In this latest destination update, read about Australia Fair's $15 Million redevelopment to compliment Chinatown and the Southport revitalisation; Australian Outback Spectacular saddling up for a stunning new show called 'High Country Legends'; The Arts Cinema awarded Best Regional Cinema in Australia at the 69th Australian International Movie Convention and unique new dining options opening up in Surfers Paradise and Coolangatta. This, plus plenty more to see and do in the destination as listed below:

NEW DEVELOPMENTS

• Australia Fair Invests $15 Million to Complement the Southport Revitalisation
• The Arts Cinemas Wins Best Regional Cinema in Australia
• Innovative New Establishment Set to Become a Destination of its Own in Surfers Paradise
• New Show at Australia Outback Spectacular – High Country Legends
• Gold Coast go explore Card
• Burleigh Brewing Wins Gold Again
• Bin 72 Opening at The Strand

WHAT'S ON

• Australian PGA Championship (11-14 Dec, 2014)
• The Silver Spur Bullride Rodeo Series 2014/15 (13 Dec, 2014)
• Jeep Magic Millions Carnival and Raceday (January 2015)
• Blues on Broadbeach Music Festival Announces Incredible International Line-up (21-24 May, 2015)

NEW DEVELOPMENTS

Australia Fair Invests $15 Million to Complement the Southport Revitalisation
The owners of Australia Fair Shopping Centre, YFG Pty Ltd, will invest $15 million in the redevelopment of Australia Fair West on Scarborough Street, Southport, to create Australia Fair Metro. The centre will be transformed, including a new dining precinct flowing onto Young Street. Accentuating the relaxed coastal atmosphere, Australia Fair Metro will encourage shoppers to discover the eclectic mix of retailers and dining options, while also enjoying outdoor areas and spaces to unwind with family and friends. The location of the Gold Coast Chinatown will integrate the precinct as part of the urban fabric of Southport, with opportunities existing to connect the precinct through Australia Fair Metro to Southport Central and Nerang Street Mall to Broadwater Parklands.The development is due to commence in November 2014 with completion expected April 2015.
www.australiafair.com.au

The Arts Cinemas Wins Best Regional Cinema in Australia
The Arts Centre Gold Coast is proud to announce they have been awarded the Best Regional Cinema award 2014 for the Arts Cinema. As a part of the 69th Australian International Movie Convention, delegates from Australia, New Zealand, Asia, the United States and Europe gathered at Jupiter's Casino last night for the AIDA (Australian Independent Distributors Association) Trailer Presentation and Award Ceremony. The AIDA awards serve as a timely reminder that atmosphere, service and a genuine passion for all styles and genres of cinema are essential to a first rate movie-going experience. With a unique blend of mainstream, art house and foreign films, the Arts Cinema is the perfect venue for lovers of film.
www.theartscentregc.com.au/cinema/

Innovative New Establishment Set to Become a Destination of its Own in Surfers Paradise
A sophisticated new restaurant and contemporary bar situated on the corner of Surfers Paradise Boulevard and Clifford Street is opening mid-December, each offering unique dining and entertainment experiences unseen before on the Gold Coast. The adjoining Clifford's Grill & Lounge and Walrus Social House are both architecturally inspired establishments that would be right at home on the culturally rich streets of Melbourne or SoHo New York. Clifford's Grill & Lounge offers an alfresco interaction for both internal diners and those sitting on the covered deck looking north-east up the Boulevard. Named after the street on which it resides - that too was named in recognition of an icon being world class rower Thomas Clifford of the 1800's - Clifford's Grill & Lounge spins a modern dining direction on the traditional grill house. The internationally influenced Executive Chef and his team look forward to plating a heartily infused menu from earth to sea, where diners can eagerly watch over a buzzing open plan kitchen featuring a huge ten-burner grill as the centrepiece. The warm warehouse inspired fit out and adjoining plush lounge (perfect for a post dinner tipple or late supper tapas graze) offers a welcoming experience where hours are sure to get lost in good food and good wine. Walrus Social House truly is an all in one entertainment venue featuring an uber-chic bar and cabana lounge, live music scene, healthily holistic cafe and discreet gaming lounge. Why Walrus? Because in the mid-1800's in an alcohol scarce time on the Coast, an enterprising 'Bosun' built a floating rum distillery aboard an old paddle wheeler called the SS Walrus on which he distilled locals' sugar cane into prized Walrus Rum. Fittingly, the Walrus Social House will offer a vast selection of international rums and signature rum-based cocktails alongside a flavour-forward tapas menu perfect for social sharing plates. Clifford's Grill & Lounge and Walrus Social House opens mid-December.

New Show at Australia Outback Spectacular – High Country Legends
A legend is born as entertainment soars to fresh new heights with the introduction of a stunning new show presented by R.M.Williams. Saddle up and join us on a captivating journey to the snow peaked mountains of the high country where enchanted whispers and legendary yarns come alive with the most inspiring stories of Australian characters. Be dazzled like never before by the amazing animal stars. See death defying stunts and aerial performances as you hear the brave tale of the Aussie girl sold to the circus at the tender age of 7. Be mesmerised by the biggest display of special effects ever seen as you travel the Road to Omeo with Australia's yesteryear ghosts. With three course menu and drinks, stirring new musical score and all the comedy, action and drama you've come to expect, prepare yourself for the most breathtaking arena show ever produced under the Australian Outback Spectacular roof.
www.outbackspectacular.com.au

Gold Coast go explore Card
The first paid services on the Gold Coast light rail (The G:) began on July 21, 2014 and it is now the spine of TransLink's public transport network on the Gold Coast. Improved connections between trams, buses and trains has created an integrated public transport network on the Gold Coast. For visitors and tourists exploring the Gold Coast, they are also now able to purchase TransLink's new, affordable all-day travel Gold Coast go explore card. The go explore card offers unlimited one-day travel on The G: and Surfside buses for $15 for adults or $7.50 for children (aged 5-14 years inclusive). People need to remember to touch on their go card on the platform at the start of their journey, and touch off when exiting the platform at the end. Information on fares and tickets can be found on TransLink's website or by calling 13 12 30.
www.translink.com.au

Burleigh Brewing Wins Gold Again
It is with great pleasure that Burleigh Brewing announces that at the most recent World Beer Championships tasting event held in Chicago, Illinois, Burleigh Brewing was awarded not one, but two Gold Medals. The 28 Pale Ale and My Wife's Bitter both received "Exceptional" ratings with the judges noting both beers were "rock solid". My Wife's Bitter was noted as a "very precise session bitter" and the 28 Pale Ale as "delicious" and having a "great drinkability and food pair potential". For 28 Pale Ale and My Wife's Bitter, these medals add to the 2010 Gold for 28 Pale Ale and the 2013 Silvers for both 28 Pale Ale and My Wife's Bitter at the World Beer Champs.
www.burleighbrewing.com.au

Bin 72 Opening at The Strand
Bin 72, the newest star on the Coolangatta dining scene, is opening at The Strand on Saturday November 8. It's the latest venture from highly-acclaimed chef Daniel Ridgeway following the success of his two other Gold Coast restaurants. Having worked under various world-leading chefs in London, Vancouver and Melbourne throughout his career, Daniel became the youngest Executive Chef of the Sofitel Gold Coast, where he headed up the renowned Room 81. He then moved to the Wentworth in Sydney, before coming back to the Gold Coast to open his first restaurant, Little Truffle, in Mermaid Beach, and later, the more casual Bin 12 at Burleigh. Bin 72 is tapped to be the smarter, older brother of Bin 12, maintaining the emphasis on quality tapas-style food with a few larger meal options, as well as local beers on tap and a great wine menu. Daniel will be bringing his European experience to the menu, fusing with the Japanese influence of head chef Adam Lane, formerly head chef of Sake in Sydney.
www.facebook.com/Bin72

WHAT'S ON

Australian PGA Championship (11-14 Dec, 2014)
Australia's oldest professional golf tournament will again be played on the Gold Coast when the Australian PGA Championship returns to RACV Royal Pines Resort in December. Sure to be an exciting week of golf come along and watch world class players 'Light Up The Gold Coast'.Players are competing for the Joe Kirkwood Cup which has been won by greats such as Greg Norman, Gary Player, Seve Ballesteros and more recently Peter Senior, Robert Allenby and 2013 winner Adam Scott. Set to embrace the Gold Coast's famous for fun attitude the Australian PGA Championship is about more than just the action on course.
www.championship.pga.org.au

The Silver Spur Bullride Rodeo Series 2014/15 (13 Dec, 2014)
The Lonestar Tavern Mermaid Waters will host the Silver Spurs Bullride Rodeo Series on Saturday 13 December 2014. In association with Mellers Fellas Bucking Bulls, this year's event will feature live music, rodeo clowns, real life cowboys, and up to 100 of Australia's best live bucking bulls. Mellers Fellas Bucking Bulls have ensured the show will be bigger, the bulls are badder, and the entertainment even better.The series will feature Australia's meanest rankest bull that has not been ridden in more than 70 rides. As well as all your usual favourite Mellers Fellas members like Clappy the Clown, Jamie, andCowboy Protection Unit, Mellers Fellas Bulls now have a permanent pyrotechnic department travelling with them featuring fireworks, bigger flames and more.
www.visitgoldcoast.com/places-to-see/mermaid-waters/events/

Jeep Magic Millions Carnival and Raceday (January 2015)
The Gold Coast provides the perfect environment for Australia's Greatest Summer Racing Carnival – the 2015 Jeep Magic Millions Carnival and Race Day. Experience the thrill and excitement, at any of the week-long events and activities held at a variety of locations around the Gold Coast. Combining horse sales, racing and fun, come and share the magic and have the time of your life.
www.magicmillions.com.au

Blues on Broadbeach Music Festival Announces Incredible International Line-up (21-24 May, 2015)
Andrew Strong and The Commitments Tour, James Morrison plays the Blues, The Black Sorrows and Charlie Parr direct from the USA are just a few of the massive names to headline the Blues on Broadbeach Music Festival, May 21 to 24, 2015. The free event staged in the streets and in venues over four huge days throughout the popular Gold Coast hub will also feature Jeff Lang, Tijuana Cartel, The Backsliders and US favourites Old Gray Mule. Grammy nominated Andrew Strong is bringing The Commitments Tour to the Blues on Broadbeach Music Festival with a 9-piece band performing hits including Mustang Sally from the BAFTA award winning film that also received incredible chart success internationally. Australian blues rock band and household name, The Black Sorrows will be returning to the Blues on Broadbeach Music Festival stage with Joe Camilleri, an Aria Hall of Fame inductee, on lead vocals and special guests Vika and Linda. Australian icon and international Jazz artist James Morrison will 'Play The Blues' following a massive career including ARIA Awards, induction into the Graeme Bell Hall of Fame and performing at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games bringing a special performance to the 2015 Festival.
www.bluesonbroadbeach.com

Gold Coast Tourism is available for comment:
Molly Dunn, Executive – Consumer Content
Molly.dunn@gctourism.com