How locals will be doing the Games
Our guide to the celebrating the Gold Coast’s sporting event
As the Gold Coast community prepares for the biggest event to ever take place in their hometown – holidaymakers, families and sport enthusiasts are travelling from far and wide to get in on all the 12-day action.
While there’s a myriad of attractions on offer throughout the Games, locals are likely to be taking it easy, much like their laidback locale. Every local has a story to tell, and every traveller is looking to explore the hidden secrets that make this seaside and hinterland hot spot so beautiful.
So, for those who truly wish to embrace the GC lifestyle, here’s how to do the Games like a local:
Locals kick off at the Sanctuary Beer Garden
Sport + beers + kangaroos... Only in Australia!
If you want to make the most of your Games experience without breaking the bank, immerse yourself in the Gold Coast’s free and easy culture by joining us at the Sanctuary Beer Garden for a local-style gathering.
Between the 4th and 15th of April, the Village Green will be transformed into a craft beer garden made of all things Australiana. Locals and tourists will come together to catch the events, cheer on their favourite sporting stars and relax on the lawn with a homegrown craft beer. The Coast is known for its booming micro-brewing scene, and none other than local favourite Burleigh Brewing will be pouring their signature beers on tap.
Delicious food will be available to keep bellies full and taste buds content – with options for even the fussiest of diners. With live entertainment, a cool kids zone featuring our Aussie TV star and mate Blinky Bill, and a meet and greet with our adorable native wildlife, it’ll be your one-stop-shop for celebrating the event among friends and family. Want to know the best part? It’s free!
More details to come.
Enjoying 12 days of the arts at the Games’ Festival
Talent for days.
During those 12 eventful days, the celebrations are set to extend well beyond the stadiums for locals and visitors. The official launch of the event’s Festival 2018 has come with the announcement of a world-class lineup of multi-arts and cultural entertainment.
With no shortage of talent along this bright and sunny coastline, it’s no wonder the Games is so enthusiastic about supporting the local creative community. The diverse lineup is sure to engage people from all walks of life – and with the whole world watching, we can expect to see some amazing performances and artistic expression from the local and international talent pool, including the traditional owners of this land.
Running a marathon of sporting spectacles
And now for the obvious: sport, sport, and more sport!
As the world looks to the Gold Coast to catch some of the most elite athletes, they’ll see an equal number of men and women step up to the podiums for the first time in multi-sport history. Visitors and local spectators can expect to see a huge turnout for the major track and field events – and Aussie swimmers will be the talk of the town as they play to their strengths in the aquatic arena.
Here’s what’s on the Games’ athletic agenda:
- Athletics
- Badminton
- Basketball
- Beach Volleyball
- Boxing
- Cycling (Mountain Bike)
- Cycling (Road Race)
- Cycling (Time Trial)
- Cycling (Track)
- Diving
- Gymnastics (Artistic)
- Gymnastics (Rhythmic)
- Hockey
- Lawn Bowls
- Marathon
- Netball
- Para Powerlifting
- Race Walk
- Rugby Sevens
- Shooting
- Squash
- Swimming
- Table Tennis
- Triathlon
- Weightlifting
- Wrestling
Catching all the coastal cycling action for free
Beach bums, take heart.
If you’re on a tight budget or would prefer to hang by the coastline, there’s no reason why you should miss out on all the sporting action. The Currumbin foreshore is one of the Coast’s most picturesque and relaxed locations – but when the Games arrive, this stunning backdrop will play home to the adrenaline-pumping (not to mention dramatic) start and finish line for the world’s fastest peddlers as they compete for gold.
A local and international intermingling will take place along the spectators’ sideline, and crowds upon crowds are expected to feast their eager eyes on these steely cyclists. An unmissable race against the clock on one challenging road track – and right by Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary!
The Sanctuary’s activation involvement
The 2018 Games have given the Sanctuary so many reasons to smile, and we’re proud to be celebrating and showcasing our rich and diverse culture by hosting community activation zones.
The staff at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary are thrilled to be rolling out the red carpet for tourists, with animal presentations at the airport during Games week. Our General Manager Michael Kelly says he’s delighted to be welcoming visitors to the Gold Coast.
“Not only is the Gold Coast the most beautiful city in the world, but its diverse geography makes for a truly unique visitor experience. You can even meet our native wildlife just minutes from some of our world famous beaches,” says Mr Kelly.
“We’re very proud to be involved in this exciting international event – and to be sharing Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary with our Games visitors.”
Locals and visitors alike should celebrate the Games the right way by joining us at our free event on the Village deck. Stay tuned for more information.
