Parklands Gold Coast Show 2012

Every year around the end of August or beginning of September we celebrate the Gold Coast show here in sunny Queensland. The three-day event runs from Friday through to Sunday.

*** Remember to write down this year’s Gold Coast Show Public Holiday date!

Gold Coast Show Day Holiday 2012: Friday 31 August 2012

You can come and enjoy the 2012 Gold Coast show at Parklands Showgrounds, which can be found at the corner of Smith Street and Parklands Drive in Southport on Queensland’s sunny Gold Coast.

Dates 2012: Friday 31st August, Saturday 1st September and Sunday 2nd September 2012

Gold Coast Show 2012

Last Year’s Gold Coast Show 2011

Last year in 2011 the show began on Friday 2nd September 2011 with the Gold Coast Public Holiday and concluded on Sunday 4th September 2011.

Gold Coast Show Holiday 2011: Friday 2 September 2011

Dates 2011: Friday 2nd September, Saturday 3rd September and Sunday 4th September 2011

Times 2011 & 2012:

  • Fri & Sat 9.00am – 9.00pm
  • Sunday 9.00am – 7.30pm

Ticket Prices 2011 & 2012:

 Family (2A & 3C under 14 yrs)  $45.00
 Adults  $20.00
 Students, Pensioners, Seniors  $10.00
 Children (under 14)  $5.00
 Pre-School Children  FREE
 Car parking  $10.00

 

Venue: Parklands Showgrounds,

Cnr Smith St and Parklands Drive, Southport, Qld




View Larger Map
 

Enquiries:

  • Phone: 07 5591 3422
  • Email: info@goldcoastshow.com.au

 

2011 is set to be as good, if not better than previous years, with fun activities and rides to amuse all of the family.

There are many fun activities to do that everyone is sure to find something that they will enjoy.

  • Animal Nursery & Poultry
  • Dog Show
  • Horse Events – Show-jumping
  • Goat Competitions
  • Showbags, Sideshows & Rides
  • FREE Circus
  • Fantastic Food
  • Goldsteins Fireworks Display
  • Evening Entertainment
  • Homecraft Competition & Displays
  • Homeshow Displays &Trade Exhibits
  • School Displays & Competitions
  • Stage Shows & Roving Entertainment
  • Motorsports Exhibits
  • Vintage Cars
  • Visual Arts Competition
  • Woodchopping Championships

*** Remember to write down next year’s Gold Coast Show Public Holiday date!

Gold Coast Show Holiday 2013: Friday 30th August 2013


Below is a short video clip from a previous Gold Coast show to give you an overview of what to expect.

 

History of Gold Coast Show

Gold Coast Show 2011 is the 105th year of this major Gold Coast event. Back in 2006 we celebrated 100 years of this annual, local show.

When I searched online I found references to “The Southport Show” even back to circa 1903 and 1905 so even in these early years there was something happening. There was horse shoeing and floral and vegetable displays for people to enjoy in the early days.

The show was first held at the old Recreation Reserve, site of the Woodroffe Park in Lawson Street, Southport behind the Southport RSL. It was referred to as “The Southport Show” until the name changed to “South Coast Show” in 1952. Then later in about 1959, the name was changed again to “The Gold Coast Show”.

Once the annual show outgrew the facilities at the old Recreation Reserve it moved to land donated by the Owen family. This became known as Owen Park and is in Queens Street Southport. The Annual Gold Coast Show remained in Owen Park until 1988.

Then in 1989 the show moved to the current location of Parklands, Southport. Parklands is situated on the corner of Smith Street Motorway and Parklands Drive and consists of 47 hectares. Specially built facilities were constructed, including Harness and Greyhound racing facilities.

So why not gather up the whole family and come out for a fun and memorable day at this years Annual Gold Coast Show?

Find out more about the popular Gold Coast Show weekend here.

Floriade Canberra 2012 The 25th Year

Every year around September and October you can experience the delightful display of gorgeous coloured flowers at the Floriade in Canberra, Australia. The event lasts for 30 days and delights young and old alike. One of the best features is that you can come and enjoy all that Floriade has to offer for no cost!

Australia’s celebration of Spring, Floriade Canberra 2012 will be a special celebration as it marks 25 years of this colourful Aussie event. Why not enjoy Spring with the colour, vibrance and exhilaration that comes from walking amongst so many exquisite floral displays?

Dates of Operation of Floriade Canberra 2012:

  • 15th September 2012 to 14th October 2012

Floriade Canberra 2010 Video

Price:

Free entry for all!

Times of Operation:

Monday-Friday: 9:00am to 5:00pm
Weekends and Public Holidays: 9:00am to 5:30pm
Entry to the event closes 30 minutes before close each day.


Address:

Commonwealth Park
Canberra, ACT, 2601

Only a pleasant 5-10 minute walk from the centre of the city of Canberra.

A free shuttle is also available from Canberra city centre to the gate of Commonwealth Park during the full 30 days of Floriade Canberra 2012. This free service operates from 9:00am to 5:00pm daily during Floriade. 2012, thus making it easy to come and enjoy the festivities and colour.

Click to view the Floriade event map online

Location Map:


View Larger Map

Interesting Facts:

  • Floriade Canberra is currently the largest flower festival event in the Southern hemisphere
  • Began in Spring 1988 to commemorate Canberra’s 75th birthday
  • Australia’s bicentenary of settlement by Europeans in 1988 also coincided with Floriade’s launch
  • Over 300,000 visitors enjoy Floriade Canberra each year during September and October
  • Floriade Europe is held every 10 years in the Netherlands
  • Floriade Netherlands 2012 will be held from April to mid October

Read more information on Floriade Australia 2012 here.


Glimpses of all aspects of Floriade Canberra

KST Sydney Airport Shuttle Review

Kingsford Smith Transport (aka KST) offers an airport shuttle to make it easy and inexpensive for travellers to go from the airport to their hotel or vice versa. This option is cheaper than getting a taxi and much more convenient than catching the local public bus service. It is also much less stressful than hiring a car to take you to the CBD, Kings Cross or Darling Harbour!

KST Sydney Airport Shuttle

Sydney Airport Shuttle Prices (as at April 2012)

Keep in mind that when you pay and book your Sydney Airport Shuttle online that you will be given the best price available. This will ensure that you travels are as inexpensive as possible.

– Book Online – – Pay on Day of Travel –
Adult Oneway – Hotel to Airport $12.60 $14.00
Adult Oneway – Airport to Hotel $16.20 $18.00
Adult Return $28.80 $32.00
Children (5-12) Oneway $10.00 $18.00
Children (5-12) Return $11.00 $20.00
Children (0-4) Oneway Free Free
Children (0-4) Return Free Free

 
 

Times of Operation:

Hotel pick up: Available from 5am to 7pm Daily
Airport pickup: Available from Arrival of first flight to 8.30pm Daily

NOTE: if you have want to make a booking for a large group then contact KST to enquire on pricing and times, as special arrangements can be made for larger groups outside the regular hours.

My KST Experience

Over the past 6 years I have travelled with my mum to Sydney for a conference once a year. Each of these times we booked the KST shuttle to drop us off at our hotel in Darling Harbour or Sydney CBD. We found that we usually had to wait around 20-30 minutes at the airport once we arrived at the meeting point. But had no problem with the driver coming to get us and walk us over to the shuttle bus.

On return from the hotel to the airport the driver arrived a few minutes before the scheduled time and came into the lobby to call us. We then had a smooth drive back to the airport and arrived in plenty of time to check in for our flight back home.

I have no hesitation in recommending KST Sydney Airport Shuttle as I have always found their service totally satisfactory. It always removes the added stress of driving in Sydney‘s busy traffic myself in a hire car or jumping into a taxi, which would be much more expensive.

Click here to make your booking for a Sydney Airport Shuttle

KST also offer an airport shuttle on the Gold Coast. For inquiries about the Gold Coast airport shuttle contact the Sydney shuttle.

Melbourne Airport Shuttle

If you are travelling to Melbourne then you will be pleased to know that there is also a KST Airporter Shuttle available to and from Tullamarine Airport. These services go to the Melbourne CBD, Southbank and East Melbourne.

Remember that if you book and pay online then you will receive the best price available. You just need to print out your payment receipt, which will be emailed to you and then give it to the driver on the day of travel.

Click here to make your booking for a Melbourne Shuttle

Shuttle Travel Tips:

It is important to keep the following points in mind so that you have a smooth pick up each time you are waiting for the shuttle.

  • Each passenger is limited to 2 pieces of luggage.
  • If you have extra baggage, or unusually sized luggage items, then be sure to tell KST prior to your pickup.
  • On arrival at the airport phone KST to notify of your arrival.
  • Proceed to the designated meeting point as outlined in the payment receipt email that you received.
  • Be sure to ask each shuttle driver who comes to the airport meeting point if they are from KST.
  • Watch out for drivers who are wearing a uniform that says, “Tour East” or “KST“.
  • If it seems like you have waited too long then phone up again and ask what is happening.
  • On the return trip to the airport allow plenty of time for travel and to check in to your flight.


Experience of Others Waiting for Shuttle

I wanted to mention another couple who were also waiting for the KST airport shuttle at the meeting point at the Sydney Airport when we arrived.

They had been there for around 1.5 hours and had phoned up to find out why the shuttle had not come to get them. When the driver did arrive to get us, after we had been there about 20 minutes, they realized that they had seen that driver before, but did not realize that he was from KST. Apparently a misunderstanding had occurred and they did not know that they could have caught the previous 2 KST airport shuttles when the driver came in to collect the travellers.

Instead of the driver having on a uniform that said “KST”, or something similar, it said “Tour East”. If this couple had have known that this was the KST shuttle driver then they would have already been at their destination. As it was they were understandably angry.

I only share this with you, not to discredit KST, as we have always found their service to be totally satisfactory, but to make you aware of checking with each shuttle driver who comes to the meeting point and asking if they are from KST. By doing this you will ensure that you catch the first available shuttle to your destination, rather than waiting around longer than is necessary!

Happy Travelling! 😎

Neptunes Reefworld Aquarium Urangan For A Fun Family Day Out

Located right on the beach at Dayman Park, Hervey Bay, just a short distance from the Urangan Pier is the Neptunes Reef World Aquarium. Some of the highlights that the aquarium offers to visitors is the opportunity to get up close to the turtles and sharks. In the morning at 11am everyone who wants to can feed some lettuce to the friendly turtles in the outdoor tank. Be sure to give the turtles a nice backrub on the side of their shell as they really love this.

Feeding the Turtles

Reefworld Aquarium Prices (as at April 2012)

Adult $18
Child (3-14 Years Inclusive) $8
Child (Under 5 Years) Free
Pensioner $18
Student $18
Backpackers $18
Swim with Sharks $50
Double Deal – Lunch & Aquarium – Adult $30
Double Deal – Lunch & Aquarium – Kids $17


Lunch At Waterfront Restaurant

Once you purchase your entry ticket you can come and go as many times as you want to throughout that specific day. So if you want to head over to Urangan for some lunch then you can do that.

But a better option is to enjoy a delicious lunch at the Waterfront Restaurant onsite at the aquarium.

If you want to save some money then you can take advantage of the Double Deal offer, which is available from Wednesday to Sunday. This special deal gives you full-day entry to Reefworld as well as a freshly prepared meal, between 11.30am and 2.30pm, in the restaurant. For just $30 adults receive aquarium entry and a meal of your choice with a credit of $20 off the meal price.

A perfect time to relax and enjoy lunch is after the turtle feeding at 11am. So around 12 noon you can wander into the restaurant and over your meal and drinks. Then sit back, relax and take in the beautiful view of Round Island, Big Woody Island and National Park and, of course, Fraser Island in the background! Before you know it your meal will arrive and you can eat before heading back for the shark feeding at 2pm.

Remember that this special offer is only available Wednesday to Sunday and so you may want to take this into account when planning your visit to Reef World.

Times of Operation:

Daily: 9.30am – 4pm
Christmas Day: Closed
Anzac Day: 9.30am – 4pm

Address:

On the beach,
Charlton Esplanade,
Dayman Park,
Urangan, Hervey Bay, Qld 4655

Phone: (07) 4128 9828
Email: reefworld@optusnet.com.au

Feeding Times:

11am – Turtles
2pm – Sharks & Large Reef Fish


Feeding the Sharks

Then after lunch you can head back into Reefworld Aquarium for the opportunity to feed the sharks and large fish at 2pm. It all begins at the main indoor tank where anyone who wants to can take a piece of fish, climb up the ladder and feed the large reef fish by hand. It is quite exciting seeing the speed with which the large fish come to grab the fish! Next everyone heads outside to where the sharks and turtles are housed. Guests are given pieces of fish that can be given to the sharks, turtles and large reef fish in the outside tank.

Map – Neptune’s Reefworld, Hervey Bay


View Larger Map

Colourful Fish at Reef World

Interesting Facts About Reefworld

  • Reef World Aquarium was established over thirty years ago in 1979.
  • Natural sunlight is used throughout for lighting.
  • Sea water is used to keep the tanks full of healthy water with all of the nutrients necessary for healthy marine life.
  • A sand filter is all that is used on the incoming sea water.
  • The 2011 floods caused most of the live coral to die off due to the huge influx of fresh water from the Mary River.
  • After flooding the salt level in the water inside the aquarium tanks drops drastically and this had a big impact on the health of the coral, fish and marine creatures.
  • After the floods in 2011 many of the star fish, sea urchins and other marine life died due to the increase in fresh water and reduction in salt levels.
  • Reefworld is amongst only a few aquariums around the world that rely on natural seawater and natural sunlight to keep the aquatic environment healthy.

Visiting Reefworld in the Rain

Even when it is raining you can still enjoy a fantastic day out at Neptune’s aquarium. The main tank containing a variety of reef fish is situated inside. The individual aquarium tanks and touch pool are also inside so you can wander around to your heart’s content without getting at all wet on a rainy day.

The restaurant also offers meals, snack and drinks throughout the day undercover for your dining pleasure.

During the turtle feeding at 11am and the shark feed at 2pm you may require an umbrella as the shark and turtle enclosure is located outdoors. So if it is raining then bring a couple of umbrellas with you and use these when you join in with the twice daily feedings.

Wheelchair Accessibility

All of the inside sections of the aquarium and restaurant are accessible by those in wheelchairs or with wheely walkers. There are also accessible toilets inside the main section of Reefworld.

There are 3 steps down to the section where you feed the turtles and sharks, but there is a viewing platform available for those in wheelchairs who are not able to get down to the lower level.

Reasons to Visit Reefworld, Urangan

  • Centrally located
  • 2 live feeds each day
  • Entry tickets allows for free access in and out throughout the day
  • Waterfront restaurant open for morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea 8pm to 4pm from Wednesday to Sunday
  • Restaurant also caters for wedding receptions, birthday parties, functions and conferences
  • Option to swim with the sharks is available
  • Stunning live coral displays
  • Unique design using natural sunlight and seawater
  • Touch pool with a variety of marine creatures
  • Feed and pat the turtles
  • Feed the sharks and large, reef fish

Aussies Use Technology To Plan Family Holidays

Technology appears to be impacting many different areas of our lives, including our travel and holiday plans. We are now using apps on our smart phones as well as websites to help us arrange and organize our trips away from home.

Latest Technology Alters People's Travel HabitsAn article has just been written by Kate Schneider and published in The Australian discussing how we as Aussies are changing the way we plan our holidays by using some of the modern technology that now surrounds us each day.


  • Aussies ditching extensive holiday planning
  • Turning to phone apps and reviewing services
  • One in four Aussies planning a short trip

THE explosion of digital devices and the rise of group buying have seen Australians ditch extensive holiday planning over doing it on the go.

 

But one in four Australians say they are planning on taking more short trips at home in the next 12 months as they seek certainty and nostalgia in an increasingly complex world.

Facebook is also becoming a popular platform for travellers to share photos and memories from their trips. Many even share their pictures and videos during their holiday so that friends can share the journey with them.

According to TNS only 7 per cent left their phone at home during their last domestic holiday and 61 per cent own a smart phone.

 

“Travel is seen as one of the important enriching life experiences to which status is now attached… where people used to buy things, now they buy experiences,” the report found.

 

The study says the current Aussie mindset provides an historic opportunity to turn around the 8.7 per cent decline in trips since 1998 by promoting Australia as the “no worries” holiday.

 

But the number of Australians choosing overseas travel instead of domestic trips continued to increase with the perception it offers “new experiences” and satisfies those seeking fun, adventurous and relaxing trips.

 

Regardless of where they travel to, Aussies are resisting the urge to splurge, opting for smaller treats instead of large-scale indulgences and seeking the best value for money.


Many of us are investing time reading reviews from other travellers, on sites such as TripAdvisor, and using this information to then decide where we will stay and what we will do on our vacations. People are free to leave their honest opinions, whether positive or negative, and then these reviews can help other tourists make better informed decisions.

Please feel free to leave a comment below on how technology has affected your life and how you plan your family or business trips.