The prestigious Gold Coast event is back.
The prestigious Gold Coast event is back.
Ponies, people watching and pretty frocks is the name of the game at one of the Gold Coast’s most prestigious (and popular) events, Polo by the Sea, which is returning to our shores on Saturday June 1st.
The largest and longest running polo event on the Gold Coast, will again take place at the picturesque Doug Jennings Park, the home of Urban Polo in our seaside city since 2014.
Presented by McLaren Gold Coast, the high end event treats guests to the unable-to-tear-your-eyes-away action of Urban Polo over two games plus the time honoured tradition of Divot Stomping (yep, just like in Pretty Woman) and the Dash, where you fine folks have the opportunity to demonstrate your physical prowess after a Prosecco or three.
In case you’re not familiar with the Urban Polo phenomenon, allow us to explain.
The sport was developed in Australia in 2005 with the intention of bringing polo into the 21st century and making it more spectator friendly. The changes have resulted in plenty of rule changes to make the sport both faster and more exciting. But us Gold Coasters just show up for the fun of it really!
Urban Polo is now widespread across Australia, with a total of nine events staged annually.
Back to Polo by the Sea though.
There are a couple of options if you want to get involved in this years’ event and both allow you sweet views and access to all of the tipples your heart desires.
The Main Beach Polo Club returns as a mid-way point between the ‘invite only’ VIP Marquee and the public Polo Lounge.
Revel in the polo action, mingle with like-minded mates and polo players, participate in Fashion on the Field, and kick up your heels to the tunes of a resident DJ.
The deluxe Polo Club experience includes a shaded service bar, communal seating and shade umbrellas, as well as viewing areas adjacent the fence-line. The ticket price ($228pp) is inclusive of food and beverages.
The popular general access Polo Lounge returns in 2019, where $85 gives you event entry and access to the bar for food and drinks, plus a casual beer-garden vibe while watching the games and being entertained with live tunes. What a time.
So there you have it. Pop June 1st in your calendar so you don’t miss out on what’s sure to be a (whip) cracking day.
LOCATION: Doug Jennings Park, Main Beach
WHEN: Saturday June 1st from 11am
Winter is (almost) here. So naturally, as Gold Coasters, we’d like to skip that part of the year and get straight to spring.
Particularly because this year, we’re getting a festival dedicated to the prettiest of spring things, flowers. Our fave.
Taking place on Saturday September 7th and Sunday September 8th, The Main Beach Spring Flower Festival is set to become a regular on the Gold Coast social calendar and isn’t that a lovely change from our regular programming.
The goal for the festival is to share in the stunning floral delights Main Beach has to offer plus, of course, the delightful array of bars and eateries that can be found in the northern suburb.
Margot de Groot, owner of Flowers on Tedder, recently returned from the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show and was inspired to create an event of our own. Having also attended the RHS Chelsea Flower Show last year in London, she wanted to share her passion by celebrating flowers with the people of the GC.
The Spring Flower Festival has also brought on renowned floral designer Julia Rose whose work combines art, fashion and performance, to curate the event.
Julia is quite the addition to the September festival, she’s about to represent Australia at the World Flower Summit in Bali and has recently been named as a feature artist in the couture edition of the influential American Florists’ Review. So she’s amazing.
The festival will be made up of lots of pretty aspects including stunning floral displays, ticketed workshops, a flower tour and ticked events including Queensland Sotheby’s Festival Launch and Auction, an Ink Gin Cocktail Soiree and a signature high tea with Julia Rose.
All of which sound particularly lovely.
Flowers and festivals, two of our favourite things coming together to delight our senses.
Bring on September.
LOCATION: Various, Main Beach
WHEN: September 7th and 8th, 2019
Words by Kirra Smith
There’s no denying that Main Beach is one of those postcodes that has everything going for it. Surrounded by million dollar surf views and sprawling green space one way and the Broadwater the other – you don’t have to be Sherlock Holmes to figure out why locals are so frond of flocking to this breezy, palm-flanked suburb.
Bursting at the seams with boutique shopping, dining, luxury accom and entertainment options (heck, it even boasts its own theme park), there is never any shortage of things to do, see, or eat.
The sky – or, more accurately, your credit card – is the limit.
Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort
We’re not sure if it’s the salt air, but clearly something magic in the air happening here. One of the many mainstays in Main Beach’s strip – Sheraton Grand Mirage has been going strong as our go-to for all things pampering since well before we were old enough to pay for our own seafood buffet (#tear). Recently refurbed and looking more luxurious than ever, whether it’s treating ourselves to a staycay or simply perching up poolside for a few hours with the famous Pearls Bar high tea, Sheraton never misses.
Where: Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, 71 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach
Winey Cow
Just when we thought brunch couldn’t be any more perfect – its boozier, bottomless iteration entered the chat. Regardless of your enthusiasm for Croissant chilli scramble chased with several Spritz to start your day, Winey Cow does both with pizzazz. Bursting onto our brunch late last year, Mornington Peninsula’s famed crew of brekkie moo-vers and shakers arrived with awards out the wazoo and mimosas in hand. Next time you roll out of bed craving a Bagel Benny, Lobster Bao, or Bloody Mary, Main Beach’s bright and breezy brekkie gem has got you.
Where: 5/11 Woodroffe Ave, Main Beach
Imperial Hotel
Another luxury jewel in Main Beach’s crown, the Seaworld Dr landmark formerly known as the Palazzo Versace has housed many a high roller in its time. Of course, locals are equally welcome to swing by and soak up its spoils and waterfront views for a weekend or a few hours. If you’re in the mood for the latter, Le Jardin’s signature bubble-studded Imperial High Tea is an excellent starting point, or if you’re a sucker for a buffet, the opulent surrounds of Il Barocco Restaurant never disappoint.
Where: 94 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
Sea World
Not merely a fixture of the Main Beach skyline and our childhoods, no matter how many birthdays pass us by, a trip to Sea World will always slap. Particularly so, because locals have the added perk of knowing the strategic times to sashay by (hello off season) for maximum thrillage and spillage (also hello, Storm Coaster front carriage #IYKYK). Swing by, spend a few hours chillin’ with the ocean critters, hit up a few rollercoasters, then bail with an ice-cream in hand. Happy days.
Where: Seaworld Dr, Main Beach
Holy Ship
What do you get when you take two fishing trawlers in need of some sea-rious TLC and a trio of swashbuckling restauranteurs? Main Beach’s swell new eats and sips concept, Holy Ship Bar & Restaurant… obviousea! Teaming up with co-owner Jake Ruttley, the brains behind former local gem, Tonic on Chirn, Kane and Yvette McCarthy, have certainly moved on to bigger and berther things. Launching twin floating venues earlier this year – the team has set their sights on bringing their signature grazing-style eats and sips to the sea! You even might spy the distinctive duo – decked out in cobalt blue and white – milling about the Broadwater on private function business when they’re not at home in their Marina Mirage mooring. Good times, ahoy.
Where: Birth 7&8 Marina Mirage, Marina Commercial arm, Sea World Drive, Main Beach
Peter’s Fish Market
Can you really call yourself a Gold Coaster ‘till you’ve bookended your spit hangs (or failed fishing expedition) with a pit stop at Peter’s Fish Market? Another absolute Seaworld Drive staple, this place has been churning out the fresh seafood, fish and chippies just a stone’s throw from the Broadwater for some 30 years now. Often heaving but always worth the wait, next time you feel the Sunday scaries coming on, pack a picnic rug and head here for a feed of famously crispy chippies, fresh prawns and some of the tenderest calamari going (or, BYOB for a chip butty by the sea – bliss).
Where: 130 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach
Marina Mirage
Another of Main Beach’s long-standing draws, Marina Mirage has long been a local haven of all things fancy and foodie. The produce-packed farmers markets every Saturday are always fave, as are the stellar array of eateries and boutiques. Home to international and local labels such as Sonia Stradiotto Couture, when we’re in need of designer threads, Marina Mirage never fails to hook us up. When it’s world-class waterfront wining and dining we’re after, the likes of La Luna Beach Club, La Luna, Glass and Omeros Bros have got you sorted.
Where: 74 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
That Beach Entrance
In addition to the more obvious allure of spectacular beaches, this saltwater blessed suburb just so happens to also be home to one of the GC’s most insta-famous beach entrances. Tucked just behind Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, you’ll find the particularly picturesque beach access path framed by its synonymous and oft-papped swaying palms. Even the most seasoned locals could never tire of being greeted by that view (or snapping just one more pic on those days when the weather is really turning it on).
Where: Head to Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort and look for the giant palms.
Rosé Gelateria
Dishing up dreamy interiors every bit as delicious as its artisanal ice-based confections, it’s little surprise this upscale ‘hood is now home to one of three boutique Rosé Gelateria locations. Joining its dusty pink-bathed big sis in Sanc Cove, head here to be greeted by swoon-worthy interiors and grab a scoop (or three) of house-made gelato or freshly brewed specialty coffee. With gourmet flavours like Passionfruit Pavlova and Fig and Mascarpone, gracing its rotation, there’s always something lush and lick-worthy with your name on it.
Where: 19/21 Tedder Ave, Main Beach
Tedder Ave
Spanning the length of the suburb’s residential end, Main Beach’s ever-bustling Tedder Ave strip is an icon that needs no introductions. Packed with boutique shopping, dining and sipping spots galore, it is nigh on impossible to ever be bored or hungry here. If you’ve got time to kill post beach walk, perch up and people watch one of the cute cafés, or swing by Main Beach Bakery for your sweet treat fix. In the latter half of the day, must-visit foodie hotspots like Greek gem Xenia, Domanis and fine dining seafood destination, Shuck help this lively hotspot really come into its own.
Where: Tedder Ave, Main Beach
Words by Kellie Leader
