Walking & Jogging
At dawn the streets of Surfers Paradise resemble a ghost town, but head down to the beach and it's peak hour, with beach walkers, fisherman, surfers, joggers and runners all taking advantage of the gorgeous Pacific Ocean sunrise and glassy waves. In summer, when the temperature rarely drops below 20 degrees at night, and averages around 28 during the day, the best time to be outside is as the sun comes up. Watching the sun rise over the Pacific Ocean is something most Australians take for granted, but the early morning surf on the gorgeous Surfers Paradise beach is something pretty special. If you can bear to set your alarm early enough for a view like this, it's well worth the show. One of my favourite routes takes you north along the beach to Macintosh Island Park and back 7Km return, (I prefer to come back via the canals and take in Budds Beach for a different view, as a walk with children this is also a great route as they love to play in the parks dotted along the routes, for the adults there is the added advantage of Bumbles Cafe a great place to stop for a well earned coffee break.
If bathing in our beautiful heated waterfront pool sounds too relaxing there are plenty of other options when it comes to making a splash.
While most Gold Coast beaches are great for a dip, conditions can vary on a daily basis making even the most popular beaches prone to rips, gutters and currents.
For safe swimming, Gold Coast City Council ensures 26 Gold Coast beaches are patrolled year round and 42 Gold Coast beaches during Queensland school holidays and New South Wales school holidays. Due to their location and geographical features, certain beaches are known to be better for swimming. In general, the calmer swimming beaches are found at the southern end of the Gold Coast and across the border into NSW. Popular swimming beaches on the Gold Coast include:
* Burleigh Heads beach - the main flagged section consistently offers good conditions and can be bay-like on calm days
* Bilinga, Tugun, Kirra - found of the southern end of the Gold Coast, these beaches are generally ideal for swimmers
* Greenmount and Rainbow Bay - these north-facing beaches are sheltered making them ideal for swimming and body-surfing
* Currumbin - gentle surf and rock pools.
Swimming
Evandale Parklands is also home to a swimming lagoon, popular with nippers training and recreational swims. The lagoon offers a sheltered swimming environment. The surrounding amenities include toilets and showers perfect for that after swim refresh.
There are ample picnic areas with barbeques and shaded seating in the parklands, as well as a sanded volleyball court. Parties, get togethers and even wedding ceremonies are popular in this scenic park. The kids playground is a great one – two separate slides and climbing spaces, all with sand underfoot and shade sails for those hot days. The playground is also fully fenced, great for the littlies! If exercise is what you are after, the lagoon offers a 677 metre loop. There are free exercise equipment stations located around the loop, perfect for strength training!
Our favourite swimming spot for all ages is Broadwater Parklands, This is a world class community and cultural parkland, loved by Gold Coast residents and tourists alike. At the heart of the three kilometres of parklands is this vast expanse of green that is ideal for family picnics and fun. The Great Lawn hosts of the city’s popular events such as the Gold Coast Airport Marathon, Carols by Candlelight and the World Championship Triathlon. The Rockpools water playground is the first of its kind on the Gold Coast, and what a hit it is with the kids! A trip to the parklands is not complete without the children getting wet and having a ball! The Rockpools has shallow wade-height water with spouting water animals and waterfalls.... there are a variety of pool areas and creek beds with water filling up and emptying on timers. Pop jets squirt water throughout the play area and waterfalls cascade down the rockpools. Café Rockpool is the perfect addition to the parklands! Situated overlooking the beautiful Broadwater and Main Lawn, choose from the seasonal menu items or enjoy something to take away and picnic within the surrounds of the park. The venue can also be booked for private functions after hours. Great parks have great children’s playgrounds and the Broadwater Parklands is no exception. The Washington Waters Park at the southern end of Broadwater Parklands has a variety of fun play equipment – like swings, a giant lizards, bike education track, mono rail peddle bikes and a flying fox – as well as a special Liberty swing for children of all abilities. The jumping pillow is a kiddies favourite, providing hours and hours of jumping fun!
There is also fishing off the 100 metre long pier or enjoy a dip in the swimming enclosure, which also has a jumping pontoon. The lagoon is patrolled by Council lifeguards from 8.30am to 4.30pm during September, school holidays and every weekend in summer. The parklands is a hub of activity, with events happening most weekends. Movie nights under the stars are a family favourite. If you haven’t checked out the Parklands yet, grab your swimmers, pack a picnic and enjoy!
Other options to consider are Evandale Park; Located in the centre of the city, these parklands are a beautiful location for a stroll, picnic, swim or jog. Situated behind the Council Chambers and the Gold Coast Arts Centre, the parklands offer amazing views over the Nerang River. The Surfers Paradise skyline is your backdrop, making a beautiful photographic opportunity.
Leisure & Fitness Activities
Squash, Badminton or Tennis
A short stroll from Anchorage Waters you are able to play Squash Badminton or Tennis. A small booking fee applies, and it is wise to make reservations well in advance in peak holiday times. Please see welcome folder on arrival for more detailed booking information.
At Anchorage Waters we will supply you with both cycling and Kayaking equipment. There are plenty of cycling options as ​the area is generally very flat. Most locals will advise you to cycle from Surfers either North to the Spit, this ride offers lots of natural beauty, or South through Broadbeach down Hedges Avenue, stopping at one of the many Surf Clubs before heading back. If you require further information check out the link above.
Cycling & Kayaking
Enjoy a relaxing paddle around the Surfers Paradise canals at sunset. Marvel at the beautiful lights & colours reflecting off the clam waters of the Surfers Paradise skyline. During the day why not take a quick paddle around Paradise Island or for the more adventurous explore the many canals that make Surfers a unique waterfront destination. If the DIY approach doesn't appeal then there are plenty of organised tours. Stradbrook Island is a great tour as you get to take in all the sights and enjoy the Waterways and beaches for a whole day. You will paddle across the short passage of Broadwater to the beautiful white sandy beaches of South Stradbroke Island and visit two other islands along the way. Your journey begins after a comprehensive safety briefing, held on the beach by your guide for the day. As you start paddling across Broadwater in your kayak, your first stop will be on Wavebreak Island for an amazing snorkelling experience amongst an abundance of sub-tropical fish. Hand feed the fish and be amazed at their curiosity. Or if relaxing is more your scene, take a break on the beach! You will then leisurely explore the popular Broadwater by either paddle power (tide assisted of course!) or kayak sail (based on favourable winds!) before arriving on South Stradbroke Island. For your second stop, you will go on a brief walk across the island to marvel at the vast sand dunes and deserted surf beaches. Be fascinated by this amazing sand island, which has three different types of forests. You might even get to see the local wallabies whilst on the island. After a scrumptious picnic (morning or afternoon tea of cakes, pastries, breads and fresh tropical fruit) held on a secluded beach and served with a selection of cold drinks, you will head back to the mainland, passing Crab Island, where the local sting-rays hang out! Upon your return to the Gold Coast, your courtesy vehicle will then take you back to your accommodation.
Anytime Fitness & Gym
When staying at Anchorage Waters we appreciate it is important to stay in shape and with all the extra indulging you are likely to do while on holiday its good to know you can go and do some extra weights or cardio training to stay on track. Anytime Fitness is a secure twenty four hour gym open seven days. Members have access to free weight, pin loaded and cardio equipment. Personal Trainers are also available. This facility is a short 450mtr jog/walk, if you are not currently a member of Anytime Fitness then you are able to purchase weekly memberships for the duration of your stay.
Surfing
We have the best selection of surf beaches in the world right here on the Gold Coast, Australia’s playground. The beauty of our surf breaks is that if one is blown-out, another is pumping. Whether you are a beginner surfer or an experienced surfer, there are plenty of options.
1. Snapper Rocks – the infamous ‘superbank’ is like Grand Central Station when the rolling sets come in. Situated just this side of the Queensland-New South Wales border, we think it’s the best surfing beach in the world. Also holds host to the annual Roxy Pro and Quiksilver Pro.
2. Duranbah – We love D’bah because the south-east headland of Point Danger catches the swell and sends it all our way. When it’s up – it’s big!
3. T.O.S. – that’s local talk for ‘The Other Side’ which means the beach off South Stradbroke Island (northern side of the Southport Seaway or at the southern tip of the island). The nearby sand-pumping jetty means the water goes from deep to shallow quickly and delivers good waves.
4. Burleigh Heads – a world-class right-hand barrelling break with a brilliant national park backdrop. But it’s got one of the toughest rock jumps around so be careful.
5. Currumbin Alley – another picturesque setting that nearly always delivers. It is one of the most popular places on the Gold Coast for beginners and novice surfers, so make room for them. It’s their beach too.
6. The Spit – easy to get to, always reliable and a definite swell magnet, this is one of the best surfing beaches on the northern end of the Gold Coast.
7. Surfers Paradise – where else can you walk from the main business and retail district on to pristine white sandy beaches and catch a wave under the watchful eye of lifeguards? A top Gold Coast break and a popular spot for Gold Coast surf schools to run their classes from.
8. Kirra – the once-great surf beach can still turn on a big wave when the conditions are right. If it’s on, it’s not to be missed.
9. Palm Beach – with several groin walls along the stretch, good sand banks are created and they deliver a terrific beach break.
10. Cudgen Reef – just over the NSW border, this is probably the only reef break accessible by the beach. But it’s for experienced surfers only.
For beginners there are lots of surf schools to choose from - and they all pretty much guarantee you will be standing by the end of the lesson.
Golf
The Gold Coast is home to seven resort golf courses, which are open to the public and visitors subject to availability. Some courses are accompanied by top-class hotels and clubhouse facilities. RACV Royal Pines Resort, The Glades, Palm Meadows, Hope Island, Lakelands, The Colonial, Robina Woods. There are nine private courses on the Gold Coast which are often open to interstate or international golfers with reciprocal arrangements. Surfers Paradise Golf Club, Southport Golf Club, Gold Coast Burleigh, Coolangatta-Tweed Heads, Twin Towns Golf Club, Windaroo Golf Club, Murwillumbah. There are public golf courses on the Gold Coast, making it easy to hit a few holes while on holiday or for the casual golfer. Courses are spread from residential suburbs closes to the coast to more rural areas. Emerald Lakes, Sanctuary Cove: The Palms, Parkwood International Golf Club, Mount Warren Park, Meadow Park Golf Course, Gold Coast Country Club, Coplick's Tallebudgera, Gainsborough Greens, Helensvale. The Gold Coast has seven public nine-hole golf courses, many of them in the relaxing surrounds of the Gold Coast Hinterland. These are ideal for those who are keen for a hit but short on time. Boomerang Farm, Burleigh Palms Golf Course, Canungra Area Golf Club, Carrara Gardens Golf Course, Tallai Country Club, Tally Valley Golf Club, Tamborine Mountain Golf Club.The Gold Coast has three exclusive golf courses - you'll need a member to partner you if you want to play.
Sanctuary Cove: The Pines, Arundel Hills, The Grand. Most public and resort courses having excellent driving range facilities, and there are a couple which specifically cater for people who want to practice their swing. International Golf Learning Centre, Gold Coast Burleigh Heads Golf Range.
So pack your clubs and get into the Gold Coast swing of things.