The Endless Surf Wave Lagoon could soon be a reality.
The Endless Surf Wave Lagoon could soon be a reality.
We are all quite familiar with the fact we live on a coastline fairly famous for its surf. So famous in fact, part of it is named one of only nine world surfing reserves. There’s also the part where it breeds world champions like no one’s business.
What happens though when the winds turn onshore, or (God forbid) we have ourselves a flat spell? Doesn’t bear thinking about, does it?
There’s been talk about a surf wave pool coming to the Gold Coast for a few years now and while it seems like an inevitability at some point in the near future, we can excitedly say that the ‘Endless Surf Wave Lagoon’ — part of a proposed world-class integrated golf and surf resort at Parkwood Village — is about to quell all the waiting and could very much be a reality sooner rather than later.
The proposed plans will complement the Community HUB & High-Performance Centre at Parkwood Village, with the addition of a beach-like lagoon offering quality waves to suit all abilities, from beginner to professional, come rain or shine, 365 days a year!
Endless Surf will be manufactured by WhiteWater West, a world-renowned Canadian-based wave pool and water park developer. WhiteWater West have their sights firmly set on being a global leader in this industry by announcing surf park projects in Paris, the Dominican Republic, Vietnam and more.
Offering safe, predictable, and quality waves up to an impressive 2.4 metres in size in a completely controlled environment, the Endless Surf Pool is set to encompass a natural shape that provides a large ‘beachfront’ for that genuine surf feel. The pool will be complemented by the existing golf course, approved future resort hotel, and some great food and beverage facilities.
The Club at Parkwood Village is a fairly well-established leisure destination located in the centre of the Gold Coast, and only 10 minutes from Surfers Paradise, it’s easy for everyone to get to.
Parkwood Village managing director Luke Altschwager said they will spend the next few months working with the community and local council reconfiguring the current approval to accommodate the Endless Surf Wave Lagoon and upgrades to the golf course.
“There is nothing more quintessentially Australian than surfing. We want to make sure Parkwood becomes the heart of sport here on the Gold Coast,” Altschwager said.
“Couple this with a multi-million dollar make-over to the 18-hole golf course and a beautiful family resort, it will be a game-changer!
“The hope is that by 2023, Parkwood Village will be an exciting sports and family venue, which will be renowned across Australia, and training the next generation of world golf, rugby league and surfing champions.”
Lookout Gold Coast, looks like surfing could soon be done both at our beautiful beaches and in-land!
Words by Alex Mitcheson
World-class waves await.
Learning to surf is practically a rite of passage on the Gold Coast. With year-round warmth and world-class breaks dotted along the coastline, there’s no better place to give it a go. In honour of that, here are five local spots that both Gold Coasters and out-of-towners love to surf.
Get out there, frothers.
Kicking off with four surf breaks in one, The Superbank is a high-performance surfing mecca and home to some of the longest waves in the world. Man-made by sand dredging from the Tweed River, it offers a mix of waves for every level. The crowds demand patience here, and when the swell’s up, it’s best for beginners to sit on the sand and enjoy the show.
Snapper Rocks dishes out crisp barrels for seasoned surfers, while Rainbow Bay is ideal for beginners and longboarders with long, cruisy walls. Greenmount is more user-friendly than Snapper, but the sweep can make paddling back out challenging. Kirra itself is another consistent but crowded break with a shifting sand bottom. Bring your good vibes and you’re sure to have a whale of a time.
Where: Marine Parade and Snapper Rocks Road, Coolangatta
The waves that break off Burleigh Headland make up one of the Coast’s most-loved surf spots. When it’s on, it’s packed with everyone from novices to pros, plus plenty of photographers perched on the hill. Experienced surfers jump in from the rocks on the northern side of the point, while beginners can paddle out from the beach and sit wide in the smaller reforms.
Where: Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads
Where the creek meets the sea lies Currumbin Alley, one of the most scenic spots on the Coast and a favourite for beginners and longboarders. The bay usually serves up mellow waves, with plenty of groms in the shallows giving it a go. If you’re keen to learn but haven’t yet worked up the courage, the Alley is the perfect launchpad.
Where: Northern end of Currumbin Beach
Duranbah (or D-bah to locals) is technically in NSW, but we’ll claim it anyway. You’ll find both lefts and rights, generally suited to surfers with some experience. Even on smaller days, there’s usually something punchy and fun to play with. It’s also a great spot to sit on the sand and watch more seasoned surfers to pick up tips.
Where: Coral Street, North Tweed
Some say South Straddie is the best beach break on the Coast thanks to its A-frame peaks and swell-magnet reputation. You’ll need a boat to get there, but the reward is a peaceful stretch of surf-soaked paradise with kilometres of untouched beach.
Where: Across the bar from The Spit (Southport)
If you’re after something more relaxed, there are countless beach breaks up and down the Coast perfect for practicing the basics. Always be aware of other surfers and brush up on surf etiquette before paddling out.
And if lessons are on the cards, Hang Ten Co at Bilinga, Currumbin Alley Surf School and Surf Easy at Currumbin Alley, Kirra Point Surf School in Kirra, Go Ride A Wave at Coolangatta, Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise will get you up and riding.
Words by Lisette Drew
Good coffee, great food and city vibes.
Our sweet, sweet So-Po. There’s something we just love about Southport, maybe it’s the fact that they’ve got bulk bars and restaurants so hunger never has to enter our vocabulary again. Or maybe it’s how you can get a coffee hit and hit of golf done in half a day and then soak up those Broadwater views for the rest of it – shall we go on?
All we know is that there are so many goodies in this CBD gem we couldn’t list them all or you’d be here all day and we know you’re all about less reading and more doing! (same). Here’s our round-up of local approved must-do’s!
The retailers in Southport get that you’re busy – it is the CBD after all – so time is of the essence and efficiency is the word over here. Brickworks Ferry Rd has everything from the Standard Market Co to get those dinner essentials or to make the perfect charcuterie boards, to Cardamom Pod, bring those ‘gram-worthy acai bowls and a brunch menu that will have you coming back for more.
Upping the ante with a little bit of everything, Queen Street Village is just off the Smith St Motorway, so you can pop in for the essentials from gourmet grocer Jones & Co IGA. No time to meal prep? Grab some Asian eats at Wu Kong with peckish plates to keep you going, or a classic pub feed from The Queen’s Arms for your parmy fix. When all that eating has got you zonked, get your caffeine hit at Sens Coffee and pop into DENDY to catch the latest flicks and a moment of peace and quiet.
Now, did we hear you say retail therapy? Enter: Australia Fair. With the big names in fashion all in one spot, along with our biggest vice Kmart, on the store list, say goodbye to your savings, but hello to a fresh new look. Once you’ve shopped till you dropped, it’s time to start your Tour-de-Food at Australia Fair Metro, think pho, dumplings and desserts by the dozen.
No man is left behind at Made With Love who delivers on 100% vegan cakes, pies and pastries– because you know what they say, a doughnut a day keeps the doctor away…or something like that. And why should our vegans not be part of the action?!
Keeping the Euro-bakery vibes rolling is 5B2F Ciabatta, the Southport spin-off from the cult-fave Chirn Park bakehouse, slinging everything from flaky croissants and glossy danishes to ciabatta sandwiches stuffed with all the good things (hello truffle ham and cheese toastie). It’s a grab-and-go carb paradise where sourdough, dreamy pastries and show-stopping cakes are baked fresh daily – basically your daily bread, but make it boujee.
Coffee addicts, Southport’s got you covered with experiences like SupermarCat Cat Café, which – you guessed it – comes with a side of kitty cuddles with your caffeine fix, it’s so good we won’t judge if you start purring along with your furry friends.
For the more traditional café vibe, Humble Café might be humble by name, but they’re big on variety from classic cold drips to matcha espresso.
Joining the caffeine crew, but with a twist, is Yellow & Butter. Tucked neatly inside Cloud 9 Car Wash, they’ve officially upgraded your car washing experience with a side of brunch. Our advice is to start with the cheesecake!
Cheek Café serves up wholesome bites, knockout coffee and top-tier banter, all wrapped in a peachy-pink, personality-packed space. While Broadwater Café is a local fave for its stellar brews and arguably the most scenic sip spot in Southport. Coffee with a side of waterfront wow.
If you prefer your coffee topped with cold foam, or paired with a sweet treat on the side (hello, Dubai Mochi Cookie) Milestone should be at the top of your hit list.
You already know we’re partial to a cold beverage to round out the day, but if you’re after a side of live music with that, then Vinnies Dive is the only place to get your fix and an ice-cold brew all in one.
Just across the tram line, nothing says Southport more than a cocktail (or 5) on Mr PP’s rooftop, perched above Nerang Street so you can people watch till your heart’s content. Keeping the rooftop vibes going strong, Aviary Rooftop at Southport Sharks have an epic cocktail menu that talks a big game, and luckily for us, it doesn’t just live up to expectations – it’s even better.
Also at Southport Sharks, Kaktus Bar is your go-to for a vibrant cocktail. Yep, this place delivers a thirst-quenching margarita as you’ve never tasted. One of those (or a few), paired with live music and a lineup of tacos, and you have yourself a fiesta!
Carafe Wine is an eco-conscious space offering top-notch wine from all the most renowned vino regions and zero-waste practices, plus a unique menu of sharing boards.
Hello foodies, thought we forgot about you? We could never! Kicking us off is the Japanese eatery, KatsuCo which churns out iterations of its namesake dish – traditionally coated in crunchy panko crumb and slathered in curry sauce.
For those on-the-go looking for the ultimate grab-and-go, Shiro Gelato & Snack knows what’s up with a selection of Japanese market eats like housemade Onigiri to get you fueled up and ready to tackle the day and gelato to finish because there’s always room for a sweetie treatie.
River House brings waterfront dining to the table with relaxed Broadwater views and a modern menu that works just as well for long lunches as it does for sunset dinners.
A bit of a two-in-one is Fire Baby & Ember. Upstairs, Fire Baby serves up comfort by the slice; wood-fired pizzas crafted from premium ingredients. Downstairs, Ember is where you can get flame-licked steaks and charcoal-grilled seafood.
Since we’re on a food journey around the world, you’ll be happy to know that Southport is pretty much THE place to get your Korean BBQ fix – yep, we found and 6 smokin’ hot Korean BBQ spots on the GC and would you believe 5 of them call our humble CBD home. Yep, Southport officially has a license to grill.
So, you’ve got your coffee fix and tum full- now you’re looking to get at one with nature? Obviously, your next stop has to be Broadwater Parklands. It doesn’t matter if you’re just there for a hot girl walk or trying to find a way to keep your tribe occupied, the shared pathway makes it the ultimate for everyone, whether you’re in your running era or just keen to take in the Broadwater views while you bike and play.
Fancy a bit more adventure, we hear you say? We got you. Tee off for a full day of fun at Southport Golf Club so you can let your inner Tiger Woods run wild on the green. If land has got you feeling like a fish out of water, then pop on over to the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre for a mermaid moment with things like group fitness classes – hello aqua aerobics – as well as Olympic-length swimming pools for the pros and splash pads for the little tackers.
If you’re keen to try something a little different, the Gold Coast Indoor Shooting Centre and The Shooting Centre both deliver a high-adrenaline experience with a strong focus on safety and guidance, making them approachable for first-timers and seasoned shooters alike.
If switching off and resetting is more your vibe, Vikasati Bathhouse is Southport’s answer to full-body bliss, offering hot and cold pools, saunas and spa-style experiences designed to melt stress away without ever leaving the city.
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
