The Gold Coast Show is a great family event that has been bringing our local community together for 116 years. The show runs over three days from Friday, September 1, to Sunday, September 3, at Broadwater Parklands, Southport. While the show has evolved and no longer features the livestock and veggie competitions of yesteryear, home cooking, crafts and art remain highly contested competitions.

There will be displays of all the entries of intricate embroidery, lacework and knitting, as well as pottery, ceramics and paintings in oils and watercolours. People flock to see the best cakes, scones and chutneys, as well as toffee apples, fudge and coconut ice. Perhaps seeing the tasty treats will spark a new interest in cooking in your little one. You can back up your visit to the show with a workshop back at Paradise Resort. We show kids how to bake biscuits from scratch and decorate their own cupcakes.

The wood chopping competition is always exciting to watch. Just like backing your favourite footie team, ask your kids to choose a competitor before each event and then cheer them on as they chop. Maybe the family member who picks the event’s winner could get to decide where you all head next!

The dog shows are great fun to watch and the equestrian is always impressive. There’s a baby animal farm and live entertainment, including Humphrey B Bear and roving performers. Kids can ride a pony, a camel or the mini cars. There’s heaps of rides and a jumping castle, as well as carnival games in sideshow alley and a whole lawn of show bags.

Book early and stay with us here at Paradise Resort over Gold Coast Show weekend to really make a staycation weekend of it. Getting to and from the Show, from our resort is easy peasy. Forget finding a carpark and just jump on the tram! It’s only a 10-minute ride back to Paradise Resort as we’re one of the closest resorts to the Show.

And after your fun family day out, put your feet up and have dinner by the resort pool, then maybe watch a movie from the comfort of your hotel room. Rest up, because the kids may want to go back again the next day! And why not, entry is free. To see the Gold Coast Show program, map and more information, click here.