What’s new on the Gold Coast – from farm stays to Wizard of Oz

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By Grant Jones

With visitor numbers up – 12.4 million visiting the city up to September 2024 compared to the previous quarters’s 12.3 million – the Gold Coast is still one of the best loved destinations for local and international visitors.

Here’s a look at what’s new.

NORTÉ RESTAURANT & SUEÑO ROOFTOP – Mermaid Beach

The visionary team behind the Gold Coast’s iconic Rick Shores have opened two new venues, Norté and Sueño, serving Latin American inspired food and drinks across two levels in the trendy Oxley 1823 precinct.

The highly anticipated restaurant and bar are the result of more than half a decade of extensive research and meticulous planning, with the team travelling the globe in the name of research, hitting hotspots in Mexico, Panama, Peru, Brazil and London for inspiration.

Norte’s menu revolves around its enormous custom-made hearth and be split into raw dishes, bar snacks, masa (corn-based plates), mains, sides and desserts. Upstairs, Sueño will focus more on ceviches, skewers and tortillas. For drinks, the team have compiled 150-bottle wine collection for Norté, with close to half the list featuring Central and South American drops, while Sueño will feature hard-to-find tequila and mezcal to fuel a cocktail menu that twists the classics.

Notre Restaurant.

PAT’S FARM AT O’REILLY’S RAINFOREST RETREAT – Lamington National Park

O’Reilly’s are proud to announce Pat’s Farm; a luxurious hinterland escape nestled on the breathtaking hillside of a working cattle farm, surrounded by the beauty of the World Heritage Lamington National Park.

With only six exclusive off-grid chalets, the Pat’s Farm retreat is designed to deliver an eco-luxury experience that reflects O’Reilly’s commitment to luxury, comfort and sustainability. The fully equipped kitchens are designed with culinary enthusiasts in mind, with each chalet featuring induction cooktops, Smeg appliances, premium coffee machines and more, plus a Weber BabyQ BBQ for alfresco dining.

From quiet evenings by the private fire pit, to rejuvenating soaks in a 2m-deep heated plunge pool or stargazing in a couple’s hammock – every moment at Pat’s Farm is crafted for serenity and wonder.

Pat’s Farm at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat.

THE WIZARD OF OZ PRECINCT – Warner Bros. Movie World

Warner Bros. Movie World guests can now travel the iconic YELLOW BRICK ROAD™ with the world-first THE WIZARD OF OZ™ precinct, featuring two new family-friendly rides.

The team at Village Roadshow Theme Parks worked closely with their partners at Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences to make the world-first precinct one of the most immersive and beautifully themed precincts in any Australian theme park, where some of the most colourful and vibrant scenes from the nostalgic 1939 film are brought to life.

In this new multi-million-dollar precinct, guests can embark on a wicked adventure aboard the suspended family coaster, The Flight of The Wicked Witch and experience the ultimate twists and turns on the family boomerang racer, Kansas Twister.

Warner Bros. Movie World – The Wizard of Oz 2.

RIVERTOWN PRECINCT – Dreamworld

Dreamworld has unveiled its highly anticipated new precinct, Rivertown, as part of their multi-million-dollar investment into the park. The centrepiece attraction, Jungle Rush, is Dreamworld’s largest-ever investment in a single ride and the first roller coaster of its kind in the world.

This family-friendly thrill ride delivers surprises at every turn, featuring the world’s first inclined turntable and intricate jungle theming. Dreamworld’s reimagined classic, Murrissippi Motors, takes guests on a scenic journey through Rivertown’s lush landscape, weaving around the iconic RAAF Caribou A4-179 aircraft – a stunning centrepiece brimming with history and adventure.

And no visit to Rivertown is complete without a stop at Jane’s Rivertown Restaurant, the most immersive dining experience in any Australian theme park, with seating for up to 280 guests.

Rivertown Jungle Rush.

Learn more about why the Gold Coast is the ultimate destination for family fun here.

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Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

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