5 December 2019
When visiting the Gold Coast for work, keeping up exercise habits can be a pleasure and a breeze, and may even offer new ways to keep fit whilst having fun. From mountain hikes to beach strolls, dance floor sessions to a spot of Yoga, fitness fanatics will find their sweat session of choice in this city.
FOR A QUICK WORK-OUT HIT
If a jam-packed schedule doesn’t allow for leisurely mountain walks and idyllic river kayaks, there’s an inspiring list of quick fix exercise options in and around Broadbeach…
USE AN OUTDOOR EXERCISE PARK BY THE BEACH
Doused in sunshine all year long, outdoor exercise parks are always a good idea in this part of the world, particularly with their proximity to the ocean offering sweeping views to inspire your workout. Peppered along the coastline from north to south, there’s equipment designed to challenge all levels of fitness. From balance work to core strength, coordination to cardio, the Gold Coast fitness stations could be just what your body is looking for pre or post conference.
TAKE A JOG ALONG HEDGES AVENUE
Arguably the most well-known strip of real estate on the Gold Coast, Hedges Avenue perfectly sums up the lifestyle of laid-back luxury that the region has become known for. The single lane, one-way street is always filled with cyclists, joggers, mums with prams and couples with dogs, all appreciating the fact that sunshine and light exercise are a perfect combination. To experience the entire strip of Mermaid Beach mansions, start at Alexandra Avenue and pivot at Seashell Avenue, which offers a flat and pleasant 2.8 kilometre return journey.
USE PART OF THE REGION’S ICONIC 57-KILOMETRE STRETCH OF SAND
With such a stunning strip of coastline on offer, it’s hard to understand why anyone decides to exercise from the confines of a gym when on the Gold Coast. Whether you take a leisurely stroll with the ocean lapping at your feet or tackle something more substantial like a hit of volleyball, utilising the sands of the Gold Coast as your exercise base will not disappoint. Walking from Broadbeach’s Kurrawa Surf Club to the heart of Surfers Paradise Beach offers a heart-pumping 3.3 kilometre sand pound. You’d be forgiven for choosing the easy G-link return journey with a trip to the neighbouring Star’s Harvest Buffet to wrap it all up.
SWIM LAPS AT THE GOLD COAST AQUATIC CENTRE
If a few cuts of freestyle appeals, then the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre is the go. Host of the swimming and diving of the GC’s 2018 Commonwealth Games, these 6 state-of-the-art heated pools are open 7-days per week. With Cafe Catalina just next door and views of the Broadwater, there are plenty of reasons to head to this Southport swimming precinct for a few laps.
CUT LAPS OF PACIFIC FAIR
Cardio comes in numerous forms, and we’re not ones to rule out the validity of a power shop. With the sprawling 155,000 metre squared setting of Pacific Fair shopping centre, stomping your way through a retail session has never been easier. Best of all, it’s walkable, tramable and driveable from GCCEC!
DO A SPOT OF YOGA
Business travel can be a whirlwind of meetings and multi-tasking, which can make the call for yoga and meditation even more necessary than usual. Take a beginner’s class for $20 at the nearby My Heath Yoga studio (Oasis Centre), or take a journey to Burleigh for a deep and moving session with Doreena at Peace Yoga and Meditation Centre. Those looking to bring a little excitement to their practice could experiment with the acrobatic inspired aerial Yoga found at the Mermaid Waters Yoga Shed.
SWEAT THROUGH A SPIN CLASS ON FERRY ROAD
Lights out, music loud, gears set. The spin classes at Inspire Cycle in Southport embody everything that’s wonderful about new-age exercise. These classes make sweating unavoidable and strangely enjoyable, with a drop-in class costing a manageable $24. Located in the Ferry Road Markets precinct of Southport, you can treat yourself to vegan pumpkin pie pancakes or a salted caramel acai bowl at Cardamom Pod post class.
WHEN TIME IS ON YOUR SIDE
For those blessed with a visit that permits a little more leisure, fitness activities that are equal parts exercise and Gold Coast enjoyment can be slotted into your calendar.
HEAD ONTO THE GOLD COAST’S WATERWAYS
Kayak, canoe, stand-up paddleboard or jet-ski. These are just some of the personal watercrafts that deliver a fitness regime on the Gold Coast. Our picturesque canal system and laid-back lifestyle mean that you’ll find people enjoying the waterways here at every sunlit hour of the day.
CLIMB TO THE TOP OF TUMGUN LOOKOUT AT BURLEIGH HEADS
If stunning views inspire you to break a sweat, a hike around Burleigh Head National Park is ideal. The rainforest trail offers a 1.7 kilometre return circuit to Tumgun Lookout, where an observation deck offers views over the Surfers Paradise skyline to the north, and over Tallebudgera Creek towards Coolangatta to the south. If exercise with an elevation isn’t quite your fitness style, you can choose the flat line of the Oceanview Track that hugs the national park just a few metres from the ocean, leading to the less-impressive-but-still-pretty-beautiful Jebbribillum Lookout. Keep a look out for vibrant green butterflies and quirky bush turkeys; this hill is alive with the sound of wildlife.
DON’T LEAVE THE GOLD COAST WITHOUT A SURF LESSON
If there’s a typically Gold Coast activity that must be ticked when visiting, it’s without a doubt catching a few waves on a board. Even if the thought of surfing has never crossed your mind, the golden sands and balmy weather may have you inspired. Companies like Get Wet Surf School offer 2-hour sessions, which will see you standing on the best waves of Surfers Paradise Beach and its surrounds.
EXPLORE THE WATERFALL TRAILS OF SPRINGBROOK NATIONAL PARK
Some 23-million years ago, a volcano erupted in the Gold Coast hinterland forming what is now a valley of lush rainforest and waterfalls brimming with wildlife and spectacular views. Walk through ancient trees, swim in natural water holes whilst surrounded by stunning waterfalls. You’ll deserve a stop at The Fudge Shop before leaving town.
HIKE TO THE TOP OF MOUNT WOLLUMBIN
If your calendar allows you almost a full day for fitness, the 1-hour drive to Mount Wollumbin (Aboriginal for Mount Warning) should be on your to-do list. You’ll discover a rainforest walking track that’s both meditative and scenic, leading to a challenging ascent and a spectacular lookout. Those with sincere determination should aim to arrive in time for sunrise. The vibrant sweeping views above the clouds will make the 9-kilometre round journey worth every sweat and second.