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Your ultimate guide to an elevated summer on the Gold Coast

Sun-bathed days, dazzling beaches and a fun-loving culture which is always up for a good time; the Gold Coast is everything you could want from your summer holiday hit list. With its front-and-centre locale and an invitation to relish the moment, the stylish Dorsett Gold Coast warmly welcomes guests with sleek design-led interiors, direct access to a world of entertainment and the incredibly Instagrammable Isoletto Pool Club.

This is your all-in-one guide to uncovering the city, so check in to chill out, frock up and dive into everything that glitters on the Gold Coast.

Dorsett Gold Coast Exterior
Take advantage of Dorsett Gold Coast’s central locale.

Where to stay

If you’re here for a good time, and, well, who doesn’t come to the Gold Coast for that? Then Dorsett is the only place to stay. Throw yourself onto the generous bed in your ultra-stylish room and take in the surrounding scene of refined interiors, astonishing city vistas and your centre-of-the-action Broadbeach location.

Dorsett Gold coast Deluxe King Panoramic Bedroom
Soak in the views from your Deluxe King room.

Set within The Star Gold Coast’s leisure precinct and an easy five-minute walk from Kurrawa Beach and Broadbeach’s dining precinct and across the road from Pacific Fair shopping centre – Dorsett Gold Coast is at the beating heart of a truly vibrant playground.

Go all in and book an Executive Room to level up the luxe on your stay and unlock access to the loftily located Executive Lounge on level 19. Here you can take in sweeping Gold Coast panoramas and indulge in complimentary daily sunset canapes, evening drinks and a bespoke buffet breakfast.

breakfast at dorsett gold coast executive lounge
Level up to the Executive Lounge breakfast.

Things to do

Gold Coast days can’t get more idyllic than at Dorsett Gold Coast’s covetable Isoletto Pool Club. Slide onto a submerged ‘wet’ sun lounge and dangle your toes in the water as you take in this perfectly styled scene.

Here in this sky-high oasis with front-row seats to the city skyline, the hours drift easily away. Spend them slipping in and out of the pool, sipping cocktails on the deck (the sunset spritz or a margarita pop are particular favourites) and grazing on light dishes of a Californian Prawn Cocktail or Nourish Bowl to fuel your moment in the sun.

When the draw of the ocean lures you away from Isoletto, pack your beach umbrella and head across to Kurrawa Beach to plunge into glassy waves and watch the parade of people flitting between the sea and sand.

Or travel a little further to explore the Gold Coast’s string of glittering beaches from Surfers Paradise in the north, all the way down to Coolangatta on the southern end. Beloved Burleigh Heads is in the middle.

The Isoletto Pool Club
Take a dip at the picture-perfect Isoletto Pool Club.

Should you require a new outfit befitting a glamorous night on the town, you needn’t look too far. Across the way from Dorsett Gold Coast is the sprawling mall, Pacific Fair. You could be forgiven for thinking you’ve stepped onto a cruise ship at this resort-inspired shopping centre that houses everything from favourite high-street fashion to luxury labels, such as Balenciaga, Burberry and Bvlgari. You’ll also find a cinema and casual dining.

Of course, if you’re after a bit of classic Gold Coast fun, you can always spend a day at one of the many theme parks. From Seaworld Marine Park and Warner Bros. Movie World to splash-tastic fun at Wet ’n’ Wild, there are thrills aplenty. Or keep the adrenaline levels low and spend some time meeting adorable local wildlife at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.

After amassing some incredible Gold Coast experiences, it may be time for a little more relaxation back at Dorsett Gold Coast. Book yourself in to recalibrate body and mind at Azure Spa & Fitness, where you can put your wellbeing first in one of the six treatment rooms or gym. To lean right into the indulgence, opt for a couples massage in one of the Azure cabanas.

aerial view of surfer's paradise gold coast
Explore the famous Surfer’s Paradise. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)

Where to eat

Inside Dorsett Gold Coast is Jin Bar & Cafe, where you can drop in for everything from a morning coffee and pastry to a cocktail or two and a sharing platter come aperitivo hour. This secret gem is the place to sink into a plush lounge and let the night begin.

An elevator ride away from the gastronomic checklist of The Star’s dining collection, a stay at Dorsett places incredible culinary experiences within easy reach of ravenous appetites.

dorsett gold coast jin bar and cafe
Indulge in a tempting array of delicious bites at Jin Bar.

Take your place at the table for intricately crafted Japanese delights at Kiyomi, or tuck into a trolley-load of treats for a yum cha session at Uncle Su. Also find the elevated 19 at The Star, where a well-finessed cocktail at the lounge bar is a Gold Coast must-do and well worth dressing up in your finery to enjoy. If only carbs will suffice, settle in for a wood-fired pizza at Cucina Vivo.

For evenings slightly further afield, it’s a quick walk to Broadbeach’s buffet of world-class restaurants, such as the warm-hued Miss Moneypenny’s and the intimate fine-dining Social Eating House.

chef putting pizza into woodfired oven at Cucina Vivo
Settle in for classic Italian at Cucina Vivo. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)
Start planning your luxe, summer Gold Coast getaway at dorsetthotels.com
Lara Picone
Working for many of Australia’s top publications, Lara Picone has had the distinct pleasure of writing, editing and curating content about the finer things in life for more than 15 years. Graduating from Macquarie University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, her editorial foundation began at Qantas: The Australian Way magazine, before moving on to learn the fast-paced ropes of a weekly magazine at Sunday Magazine and picking up the art of brand curation at donna hay magazine. Pivoting a near-problematic travel lust into a career move by combining it with storytelling and a curious appetite, her next role was as Deputy Editor of SBS Feast magazine and later Online Editor of SBS Food online. She then stepped into her dream job as Editor of Australian Traveller before becoming Online Editor for both International Traveller and Australian Traveller. Now as a freelancer, Lara always has her passport at-the-ready to take flight on assignment for the Australian Traveller team, as well as for publications such as Qantas Magazine, Escape and The Weekend Australian. As ever, her appetite is the first thing she packs.
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6 reasons why Townsville is the new events capital of Queensland

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Beyond the sand, sea and food scene, Townsville is shaping up to be the new events capital of the Sunshine State.

Townsville is quickly making a name for itself as an events capital of Queensland. From worldwide sporting events to celebrations of the arts, there’s never been a better time to align your next tropical getaway with the unbeatable vibes of an event in Townsville.

The yearly calendar is full, meaning there’s an event for everyone. But these are shaping up to be some of the biggest events in 2025.

1. North Australian Festival of Arts (NAFA)

24 Sep – 12 Oct 2025

While sun, sea and sand might be the first images conjured up at a mention of Townsville, the tropical city is fast making a name for itself as a cultural hub. Experience it at its best during the North Australian Festival of Arts.

Over several weeks, the famous Strand in Townsville will be bursting with colour, sound and energy as it celebrates the arts, culture and community. Catch theatre, cabaret, dance, circus acts and so much more. Stop to listen to world-class live music and even get involved with interactive workshops.

In previous years, the Queensland Symphony Orchestra performed a free outdoor concert and Brisbane Author, Trent Dalton, was there to share his latest book.

performers at North Australian Festival of Arts (NAFA)
Catch live music and more.

2. Supercars NTI Townsville 500

11-13 July, 2025

Sports fans will be pleased to know that Townsville boasts more than just the NRL Cowboy’s. Those facing the comedown of this year’s Formula 1 can bounce back with the 2025 NTI Townsville 500. Each year, the event draws motorsport enthusiasts from around the country as Supercar racing takes over the streets of Townsville.

Off the race track, the weekend also promises plenty of car tricks and displays – think drifting, car builds and the MotorEx automotive expo  – plus live music, ADF displays, freestyle motocross and more.

crowd watching Supercars NTI Townsville 500, townsville events
See supercars take over Townsville.

3. Australian Festival of Chamber Music

25 July – 2 Aug 2025

Clear your ears of the sounds of revving engines with one of the city’s longest-running events,  The Australian Festival of Chamber Music (AFCM). Here, some of the world’s most celebrated musicians head to Townsville to perform an impressive 30 concerts over nine days.

The best part? AFCM features exclusive shows that can only be experienced at the festival, like AFCM Concert Conversations, where visiting festival musicians share their personal and professional lives.

lead image for Australian Festival of Chamber Music, townsville events
Experience exclusive events at the AFCM. (Image: Andrew Rankin)

28 Aug – 2 Sep 2025

Just 20 minutes from the city, koala-filled Magnetic Island is a must-do at any time of year. Time the trip for the annual SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week to not only enjoy paradise, but also five days of tropical racing fun with a twist.

Every August to September, enjoy live bands, parties, beach festivals, markets, long lunches and even mud crab races. All while taking in tropical island views.

SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week
Enhance Magnetic Island trips with five days of tropical racing. (Image: TEQ)

5. Wedgwood: Artists and Industry exhibition

23 Apr – 24 Aug 2025

Hailing from England, Wedgwood has been a household name almost since the brand started in 1759 (by Charles Darwin’s grandfather). With over 260 years under the company’s belt since then, its ceramics and designs are popular all over the world.

And now, Wedgwood: Artists and Industry will showcase highlights of the brand’s history – straight from the UK’s Victoria and Albert Museum – at Townsville’s Perc Tucker Regional Gallery.

Wedgwood teacup
See the best of Wedgwood. (Image: Getty/ Photonewman)

6. Wallabies v Argentina

6 September

Rugby fans should time their Townsville getaway for September to add watching the Wallabies clash against Argentina from Queensland Country Bank Stadium to their itineraries.

The home ground of the NRL North Queensland Cowboys, this vibrant and stylish $185 million sporting venue in South Townsville is the perfect setting to enjoy sports.

aerial of Queensland Country Bank Stadium in townsville
See the rugby at Queensland Country Bank Stadium. (Image: TEQ)

Start planning your event-filled getaway at townsvillenorthqueensland.com.au .