Gold Coast's Chinatown (Southport)

Located in Southport, Chinatown is easily accessible via tram, and the nearest tram stop is Southport.

Chinatown is an area with many different shops. The use of Chinese characters for positive words such as harmony are written in both English and Chinese around the area. Statues that are significant to the Chinese culture and the "lanterns" instead of ordinary street lights also makes this area unique. The area feels like East meets West.

The Chinatown Street Markets appear monthly, on the first Saturday. Currently the markets are open from 4 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. There are many food stalls selling delicious Asian food. Such food include Malaysian, Japanese, Chinese, Filipino and Thai cuisines. It will be a fun experience for families, as children will learn more about the Asian cultures in Australia. Live music and performances such as the Chinese lion dance will appeal to visitors.

Cowboy 'tin man' in Surfers Paradise

One of the street performers in Surfers Paradise is best known for standing his ground, literally. He's none other than the living statue. This street performer is dressed in country clothing, such as cowboy hats and boots. Basically he is a cowboy and 'tin man'. In his prominent greyish colour, he is one of Surfers Paradise's icons, who intrigues the crowds. He will only move, pose for pictures and shake your hand when you drop a few coins into his small tin can.

 

The street performer entertaining the crowd at the Beachfront Markets

Centro Tweed

Centro Tweed is a shopping centre in Tweed Heads. It is within close proximity to Coolangatta, Gold Coast. Surfside buses stop outside Centro Tweed from Surfers Paradise and other parts of Gold Coast.

 

There are many shops and places to eat in Centro Tweed. A variety of food can be found, such as sandwiches in Subway and kebabs in Origin Kebabs. 

Subway is on the left, and Origin Kebabs is on the right.

There is a Coles supermarket in Centro Tweed. Fruitsmania and a meat shop are near the entrance of Coles supermarket. Opposite Coles is Michel’s Pastisserie, a stall selling baked goods.

Coles supermarket in Centro Tweed.

 

There is a McDonald’s restaurant near the entrance of Centro Tweed, along with clothing stores.

 

McDonald's is straight ahead.

Centro Tweed is a charming mall worth visiting, with a wonderful atmosphere.

Queensland – New South Wales Border

Two pillars divide Queensland and New South Wales.

To explore the pillars, alight at the first bus stop after you see these pillars. The pillars will be on your left, if you take the bus.

 

Even though Coolangatta and Tweed Heads are in different states, they are known as ‘Twin Towns’. 

This path leads to the beach.

 

There are pictures and historical facts on the back of the pillars.

 

It is an interesting place to visit, especially during summer because New South Wales will be an hour ahead of Queensland.

A must-visit for sure!