Burn The Floor Show At Jupiters Gold Coast
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Burn the Floor Show at Jupiters Gold Coast has started it’s 10 week season.
Burn The Floor is an International Dance Sensation which has toured the globe for 10 years at all the world theatre hot spots from London to Tokyo.
We are so lucky that it is now on the Gold Coast for a limited 10 week season at Jupiters Hotel and Casino in Broadbeach Gold Coast.
This show blends Latin American and Ballroom dance and features choreography by Jason Gilkison who has worked on “So You Think You Can Dance” in Australia and the US.
Dinner and theatre show packages are available as well as Show Only packages and Matinee performances with Lunch options.
Get in quick to enjoy the Burn The Floor Show at Jupiters Casino Gold Coast
- Burn The Floor Show at Jupiters Casino Gold Coast 2010. Click to Book.
Dreamworld Tower of Terror 2
Are you ready for Dreamworld Tower of Terror 2? Are you ready to Face Your Fear?
photo credit: www.jzx100.comAfter almost 14 years of thrills and adrenaline rushes, Dreamworld Tower of Terror, will shut its doors on August 18, 2010.
Four weeks later, just in time for September 2010 school holidays it will re-launch with a terrifying twist!
The new Tower of Terror II has you facing gravity! Instead of the relatively sedate feet first, you will now be face first as you hit speeds of up to 161 km/h in seven seconds flat. You will soar 100m into the air, where you will be suspended for 7 seconds of stomach-churning weightlessness at the top before plummeting back to the ground, except this time you will be seeing the ground coming at you, if you dare open your eyes!
Don’t forget that even though this ride doesn’t reopen until mid September, the best way to experience Tower of Terror II, is with either:
$99 Unlimited World Pass. Available for purchase until 31 August 2010, the $99 Unlimited World
Pass gives you endless entry to Dreamworld and WhiteWater World until 30 June, 2011
OR, $69 Unlimited World Pass is valid for purchase through to 10 October 2010, providing endless entry to Dreamworld and WhiteWater World until 24 December 2010.
Awesome Surf and Swell Pictures and Commentary
I just found these awesome surf and swell pictures and commentary on the coast watch website.
But first a bit of the background. Last Friday was Friday 13th which if you are superstitious can mean ominous things! As it turned out, weather patterns built up in the middle to end of last week to create what turned out to be the biggest swells of the year so far.
Here is the link to the Coast Watch website that will take you to the report, which I think is awesome. If you wait you will not only see the photos but hear the audio that tells the whole story! I found it really interesting, hope you like it.
It always pays to check the weather, that is for sure. If you got in early (and only if you are a good surfer) you could have had some really awesome surfing. But get in late and ouch…..
Even if you are not a surfer, these photos are really amazing and worth a look. Hope you enjoyed them, let me know what you think in the comments below.
Annie
Humpback Whale News
Latest Humpback Whale News
Whales are at the forefront of our minds right now because they are in the press as the world watches what is going on at the International Whaling Convention.
How can we help the whales?
One way is to support your local whale watching industry.
In the Gold Coast we have several whale watching tour operators who not only offer locals and visitors the opportunity to get up close and personal with the majestic humpback whales, but they offer important education and many of them support the whale conservation and research groups.
IWC is certainly having it’s twists and turns in Agadir, Morrocco at the moment. The latest news being that after only one hour the talks have been suspended and taken behind closed doors, it will be interesting to see what transpires.
The decisions that are made at IWC and the outcomes are going to have an affect on not only our humpback whales in Australia but whales around the world.
There are possibly even more far reaching effects of whaling according to this very interesting news item:
Whales, Like Trees, Slow Warming
This article suggests that as much carbon has been lost by the loss of whales this century as by the deforestation of New England in the USA. Whether you believe in global warming or not (you should hear my sister and my dad debate that one 
) whales obviously play a very important part in the ocean ecosystem. Something like 90 to 95% of some whale populations having been wiped out by industrial or commercial whaling. I don’t believe anyone would disagree that we have to protect whales not deplete their numbers further.
photo credit: magic_bee
It isn’t just Australia that this would effect, I was looking around today and came across this article about the humpback whales in Maui. In Maui the whales from the arctic visit between December and May for their mating season, so their season is almost opposite to our whale watching season in Australia.
This article is well worth a read especially for the humpback whale facts section:
Thunderstruck by Mother Nature: Whale Watching in Hawaii
My point is, unless we take a stand against commercial whaling, future generations may miss out on seeing these amazing mammals and who knows what other affects whaling will have on our planet.
You can help by supporting the local whale watching industry wherever you are.
Gold Coast whale watching cruise information
Gold Coast Humpback Whale News and Updates
QDeck Special Deal – A Way To Get A Discount To QDeck
QDeck Special Deal
QDeck has a special online deal for a limited time only – Upgrade for Free for unlimited entry to QDeck for 14 days.
How good is that, you pay the same as single visit, but you get unlimited entry to QDeck for 14 days, but it is only available online here.
QDeck Special Deal - QDECK’s 14 Day Unlimited Entry Upgrade Offer is available online here
Be Quick! Only on sale from 25 June 2010 to 17 September 2010 get an unlimited entry upgrade to QDeck for 14 days.
How many times have you been somewhere with a spectacular view such as QDeck and then wished you could return to catch it in a different light or at another time of the day. This free upgrade offer gives you that opportunity, but be quick and pick up your tickets online now.
Best value QDeck ticket option for families is the Family Pass. $49 for 2 adults and 2 children (5 to 14 years old inclusive). This is a way to get a really great QDeck discount.
Please note QDeck’s operating hours are:
- Sunday to Thursday – 9am to 9pm
- Friday & Saturday – 9am to 8pm
QDECK’s 14 Day Unlimited Entry Upgrade Offer is available online here
What’s so special about QDECK?
photo credit: MΛЯK
QDeck lift takes you from just above sea level to the highest point above the Gold Coast in an amazing 43 seconds! 230 meters above Surfers Paradise you will be whisked away to the Observation Deck in Q1 located on level 77.
From the deck you will get stunning 360 degree views of the Gold Coast. You can see up and down the coastline and surf and back to the hinterland. It’s not just for the view either, on the observation deck you will find QBar cafe and lounge where you can linger and relax taking in the view and ambience.
QDeck views can be enjoyed during the day and in the evenings too, which makes this free upgrade offer even more appealing.
Q1 is located in the heart of Surfers Paradise in the block bounded by Gold Coast Hwy, Clifford and Hamilton Streets and Northcliffe Terrace.
QDECK’s 14 Day Unlimited Entry Upgrade Offer is available online here
Things That Make You Australian
Things That Make You Australian - or at least an honourary Australian
I borrowed this from Susan Whelan’s brilliant blog Reading Upside Down – an Australian Book Lovers Blog (she reads and reviews all kinds of books both Australian and International). This is Susan’s Take on How Aussie Are You?. Scroll down and you can see my answers and comments.
A bit of fun for us Australian’s and for anyone who visits Australia, you might be more Australian than us locals!
I have highlighted those I have done and posted comments too. My score is 64/102, which is pretty amazing really – there are a few things I obviously need to do yet.
What about you? How many of these things have you done? How did you score, post below and let me know.
Things That Make You Australian
1.Heard a kookaburra in person.
2.Slept under the stars. (On a boat, not on land – full moon too totally awesome.)
3.Seen a koala. (Ask my sister about looking for Koalas in Trees at Hanging Rock – LOL!)
4.Visited Melbourne. (Lived there!)
5.Watched a summer thunderstorm. (Sydney, IMO, has THE best summer thunderstorms)
6.Worn a pair of thongs. (Sadly true, but in UK we called them FlipFlops!)
7.Been to Uluru (Ayer’s Rock). (Got as far as Chicken Rock, sad but true)
8.Visited Cape York.
9.Held a snake. (Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary in Gold Coast – yes!)
10.Sang along with Khe San. (I don’t even know what this is!)
11.Drank VB. (Drink of choice for sailors in Rushcutters Bay in early 1990s!)
12.Visited Sydney. (Lived there too)
13.Have seen a shark. (I have a few stories about sharks that make me feel quite sick now I think of what stupidities I committed when I was younger)
14.Have used Aussie (and NZ) slang naturally in a conversation. (Hard to tell I am a POM these days)
15.Had an actual conversation with an indigenous Australian (Aboriginal). (Everyday people, why this is in here I do not understand)
16.Eaten hot chips from the bag at the beach. (Did this in UK too, think this is a bit of British cultural heritage shining through)
17.Walked/climbed over the Sydney Harbour Bridge. (Hey I only got to Chicken Rock, do you think I am going up the bridge?)
18.Used an outside dunny, and checked under the seat before sitting down. (Check under the seat is a MUST, found a frog under one!)
19.Seen Chloe in Young & Jackson’s.
20.Slept on an overnight train or bus. (Perth to Kalgoorlie Easter 1989)
21.Been to Sydney’s Mardi Gras. (Standing on the pathway, does that count?)
22.Have gone bush-bashing. (Day trips only, no sleeping rough for me)
23.Taken a sickie. (Kinda hard, I work for myself, I just schedule extra holidays!)
24.Been to see a game of Aussie Rules football. (Yeay, I can admit this in public, I have never been to one, which is incredible when you think I lived in Melbourne for 11 years.)
25.Have seen wild camels. (Alice Springs 1990)
26.Gone skinny dipping. (too shy )
27.Done a Tim Tam Slam. (Done lots of things with Tim Tams, but have no idea what a slam is)
28.Ridden in a tram in Melbourne.
29.Been at an ANZAC day Dawn Service. (In Melbourne, and it was frrrreeeezzzing)
30.Watched a sunrise or sunset. (Virtually everyday, my favourite things)
31.Held a wombat.
32.Been on a roadtrip of 800km or more. (Monkey Mia from Perth return in a weekend and numerous Melbourne to Brisbane and Sydney trips.)
33.Seen the Great Australian Bight in person.
34.Had a really bad sunburn. (In Thailand, does that count?)
35.Visited an Aboriginal community.
36.Seen a redback spider. (And the first time, I was surprised as I thought they were smaller!)
37.Have watched Paul Hogan. (Even my Dad gets points for this and he is definitely not Australian!)
38.Seen Blue Poles in person. (no idea)
39.Wandered barefoot in the bush/outback. (why would anyone do this? OUCH)
40.Eaten Vegemite. (much to my family’s disgust, I am a convert from Marmite to Vegemite)
41.Thrown a boomerang. (and it didn’t come back)
42.Seen the Kimberleys.
43.Given a hitch-hiker a lift.
44.Been to Perth. (First place I ever visited in Australia)
45.Have tried Lemon, Lime and Bitters. (drink it often, but now I may have to reconsider, I did not realise it was so Australian)
46.Tried playing a didgeridoo. (emphasis on tried, only succeeded in getting very slobbery and making rude sounds)
47.Seen dinosaur footprints. (I would LOVE to!)
48.Eaten Tim Tams.
49.Been to Darwin. (Fantastic place, so colonial)
50.Touched a kangaroo. (Stroked and fed them at Currumbin)
51.Visted the Great Barrier Reef.
52.Listened to Kevin Bloody Wilson.
53.Killed a Cane Toad.
54.Gone to a drive-in theatre.
55.Have read and own books by Australian authors. (Road to Coorain by Jill Ker Conway was probably my first of many)
56.Visited Adelaide. (Yes and looking forward to getting a new perspective in April 2011 when we will be going again for swimming)
57.Know the story behind “Eternity”.
58.Been camping.
59.Visited Brisbane. (And shortly will be living there for a while)
60.Been in an outback pub.
61.Know what the term “Waltzing Matilda” actually means.
62.Gone whale watching. (Awesome! One of my favourite things to do. Carol does this for a living… she writes for my website you can read her humpback whale watching stories)
63.Listened to Slim Dusty (Only singing with The Wiggles, does that count?)
64.Own five or more Australian movies or TV series.
65.Sang along to Down Under. (yes, even before I lived in Australia and no I don’t think they stole the riff from Kookaburra)
66.Have stopped specifically to look at an historic marker by the side of the road.
67.Eaten a 4′n’20 pie. (UGHHHH Sorry I just cannot)
68.Surfed at Bondi. (Never surfed, but one day, I would love to)
69.Watched the cricket on Boxing Day. (1993 MCG ANZ private box, watched start of the Sydney Hobart as the cricket was delayed due to the inclement weather – it was miserable and freezing and we went home and put the gas heaters on)
70.Visited Hobart.
71.Eaten kangaroo. (taste tested it, not bad)
72.Seen a quokka. (Oh yes, they are so cute on Rottnest Island off Perth)
73.Visited Canberra. (bypassed it on way from Sydney to Melbourne – but still managed to get a speeding fine from an ACT policeman)
74.Visited rainforests. (Otways, Daintree, Lamington to name a few)
75.Used a Victa lawnmower. (Yes, but not in Australia, Victa was part of the company my dad worked for way back in the 1970s so we had a Victa Lawnmower and probably a very rare Victa Jet motor for our launch on the Thames)
76.Travelled on a tram in Adelaide.
77.Used a Hills hoist.
78.Visited Kata Tjuta
79.Used native Australian plants in cooking.
80.Visited the snow.
81.Chosen a side in Holden VS Ford. (Nah, but it is funny to watch and now that whole argument is coming to the Gold Coast every October for the Gold Coast 600)
82.Visited the desert.
83.Been water skiing (I have tried at least, but could not get up!)
84.Read The Phantom.
85.Visited Parliament House. (Old & New)
86.Gone spotlighting or pig-shooting. (Rather tame version spotlighting in Melbourne for possums in the park and at Currumbin on their Wildnight Adventure)
87.Crossed the Nullarbor. (I’m guessing flying over it in a plane doesn’t count)
88.Avoided swimming in areas because of crocodiles. (D’Oh)
89.Listened to AC/DC. (not by choice)
90.Called someone a dag.
91.Voted in a Federal Election.
92.Have been swimming and stayed between the flags.
93.Had a possum in your roof. (Even had to call in Peter The Possum Man to get rid of said possum)
94.Visited the outback.
95.Travelled over corrugated roads. (From Uluru to the Olgas and thought I was going to die)
96.Hit a kangaroo while driving. (Thankfully not)
97.Been well outside any mobile phone coverage. (probably, but before mobile phones were the thing)
98.Seen an emu. (Fed one at Currumbin)
99.Have woken to the smell of bushfires. (Even in the cities this can happen)
100.Subscribed to RRR.
101.Patted a pure-bred dingo.
102.Seen the Oils live.
Phew, that was an epic, but I hope you enjoyed reading my comments and seeing how you went. Let me know how you go and keep it moving, perhaps you would like to post on your blog and then you can leave a comment below to let me know.
Is Migaloo On His Way To Gold Coast?
I hear a rumour this morning! Migaloo is on his way to the Gold Coast!
Yay! This rather special all white humpback whale has been a firm favourite over the last few years. Each year, whale watchers and whale tour operators wait to see if they will catch a glimpse of this majestic and rather unique albino humpback whale.
Migaloo sometimes sneaks past the Gold Coast at night (2008 he did that!) but last year in 2009 he spent some daylight hours off the Gold Coast.
My little bird tells me, he is expected sometime tomorrow Tuesday 22nd June 2010 off the Gold Coast. Fingers crossed for those lucky enough to be on whale watches tomorrow that they will get that real experience of a lifetime.
If you are in the southern end of the Gold Coast, then check out Tony and Carol’s Aquatic Blue Charters, they go out every morning and offer a really personalised trip. Carol writes my humpback whale watching news updates, where you can get a feel for what is going on in the Gold Coast before you get out there yourself.
In the northern part of the Gold Coast (for those staying in areas such as Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, Main Beach, Southport, Runaway Bay, Hope Island and Sanctuary Cove) a great new options exclusively from Experience Oz is a Mystery Whale Watch where you don’t know which whale watch you will be going on when you book, but you get to save off the regular prices on the tickets.
If you want a chance to see Migaloo on the Gold Coast this year, you better get in quick and book your whale watch! No guarantees that you will see him, but you ain’t likely to see him from the land that is for sure
Happy whale watching
Annie from Gold Coast Australia
Save Money With A Mystery Whale Watch These School Holidays
Save Money With A Mystery Whale Watch These School Holidays
Here’s something a little different. Do you want to save money with a mystery whale watch tour?
You lose some flexibility, you could end up on one of three whale watching tours from Surfers Paradise and Main Beach areas in Gold Coast but you can save money for a tour.
Tours aren’t refundable but there are some options for changes up to 48 hours ahead of the date you pick. Check the booking website for details. Special offer for discount whale watching only available through these links.
If you are interested check out the mystery whale watch tour details and book in for your whale watch.
Things To Do In July School Holidays
Things To Do in Gold Coast in July School Holidays
There is so much to do in the Gold Coast during the winter school holidays here are some ideas to get you started and there are more ideas in my post about things to do in the June school holidays in the Gold Coast too.
These are general suggestions about tours, activities and attractions and here are some specific 2010 winter school holiday events.
Gold Coast Theme Parks
All the usual suspects are open and very popular during the winter school holidays on the Gold Coast.
Usually the best value options for going to the theme parks is using their passes. You should find the latest deals on this Gold Coast theme parks page.
The theme park passes come as either packages of DreamWorld and Whitewater World or SeaWorld, MovieWorld and Wet n Wild
Please Note: During winter some of the theme parks do scheduled maintenance and some rides and attractions may not be open. In general they do try to have things open for the school holidays. Usually, you can find out specific information on their websites.
Whale Watching During July School Holidays
By July the whale highway is in full swing. There should be plenty of whales to watch. Whale watching is very popular and it is important to book in early. Check out the different options for whale watching on the Gold Coast and here is a guide to just about every question about whale watching you can imagine (and if I have forgotten one you can always ask!)
Sometimes you can get good deals, like SeaWorld Whale Watch with SeaWorld Park Entry Combo tickets.
I am also really lucky as Carol from Aquatic Blue Charters writes me a humpback whale watching report to keep us all updated with the latest news and happenings on the water. I hang out for the reports and photos she sends me, I hope you enjoy them too.
Cruises by Day or By Night
There are various options for water cruises whether it be for a one day tour to Tangalooma, or South Stradbroke Island, a mud crab cruise or a sightseeing tour. Getting on the water on a cruise tour is always a treat. Lots more Gold Coast cruise options.
Other Gold Coast Attractions and Day Tours
Here is a selection of ideas for things to do in July school holidays, there are lots more just follow the links at the bottom of this section for more ideas.
Tropical Fruit World a short drive into northern NSW, if you like fruit you’ll love this place. I was just asked What Do You Think of Tropical Fruit World? Read my quick review – okay so nothing I write is quick – but this one is worth it!
QDeck at the top of Q1 can give you an outstanding view of the Gold Coast
Ripleys Believe It or Not! has just reopened in Surfers Paradise
Timezone will keep the kids happy for a couple of hours
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is great for seeing koalas, kangaroos, Tasmanian Devils, Wombats and lots more wildlife. Their shows are brilliant and if you are game, I highly recommend the Wildnight Adventure.
There are so many attractions, activities and day tours you can go on, I really cannot list them all here. You get the picture, from horse riding on the beach, to surfing, diving, hot air ballooning – you name it you can do it here on the Gold Coast.
Shows and Theatre
Australian Outback Spectacular is a great night out (some matinee performances available). Dinner and show to keep you entertained.
Draculas Caberet Dinner Theatre – to be honest it isn’t my thing, but it is an extremely popular scary dinner theatre show!
Jupiters Dinner Show – Jupiters Casino usually has a dinner theatre show running, but it changes regularly.
The list is endless of things to do in July School Holidays in Gold Coast, however, if you have any questions you can always contact me with your questions about things to do in July school holidays.
You can subscribe to this blog to get updates too.
Things To Do In Gold Coast In June School Holidays
Things To Do in Gold Coast in June School Holidays
Gold Coast Theme Parks
Please Note: During winter some of the theme parks do scheduled maintenance and some rides and attractions may not be open. In general they do try to have things open for the school holidays. Usually, you can find out specific information on their websites.
MovieWorld is celebrating the 75th Anniversary of DC Comics. Starting from 26 June 2010 running until 31 July there will be plenty of opportunities to see your favourite DC Comics characters at Movie World, including in the nightly (from 5pm) Movie World Star Parade.
Sea World - I don’t know of any special shows or programs running during these school holidays. If you are after thrill rides, go to MovieWorld or DreamWorld. The marine animals are the best bit of this theme park in my opinion and you can combine Sea World entry with a whale watching cruise for fantastic value. Make sure you book early for the sea world whale watching tours.
photo credit: Jon… in 3DWet n Wild was always a favourite of my kids during the winter, because many people steer clear. They warm up the water! Even I go on the rides. And when I am there in the winter - Whirlpool Springs their 12 Person Jacuzzis is where you will find me!
The best value way to visit these theme parks is to purchase one of the passes. It gets confusing so you can get more information about Gold Coast theme parks and the pass options (scroll down).
DreamWorld and Whitewater World can keep you occupied for several days I reckon! Why not take advantage of their amazing unlimited entry offer. For a limited time only (on sale to 17 July 2010) for entries until 24 December 2010, it doesn’t get much better than this offer.
photo credit: goosmurfCurrumbin Wildlife Sanctuary - there is always so much going on at Currumbin and then there is the fantastic Wild Night adventure. They have the Green Challenge, bird feeding, you can hold a koala and get photos and you can feed kangaroos and emus too!
Australian Outback Spectacular is usually considered an evening entertainment option. On certain Sundays there is a 12.30pm matinee show which includes lunch. Doors open 11.30am with pre show entertainment from about 11.45am onwards. The show lasts about 1½ hours so you will be finished around 2pm. There are various lunch options including Aussie BBQ with Steak or vegetarian options. Upcoming dates are Sunday 27 June 2010 and Sundays 4 and 25 July 2010.
You can book your tickets online and if you are planning on visiting Sea World, Wet n Wild or Movie World whilst in the Gold Coast, you could save yourself $20 per ticket for Australian Outback Spectacular by purchasing a multipark pass at the same time you book your show.
If you go with the Matinee show, you could combine a visit to Paradise Country Farm which is right next door! Younger children love the interactive farm based activities.
Gold Coast Whale Watching in June School Holidays
Whale watching is a BIG during the June school holidays and if you want to go I recommend you book your whale watching cruises ahead of time. You can combine a SeaWorld visit with a whale watch, which offers great savings on the tickets. If you are staying in the southern part of the Gold Coast (Burleigh southwards), in Coolangatta or Tweed Heads, then my pick would be Aquatic Blue Charters.
Carol from Aquatic Blue keeps me updated on the latest humpback whale watching news including photos and all the excitement! Worth a read even if you don’t get to go on a whale watching tour.
Other Gold Coast Attractions
The school holidays are a busy time for all Gold Coast attractions.
Something of note that has been closed for a while but is now reopened and it fantastic is the fun and very different Ripleys Believe It or Not! It is right in the heart of Surfers Paradise and one of those great attractions. You could combine that with an hour or two at Timezone which is across Cavill Mall in the Centro Surfers Paradise. The kids will LOVE you for that!
Phew… that’s it for me for the moment for things to do in the Gold Coast in June School holidays. Stay tuned as I update and let you know about July events.