They say normal is for squares, but who wants to be a square when you could be a fabulous glittering star? The Gold Coast is a sunny wonderland of all things bright and beautiful, and all you need to discover them is a great set of mates and a reliable car hire to drive off to your next adventure. While you’re free to do the normal (but seriously fun) tourist-y things like beach hopping and going to the theme parks, good old Goldy has a few quirky treasures for all you glittering stars. When you’re looking for something to do in the Coast that’s a little more on the offbeat side, here are a few wonderfully weird must-do’s:
Go WWOOFing at New Govardhana
If you’ve never heard of WWOOF, it stands for Willing Workers on Organic Farms. Basically, owners let you stay in their beautiful properties (and even provide food in most places) in exchange for work. At the same time, they promote organic farm methods and produce to a wider community because people come from all over!
Video by Joel Quinn Photography via Youtube
WWOOFing in itself is quite a quite a unique experience, but New Govardhana makes your stay extra special by giving you reprieve from the hustle and bustle of life. While most holiday destinations advertise the pursuit of hedonistic pleasures (which isn’t a bad thing since you are on holiday), New Govardhana Hare Krishna farm encourages a more spiritual experience. Its WWOOFers Village lets you, and up to 30 other guests, tend to lush gardens and bright paddocks. You’re to be up and about at 6:30 or 7:00am. It sounds ridiculously early but, believe me, the breathtakingly beautiful view of the sun gently pouring onto the fresh countryside and prolific rainforested mountains is worth the early wake. You’ll also appreciate the early start when you realise how much hotter it gets throughout the day.
Video by Krishna Village Eco Yoga Community via Youtube
If the simplicity of farm life isn’t enough to calm your demons, you can attend their daily spiritual program held at the temple each morning. Of course, they won’t obligate you to join, but taking Yoga, meditation, and kirtan is a great way to kickstart the day. There’s nothing quite like starting the morning with a quiet mind, relaxed body, and feelings of peace.
For more information on WWOOFing at New Govardhana, check out http://www.krishnafarm.net/wwoofing-at-new-govardhana/
Go to Infinity (and beyond!)
Yes, that title was a completely intentional reference to the old Disney classic Toy Story – with good reason, I promise! Just like Buzz’s futuristic outer space adventures, trying to defeat the evil Emperor Zurg; Infinity gives you a psychedelic adventure through a multi-sensual maze which will challenge your sense and ignite your imagination.
Video by Infinity Attraction via YouTube
This technicoloured sensory wonderland is the first of its kind in the world, giving you a completely unique experience. Immerse yourself in this futuristic funhouse, giving you a sensory overload of stunning special effects, emotive sound fields, and mind-boggling spatial illusions, sensuous aromas, and interactive spaces. It’s one crazy multi-sensual environment after the other, filled with mirrors, lights, interactive art, and so much more! You’re sure to love every single minute of it.
Video by Infinity Attraction via YouTube
Bring the whole family (for all ages over 8), your colleagues, schoolmates, or even your best mates with you. Whomever you’re with, you’re sure to have trippy psychedelic fun exploring all the colourful dimensions. Scream, laugh, dance, rave, play and delight in this mad and rad tunnel of chemical-free highs and peace-inducing lows.
Image by Infinity via infinitygc.com.au
For more information, check them out at Chevron Renaissance Centre, Surfers Paradise Blvd & Elkhorn Ave, Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast QLD 4217, or visit their website at http://infinitygc.com.au/.
End the day with a funny named beer
Whatever you decide to do on your Gold Coast adventure, you’re going to want to end the day with a cold one from Burleigh Brewing Co. It’s a great place to enjoy live music, local food trucks, and a stellar 24 tap line-up of Burleigh brews with cheeky names and incredible taste. You’re going to have a big laugh getting a great buzz from the likes of “My Wife’s Bitter” (english ale), “Hassle Hop” (strong pale ale), and “Dream Date” (dark date ale). Take note that these aren’t your typical convenience store ales and lagers. These are high quality, artisanal craft beers with NO additives, preservatives, speeding agents, foam enhancers, or animal products.
Image by Burleigh Brewing Co
If you’re a hardcore beer person, take their free walk-through tour of the production and packaging facility or take a special Backstage with the Brewmaster tour for only $50. You can even get takeaway growlers during operating hours if you need a few more lagers before hitting the hay.
Video by Burleigh Brewing via Youtube
Whenever you head to Burleigh Brewing, you don’t just support the local industry, you support two amazing people who’ve made it their mission to set amazingly high standards in the industry. They did this not only to the Australian craft brewing but also in the way they treat employees, customers, and the community. Ask the staff about Peta and Brennan and they’ll tell you a story about two incredibly passionate, generous, and kind people who’ve made Burleigh Brewing Co a family.
PRO TIP: If you’re driving a car hire for the trip, make sure that you’re with someone who can play Designated Driver when you decide to get your drink on at Burleigh Brewing. It may seem like common sense but you’d be surprised at how many people forget that there are hefty fines to pay in case of an accident and strict road rules against driving under the influence in Australia. Don’t be that guy.
