The glitz and glamour of the Gold Coast often overshadows the quieter experiences on offer at this Queensland beach location. Yet, behind the glow, there’s a permanently evolving food and culture scene to explore with friends or family, writes Cathy Finch.
EAT AT A BAKERY WITH HEART
Starting with breakfast, Paddock Bakery in Burleigh Heads, through large glass windows, I watch as the baker kneads the dough, and then I order a wicked Biscoff cheesecake doughnut and an espresso.
REDISCOVER THE COAST ON A PRIVATE CATAMARAN
Oceans is the largest and most luxurious vessel of the Sailing in Paradise fleet. It can take up to 30 passengers, giving you the choice of indulging on your own, like our mother/daughter combination, or inviting friends along to enjoy the decadence of luxury sailing.
HOTEL CHECK IN
Time to check in to our accommodation at the Dorsett Hotel, Broadbeach.The Dorsett offers contemporary elegance with a dash of Gold Coast personality, its 313 rooms have sweeping coastline or hinterland views and the resort-style pool is sensational.
RECONNECT WITH DINNER
Nineteen at The Star, an acclaimed venue for cocktails and five-star dining. We indulged in a succulent, sophisticated dinner of Wollemi duck breast and Mar Gra lamb backstrap, laid on beds of braised cabbage, pickled grapes, honey carrot and sauteed kale.
On our second evening we chose KIN, a relaxed asian kitchen and bar at Burleigh Heads. The name KIN means ‘representation of family’, so it fits nicely with our weekend theme. As we drift through small tastings of everything from robata, gyoza, tempura and signature KIN samplings, the menu states “We believe family is universal – we are all one”.
WILD FLOWER GIN DISTILLERY
We make ample time to visit the Wild Flower Gin Distillery at Varsity Lakes, just 15 minutes’ drive inland from Burleigh Heads. It’s like something out of a James Bond movie. Behind the bookcase is a huge secret room set up with chairs, long benches and a long line of alembic pots still used by gin creators to blend their own botanicals.
There’s no place like the Gold Coast to reconnect with friends.
This article was created in partnership with Signature Luxury Travel & Style, written by Cathy Finch.
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Read the full itinerary at Signature Luxury Travel and Style |
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
Destination Gold Coast acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are situated, the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh Language Region.
We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continuing connections to the lands, waters and their extended communities throughout Southeast Queensland.