Monday, August 24, 2009

Gold Coast Icons

By Cordelia Kennedy

As part of the independence celebration of Queensland, there was an online vote for Gold Coasts top 150 icons. Here are some of the results.

People:

Kristy Hinze - A successful model from the Gold Coast. Kristy is also the granddaughter of Minister Russ Hinze. Ms. Hinze's has just married American billionaire Jim Clark, who is the founder of Netscape. At the young age of 14 Kristy modeled for the cover of Vogue, she was also the first native Australian that Vogue ever featured.

Grant Hackett - Grant is a world class athlete, and Australia's best freestyle swimmer. During the 2000 Olympics he won the gold medal for the 1500 metres freestyle and in the Athens Olympics, 2004, he set the world record for both the 1500 and 800 metre freestyles. Grant has been undefeated in the 1500 metre freestyle since 1997.

Events -

Coolangatta Gold - This is the original Ironman endurance event that involves a 23 kilometre surf ski race, from Surfers Paradise to Greenmount. It is an annual event in Coolangatta and was made famous in 1984 by a film of the same name.

Indy - The Gold Coast Indy 300 is a four day and night event that takes place in Surfers Paradise. Thousands of spectators gather together for a weekend filled with motor races, entertainment and celebrities. These individuals enjoy live band performances, stunt displays and Defence Force air combat display. There is also a Miss Indy pageant held that attracts local, interstate and international attention.

Natural Attractions:

Surfers Paradise Beach - According the the Gold Coast Mayor, Surfers Paradise Beach is more famous than Queensland. It is the most well know beach in Australia and you can watch the Quicksilver Pro Surfing Competition and the Surf Life Saving Championships.

Structures and Engineering Feats:

Q1 - This tower is the first residential building that is greater than 1,000 feet tall. It is an 80 story tower, that is reminiscent of the Sydney Opera House. It is located on the opposite side of Surfers Paradise Beach, and offers a 360 degree view of the Gold Coast. While inside you can explore the 10 level mini rainforest sky garden.

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