Gold Coast United v North Queensland Fury 15 - August - 2009

Gold Coast United v North Queensland Fury 15 - August - 2009 www.a-league.com.au Gold Coast thumps Fury Gold Coast United showed no mercy in the battle of the Hyundai A-League new-comers, dominating North Queensland Fury with a 5-0 victory at Skilled Park on Saturday night. United came into the match minus five starters from its Round 1 triumph but that mattered little to Shane Smeltz who grabbed four goals himself. After a rusty start Smeltz opened the scoring in the 29th minute, then poured on three goals in 10 minutes midway through the second half. By the 80th minute the home side was toying with its Queensland rival when Tahj Minniecon grabbed its fifth in a brilliant solo effort. The Qantas Young Socceroo burst into open spaces and then with a series of fakes left a defender and the goalie prone on the ground before placing the ball in the net. United coach Miron Bleiberg was modest in the aftermath, playing down the attacking prowess of his star striker. “You can talk about all the goals scored and no offence to ‘Smeltzy’ but I am more impressed with keeping a clean sheet,” Bleiberg said. Robbie Fowler was unsighted in his second match for the Fury with Qantas Socceroo Michael Thwaite denying him any sniff of an opportunity. Fury coach Ian Ferguson attempted to change his game-plan after half-time but to no avail. “They did a good job on Robbie, we tried to push a few boys forward but when he got the ball there was no support,” Ferguson said. With Adam Griffiths …

Gold Coast - Australia - Getting Around

The Gold Coast has a great range of public and private transport to get you where you need to go at a price you can afford.  Consider your families needs and shop around for the best deal.

Getting to the Gold Coast
There are direct flights to the Gold Coast from most major cities in Australia and New Zealand  If you are outside our major cities or flying internationaly you may need to get to the Gold Coast by flying into Brisbane  From some rural centres it may be easier to get to the Gold Coast by coach.  Surfers Paradise Transit Centre provides convenient access to a range of coach services in Surfers Paradise (hours 6am to 10pm).  Car Hire is also a great optiona for a family as it works out to be very economical especialy weekly car hire.

When your flight arrives on the Gold Coast or Brisbane
Gold Coast Airport and Brisbane Airport transfers include coach, door-to-door services, limousines, taxis, wheelchair-accessible taxis and maxi-taxis. There are car rental on the Gold Coast who can arange car hire for you when you arrive at the airpots and leave it there when you fly out.  Enjoy the sun and salt air, hire a convertible sports car or jeep. Rental companies are based in central locations and at airports.  From Brisbane Airport, also catch the Airtrain (direct rail service to Gold Coast) or Airtrain Connect (train with limousine service).

Getting around Gold Coast
The Gold Coast has many quality bus services including a high frequency bus service along the Gold Coast Highway to Theme Parks, Shopping Centres and Rail Links. TransLink can provide more information at or TransLink view the Route Map.

Disabled Transport Gold Coast
Get about with disabled modified vehicles, wheelchair-accessible taxis or buses.

Regent Taxis - phone: 131 008

Fun Gold Coast Transport
The Gold Coast has a great range of alternate an funt transport options.  You can hire just about anything from bicycles, mountain bikes, tandems, motor bikes and Harley Davidsons or you can even hire a scooter or moped. There are a large number of bicycle tracks on the Gold Coast so you can have great day without the hassel of traffic.

Gold Coast Water Activities
Ferries and water taxis connect islands and canal estates.  The Gold Coast has a fantastic range of water activities and hire craft, kayak, surf, or kite surf hire. If you are looking for adrenalin activitied how about jet ski or speedboat rides, or relax with boat or houseboat hire, fishing charters, sail cruises or luxury charted cruises. Australia’s Gold Coast is one of the nation’s leading leisure boat destinations with marinas and boat ramps throughout the region.

Nature Walks on the Gold Coast
The Gold Coast hinterland offers more than 100,000ha of nature reserves.  Take a peaceful walk in the hinterland or  join a guided tour.

Public Transport Gold Coast
Transport choices are many and varied on the Gold Coast, catering for residents and the large number of visitors to the Gold Coast.   Surfside Buslines services areas from as far south as Pottsville and Murwillumbah in New South Wales to as far north as Beenleigh in Queensland.  For information on public bus timetables, visit TransLink or Phone 13 12 30

 

 

For a great weekend away try Kingscliff on the Far North Coast of NSW

Most people do not think of Kingscliff when they imagine the quiet white sand beaches and tropical beauty of a seaside vacation. Just a little more than an hour south of Brisbane in Australia lies a small resort town that is a destination for any traveler. From families taking their holiday to local Queenslanders having a day out and about, Kingscliff has everything you are looking for and more!

Surf’s up! Surfing and swimming may not be the only fun activities in this pretty little town, but swimming and boating areas are plentiful. The beaches here are far less filled with people than the more popular northern seaside resort areas. There is plenty of room to fish from the beach for the tourists and the locals alike. There are fishing contests all year around with easy access to charter, pleasure and fishing cruises for any type of adventurer, from the first time fisherman to the expert.

If you get tired of swimming, surfing and fishing, there are plenty of shops, restaurants and markets to pick from. In October of each year, the Main Street Festival draws arts and crafts and fresh vegetable and fruit seekers alike. The Art, Food and All That Jazz festival in May is also a fun and musical way to spend your vacation. If you’re not set on a month, enjoy the farmer’s markets each second and fourth Sunday of the month. These local farmer’s markets display a large number of wares including the exotic tropical fruits that contribute to the area’s “good food” reputation.

Just off of the main street in town, a street called Marine Parade, there are dozens of restaurants for any appetite. From fresh lemon pepper calamari to beef wraps and Asian salads, to delicious crisp grilled snapper or even a five course Italian meal, if you’re hungry for it, you will find it on Marine Parade. There are lovely outdoor breakfasts and sweet ice cream shops or simple sandwiches for the lighter eaters. Families will enjoy the al fresco dining and lively entertainment that draws people to this seaside village.

Local curiosities include places like Cook Island, Fingal Head. This volcanic rock island juts from the ocean and is full of native flora. The Fingal Lighthouse draws tourists and locals for the excellent photographic opportunities. You are able to park just off of the road past the Fingal Trading Post and walk a path covered in trees to the lighthouse. You can splash or fish in Cudgen Creek which is shallow and crystal clear. Pelicans and other native birds nest and hunt for fish throughout the area, a big draw for shore-bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

If you are on the adventurous side, there are several theme parks within about sixty minutes of the town. From rollercoasters to wildlife, the parks include Dreamworld, Pioneer Plantation, Jetski Safaris Gold and Flycoaster. The Australian Outback Spectacular which is located just next to Movie World is one of the only theme parks with an Outback style. Movie World has a Hollywood flair with an Australian style and the best part is, none of these parks are more than a short drive from the hotels and beaches.

If you’re in the mood to hike or climb, check out Mount Warning which lies about half and hour from the town. Bring your best walking shoes and something to drink for the six hours of climbing and although the descent is the same track as the ascent, the views are well worth the double tracking. Also about thirty minutes from town is the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. With a huge collection of Australian animals including koalas and kangaroos, you can spend a day learning about the many types of native Australian mammals and reptiles.

When it comes to mixing both tropical rainforest and gorgeous seaside villas, Kingscliff does it well. A quiet ocean paradise is just south of the border where you will feel relaxed and enchanted. Kingscliff is truly a vacation adventure.

Explore Yamba on the Far North Coast of NSW Australia

The town of Yamba rests on the mouth of the Clarence River. A tranquil and lovely fishing village it has tradition and beauty that has been here forever. Yet this town is showing that the subtle draws are more distinct than one thought.

As the eastern sea port that is the farthest in Australia it also has the second largest fishing fleet. This means that a visit to this fishing village brings a plethora of delicious, fresh fish to eat. Add to that the local flair and a supreme location and it is a wonderful destination.

The business of fishing is serious but the people of the town want to bring some amusement so they have a yearly event in September called the Family Fishing Competition. This allows families to have some fun, catch some fish and enjoy the area around them. As the weather is the most consistent in the country, any time of year is a perfect time to visit.

Not only families are flocking to this town. The retirees are finding the good weather, amazing landscapes, and delicious fish as a perfect place to settle down for the future. They are purchasing lovely cottages and making this area their future.

The town of Angourie has already made a splash by being the place where surfers meet and conjugate. But this town has been found sometimes by the eye catching walk that runs between the two towns. The Yamba Lighthouse is also a wonderful place to spend the day looking out at the incredible coastline and finding out the local history.

Not only is there coastline to ogle but there is the Bundjalung National Park that has amazing sights to see. This is a rain forest with historical sites where the native people, the Aborigines, lived. With a walk through the equally wonderful landscape of the Yuraygir National Park you can find your meandering leads you to breathtaking coastline. Whatever your pleasure intriguing sights and sounds will be your reward.

Maybe just looking at the water is not enough and you wish to venture out onto the ocean. Taking a whale watching cruise is a fun and exciting way to interact with the sea life. The Southern Right and Humpback whales migrate here in August and September, so hop aboard and say hello. Perhaps catching a fish is more fun than simply eating one so going on a deep sea fishing boat will let you do both. Follow the expertise of those that fished these waters forever and catch your dinner. The lure of relaxation is large when you are taking a holiday. Rent a houseboat and simply relax as you float atop the water and enjoy the peaceful bobbing of the boat.

Take your towel, a good book, and sunscreen and set yourself down on the beaches. Patrolled by life guards you will never have to worry about you or your kiddies being unsafe. The lure of the beautiful town has been rewarded by Australia Magazine with their title of being the number one town in Australia.

Whether it is a weekend getaway or a long vacation this town will give you the perfect holiday experience. Meandering walks, surfing the waves, fishing, or simply enjoying the Famous Yamba Prawns can leave you with a plethora of memories and the resolution to come again to the intriguing town of Yamba.