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Gold Coast Events in 2009

Indy is just one of the many Gold Coast events held each year. This page contains information about some of the major Gold Coast events in 2009.

I try to update it regularly to include more information about events as the information becomes available. With each entry I also make some suggestions for places to stay nearby plus hints and tips from my own experiences.

If there is an event you are looking for and it is not here, please contact me directly and I will try to find out the information for you.

Latest update: 22 December 2008




Gold Coast Events - January 2009

January is the height of summer in the Gold Coast, expect very warm, humid days, summer storms and balmy nights. It is a time when Australia is on holiday. You will need to book early for accommodation.

Magic Millions Horse Sales and Carnival

Thursday 1 to Monday 19 January 2009
Gold Coast Race Course, Bundall

Carnival and horse sales. Conrad Jupiters Magic Millions Race Day Saturday 10 January 2009.


Australian Womens Hardcourt Tennis Championships

Sunday 4 to Sunday 11 January 2009
Queensland State Tennis Centre, Tennyson, Brisbane


I have put this here because previously the Womens Hardcourt Championships were held at Royal Pines in the Gold Coast. With the building of the new State Tennis Centre these championships have been merged with the men's as a lead up meet to the Australian Open. If you are planning on visiting the new tennis center is close to the Tennyson Railway station and is approximately 10kms south of the center of Brisbane, near Yeerongpilly.


Staunch Energy Drink National Finals Rodeo

Thursday 8 to Sunday 11 January 2009
Gold Coast Convention Centre, Broadbeach, Gold Coast


Top 15 Cowboys and Cowgirls competeing for Australian Professional Rodeo Association title. Thursday Family night, Saturday Kids Matinee show and Sunday has the finals. Tickets from Ticketek. More information www.nfrgoldcoast.com.au

Best places to stay are around Broadbeach. Alternatives include Surfers Paradise and Mermaid Beach.


Hurley Burleigh Pro Junior

Thursday 22 to Monday 26 January 2009
Burleigh Heads, Gold Coast, Queensland


The Hurley Burleigh Pro Junior is part of the ASP Junior World Tour and this event is for Grade 4M.

Stay close at Burleigh Heads. Alternatives include Broadbeach and Mermaid Beach to the north and Coolangatta to the south.


Big Day Out Gold Coast

Sunday 18 January 2009
Parklands Showgrounds, Southport


Ballot for tickets drawn every Thursday from 23 October 2008 to 19 December 2008. This event is rated as MA15+.

Best places to stay for this event include Southport, Labrador or Runaway Bay.






Gold Coast Events - February 2009

February is the last official month of summer in the Gold Coast. The weather is usually very hot and humid, with summer storms possible. It is still a busy month with some states finishing school holidays this month and universities still on summer break.

ANZ Ladies Masters Golf Tournament

Thursday 5 to Sunday 8 February 2009
RACV Royal Pines Resort, Ashmore, Gold Coast

2009 is the 20th anniversary year, so expect a full week of golf around these dates. Great to watch even better to score a spot in the Pro-Am Tournament on Wednesday 4 February 2009!

The resort hotel is RACV Royal Pines Resort (formerly Crown Plaza Royal Pines Resort, it is on Ross Street, Ashmore but is close to Carrara Stadium. Two alternatives close by are Radisson Palm Meadows and Royal Woods Resort. Plenty of alternate accommodation can be found in Broadbeach or Surfers Paradise both approximately 20 to 25 minute drive.

Ticket sales through ticketmaster.com


Good Vibrations Festival

Saturday 21 February 2009
Parklands Showgrounds, Southport

This is an over 18s event only. Information from www.gvf.com.au/goldcoast.

Tickets from www.moshtix.com.au

Best places to stay for this event include Southport, Labrador or Runaway Bay.


Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast

Saturday 28 February to Wednesday 11 March 2009

The Quiksilver Pro on the Gold Coast is the first leg of the Men's ASP World Tour for 2009. Locations for the competition depend upon weather and surf conditions during the event. Most surfing spots are in the southern end of the Gold Coast, so it is best to stay in suburbs such as Burleigh Heads, Palm Beach, Currumbin, Tugun, Bilinga, Kirra or Coolangatta to be closer to the action.


Roxy Pro Gold Coast

Saturday 28 February to Wednesday 11 March 2009

The Roxy Pro on the Gold Coast is the first leg of the Women's ASP World Tour 2009. Locations for the competition depend upon weather and surf conditions during the event. Most surfing spots used in the past in these competetions are in the southern Gold Coast. Good suburbs to stay close to the action include Burleigh Heads, Palm Beach, Currumbin, Tugun, Bilinga, Kirra or Coolangatta to be closer to the action.


Byron Bay Film Festival

TBC February 2009

Byron Bay is about an hour and half drive from Coolangatta in southern Gold Coast so you can easily drive down for the festival.

By far the best option, is to stay right in the thick of it in Byron Bay. Byron Quarter is a great place to stay - 4 star 1 and 2 bedroom apartments only a few minutes walk to the Byron Bay main beach and just around the corner from the cafes and restaurants of Byron! Just check-in, relax and let Gerard and Liliane take care of you!






Gold Coast Events - March 2009

March is the first month in Autumn on the Gold Coast. The weather is still very warm although starting to cool by the end of the month. It is a great time to visit the Gold Coast especially if you don't have to visit during Australian School holidays.

Luke Harrop Memorial Race Gold Coast Triatholon

Sunday 1 March 2009
Broadwater Event Parklands, Southport Foreshore, Southport

There are several classes to choose from:
  • Elite Olympic Distance of 1.5km Swim / 40km Cycle / 10km Run. Approved athletes only
  • Gold Coast Tri of 750m Swim / 20km Cycle / 5km Run. Minimum age 12 years.
  • Enticer Triathlon of 300m Swim / 10km Cycle / 2km Run. Miniumum age 11 years.
  • The Courier Mail Superkidz Tri of 100m Swim / 3km Cycle / 500m Run. 7 to 11 years.

Best places to stay close to triathlon start include Southport, Labrador, Surfers Paradise and Main Beach.

More information about the Gold Coast triathlon.


Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast

Saturday 28 February to Wednesday 11 March 2009

The Quiksilver Pro on the Gold Coast is the first leg of the Men's ASP World Tour for 2009. Locations for the competition depend upon weather and surf conditions during the event. Most surfing spots are in the southern end of the Gold Coast, so it is best to stay in suburbs such as Burleigh Heads, Palm Beach, Currumbin, Tugun, Bilinga, Kirra or Coolangatta to be closer to the action.


Roxy Pro Gold Coast

Saturday 28 February to Wednesday 11 March 2009

The Roxy Pro on the Gold Coast is the first leg of the Women's ASP World Tour 2009. Locations for the competition depend upon weather and surf conditions during the event. Most surfing spots used in the past in these competetions are in the southern Gold Coast. Good suburbs to stay close to the action include Burleigh Heads, Palm Beach, Currumbin, Tugun, Bilinga, Kirra or Coolangatta to be closer to the action.


ARL Masters Rugby League Carnival

Saturday 14 to Tuesday 17 March 2009
Runaway Bay Sports Precinct, Lae Drive, Runaway Bay

Runaway Bay has a few places to stay, just not as many as some of the surrounding areas. Suggestions include Labrador, Southport or north to Hope Island.


Malfunction ASP Longboard World Tour

Wednesday 25 to Sunday 29 March 2009
Kingscliff, NSW

This event is not strictly in the Gold Coast, but close enough! Kingscliff is a short drive south from Tweed Heads and Coolangatta. The Malfunction event is part of the ASP Long Board World Tour and should provide for some exciting spectating!


Discover more about travel to Gold Coast in March




Gold Coast Events - April 2009

April is a is often a fabulous month on the Gold Coast. Not too hot, not too humid! School holidays often fall during April, sometimes around Easter holidays but not always so check for school holidays.

No Events for April yet!


Discover more about travel to Gold Coast in April




Gold Coast Events - May 2009

May is yet another fabulous Gold Coast month and is often quiet with no school holidays during this month.

Prime Ministers Cup

Saturday 2 May 2009
Gold Coast Racecourse, Bundall

What a great excuse to dress up and go to the races! Bundall is located just behind Surfers Paradise a little south of Chevron Island bridge, which makes Surfers Paradise probably the closest place to stay, but alternatives include Broadbeach and some of the inland resorts such as Royal Pines, Radisson Palm Meadows and Royal Woods Resort.


Gold Coast Fashion Week 2009

Wednesday 13 to Sunday 17 May 2009
Location - Various TBC

Gold Coast Fashion Week 2009 will coincides with Australian Fashion Festival in Sydney, which is just two weeks prior.

Gold Coast Fashion Week 2009 will be themed to suit the Gold Coast lifestyle. Reflecting one of Australia?s most popular holiday destinations, the theme for the week will be Swimwear, Summer-Wear and Holiday-Wear.

Local and international designers will showcase their products for the industry buyers and there will be public access too. More information www.goldcoastfashionweek.com.au.


Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show

Thursday 21 to Sunday 24 May 2009
Sanctuary Cove

This year is the 21st anniversary of the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, there are plans afoot for it to be a sensational show.

If you get in and book early you might get a spot in Sanctuary Cove! Hope Island is the next closest, after that you are best to stay around Southport, Labrador or Surfers Paradise for relatively easy access. There is a park and ride service that runs from Parklands Showgrounds in Southport, which is why I suggest these areas as alternatives.


Tamborine Mountain Scarecrow Festival

Friday 22 to Sunday 24 May 2009
Mount Tamborine

I have no idea what this is like, but it sounds so much fun and so unusual! Worth a look if you are in the area. Mount Tamborine is about a 45 minute to 1 hour drive from Surfers Paradise.


Blues on Broadbeach Festival

Thursday 28 to Sunday 31 May 2009
Broadbeach

This annual festival is very popular with locals and visitors alike. The best place to stay is undoubtedly Broadbeach!


Wintersun Festival

Friday 29 May to Saturday 6 June 2009
Coolangatta

Get out your 50's gear, and prepare to wind back the clock! It's hard to get in and out of Coolangatta during the big weekend days. There's lots on, so to get the real feel of this why not stay in the heart of Coolangatta. Other areas close by include Tweed Heads and Kirra.


The Coffee Festival Gold Coast

Sunday 31 May 2009 - 10am to 4pm
Appel Park, Surfers Paradise

This will be the second year for this festival. Best places to stay would be central Surfers Paradise. More information www.thecoffeefestival.com.au


Discover more about travel to Gold Coast in May




Gold Coast Events - June 2009

I often wonder at the month of June on the Gold Coast - how can this be winter? There are school holidays spanning mid June to mid July, which affects the price of accommodation!

Wintersun Festival

Friday 29 May to Saturday 6 June 2009
Coolangatta

Get out your 50's gear, and prepare to wind back the clock! It's hard to get in and out of Coolangatta during the big weekend days. There's lots on, so to get the real feel of this why not stay in the heart of Coolangatta. Other areas close by include Tweed Heads and Kirra.


GC Bazaar

TBC
Various locations around the Gold Coast

Annual Festival of food, fashion and fun during June on the Gold Coast. Run by Gold Coast Tourism. 2009 event yet to be confirmed.


Queensland Week Celebrations

Saturday 1 to Sunday 8 June 2009
Various locations around the Gold Coast and Queensland!

Events around the region including Queensland Cracker Night on Surfers Paradise Beach featuring live music and fireworks. Celebrations will be particularly large in 2009 as this is also the 150th anniversary of the independence of Queensland from NSW.


Beadesert Country and Horse Festival

Friday 5 to Sunday 14 June 2009
Beaudesert

25 different events over the 10 days - some are free some require tickets. Family Fun Day Sunday 14 June. Approximately 1 hour drive from both Brisbane and Gold Coast.

More information at www.chfest.com


The Coffee Festival Gold Coast

Sunday 14 June 2009 - 10am to 5pm
Appel Park, Surfers Paradise

This will be the second year for this festival. Best places to stay would be central Surfers Paradise. More information www.thecoffeefestival.com.au


A La Carte in the Park

TBC June 2009 (10am till 4pm)
Southport opposite Australia Fair

This annual event is very popular and is part of GC Bazaar. Best places to stay include Southport and Labrador.


Discover more about travel to Gold Coast in June




Gold Coast Events - July 2009

BRRRR mid-winter in the Gold Coast! July can be stunning or cold! But us locals feel the cold more than visitors - I know that because we are all wearing jumpers and jeans and visitors are in shorts and t-shirts!

Gold Coast Marathon

Sunday 5 July 2009
Gold Coast Highway, starts at Southport Broadwater Parklands opposite Australia Fair

Also known as the 2009 Gold Coast Airport Marathon, the full marathon goes down to the airport and back to Southport.

Events include full Marathon, half Marathon, 10km Run, 7.5km Walk and Junior Dash. Options for just about all ages and talents. Plenty to see and be involved in along the way. Local radio station broadcasts music to help keep everyone going! If you are staying along the route, you might end up with a fairly early wake up call!

Roads are generally closed off from around 4.30am. Reopenings are varied along the route.

Gold Coast Marathon course maps. Marathon extends from Coolangatta in the South to Northern Labrador in the North and the roads affected are those along the Gold Coast Highway and surrounding streets.

Best to stay near the start and finish! Southport, Labrador, Main Beach and Surfers Paradise are the best options.


Mudgeeraba Show

Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 July 2009
Mudgeeraba Showgrounds, Mudgeeraba

The Mudgeeraba Show on the Gold Coast at the Mudgeeraba Showgrounds is a great opportunity to meet the locals and experience a good Aussie Country Show. See livestock displays, feel the Show atmosphere, enjoy the entertainment, eat some local home made treats and take home some unique souvenirs.

Mudgeeraba is about 10 minutes drive from Robina, about 25 minutes from Broadbeach and 30 minutes from Surfers Paradise.


Discover more about travel to Gold Coast in July




Gold Coast Events - August 2009

August is the last month of winter on the Gold Coast. There are no school holidays during August.

The Ekka Brisbane Show

Thursday 6 to Saturday 15 August 2009
Royal Brisbane Showgrounds, Brisbane



Tastes of The Gold Coast

Friday 21 August to Sunday 6 September 2009
Various venues around Gold Coast



2009 Gold Coast Show at Parklands Showgrounds

Friday 28 to Sunday 30 August 2009
Parklands Showgrounds, Southport



A La Carte on the Beach

August 2009 (10am to 4pm) - TBA
Queen Elizabeth Park, Coolangatta




Discover more about travel to Gold Coast in August




Gold Coast Events - September 2009

September is the first month of spring in the Gold Coast, and the temperatures start to climb during the day. School holidays during late September and early October.

Tastes of The Gold Coast

Friday 21 August to Sunday 6 September 2009
Various venues around the Gold Coast




ITU Gold Coast Triathlon World Championships

9 September to 13 September 2009
Southport Broadwater Parklands, Southport

This is a huge event expecting over 3000 athletes. Categories include Elite, Under 23, Junior, Age Group and Athletes with a disability (AWD). There will also be a People's triathlon so everyone has a chance to be involved.

More information www.usmevents.com.au.



Swell Sculpture Festival

TBA September 2009
Pacific Parade, Currumbin

The Swell Sculpture Festival seems to get bigger and bigger each year. It is great to take the family for a stroll along the foreshore and take in the art along the beachfront. There are also indoor gallery of some of the more delicate pieces of work.

The creativity of the artists never ceases to amaze me. This is well worth a visit.

Currumbin is near Burleigh Heads and a short drive north of Coolangatta or south from Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.



In The Bin Short Film Festival 2009

TBA September 2009
Currumbin Parklands (opposite Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary)

Films are screened at sunset. Take a picnic and rug for a real family outing.



Mount Tamborine Show

Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September 2009
Tamborine Mountain Showgrounds, Main Western Rd, Mt Tamborine

A typical Australian country show. Lots of family entertainment, animals and local produce.



Australian University Games

Thursday 27 September to Wednesday 2 October 2009
Various sporting venues

More information www.unigames.com.au







Gold Coast Events - October 2009

During October the weather really warms up and the humidity starts to climb. As the other states around Australia go on to daylight saving, Queensland does not. The sun rises early around 5.30am and the days just can't help but get going sooner! There are school holidays until around mid October.

Australian University Games

Thursday 27 September to Wednesday 2 October 2009
Various sporting venues

More information www.unigames.com.au


Springtime on the Mountain 'Open Gardens Trail'

Early October TBA
Mt Tamborine, Gold Coast hinterland

A trail through some fabulous gardens on Tamborine Mountain in the Gold Coast hinterland.

Runs Friday to Sunday from 9am to 4pm each day. More information from Tamborine Mountain Garden Club Incorporated.



Coolangatta Gold

TBA October 2008
Coolangatta

Gruelling ironman competition. Great to watch, compete if you dare.



Gold Coast Indy 300 Race

TBC
Surfers Paradise and Main Beach

Still awaiting the final verdict, will it or won't it be returning to the Gold Coast in 2009?






Gold Coast Events - November 2009

November is the last month of spring with the weather becoming very much warmer and more humid. There are no school holidays as such in November, but the school leavers descend upon Surfers Paradise and the Gold Coast during the last week of November.

O'Reilly's Annual Bird Week

Early November 2009 TBC
O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat, Canungra

These bird weeks are popular and sound like lots of fun for ornithologists! They always seem to be finding some rare species whilst enjoying the relaxing environment at O'Reilly's.


Schoolies Week 2009

TBA November 2009
Surfers Paradise

The official week for schoolies formal entertainment and activities in the Gold Coast.

If you have come here seeking detailed information on schoolies I direct you to the Queensland Government website information about Schoolies.







Gold Coast Events - December 2009

Summer arrives officially in December! The weather is warm, humid and there can be summer storms. Summer holidays start for Australian school children and combined with Christmas celebrations the Gold Coast is buzzing!

Christmas Celebrations

Throughout the Month
Various Locations

You cannot miss Christmas in the Gold Coast. The shopping centres are decorated and the streets too. Some suburbs have competitions for the best Christmas lights. The European influences are strong, and although the weather is warm, the images of snow and santa in boots and red suit are everywhere!



New Years Eve Celebrations

31 December 2009
Various locations around the Gold Coast

There are plenty of parties and celebrations. A great one for the kids is Wet 'n' Wild where they celebrate the New Year at 9pm - which makes for a great family evening of fun.






The information on this page about Gold Coast Events in 2009 is a guide only. Dates are subject to change without notice - please check with event organisers before planning your trip around these dates.

Are You Planning a Gold Coast Event in 2009?

Do you have any Gold Coast events in 2009 to add to this list? Please contact me directly.


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