Gold Coast Pre- Tournament Exploration

I dropped by the Tournament area today and had a look around for the first time.

For those of you who do not know the area I thought I would pass on some observations



Location

The Marina Complex is hard to miss – just turn off the freeway at Dreamworld at exit 54 or 57, then on Beattie Road which passes down the southern side of Dreamworld.

There are many big blue signs to the Gold Coast Marine Complex.

Once at the complex it is a different story. It’s quite large but I am sure that the official briefing notes will give more details.

Supplies

In the Marina there are some Ships Chandlers which were closed today (Sunday).

There was no convenience store, food shop or similar that I could see open.

There was no tackle shop. I believe that there are tackle shops that support the contest - and we should support them first. As a backup I saw a tackle store at Coomera (see 3 on the map). I did not check out Coomera River Bait and Tackle.

Further away are other alternates, including Nerang Camping and Outdoor about 15 minutes South on the Freeway service road.

Accommodation

The weekend of the Comp is the Queens Birthday Long Weekend in Qld. So discounted rates my be a challenge.


I see that the Dreamtime Caravan Park was suggested as the closest. And it is. (Marked as 1 on the map). I peered through the locked glass doors of the locked office to see an autographed photograph of Steve Stirling on the wall. So they seem keen on fishermen.

(woops it seems I cannot post the Map - send me an email and I will send you a copy)

I also saw a very modern, well presented Caravan Park called Garden Vale. With a free call number 1300 789 189 and a web site www.garden-vale.com.au They are located a little further away (see 2 on the map) but you don’t need to cross or use the freeway to get to the Marina - just use the service road and connect to Beattie Road.

I am going to book a cabin there. It will sleep 5. So if soem want to split the costs with me it could be just $30 for the two nights accommodation. Please contact me directly.


See you there !

Gary




Maps from: http://www.whereis.com.au