When your event wraps up for the day, there’s no need to travel far to experience the best of the Gold Coast. Located in the heart of Broadbeach, the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCCEC) puts delegates within walking distance of world class beaches, shopping, dining, entertainment and more.
Whether you have 30 minutes between sessions or a free night to make the most of, there are plenty of ways to maximise your time beyond the venue doors. Here are 10 things to do within walking distance of GCCEC.
1. Take a stroll to Kurrawa Beach
Just a five-minute walk from GCCEC, Kurrawa Beach is the perfect place to start or finish your day. Go for a morning wander along the shoreline before your event begins, cool off with a dip, or relax and take in nature after a busy day of networking with your feet in the sand. For something extra special, head down at sunrise or sunset and experience one of the Gold Coast’s most iconic coastal views.
2. Shop until you drop at Pacific Fair
Whether you’re looking for a little retail therapy, a souvenir to commemorate your stay or somewhere to enjoy a leisurely lunch, Pacific Fair can be reached in less than 30 minutes’ walk from GCCEC to perfectly fill out a free afternoon. With more than 400 stores, the shopping precinct offers everything from luxury brands and Australian favourites to cafés, restaurants and entertainment options. It’s the perfect place to explore during a break between sessions or extend your stay after your event.
3. Visit The Star Gold Coast
Conveniently connected to GCCEC via a pedestrian bridge, The Star Gold Coast makes it easy to enjoy world class dining, entertainment and nightlife without too much travel time. From casual bites and cocktails to live entertainment and special events, it’s a convenient option for delegates looking to relax, celebrate or catch up with colleagues after an event. Now this is networking done right!
4. Wander through Cascade Gardens
Pack a picnic and some snags to grill on the barbecue or just enjoy the serenity of Broadbeach’s Cascade Gardens. With a waterfront pathway, playground equipment and the unique Kokoda Memorial Walk, these tranquil gardens are family friendly and feature beautiful traces of Aboriginal culture, offering beautiful green backdrops and a convenient natural reset. And didn’t you hear? Getting out into a lush, natural environment provides the perfect atmosphere to get creative juices flowing. Practicing speeches has never been so pretty.
5. Explore Broadbeach Mall
Stroll through Broadbeach Mall and discover one of the precinct’s most vibrant and classically Gold Coast outdoor spaces. Lined with cafés, restaurants, boutique stores and places to sit and soak up the atmosphere, it’s a great spot to explore at your own pace. Whether you’re grabbing a coffee before a morning session or enjoying an afternoon stroll, Broadbeach Mall offers a relaxed taste of the local lifestyle.
6. Go on a Broadbeach dessert crawl
Why settle for just one sweet treat when there are options aplenty? Broadbeach is home to a plethora of dessert destinations, making it easy to create your own after-conference challenge. Sample tooth-achingly tasty frozen yoghurt creations at Yo-Chi, be wowed at rolled ice cream created fresh at Milk and Marble Rolled Ice Cream Co., explore the warming and colourful offerings at Goo-E Dessert Bar, or sample a chunk of chocolate chip heaven in the form of Brooki’s cookies. The question remains: which treat will be crowned the sweetest?
7. Jump on the G:link to Surfers Paradise
Whilst not strictly walking distance, this one gets by on a technicality! One of the best things about staying in Broadbeach is how easy it is to explore more of the Gold Coast. With the G:link station located right outside GCCEC, delegates can walk to the tram stop and hop on the next tram to reach Surfers Paradise in minutes, without needing a car. Spend your free time exploring the iconic Cavill Avenue, strolling along the beachfront, visiting SkyPoint or simply taking in the energy of one of Australia’s most famous holiday destinations. The sky is truly the limit.
8. Dine your way through Broadbeach
Broadbeach is renowned as one of the Gold Coast’s premier dining destinations, offering something for every taste. From award winning restaurants and fresh seafood to casual eateries, international flavours and hidden laneway bars, there’s something for every palette in this corner of the Gold Coast. Whether you’re planning a team dinner, meeting colleagues for drinks or grabbing a quick bite between sessions, Broadbeach has you covered.
9. Relax in Kurrawa Park
Need a quiet moment away from the event floor? Kurrawa Park offers open green space, ocean views and plenty of room to slow down. It’s an ideal spot to enjoy takeaway lunch, catch up with colleagues or simply recharge between sessions. And with the Kurrawa shore just beyond, it’s a peaceful escape right in the heart of Broadbeach. Winner. Make sure to keep an eye out on the What’s On Gold Coast event calendar here for updates on community happenings in the park, as you can find anything from sports events to country music concerts on these grassy banks.
10. Take a scenic coastal walk
For those wanting to experience the Gold Coast at a slower pace, a coastal walk is the perfect option. Take your pick of following the beachfront pathway north towards Surfers Paradise or south towards Mermaid Beach and enjoy uninterrupted ocean views along the way. Keep an eye out during whale migration season in late May to early November, stop by one of the many beachfront cafés or simply enjoy the salty coastal air before heading back to GCCEC.
Make the most of your time at GCCEC
Whether you have a spare 30 minutes, a few hours between sessions or an entire evening free, Broadbeach makes it easy to experience the best of the Gold Coast without travelling far.
Short on time? Try a quick walk to Kurrawa Beach, explore Broadbeach Mall, or relax in Cascade Gardens.
Have a couple of hours up your sleeve? Shop at Pacific Fair, challenge your colleagues to a dessert crawl, or enjoy a fresh coastal walk.
Planning an evening out? Dine your way through Broadbeach or visit The Star Gold Coast.
The options are endless, and so is your itinerary. If you’re looking for a destination that delights, get in touch.