Australia’s enchanting gold coast is revered by travelers the world over for its remarkable beach landscapes, fabulous resorts, and elegant spas- not to mention a thriving, top-class restaurant, bar and nightlife scene. But there’s still another, lesser known but equally vibrant dimension of the gold coast to experience on your holiday, one that can do just as much for your well-being as beach yoga, meditation, water sports, or even the most indulgent spa treatment can:
It’s Art!
Viewing art and artisans’ crafts, studies tell us, improves one’s well-being by affecting both the body physiologically and the attitude mentally. Stress is reduced and the mood is positively affected by the sight of something one’s brain perceives as beautiful, or even interesting. To accompany the abundant natural beauty of the gold coast, there are several art galleries and museums that showcase brilliant works by accomplished artists in almost every possible medium. Rainy day? Too much sun? Just want a little change of scenery? Jump into a Budget car hire andspend a day or two gallery and museum hopping. It’s a fun, entertaining opportunity to find out for yourself the curative properties of art.
There’s an old saying, “I don’t know about art, but I know what I like.” Luckily the gold coast offers an eclectic, accessible art scene that has something for just about everyone. Half of the fun is looking at a lot of different art and finding out what you enjoy- what ‘speaks to you’-personally. Beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder! Don’t be intimidated by the idea of a hushed museum, for all but gone are the days of snobbishness in the arts community! The art world of today welcomes newcomers with open arms; artists are continually inspired by new found appreciation, and vice versa.
Case in point: art definitely isn’t just about large scale art murals or paintings on a wall! The Wax Museum in Surfer’s Paradise is a wonderful way to take a gander at amazing craftsmanship via the startlingly life-like renderings of nobility, celebrities, and more. There’s plenty of interesting history to be learned there, sure. But only if you feel like it! Otherwise just marvel at these thrilling works of art for the pure fun of it!
Speaking of learning- you can also learn all about the history of surfing while enjoying a collection of over 100 surfboards dating from 1915 to the present day, plus photos, artwork, clothing and other artifacts at Surf World Goldcoast in Currabim!
For a modern yet traditional take on art both old and new from artists near and far, make your way to Queensland and visit the world-class art galleries at The Arts Centre Gold coast. With up to twenty exhibitions going on at any given time all year long, you are bound to experience something nothing less than breathtaking there, with shows that feature the fine arts like oil paintings and sculptures, photography, large multi-media installations- even soundscapes! There are even landscape prints for sale that you can acquire and bring home.
Ready to experience something contemporary and maybe a bit cutting edge? Mermaid Beach is host to 19 Karen Gallery, which promises to excite and maybe even shock you with rotating exhibitions by prominent Australian and international artists.
Once bitten by the art bug, you may find yourself seeking out local galleries back home, renewing your sense of well-being over and over again, long after your relaxing rejuvenating holiday on the gold coast. That’s what experiencing art has the amazing power to do: it can take you on holiday anytime.
