Upcoming Events in Gold Coast

Labrador has been one of the Gold Coast's mainstays since its first hotel was built in 1881. Sitting on the Broadwater, just north of Southport, Labrador is popular for its calm waters, peaceful parks and views of South Stradbroke Island. Back in the day, the Labrador Hotel was the final stop on the coastal route for Cobb & Co’s horse-drawn coach service - it had 15 rooms as well as stables for the horses. Visitors from Brisbane and Ipswich travelled down to enjoy attractions like fishing, paddling and taking in the fresh air (swimming was considered risqué and only done discreetly out of public view). Fast forward to the modern day, and the visitors still enjoy the same activities, but bathing suits are welcome, and the waters and sandy shores are peppered with swimmers and sunbathers. Hospitality is still going strong in this suburb, which offers a great range of accommodation from high rises to caravan parks, as well as restaurants, bars and some excellent cafés. The Grand Hotel now sits on the site of the old Labrador Hotel. Sure, it may have changed a bit, but that kind of old-style service and loyalty for which Labrador is renowned remains.