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Get set for sips

Your pre-flight oasis awaits at The Sand Bar.

The Sand Bar, Gold Coast Airport (Image: © 2024 Inside Gold Coast)
The Sand Bar, Gold Coast Airport (Image: © 2024 Inside Gold Coast)

Paging all outbound foodies: conditions are clear with a high chance of Margs, Espresso Martini’s and pre-flight feasting at the Gold Coast Airport’s lush new all-day eats and sips spot, The Sand Bar.

The latest in a long line of mouth-watering new venues as a part of GCA’s ongoing $500m overhaul, the chic new addition means we can say good riddance to sog-town cafeteria sandos and hello to bookending our journey with decadent bites such as truffle-oil drizzled Tortuto pizzas, perfectly spiced Shakshuka and crafted cocktails.

Barbie Blush Cocktail at The Sand Bar, Gold Coast Airport (Image: © 2024 Inside Gold Coast)
Barbie Blush Cocktail at The Sand Bar, Gold Coast Airport (Image: © 2024 Inside Gold Coast)

Though don’t be thinking The Sand Bar will be your usual, departure lounge dwelling watering hole. The inventive, signature selection of Gold Coast inspired cocktails speaks for itself – with fanciful libations like the Barbie Blush created as an ode to the GC golden girl herself, Margot Robbie.

The Sand Bar, Gold Coast Airport (Image: © 2024 Inside Gold Coast)
The Sand Bar, Gold Coast Airport (Image: © 2024 Inside Gold Coast)

An extremely sip-able concoction made with raspberry liqueur, elderflower liqueur and cranberry juice and naturally, Papa Salt Gin we don’t know about you guys, but it looks like holiday mode is kicking in a little early for our next trip… Holiday Barbie, come at us! (Honourable mention business travellers, ‘cuz dining on the bosses dime is a close second)

The Sand Bar, Gold Coast Airport (Image: © 2024 Inside Gold Coast)
The Sand Bar, Gold Coast Airport (Image: © 2024 Inside Gold Coast)

Continuing the local theme, punters can get a taste of the GC’s burgeoning craft brew scene with ice cold, Burleigh-brewed Black Hops straight from the tap; while the entire eats menu showcases the ‘best of locally sourced ingredients for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks’.

Serving up the ultimate selection of anytime eats daily from 5am; passengers can opt for quick bites like B&E Rolls or Super Smoothies from the Liquid Breakfast menu or linger for long lunches with share plates of Coconut Crumbed Prawns and Lamb Kofta (and the wine list, should you feel so led).

The Sand Bar, Gold Coast Airport (Image: © 2024 Inside Gold Coast)
The Sand Bar, Gold Coast Airport (Image: © 2024 Inside Gold Coast)

With yet another home-grown nod, the GC’s own culinary maestro Matt Jefferson (of Social Eating House & Orzo’s fame) has also imparted his Midas touch onto a selection of signature dishes collaboration with the new venue. Heck, we’re ready to book a spontaneous flight just to get a taste of contributions like the sourdough Brûlée French Crumpet, served with double cream and berries alone.

The Sand Bar, Gold Coast Airport (Image: © 2024 Inside Gold Coast)
The Sand Bar, Gold Coast Airport (Image: © 2024 Inside Gold Coast)

Looking decidedly more put-together than our typical, athleisure-clad airport lewk, the chic fit out offers a modern yet welcoming ambience to suit the mouth-watering morsel curation. Completed by Cottee Parker Architects and Burleigh’s AC Fitouts, the space has taken its direction from coastal influences, with golden tones and lush, flowing lines for days.

While the soothing, softly lit palette is all about the vibes, The Sandbar’s thoughtfully designed space also includes practical perks like a plentiful mix of seating and departure screens fitted throughout… for those of us partial to getting a little… *ahem* carried away after a Barbie Blush or two.

The Sand Bar, Gold Coast Airport (Image: © 2024 Inside Gold Coast)
The Sand Bar, Gold Coast Airport (Image: © 2024 Inside Gold Coast)

Entirely unrelated, but… is anyone else feeling the sudden and overwhelming urge to finally heed the advice of Dads everywhere and arrive at the airport several hours early for our next flight?!

Pre-flight food and drinks at The Sand Bar, Gold Coast Airport (Image: © 2024 Inside Gold Coast)
Pre-flight food and drinks at The Sand Bar, Gold Coast Airport (Image: © 2024 Inside Gold Coast)

So sky-farers, swing by The Sand Bar before you next take off – because this oasis-vibing sip spot might just be your new favourite pre-flight ritual.

Where: Gold Coast Airport, 1 Terminal Dr, Bilinga
When: 5am to last departing flight, daily.

Words by Kellie Leader
Images by Mathilde Bouby

STORY SPONSORED BY GOLD COAST AIRPORT

The Sand Bar, Gold Coast Airport (Image: © 2024 Inside Gold Coast)
The Sand Bar, Gold Coast Airport (Image: © 2024 Inside Gold Coast)

The new Gold Coast Airport is anything but plane and simple

Gold Coast Airport Artist impression (image supplied)
Gold Coast Airport Artist impression (image supplied)

Who remembers the Gold Coast Airport of yesteryear? Yep, it was pocket-sized with just the most basic of basics. Fast forward to 2022 however, and it’s about as far from its humble beginnings as J.Lo is from the Bronx. Just wait till we tell you what’s in store for the September unveiling of the newly revamped and expanded airport which for flying out loud, will be a destination in itself!

We all know a holiday starts at the airport, and visitors would be forgiven for cancelling their itinerary and kicking around the new terminal for the duration of their stay. The Hassell-designed $500m redevelopment is a spectacular nod to the region and all it has to offer, and will impress even the most discerning traveller. There is much to unpack here, but we’re going to skip straight to our favourite part which involves, yes you guessed it – F.O.O.D.

Artist impression of Wollumbin bar and cafe, Gold Coast Airport (image supplied)
Artist impression of Wollumbin bar and cafe, Gold Coast Airport (image supplied)

Local providores and produce will take center stage, providing travellers with a curated selection of the thriving GC and Northern NSW food scene. Our epic local coffee, distillers, brewers, and fresh produce will be celebrated and not to sound up ourselves, but no-one does it better. By mid-next year, we’ll see 18 new food and bev and retail outlets, with cafes and eateries headed up by the man, the myth, the legend: the incredible Chef Matt Jefferson. Matt is of course the Executive Chef at Broadbeach’s iconic Social Eating House, and you just know that anything he puts his hand…or hat to (he has plenty of those #awardwinner), is going to be first class all the way.

Proudly putting the dining offerings at the airport as an extension of our city’s thriving food and cultural scene, there’ll be Mediterranean, fresh food, sushi and Asian cuisine, along with the first Schnitz outlet in an Aussie airport. Possibly the most exciting of all, however, is the introduction of flagship new cafe and bar, Wollumbin, named after the Yugambeh First Nation name for nearby Mount Warning. It will serve up a variety of contemporary Australian and international dishes, as well as local beverages and folks, does it look the part! The ultra-modern blonde wood-infused design is just, wow, and packs a punch with its multi-dimensional effect roofing. I mean it’s screaming #InstaMe.

Matt Jefferson at Gold Coast Airport (image supplied)
Matt Jefferson at Gold Coast Airport (image supplied)

While we’re talking looks, the entire Gold Coast Airport upgrade is aesthetically on point. Upon arrival, visitors will be greeted by a naturally lit hall with soaring 11-metre ceilings. A timber feature wall including the locally abundant spotted gum mimics the mountain range view, and the interior design reflects the picture-perfect setting. To the east are the coastal blues and mint greens of the Pacific Ocean, while to the west are the grey-greens and bronzes of the World Heritage hinterland.

Those leaving the GC will be tempted to do a runner away from the runway, as they gaze out to the spectacular vista of the Gold Coast and Northern NSW hinterland and the airside operations through double-height, floor-to-ceiling windows in the departure lounge.

We all know bigger is better when it comes to airports and the terminal expansion will double the capacity for both domestic and international flights. In line with this, travel infrastructure has been upgraded, with the addition of four glass aerobridges and new baggage claim areas, a bigger bang duty-free store, parents’ room, multifaith room and a totes boujee VIP room *dons sunglasses and pretends to be famous.

Inside the new terminal at Gold Coast Airport (image supplied)
Inside the new terminal at Gold Coast Airport (image supplied)

So if you needed that final push to book an upcoming vacay, this is surely it! The new Gold Coast Airport is so amazing that you’ll leave thinking “why I am leaving again?!”

Where: Eastern Avenue, Bilinga
When: Launching September 2022

Words by Bianca Trathen.

Inside the new terminal at Gold Coast Airport (image supplied)
Inside the new terminal at Gold Coast Airport (image supplied)

Meet Amelia Evans

Amelia Evans, CEO, Queensland Airports Limited (QAL) (image supplied)
Amelia Evans, CEO, Queensland Airports Limited (QAL) (image supplied)

Amelia Evans is a chartered accountant with years of experience in Australia and overseas across the aviation, telco, fast moving consumer goods and property industries. In July 2022 Amelia was appointed Queensland Airports Limited (QAL) CEO. When the opportunity arose to interview Amelia we jumped at the chance to learn a little more about the woman behind this impressive resume. We talked about the career path that led Amelia to QAL, her love of travel, and what she loves to do in her downtime.

How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
Gold Coast is home to me. I moved here as a teenager (but spending most holidays on the GC), it’s where I completed my university degree and landed my first career role at Ernst & Young.  I did move overseas for 15 years; however, I moved back to the Gold Coast 8 years ago and have been living here since and loving it.  I’ve always considered myself a local,  I’ve seen a lot of change here (while some things are still just the way I’ve always remembered)!

What do you love the most about the Gold Coast?
My large family, old and new friends, the relaxed vibe, weather and our growing selection of great local restaurants and cafes (secret foodie).

Amelia Evans, CEO, Queensland Airports Limited (QAL) (image supplied)
Amelia Evans, CEO, Queensland Airports Limited (QAL) (image supplied)

Tell us a little bit about yourself (both personally and professionally).
Personally – I’m a daughter, sister, aunty, wife and mum.  My family are my purpose, and just about everything I do is with or for them.  My husband is Canadian, and we have 1 son who is 9 and they are my world. I love having fun, and have always been very adventurous, whether it was wreck and shark diving, canyoning, or jumping out of planes, but these days I just stick to some form of sport and activity by walking/playing soccer/tennis/golf.

I love travel and food and will spend every waking minute planning a holiday and all the restaurants we should go to (drives my husband crazy).  I love singing (sometimes badly), reading books (mostly on wellness, leadership and biographies), and I have become extremely reflective and curious over the past few years, so have been learning a lot about different types of philosophies, and holistic ways to improve the way we live (from Ayurvedic wellness which I loved while in India, or the Tao).  Surrounding myself with people who appreciate new insights in this space has brought a renewed sense of purpose to who I am.  Even my son and team groan when I burn a palo santo stick here or there.

Amelia Evans, CEO, Queensland Airports Limited (QAL) (image supplied)
Amelia Evans, CEO, Queensland Airports Limited (QAL) (image supplied)

Professionally, I started my career at Ernst & Young in Bundall, but when the opportunity to move to the Solomon Islands with EY came my way I jumped at the chance. I lived there for two years working as a financial controller, overseeing the export of copra (coconut) and travelling across many islands. It was a life-changing but wholesome experience that gave me new perspectives on life and people. From there, I moved to London and then New York where I worked in the Teleco industry, it was a super challenging period in my career as I took on many roles, some I’m sure were out of my depth at the time.

Just when I was due to come back to Australia to work, an opportunity came my way to move to the Caribbean as a COO overseeing IGA supermarkets, a marina and developing commercial/residential property. It was an unbelievable 5 years; I loved the job but it was the people who I loved and learned from the most. It’s also where I met my husband, Colin. Together, we moved back to Sydney, where I worked with Qantas for 7 years before landing the CFO role at Queensland Airports Limited here on the Gold Coast in 2016, and most recently taking on the role of CEO. A whirlwind career with an immense of amount of twists, turns and resilience building to get to where I am today.

Amelia Evans at the opening of the Gold Coast International Airport (image supplied)
Amelia Evans at the opening of the Gold Coast International Airport (image supplied)

What does a typical day look like?  
The first thing I do is see if my son is awake (he generally is) and attempt a quick cuddle (I’m much more keen than he is), then try and make time for a ‘morning moment’ (meditation/Gi Gong), have a cup of green tea, then get my mind and body in gear to get on with the day. This generally means making sure my son has brekky, lunch and all things ready for school (husband is much better at this than me depending on my diary), drive along the beautiful Gold Coast Highway to the airport and hit the ground running. My diary is generally packed for the day so other than going from meeting to meeting, I try and make sure I walk around and have a chat to the team, have an acai bowl for lunch and by the time I finish up meetings, I am focused on getting home to have dinner with the family if I’m not travelling, at an event or in Brisbane. Downtime comes later in the evening.

Gold Coast International Airport (image supplied)
Gold Coast International Airport (image supplied)

What do you love most about your new position at QAL? 
Having a great team – I am surrounded by a team who give a lot to QAL, and are all such good human beings to be around, even during the toughest times. I am proud of our business and our team, and have felt very humbled for the opportunity to take on this new role. It’s a huge responsibility to make sure everyone feels included, safe and do all the things we need to keep our passengers, community, industry colleagues and shareholders happy.  The other thing I love (which is not a secret to most) is the fact that I do get to see aircraft every day. I have loved planes since I was a child and spent many hours stalking them around the world, particularly while travelling and working overseas.

For those who don’t know, tell us about the Gold Coast Airport redevelopment?  
Our newly opened International Terminal was developed as a $260 million expansion project, doubling our terminal’s footprint. The redevelopment sits right next to the existing terminal and connects seamlessly via a system that has the ability to swing between domestic and international services, facilitating smooth passenger flow-through inside. The new facility is contemporary inside and out, bringing our customers a fresh, modern-day experience. It’s three levels, with level two being the departure lounge, offering spectacular views over the beautiful hinterland, as well as our new duty-free store, and Wollumbin Café and Bar for international passengers to enjoy while they wait for their flight.

Gold Coast International Airport (image supplied)
Gold Coast International Airport (image supplied)

What should customers expect at the new Gold Coast Airport?
An awesome team and ambassadors, fresh food and modern retail outlets (with more to come over the next year), beautifully designed architecture, exceptional scenery, and if you’re lucky a friendly tail wag from one our in-terminal therapy dogs.

Tell us… what are the future plans now for Gold Coast Airport? Any new flight routes?  
The future is exciting, we are always looking to add new destinations and airlines to our Gold Coast Airport network, and there are plenty of exciting announcements to come. However, securing these agreements can take a long time and often require a lot of different stakeholders (government, airlines, tourism) to work together to make it happen. It’s an exciting time, with just under 10 years to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympics Games – now is the time to reposition the Gold Coast as a brand by finding new ways to tell our story, sharing new and inclusive experiences to ensure this opportunity is fully leveraged. The Gold Coast is a spectacular place to visit and an even better place to live, so as an airport we are focused on what we do best, removing the barriers of distance and connecting communities all over the world. It’s up to the whole community to share our stories and make it a great place to be, so watch this space and get travelling everyone!

Amelia Evans with her family (image supplied)
Amelia Evans with her family (image supplied)

What are your Gold Coast favourites…
Café/Coffee spot: Tarte, Burleigh
Restaurant: Jimmy Wahs, Rick Shores and also Muso Ramen (can’t say no to ramen)
Bar or place for a drink: Rick Shores or Tropic (not very original I know)
Beach: Currumbin (brings back childhood memories and is a place I walked every single day with my son when he was first born)

How do you choose to spend your days off?
Watching my son play soccer (football), walking the dogs, seeing my penguin family (lots of them), having some downtime for a movie/yoga/tennis.

Rydges Gold Coast Airport Hotel

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