The Gold Coast might be known for its sandy beaches, sizeable array of shopping strips and more than a couple of theme parks, but beyond all that lurks plenty of interesting and architecturally significant buildings. Luxe houses, towering residential buildings, historic theatres, the worlds first sand bypass system, a bathing pavilion that has been around for more than 80 years... the list goes on.
It's a side of the Goldie most of us never ponder, and it's on display come Saturday, October 19. That's when Open House hits the sunny tourist spot, with a whopping 56 places welcoming anyone who'd like to take a sticky beak — and three walking tours shining a light on Mudgeeraba's heritage, Southport's art deco buildings, and all of Surfers Paradise's ins and outs.
Buildings and structures opening their doors include Couran Cove Resort, the Hinze Dam, Metricon Stadium, the Commonwealth Games Parklands Village, ABC Gold Coast, the Gold Coast Hinterland Heritage Museum and Surfworld, plus a selection of high-rises and homes.
Remember your childhood dreams of getting to run rampant in a department store after hours? Or your grown-up version, involving IKEA? Think of this as a more realistic version, as well as a way to satisfy your architectural and design curiosity.