What do you think is the appeal of surfing? Record your opinions on the Evidence Log.
The Gold Coast is one of the most important tourism destinations in Australia. The area is situated on the east coast of Australia, in the State of Queensland, just south of the city of Brisbane. The most important resort within the Gold Coast is Surfers Paradise, famous for its fabulous beaches and surfing. The area has 300 days of sunshine a year and averages about 25 degrees Centigrade, so has a fabulous climate.
This means that the Gold Coast has an invaluable 'tourist resource' of beautiful beaches and excellent climate which is appreciated by domestic tourists as well as visitors to Australia. Behind the high rise apartment blocks seen in the image below, are a number of theme parks which cater for family visitors. It could be said that the Gold Coast is to Australia what Florida and California are to the USA.
at beach access points.
The authorities along the Gold Coast have recognised the importance of the natural environment and understand the need to sustain and manage the area to ensure that it is not damaged by overuse.
Australians appreciate the high quality of the coastal scenery which surrounds much of the country and understand the importance of looking after it. Good facilities, such as car parks, toilets and showers are found near all popular beaches. Public barbeque facilities are also provided.
Information about the 'beach culture' of the Gold Coast can be found at the link below:
Gold Coasts Beach Culture (pdf document)
People who use the coast are also fully aware of the dangers which exist. Sharks and poisonous jellyfish are amongst the hazards which lurk off the beaches of many parts of Australia. Experienced surfers understand how fast conditions can change as a result of tides, winds and currents. Throughout the year on popular beaches such as those along the Gold Coast, a Life Guard service provides support for surfers and bathers using the coast.
One way of being safe when surfing is to watch weather forecasts and a new way of doing this is through web cams.
http://www.coastalwatch.com/camera/cameras_large.aspx?cam=1300The link above will provide a brief look at the surfing conditions in Surfers Paradise as well as other weather information in Australia. Remember, the time difference will mean that during the daytime in the UK it will be dark in Australia and when it is winter in the UK it is summer in Australia.
EVIDENCE LOG 2 - Gold Coast - 'Famous for Fun'One of the advantages of the Gold Coast is that it provides a range of activities away from the coastal area as well as having an excellent climate and fabulous beaches.
- The Precincts (or areas within the Gold Coast)
- The Beaches
- The Hinterland (or area inland from the Gold Coast)
Record your final opinions on the Evidence Log.
http://www.visitgoldcoast.com/places-to-see/