A GOLD COAST getaway doesn’t have to be all about high-rises and shop-’til-you-drop.
This month, the beachside town of Currumbin on the southern end of the Gold Coast, plays host to the Swell Sculpture Festival.
From September 8-17, more than 50 works by local, national and international artists will turn Currumbin Beach into a stunning outdoor gallery.
The perfect excuse to head to the coast, there will also be guided twilight walks and artist talks, artist-led workshops, food on The Green and live music. Small sculptures will be on show at the Swell Smalls Gallery, where there will also be artist masterclasses and kids’ workshops.
While there, make sure you visit the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. As well as having lots of native animals, there’s wild lorikeet feeding, a free-flight bird show and sheep shearing. You can also see vets in action at the Wildlife Hospital precinct.
Surfers may also want to check out Surf World Gold Coast, Queensland’s only surfing museum, which boasts an extensive collection of surfboards highlighting the changes from the early 1930s to today.
There’s also photography, art works and a gallery of photos showcasing today’s surfing champions.
If you go...
Coolangatta is Queensland’s most southerly coastal community, the gateway to the Gold Coast and northern NSW town of Tweed Heads 100km south of Brisbane.
It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a relaxing holiday tempered with the excitement of the Gold Coast on its doorstep. There are daily flights to Coolangatta – www.coolangatta.net