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Your ultimate guide to an elevated summer on the Gold Coast

Sun-bathed days, dazzling beaches and a fun-loving culture which is always up for a good time; the Gold Coast is everything you could want from your summer holiday hit list. With its front-and-centre locale and an invitation to relish the moment, the stylish Dorsett Gold Coast warmly welcomes guests with sleek design-led interiors, direct access to a world of entertainment and the incredibly Instagrammable Isoletto Pool Club.

This is your all-in-one guide to uncovering the city, so check in to chill out, frock up and dive into everything that glitters on the Gold Coast.

Dorsett Gold Coast Exterior
Take advantage of Dorsett Gold Coast’s central locale.

Where to stay

If you’re here for a good time, and, well, who doesn’t come to the Gold Coast for that? Then Dorsett is the only place to stay. Throw yourself onto the generous bed in your ultra-stylish room and take in the surrounding scene of refined interiors, astonishing city vistas and your centre-of-the-action Broadbeach location.

Dorsett Gold coast Deluxe King Panoramic Bedroom
Soak in the views from your Deluxe King room.

Set within The Star Gold Coast’s leisure precinct and an easy five-minute walk from Kurrawa Beach and Broadbeach’s dining precinct and across the road from Pacific Fair shopping centre – Dorsett Gold Coast is at the beating heart of a truly vibrant playground.

Go all in and book an Executive Room to level up the luxe on your stay and unlock access to the loftily located Executive Lounge on level 19. Here you can take in sweeping Gold Coast panoramas and indulge in complimentary daily sunset canapes, evening drinks and a bespoke buffet breakfast.

breakfast at dorsett gold coast executive lounge
Level up to the Executive Lounge breakfast.

Things to do

Gold Coast days can’t get more idyllic than at Dorsett Gold Coast’s covetable Isoletto Pool Club. Slide onto a submerged ‘wet’ sun lounge and dangle your toes in the water as you take in this perfectly styled scene.

Here in this sky-high oasis with front-row seats to the city skyline, the hours drift easily away. Spend them slipping in and out of the pool, sipping cocktails on the deck (the sunset spritz or a margarita pop are particular favourites) and grazing on light dishes of a Californian Prawn Cocktail or Nourish Bowl to fuel your moment in the sun.

When the draw of the ocean lures you away from Isoletto, pack your beach umbrella and head across to Kurrawa Beach to plunge into glassy waves and watch the parade of people flitting between the sea and sand.

Or travel a little further to explore the Gold Coast’s string of glittering beaches from Surfers Paradise in the north, all the way down to Coolangatta on the southern end. Beloved Burleigh Heads is in the middle.

The Isoletto Pool Club
Take a dip at the picture-perfect Isoletto Pool Club.

Should you require a new outfit befitting a glamorous night on the town, you needn’t look too far. Across the way from Dorsett Gold Coast is the sprawling mall, Pacific Fair. You could be forgiven for thinking you’ve stepped onto a cruise ship at this resort-inspired shopping centre that houses everything from favourite high-street fashion to luxury labels, such as Balenciaga, Burberry and Bvlgari. You’ll also find a cinema and casual dining.

Of course, if you’re after a bit of classic Gold Coast fun, you can always spend a day at one of the many theme parks. From Seaworld Marine Park and Warner Bros. Movie World to splash-tastic fun at Wet ’n’ Wild, there are thrills aplenty. Or keep the adrenaline levels low and spend some time meeting adorable local wildlife at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.

After amassing some incredible Gold Coast experiences, it may be time for a little more relaxation back at Dorsett Gold Coast. Book yourself in to recalibrate body and mind at Azure Spa & Fitness, where you can put your wellbeing first in one of the six treatment rooms or gym. To lean right into the indulgence, opt for a couples massage in one of the Azure cabanas.

aerial view of surfer's paradise gold coast
Explore the famous Surfer’s Paradise. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)

Where to eat

Inside Dorsett Gold Coast is Jin Bar & Cafe, where you can drop in for everything from a morning coffee and pastry to a cocktail or two and a sharing platter come aperitivo hour. This secret gem is the place to sink into a plush lounge and let the night begin.

An elevator ride away from the gastronomic checklist of The Star’s dining collection, a stay at Dorsett places incredible culinary experiences within easy reach of ravenous appetites.

dorsett gold coast jin bar and cafe
Indulge in a tempting array of delicious bites at Jin Bar.

Take your place at the table for intricately crafted Japanese delights at Kiyomi, or tuck into a trolley-load of treats for a yum cha session at Uncle Su. Also find the elevated 19 at The Star, where a well-finessed cocktail at the lounge bar is a Gold Coast must-do and well worth dressing up in your finery to enjoy. If only carbs will suffice, settle in for a wood-fired pizza at Cucina Vivo.

For evenings slightly further afield, it’s a quick walk to Broadbeach’s buffet of world-class restaurants, such as the warm-hued Miss Moneypenny’s and the intimate fine-dining Social Eating House.

chef putting pizza into woodfired oven at Cucina Vivo
Settle in for classic Italian at Cucina Vivo. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)
Start planning your luxe, summer Gold Coast getaway at dorsetthotels.com
Lara Picone
Working for many of Australia’s top publications, Lara Picone has had the distinct pleasure of writing, editing and curating content about the finer things in life for more than 15 years. Graduating from Macquarie University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, her editorial foundation began at Qantas: The Australian Way magazine, before moving on to learn the fast-paced ropes of a weekly magazine at Sunday Magazine and picking up the art of brand curation at donna hay magazine. Pivoting a near-problematic travel lust into a career move by combining it with storytelling and a curious appetite, her next role was as Deputy Editor of SBS Feast magazine and later Online Editor of SBS Food online. She then stepped into her dream job as Editor of Australian Traveller before becoming Online Editor for both International Traveller and Australian Traveller. Now as a freelancer, Lara always has her passport at-the-ready to take flight on assignment for the Australian Traveller team, as well as for publications such as Qantas Magazine, Escape and The Weekend Australian. As ever, her appetite is the first thing she packs.
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An insider’s guide to Noosa’s best-kept winter secrets

As the cooler weather rolls in, head to this popular Sunshine Coast destination to enjoy stunning natural beauty, culinary wonders and mild temperatures.

As southern Australia’s weather starts to cool – the frost visiting every morning and the evening chill descending at dusk – you might reach for your thickest cable knit sweater and warmest blanket. But why not reach for your suitcase and sunglasses and book a ticket to Noosa in winter instead?

Sure, it’s a favourite destination for sun-seeking summer travellers. But as locals will readily tell you, winter is the best time to uncover hidden gems across the region – not only is the weather mild and enjoyable, but the beaches and hinterland are picture-perfect, too. You might even spot a whale or two if you visit from June to September.

Discover how to spend your winter surrounded by Noosa’s stunning natural beauty.

Noosa Rivermouth And Main Beach
Make the most of mild temperatures of Noosa in winter.

Where to eat in Noosa

Known for its dynamic cuisine, Noosa is an overflowing foodie destination. Whatever your tastebuds fancy, the region has it covered.

There are the classic eateries, like lively beachfront Bistro C (try the caramelised pork belly), popular Season Restaurant on Hastings Street (order the spanner crab pasta) and stylish Locale (our pick is the slow roasted White Pyrenees lamb shoulder).

There are also chic new restaurants offering tasty dishes, like the Mediterranean fare at Pelis , Cantonese-inspired dim sums at Sabrosa , organic sourdough pizza from El Capitano , traditional recipes and tequila at Dona Cocina Mexicana and modern Italian-Australian creations from Lucio’s Marina .

diners at Lucio's Marina in noosa in winter
Taste modern Italian-Australian at Lucio’s Marina. (Image: Nickolas May)

Where to stay in Noosa

Once you’re full, you’ll need to find a place to lay your head, and Noosa has no shortage of accommodation options. From five-star resorts with palm-fringed lagoon pools to self-catered apartments and family-friendly budget options, stays in the heart of the action on Hastings Street to sleeping steps from the beach or in more spacious and relaxed accommodation along the river, Noosa offers something for everyone.

There’s the laid-back luxury of Netanya Noosa overlooking Noosa Main Beach, which offers studios, two- and three-bedroom apartments, or the family-oriented Ivory Palms Resort in Noosaville, with its three pools, jumping pillow and playground. Guests also love the versatile RACV Noosa Resort and its numerous pools, waterslides and tennis courts.

For a wildlife experience, hop on a ferry and travel to the eco-friendly Senses Noosa North Shore . Surrounded by 16 hectares of native bushland, the beautiful architect-designed property blends indoor and outdoor living and offers three stunning pools and a spa. Guests can even spot kangaroos and rainbow lorikeets from shaded verandahs.

a beachfront swimming pool at Netanya Noosa
Gaze over Noosa Main Beach at Netanya Noosa. (Image: Lumea Photo)

Things to do on land

There’s no denying it, the main beach – with its creamy-coloured sand, consistent breaks and epic coastline views – is Noosa’s shining star attraction. Bordering this is the wildly popular Noosa National Park, where you can explore over 15 kilometres of walking tracks, including options like the Coastal Walk, Tanglewood Walk and Palm Grove Walk.

A short stroll away is busy Hastings Street, which is full of life during the day and long into the night. Enjoy a little shopping, a late brunch, dinner out and a cocktail as the sun goes down.

Climb onto a fully electric tuk tuk with Noosa e-TukTuk to get an insider’s tour of the region. For a more in-depth exploration, book a bespoke tour with Joel’s Journeys and head to the lush green hinterland, or discover the rugged landscapes of Great Sandy National Park with Sunny Jeeps to spend the day with the wind in your hair and sand underfoot.

woman enjoying the view after hiking through Noosa National Park, noosa in winter
Take in views of the beautiful Noosa Hinterland. (Image: Demy Gavin)

Things to do in the water

Noosa isn’t just about the beach, the national parks and shopping; one of the most popular ways to embrace winter is to explore on water.

You could brave the waves on a surfboard, explore the languid Noosa River on a stand-up paddleboard or even head to the Noosa Everglades for a day adventuring on a boat, canoe or kayak.

Enjoy the winter sunsets aboard the newly launched HV Stillwater , a luxury, hybrid-powered catamaran that glides silently along Noosa’s waterways. You can also book a table on the only floating restaurant on the river – Noosa Cruiser – and dig into freshly cooked cuisine.

For a little more adventure, head out with Kingfisher Safari Co and cruise around the Noosa River Inlet and Lake Cootharaba. Or search for whales and dolphins (from June to September) on a small charter boat tour with WhaleSongs Noosa ; with an onboard researcher to explain what you’re seeing, as well as a hydrophone, you’ll be able to listen to the haunting songs of some of the world’s biggest animals while enjoying a winter’s day in the sun.

women kayaking through Noosa everglades noosa in winter
Explore the gorgeous Noosa Everglades. (Image: Emily Redfern)

Book your winter getaway in Noosa at visitnoosa.com.au.