luscious seafood.

In a recent coup for the Sunshine Coast, some of the country’s best chefs have taken up residence along Noosa’s Hasting Street overlooking Noosa Beach or nearby Noosaville which overlooks the Noosa River.

It is no surprise then, that the Sunshine Coast is also home to an array of cooking schools, including Spirit House at Yandina, Tamarind at Maleny, Kin Kin Manor at Kin Kin, and Amytis Gardens at Kiels Mountain.

When it comes to wine, the Sunshine Coast’s market is quite sophisticated and is considered one of the most diverse in Queensland.

The Gold Coast dining precinct is buzzing any night of the week. Try restaurants along the very trendy Tedder Avenue at Main Beach; Marina Mirage, including Vanitas at Palazzo Versace; Absynthe at Q1 in Surfers Paradise; the iconic Oskars at Burleigh; and the Broadbeach area.

The region is home to an endless array of restaurants serving international cuisines, which reflect the many cultures that flock to this coast.

Shopping

It’s pretty obvious why Donatella Versace picked the Gold Coast to open her first hotel. If a destination’s pulse can be measured by its shopping, then the Gold Coast is pumping.

The designer diva need look no further than Elkhorn Avenue and Marina Mirage, which is home to high-end designer boutiques like Prada, Hermes, Gucci, Cartier and Louis Vuitton.

On the other extreme end of the scale, the Gold Coast is also home to the kitschy souvenir store with its fake boomerangs and cuddly Australian animal toys, and the major shopping centres, such as Pacific Fair, Australia Fair and Harbour Town, which specifically target the tourist.

While the Sunshine Coast also has a spattering of designer stores, it’s the place to come if you’re looking for something uniquely Australian. Walk down notable precincts along Noosa’s Hasting Street and the Mooloolaba Esplanade for unusual buys. Eumundi Market (about 20 minutes’ drive inland from Noosa) is a must for shoppers seeking authentic Australian art and craft pieces.

Hinterland

Sea and sand isn’t all there is to the two coasts: both are home to some stunning national parks.

The Gold Coast Hinterland is home to 100,000 hectares of World Heritage Listed rainforest, with Springbrook National Park and Lamington National Park’s steep and sensational assents from the coastline. The nearby village of Tamborine Mountain is also accessible via a steep drive from either side, while the charming Canungra resides in the valley below.

The Sunshine Coast Hinterland sits among the shadow of the famed Glass House Mountains and runs parallel to the coast as far north as the Mary Valley. Once you have made the ascent, it’s more a ridge of rolling green hills through mountain villages such as Montville, Maleny and Mapleton to Kondalilla National Park. Still further north, at Cooloola, sits the Great Sandy National Park.

And Noosa National Park is one of Australia’s rare absolute beachfront parks.

Golf Courses

The Gold Coast has eight major golf courses, the most notable of which is the championship green, The Palms at Sanctuary Cove, home to world number seven Adam Scott.

While the Sunshine Coast has half the number of major golf courses, one of the leading events of the circuit is staged right here, with the Hyatt Regency Coolum hosting the annual Australian PGA Championship.

Nightlife and Entertainment

There are few ways better to get the vibe of a city than to check out its nightlife. Over on the Sunshine Coast, nights are spent relaxing and watching the sun set at a surf lifesaving club. For those who prefer something a little more active, there are some excellent bars and night clubs at Mooloolaba and Noosa.

The Gold Coast, on the other hand, is a serious party town. GC nightlife is not for the faint-hearted. Nightclubs are dotted along the coast, with Surfers Paradise being right in the centre of the action.

An interesting and sophisticated wine bar culture is also emerging at the newly developed Broadbeach precinct.

If you prefer to sit and be entertained, Conrad Jupiters Casino for colourful stage shows, and the comedic Draculas Cabaret Restaurant at Broadbeach is considered a Gold Coast institution.

Theme Parks and Attractions

The Gold Coast is the undisputed theme park capital of Australia. Seven theme parks are located in this region, including Warner Bros Movie World, Wet ’n’ Wild Water World, Sea World, Dreamworld and WhiteWater World. Visitors can also get up close and personal with nature at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.

Attractions on the Sunshine Coast are much more traditional but no less fascinating. The famous Australia Zoo is situated here, along with Aussie World and the Ettamogah Pub, Underwater World and the Ginger Factory.

Spa Retreats

When it comes to spas, there’s little to set these two coasts apart. The Gold Coast has two Golden Door spas – one at the Sheraton Mirage Resort and the other further south at Salt Village, plus the unique and innovative Ripple Massage at Mount Tamborine.

Other Gold Coast spas include Salus Per Aquum Spa at Palazzo Versace; Lattouf Hair Spa at the Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort and Spa; Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat; and Q1 Resort and Spa which offers ancient indigenous treatments.

On the Sunshine Coast, day spas are more likely to be found at hotels and resorts such as Sun Spa at the Hyatt Regency Coolum and Noosa Springs Spa at the Noosa Springs Resort. The Ikatan Spa and Balinese Gardens at Noosa is one of the more popular in the region for its unique Balinese-style treatments and massages.

Accommodation

Gold Coast stays are as diverse as this city’s shopping and dining. Over at Palazzo Versace, beautifully bronzed bods settle down by the pool and don’t move for the entire summer. The only thing that changes is the designer swimwear on parade. On the other hand, no backpacker will be disappointed with the wide choices of accommodation, from hostels to caravan parks. While the Sunshine Coast has its fair share of glitzy high-rise hotels, many travellers love the small boutique resorts and spa hotels sprinkled along the coast. And of course there’s always the comfort of a brand name: the Hyatt Regency Coolum and the Sheraton Noosa are safe bets every time.

For those who enjoy the wild outdoors, Sunshine Coast has excellent camp grounds, with many such as those at Coolum, Mooloolaba and the Noosa River snaffling the best real estate around the region.

TIGER AIRWAYS COMMENCES FLIGHTS BETWEEN MELBOURNE AND THE GOLD COAST ON 23 NOVEMBER 2007, AND BETWEEN MELBOURNE AND SUNSHINE COAST ON 1 DECEMBER 2007. FOR MORE DETAILS, GO TO www.TIGERAIRWAYS.COM

AUSTRALIAN DOMESTIC FLIGHTS ARE SUBJECT TO REGULATORY APPROVAL