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Arts and Culture in the Gold Coast

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While the Gold Coast is known as a paradise for adrenaline-seeking surfers, this sun-soaked city has a lot to offer for culture-lovers too. With a vibrant performing arts scene, a strong selection of fascinating museums, and no shortage of breathtaking landmarks - from grand traditional churches to flashy modern architecture - the Gold Coast is full of intrigue.

 

Museums

 

Somewhere in the Gold Coast’s mix of museums you’re bound to find something of interest, whether you’re captivated by the city’s surfer culture, have a love of automobile history, or want to see some life-like wax figures.

 

Gold Coast War Museum

 

Based in Mudgeeraba in the greater Gold Coast city area, this small home-spun museum is a must for military-buffs who won’t believe the extensive array of rare war memorabilia on display. From historical WW2 weapons and uniforms to life-size tanks and jeeps, this museum gives a gripping and rarely seen view of the day-to-day objects of war.

 

42 John Rogers Road, Mudgeeraba QLD 4213. Tel: +61 7 5530 5222

 

Gold Coast War Museum website

 

Surf World Gold Coast

 

Seasoned surfers, hardcore fanatics, and inspired amateurs will all find that the Surf World museum only strengthens their love of the waves. It'll take you through the heritage of global and local surfing, with interactive exhibits, memorabilia displays, and over 100 unique wave-worn surfboards that once belonged to sporting legends.

 

35 Tomewin Street, Currumbin QLD 4223. Tel: +61 7 5525 6380

 

Surf World Gold Coast website

 

Performing arts

 

One of the key cultural Gold Coast highlights is the city’s passion for the performing arts - and the place to catch a show is the Arts Centre Gold Coast, a huge hub for the community and its artists.
The Arts Centre Gold Coast

 

While it also contains arthouse cinemas and an elegant restaurant, the main attraction of this vast centre perched beside the shimmering Nerang River is its theatres and performance spaces. There are 2 smaller suites, but the main auditorium can over a thousand spectators. The year-round schedule is flush with stage plays, touring ballet performances, and live music.

 

135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217. Tel: +61 7 5588 4000

 

The Arts Centre Gold Coast website

 

Art galleries

 

The Gold Coast boasts a booming local arts scene, with plenty of independent galleries showcasing cool contemporary paintings inspired by the Gold Coast’s surrounding tropical landscape.

 

Gold Coast City Gallery

 

Spread across 3 spacious showrooms, this gallery hosts over 20 exhibitions every year, meaning that there’s a fresh and constant turn-around of work. It also houses a permanent exhibition - a selection of both historical and contemporary artworks related to the Gold Coast’s character and artistic development. What’s more, the gallery offers free entry, so there’s no excuse to miss out.

 

135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217. Tel: +61 7 5581 6567

 

Gold Coast City Gallery website

 

Landmarks

 

The natural beauty of the coastline may be the city's biggest draw, but there are plenty of man-made landmarks worth admiring too…

 

SkyPoint Observation Deck

 

The Gold Coast is home to the tallest skyscraper in Australia, the glitzy Q1 which stands at a jaw-dropping 322 meters. While this marvel of modern architecture can be appreciated from the ground, urban adventurers should take a lift up to the SkyPoint Observation Deck, where you'll get to enjoy unbeatable views across the city, ocean, and jungle-rich horizon.

 

9 Hamilton Avenue, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217. Tel: +61 7 5582 2700

 

SkyPoint Observation Deck website

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