goldcoastbeaches

People have been visiting Burleigh Heads for camping holidays since the early 1900s – it’s not hard to see why. This Gold Coast caravan park continues the long standing tradition and with its beach side village vibe, sheltered swimming spot, peeling point break, thriving foodie scene and incredible National Park, Burleigh is better than ever. Burleigh Beach Tourist Park is 200m from the infamous Burleigh Point – arguably the best headland in the world to sit and watch the world go by. There’s plenty of people watching, the panorama of Surfers Paradise in the distance and a birds eye view of the surfers below. Burleigh Hill is the perfect spot for a picnic or BBQ under the shade of the Norfolk Pines. If you’re up for an adventure explore the scenic walking tracks that weave through the National Park, leading to the stunning Tallebudgera Creek. Source: goldcoasttouristparks.com.au/park/burleigh-beach-tourist-...

Originally named after the Miami Hotel in 1925, the area was used as a large military camp in World War II. Miami experienced substantial building growth in the 1960s which was also when the district’s State High School was opened, attended by Anna Bligh who would later become Queensland’s Premier in 2007. In 1962 a chairlift was opened that would take visitors up to a cafeteria on North Nobby Hill. Eventually, a Magic Castle was built there and in 1983 the site was developed as the Magic Mountain theme park, complete with theatre, playground, and even ‘thrill rides’. It was a vibrant tourist attraction for a number of years until it was replaced by holiday apartments that still go by the name ‘Magic Mountain Resort’. Source: www.goldcoastaustralia.com/suburb-miami.html

The sport of surfing was in fact introduced to Australia by a Hawaiian named Duke Kahanamoku and Australian Isabel Letham in 1955. It was the duo’s impressive display that seduced and shook the nation, leading the way for a lifestyle obsession which today is woven into the fabric of Australian culture. As the frenzy of surfing as a recreational activity grew into the Aussie way of life, so too did the evolution of equipment and surfing styles. In the ’60s, Australian board designer Bob McTavish was responsible for the design of the V-surfboard and is widely acknowledged today as one of the key figures in the development of surfing. Source: theculturetrip.com/pacific/australia/articles/how-austral...

The big island at the bottom of the world has been crazy about surfing since the 19th century. Knowing how to ride a wave is a common skill in Australia, and that is why, for many, it is the ultimate surfing destination. 1867: Charles Steedman publishes the book "Manual of Swimming," which features a chapter titled "Native Swimming, Wave Mechanics and Surfboards"; 1903: Manly Beach holds the first demonstration of surf lifesaving methods; 1909: "Surf Sports at Manly," the first documentary film on a surf demonstration, is screened around the country; 1914: Duke Kahanamoku visits Australia and rides waves in front of thousands of spectators; 1919: Claude West becomes Australia's first national surfing champion; 1939: German-born Australian Harry Wicke wins the SLSA of Australia Surf Board Championship; 1963: Surfing Australia is founded; 1973: Gordon Merchant launches Billabong; 1996: "Litmus: A Surfing Odyssey," a movie by Andrew Kidman, marks a new era in modern surfing; Source: www.surfertoday.com/surfing/the-timeline-of-australian-su...