In the wake of Cyclone Alfred, which struck in March, a new initiative has been launched to encourage locals and visitors to take a holiday and support local businesses.
Tropical Cyclone Alfred has had a devastating impact on the community, tourism, and events industry in Queensland and New South Wales. As part of the Gold Coast recovery effort, the City of Gold Coast and the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland have announced a multi-million-dollar stimulus package, including a ‘spend and get’ reward program to support tourism operators.
The LOVE GC Cards launch today with 50,000 cards preloaded with $100 worth of credit. The card costs $50, so visitors will unlock a bonus $50 to spend on over 150 experiences and access to deals across accommodation, dining, and entertainment on the Gold Coast.
HOTA, Home of the Arts, is one of the many Gold Coast attractions where you can use your LOVE GC Card. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate explained the benefits, stating:
“Locals and visitors will be able to use their LOVE GC Cards to take advantage of some incredible deals being offered as part of the campaign at their favourite attractions and experiences as well as a range of dining and accommodation options."
According to an Impact Survey, the Gold Coast alone lost a staggering $42 million in a single week, affecting 89 per cent of businesses. This is set to have long-term effects, particularly over Easter, with South East Queensland experiencing a 10 per cent decrease in bookings compared to last year and an estimated $300 million in lost revenue.
The Gold Coast lost $42 million in a single week. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Experience Gold Coast CEO John Warn confirmed the negative impact the cyclone had on the Gold Coast in particular:
“We know the Gold Coast visitor economy is worth over $8 billion annually, and our impact assessment completed with Invest Gold Coast confirmed that the tourism sector felt the impact of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred the greatest."
Use your GC LOVE Card on amazing hotels like the Dorsett. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Some highlights of the GC Loved Cards initiative include The Dorsett Gold Coast and the Sofitel Gold Coast and entertainment options like the Australian Outback Spectacular and HOTA shows. Cards can be purchased online via lovegcdeals.com from 9am Gold Coast time on March 31.
Mayor Tate shared his enthusiasm for the initiative:
“What better way to show the love and enjoy everything our magical city has to offer than by purchasing a LOVE GC Card and getting another $50 to spend. What’s not to love about that!".
Rachael Thompson is Australian Traveller's Evergreen Editor and a self-proclaimed cheese and Chablis connoisseur. In her role, she creates and manages online content that remains relevant and valuable over time. With a background in publishing and e-commerce in both interior design and travel, Rachael is dedicated to curating engaging content that informs and inspires. She began her career at Belle magazine, then went on to become Senior Content Producer at Homes to Love focusing on Australian House & Garden and Belle, followed by Editor at Bed Threads. Her work has also appeared in Qantas Travel Insider. When she's not writing, editing, or optimising content, Rachael enjoys exploring the city's newest restaurants, bars, and hotels. Next on her Aussie travel wish list are Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park and Lord Howe Island.
This new, family-friendly Hamilton Island resort embraces life in the slow lane.
White sand beaches, gentle waves and getting on ‘island time’ have always made Hamilton Island the first spot that comes to mind when thinking of Queensland’s Whitsundays. Always a place to recharge and relax, modern wellness travel here means so much more than a spa treatment or green juice. And a new kind of tropical island stay has now arrived on Hamilton Island.
Learn to slow down and rejuvinate. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)
The Sundays reimagines laid-back luxury, combining boutique, beachfront accommodation with an encouragement to slow down and appreciate life’s simple pleasures so every day feels like Sunday.
Laid-back luxury
The Sundays is nestled into the picturesque gardens on the northern end of Catseye Beach. Despite a feeling of being away from it all, the resort is a conveniently short walk from Hamilton Island’s main resort centre and restaurants, so guests can have the best of both worlds.
This new boutique stay is all about savouring the now. From complimentary sunrise yoga to moonlight movies for kids and a daily sundae ritual by the beachside pool, it makes a compelling case for doing less, better.
Even the architecture is designed to harmonise with the surrounding tropical landscape, pairing soft curves with a grounded coastal style that shows off the panoramic Coral Sea views and adds to the hotel’s calm aesthetic.
Plus, with direct flights to Hamilton Island from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane in under two and a half hours, as well as complimentary hotel transfers from the airport or marina, getting here is as easy as the vacation itself.
Enjoy fantastic views from your balcony or terrace. (Image: Sharyn Cairns)
Perfectly designed rooms with amazing views
Every small detail has been considered in the creation of the 59 guest rooms and suites, from in-room amenities by LEIF to walls adorned with custom artworks by First Nations andHungarian artist Tiarna Herczeg. There’s even a signature in-room scent by The Raconteur.
Designed by Hamilton Island’s own designer, Carrie Williams, the result is relaxed Australian style using natural textures and soft hues to lull guests into a mellow state. This soothing palette runs throughout the resort, from its sun lounges to the shaded cabanas.
Every room and suite has been built with a balcony or terrace, perfectly framing postcard-perfect views of the surrounding reef and lush greenery.
Each day has been planned with a relaxed structure, so guests can get involved in as much or as little as they wish.
Greet each day with morning yoga, pilates and island walks. Recharge with daily (and deliciously complimentary) sundaes by the pool. Wind down with moonlight movies twice a week and take advantage of family-focused features.
Guests have complimentary access to a range of water sports – from stand-up paddle boards to catamarans – so they can get their blood pumping before relaxing by the resort pool.
Or take a few extra steps to set up for a day on the sand without any crowds at the exclusive, guest-only beach. Settle in with a poolside aperitif for a front-row view of the stunning Catseye Bay.
Find picturesque Catseye Beach on your doorstep. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)
Delectable dining
What is rejuvenation if not a hearty choice of fresh, delectable dishes? That’s what guests will discover at The Sundays’s onsite restaurant, Catseye Pool Club .
Open all day for hotel guests and lunch and dinner for island diners, this relaxed yet elevated menu was created by acclaimed culinary duo, Josh and Julie Niland. It celebrates that community feeling of mealtimes while championing seasonal Australian produce.
“The vision behind [Catseye Pool Club] reflects so much of what I value – bringing people together to create memories in beautiful surroundings,” explains Josh.
Enjoy classic Aussie meals with a twist at Catseye Pool Club. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)
Based on elevated versions of classic Aussie family dinners, expect refined simplicity. Think roasted Sun Farms Sommerlad chicken with sides like chicken fat roast potatoes, gravy and tomato and grilled bread salad, or barbecued line-caught Bowen coral trout with garlic saltbush and Warrigal greens.
A day spent by the pool can be complemented by a dedicated poolside menu, featuring wood-fired souvas. Don’t want to leave the room? Kick back and soak in the views with tasty treats delivered straight to your door, whether you’re after a full breakfast or late night snack.
Enjoy dinner and a view. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)
Exploring the island
While daily life at The Sundays is very much about the art of staying still, guests who seek more can explore the island with ease.
Take a day trip to the striking Whitehaven Beach, or see the iconic Heart Reef from above on a helicopter tour. Pop over to Hamilton Island’s championship golf course for a hit, or explore over 12 kilometres of the island’s stunning nature and wildlife. Later, slow the pace back down with a visit to Spa wumurdaylin .
