In the wake of Cyclone Alfred, which struck in March, a new initiative has been launched to encourage locals and visitors to take a holiday and support local businesses.
Tropical Cyclone Alfred has had a devastating impact on the community, tourism, and events industry in Queensland and New South Wales. As part of the Gold Coast recovery effort, the City of Gold Coast and the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland have announced a multi-million-dollar stimulus package, including a ‘spend and get’ reward program to support tourism operators.
The LOVE GC Cards launch today with 50,000 cards preloaded with $100 worth of credit. The card costs $50, so visitors will unlock a bonus $50 to spend on over 150 experiences and access to deals across accommodation, dining, and entertainment on the Gold Coast.
HOTA, Home of the Arts, is one of the many Gold Coast attractions where you can use your LOVE GC Card. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate explained the benefits, stating:
“Locals and visitors will be able to use their LOVE GC Cards to take advantage of some incredible deals being offered as part of the campaign at their favourite attractions and experiences as well as a range of dining and accommodation options."
According to an Impact Survey, the Gold Coast alone lost a staggering $42 million in a single week, affecting 89 per cent of businesses. This is set to have long-term effects, particularly over Easter, with South East Queensland experiencing a 10 per cent decrease in bookings compared to last year and an estimated $300 million in lost revenue.
The Gold Coast lost $42 million in a single week. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Experience Gold Coast CEO John Warn confirmed the negative impact the cyclone had on the Gold Coast in particular:
“We know the Gold Coast visitor economy is worth over $8 billion annually, and our impact assessment completed with Invest Gold Coast confirmed that the tourism sector felt the impact of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred the greatest."
Use your GC LOVE Card on amazing hotels like the Dorsett. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Some highlights of the GC Loved Cards initiative include The Dorsett Gold Coast and the Sofitel Gold Coast and entertainment options like the Australian Outback Spectacular and HOTA shows. Cards can be purchased online via lovegcdeals.com from 9am Gold Coast time on March 31.
Mayor Tate shared his enthusiasm for the initiative:
“What better way to show the love and enjoy everything our magical city has to offer than by purchasing a LOVE GC Card and getting another $50 to spend. What’s not to love about that!".
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Rachael Thompson is a freelance travel journalist. With a background in design and travel media, Rachael is dedicated to curating content that is as much informational as it is beautiful. She began her career at Belle magazine, before taking up editorial roles at Homes to Love, Bed Threads and Australian Traveller/International Traveller. When she's not writing, editing or optimising content, Rachael enjoys exploring the city's newest restaurants, bars and hotels. Next on her Aussie travel wish list is Lord Howe Island.
Halfway between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, the coastline is hiding a holiday gem. Meet Moreton Bay: a region brimming with unexpected experiences.
Weekends are a finite resource. Each year, we must decide how to extract the most value from just 52 of them – and Moreton Bay may just be the perfect way to do it.
But don’t be fooled by the region’s easy accessibility. It’s somehow remained an unspoken secret among locals and travellers alike.
It has the fresh seafood and the island-dotted bay, but did you know about the wizarding store, the disco royalty, or the vintage train-carriage-stay tucked into a national park?
The best part? You can explore them all without touching your annual leave balance.
1. Oyster Shed at Sandstone Point
Be sure to stop for oysters. (Credit: Tourism and Events Moreton Bay)
What was once a humble, wooden oyster farming shack in the 1900s is now a seaside paradise: day beds bathed in Queensland sunshine, a jetty that pierces the sea, and a seafood menu based on their exclusive fishing partner’s daily catches.
Your first stop in Moreton Bay must be to try the area’s beloved Moreton Bay Bugs. Here, they’re served fresh in the sea breeze. Order the Crustacean Plate that’s prepared fresh each day. Or, try their signature baked fish tacos.
2. Ocean View Estates
Stop in for wine and grazing plates. (Credit: Tourism and Events Moreton Bay)
Tucked away in the hills of Moreton Bay, you’ll find Ocean View Estates, poured across 100 acres of sloping vineyards. Arrive via winding or scenic mountain roads.
Join the Wine & Dine in the Vines experience to be greeted with a glass of wine upon arrival before taking the time to stroll (wine in hand) through the grapevines. Spot the adorable herd of Highland cows before joining a behind-the-scenes tour of the vineyard’s operations. Sip wine straight from the vat before starting your four-course, wine-paired degustation.
If you can’t bear to leave, spend the night in one of the property’s quaint wine-themed cottages.
3. Green Thumb Farm
Learn about (and taste) sustainable food growing practices at Green Thumb.
Green Thumb Farm calls Samford Valley home. This not-for-profit, educational community farm’s goal is to share sustainable food growing practices with the community.
Each Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday morning, you can follow the ‘farm walk’ signs through the property on a self-guided walk to witness how growing food with regenerative farming principles can support pollinators and soil to help create a more resilient food cycle.
To sample the produce, stop by on a Saturday morning to explore the spray-free fruit and vegetable markets.
4. Redcliffe KiteFest
Watch the sky change colours during KiteFest.
Plan your visit to Moreton Bay for the weekend of the 19th and 20th of September this year and you’ll be greeted with an explosion of colour, creativity and family fun. Why? Because the Redcliffe annual KiteFest is back in town.
Browse the local food trucks as giant kites soar overhead, fly your own kite, let the kids try their hand at kite making with a series of workshops, and so much more.
For a colourful, family-friendly weekend close to Brisbane, you’ll be hard-pressed to find something better in your calendar.
5. Mt Nebo Railway Carriage and Chalet
Stay in one of the region’s most unique accommodations. (Credit: Tourism and Events Moreton Bay)
The rail carriage comes complete with Wi-Fi, a smart TV, and even a barbecue. Take your morning coffee in the buffet car’s booth seating while you browse the record selection from the train’s original luggage racks.
Here, among six acres of picturesque mountain rainforest, you’ll find quaint gardens, tranquil views and close access to walking trails.
6. Hip Hops Brewers
Try tasty craft beer flavours at Hip Hop Brewers.
Brendale’s Hip Hops Brewers has one of the region’s most exciting craft beer offerings. Their local taproom is home to 21 different, meticulously crafted beer offerings and their mammoth selection of local wines and spirits. Hip Hops Brewers works in collaboration with local artisans and charities to deliver on their offering of drinks and events.
Spend an afternoon working your way through the selection at their ridiculously welcoming taproom and brewery.
7. The Store of Requirement
Step inside for a touch of magic. (Credit: Tourism and Events Moreton Bay)
For Harry Potter fans, The Store of Requirement is a compulsory visit. Much like the story’s Room of Requirement, the shop exists to provide whatever it is you need at the moment. Yes, that does include their own butterscotch brew. You’ll find wands, Hogwarts uniforms, and all the ingredients you’ll need for potions class.
You’ll even find the powder blue car Ron and Harry crash-landed at Hogwarts parked right out front.
8. Bee Gees Way
Find the groove on Bee Gees Way. (Credit: Tourism and Events Moreton Bay)
Did you know that the Bee Gees brothers Barry, Robin and Maurice grew up in Moreton Bay? The disco supergroup called Redcliffe’s shores home before settling in at the top of the charts with hits like ‘Stayin’ Alive’.
Now, the spirit of disco is absolutely alive in Redcliffe thanks to Bee Gees Way.
The 70-metre outdoor museum pays homage to the band and was developed in collaboration with the band’s Barry Gibb. The experience is completely free and meanders along the Redcliffe foreshore. Walk down memory lane with photos, album covers, personal stories from the band, and exclusive interviews with Barry all about Moreton Bay.
Once the sun has set, catch the free light show set to the band’s greatest hits.
