Australians in general, are sport loving people. In fact, almost 80% of Australians are into sport and they agree that it is a huge part of Australia’s culture. The Gold Coast’s sports scene reflects this fact. Aside from leisure swimming, sightseeing, good food, and other awesome stuff, you can immerse yourself in various sports on the Gold Coast.
Whether you’re someone who simply enjoys sports or a big-time fan, the Gold Coast is a great place to express your inner sports enthusiast! Let me fill you in on the ever-flourishing sports scene on the Gold Coast.
Gold Coast’s Sports To Look Out For
Hockey
The Gold Coast Hockey Association organizes, promotes, and develops hockey on the Gold Coast. The association has more than 2000 members, including players and volunteers, ranging from 5 to more than 70 years of age. The first teams for the Gold Coast Men’s Club and Women’s Club were established in 1959 and 1960.
Cricket
Alive and well, cricket on the Gold Coast is played a lot by locals of all ages. Cricket Gold Coast offers cricket with divisions ranging from first to sixth grades for Senior Cricketers, Over 40s and Over 50s players, Under 18s, etc. They also have very strong senior and junior representative cricket programs and take pride in developing future talent.
Tennis
The Gold Coast Tennis Community is extremely proud of Samantha Stosur and Bernard Tomic, two current “Gold Coast Bred” tennis champions. Sam and Bernard both learned the ropes while competing in numerous Tennis Gold Coast tournaments during their youth years. The Gold Coast’s first major tennis event took place in 1990.
Beach Volleyball
Each year, Surfers Paradise beach presents a beach volleyball tour competition. This is the top domestic beach volleyball competition in the country. They count toward both Olympic qualification and national rankings. The public can enjoy experiencing beach volleyball in a fun and social setting thanks to Beach Volleyball Gold Coast.
Baseball
If you love baseball, then you’re in for a treat! The Gold Coast loves this sport as well. You can learn or train to play baseball at the Gold Coast Baseball Association. On a side note, the Gold Coast now hosts a baseball academy program at Palm Meadows and continues to produce baseball players.
Golf
The Gold Coast is home to over fifty golf courses, both public and private, including several excellent resort courses. Members of the golf club often compete every Saturday. There are more than just a few clubs on the city’s 18-hole golf courses. The Gold Coasters are crazy about golf, and they are adequately catered for by 35 courses on the coast.
Motor Racing
Professionals from different racing teams participating in circuit and drag racing national championships call the Gold Coast region home. The biggest operations included Supercars Championship teams. Previously, the Australian Touring Car Championship and drag racing were both regularly held at Surfers Paradise International Raceway.
Boating
The Gold Coast is a famous destination for boating. It’s a real boating haven because it has nine times as many waterways as Venice. Many towns and creeks all have water skiing spots. Within the metropolis, there are more than 260 kilometers of navigable rivers. Meanwhile, those interested in deep-sea fishing have easy access to the Pacific Ocean via the Gold Coast Seaway.
Surfing
Surfing is one of the Gold Coast’s sports that many people know of. The ASP World Surfing Tour schedule is launched yearly with the Roxy Pro and Quiksilver Pro, held on the Gold Coast. The Association of Surfing Professionals headquarters can be found in the Gold Coast suburb of Coolangatta.
Horse Racing
Every Saturday at noon, the Gold Coast Turf Club holds weekly horse races for a small entrance fee. A bookmaker’s ring, a UBET betting tote, four small to large function spaces, and public food and beverage outlets are available as amenities. The biggest thoroughbred auction, sales, and racing event ever staged on the Gold Coast is called Magic Millions.
Rugby
The Gold Coast is also involved in Rugby League and Rugby Union. Headquartered in the neighborhood across the Gold Coast-New South Wales border, the Burleigh Bears and the Tweed Heads Seagulls participate in the Queensland Cup. The Gold Coast Titans have feeder clubs in the Bears and Seagulls. Over the last few decades, the AFL (Australian Football League) which began in Victoria has gained popularity in Queensland and now competes with rugby league and union for supporters. To read about the competition between the AFL and the NRL check out this post.
Gold Coast’s Sports Events
Gold Coast Marathon (July 2-3)
This marathon is now considered one of the world’s most elite competitions. The Village Roadshow Theme Parks Gold Coast Marathon draws the top distance runners in the world to a marathon that traverses the most picturesque coastal areas. Before returning to the Broadwater Parklands in Southport, the 42-kilometer marathon travels along the Gold Coast Broadwater from Main Beach to Burleigh. There are eight races to watch (or participate in). For two days, they range from a junior dash and a five-kilometer fun run to the half and full marathon.
Swim The Gold Coast
Participants in the 2022 Swim The Gold Coast must swim the entire 21.5-kilometer length of the Gold Coast from Coolangatta to Surfers Paradise. Starting from the main beach in Coolangatta, they will travel past Currumbin and Burleigh Headland before battling it out among the skyscrapers in Surfers Paradise for the finish line. Competitors can join in a team event, a duo event, or a solo event. Up to six members are allowed. The team decides who will swim and for how long.
Queensland Champions Cup
Aston Villa F.C. and Leeds United F.C. of the English Premier League (EPL) will play in Queensland’s inaugural Champions Cup alongside A-League team Brisbane Roar F.C. The first game of the three-match series will be played on the Gold Coast, followed by matches in Brisbane and Townsville.
When:
Brisbane Roar at Leeds United, July 14, 2022, Gold Coast
Leeds United vs. Aston Villa, July 17, 2022, Brisbane
Brisbane Roar at Aston Villa on July 20, 2022, at Townsville
On The Whole
Overall, Jude Thomas and Ellie Beer are awarded the junior sportsperson of the year 2022 for male and female categories. The Gold Coast is brimming with various sports to watch or participate in. From ball games and water sports to racing and skating, you have plenty of options! It makes me want to go ahead and join you in the crowd (or team, maybe?). Indulge yourself in the gold coast’s thriving sports scene!
Also read:
Tino Fa’asuamaleaui as the Gold Coast Titans Captain for 2023