As customary, you should never leave a place without getting any souvenir. If you happen to be on the Gold Coast during the months of September to May, better make sure you can catch the Broadbeach Mall Lantern Markets at least once.
What the Festival Is All About
The lantern markets start at 6pm to 10pm Friday from the months of September until May. Thus, it is called the lantern market. Hundreds of stalls participate, bringing in their best goods, from organic produce to arts and crafts coming from the Hinterland. The good news is majority of them are unique and certainly way cheaper than the ones sold in shopping complexes.
What to Do
Take the time to shop. You practically have four hours to roam around and figure out what you want to get at the market. Nevertheless, be alert and attentive as there will be hundreds of people coming in every day. Do not forget to haggle. Most of the sellers will be more than happy to have their goods sold at very small markup prices.
Shopping, though, is not the only thing you can do at Broadbeach. The area is famous for its patrolled beach, where you can do plenty of water activities. You can rent a catamaran in the marina or perhaps a snorkel and diving suit. You can ride a jet ski, canoe, fish, or swim. You may just simply sit on the sand and watch the sunset.
Near the Broadbeach mall are the countless restaurants, bars, and bistros that become even more alive at night time. Several of them offer nightly entertainment, such as jazz and blues music, poetry reading, and open mic sessions. You can also dance to the latest techno and pop songs in the country.
Head to Jupiters for an Australian casino experience. It also has several boutiques if you are looking for high-end clothing.
Broadbeach is cosmopolitan with a feel-good vibe. It is one of the best places to stay when you are on a Gold Coast holiday. There are a number of Broadbeach accommodation options, which tend to fill up quickly. So you can catch the lantern markets during the mentioned months next year, reserve a room as early as now. HRSP.com.au website can provide with the details that you need, from where to stay to what accommodation is available on your preferred dates.