Couran Cove, QLD

Just 35 minutes ferry or boat ride from the heart of the Gold Coast and for boat owners, an easy 15 minutes from Runaway Bay, Couran Cove is set on more than 300 hectares – a mix of beach, bush and beautiful Broadwater.

The 354-room Couran Cove Island resort is ideal for couples and families – a truly unique Australian resort where nature and first-class facilities collectively offer an extraordinary and memorable experience. Awarded more than 50 national and international environmental, architectural, tourism and catering awards, Couran Cove Island Resort offers a wide choice of activities, excellent dining options, and is ideal for a family holiday, a romantic escape, or special occasion.

Beyond accommodation, which comprises waterfront villas and studio apartments, along with cabins set back within sub-tropical bushland, the Resort comprises an array of dining options, 106 marina berths, general store, conference and event facilities, wedding chapel and a diversity of family-friendly activities – many of them free of charge.

SPORT AND RECREATION

The sporting and recreational facilities offer something for everyone: a 25m pool and two gyms, lagoon and waterpark, tennis courts, squash, basketball, beach volleyball, giant chess, mini golf, shuffleboard, the Ron Clarke sprint track where you can compare your speed to world-famous runners, bike and Segway hire, and walking tracks at every turn.

The island is also home to the Amazing Virtual Reality World, a chance for guests of all ages to test their skills with the latest, high-tech VR challenges.

The Activities Team runs a wonderful Kids’ Activities Programs (all free of charge) and the surf beach beckons just a 15-minute bike ride, Resort Train trip or pleasant walk from the resort.

For watersports are kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, fishing, tackle hire, parasailing, jetskiing, jetboards, and speed boat tours as well as an awesome 4WD tour to Jumpinpin Bar. Or just walk the network of boardwalks and trails that wend their way through the bush for a eucalyptus-infused encounter with the native wildlife.

For special occasions, meals and snacks, Couran Cove provides plenty of delectable choices. The Poolside Restaurant is open from 7.30am until late for casual meals, while the Marlin Bar Tavern operates from 11.30am till late. It’s always advisable to book in advance as times vary depending on high/low season and events. Café Couran is open from 8am until 4pm, while the Sunset Bar and Market Place offers light snacks and beverages, Friday and Saturday 4pm to 7pm at Sunset Beach – the ideal place to drop anchor and enjoy the camaraderie and island ambience.

For those looking for a short and sweet Broadwater-South Straddy experience, the Couran Cove MV Entertainer plies the waterways of the Gold Coast, departing Mariners Cove Marina at 9.30am Wednesdays and Sundays (as well as Fridays during peak season) for day trips to Couran Cove and returning at 5pm. There are also sunset cruises and themed cruises.

For conferences, weddings and events, Couran Cove provides a superb backdrop and sophisticated catering, plus plenty of incentives for boaties, including a new schedule of berthing rates and membership program.

The new fee schedule has been well received among boat and jetski owners, many of them opting for the Marina Membership or Marina Annual Pass, available in limited numbers. There is a flat day rate for jetskis of $10 or $20 overnight. Boats up to 6.5m pay $20 per day or $40 overnight, and boats larger than 6.5m can visit for $30 for the day or $60 overnight.

Marina berth memberships are $99 per annum, which entitles you to 15 per cent off marina bookings, even during peak periods, 20 per cent discount on all activities and 10 per cent on food and beverage, four free day trips and other benefits.

Adding to a program that includes massively popular events during Easter, Australia Day, ANZAC Day and public holidays, Couran Cove specialises in fleet and boating events.

Check out the full feature in issue #503 of Trade-A-Boat magazine. Subscribe today for all the latest boating news, reviews and travel inspiration.