Dust Temple

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Sunday post wedding dinner

Our Wedding

We will be getting married at the architecturally rustic art gallery and cafe that is Dust Temple. Think if your dream home met a gallery, and added delicious food and coffee.

SCHEDULE

3:00PM - Guest Arrival, arrival drinks3:30PM - The couple will share a story hosted by Belinda Boyce (our mutual friend who introduced us), a kiss and then onto eating and enjoying each others company.4-6pm - Cheese platters, games and music6pm - Quick speeches6:30pm - Dinner, help yourself food truck style7pm- 10pm - Dance the night away!Dessert and barista coffeeOpen bar

Wedding Party

AIRPORT

BRISBANE (BNE) - this is our capital city of Queensland and major airport with the most amount of flights coming in and out each day. Only a 1hr drive or train ride to the Gold Coast. If you are not doing car hire, you can catch the Air Train for $20USD to Gold Coast. Most hotels also offer a pick up shuttle but you will pay more than the Air Train. We also have Uber, but this will cost you $40 just to get out of the airport area. GOLD COAST / COOLANGATTA (OOL) - this is the closest airport to the wedding venue, but less frequent flights and most airlines will make you do customs via Brisbane or Sydney. AIRLINES - I highly recommend QANTAS. This is Australia's 5 star airline. Think multiple meals, good movies, Tim Tam (snacks), ice creams and the best service for the long haul flight. They also partner with Air New Zealand and FIJI Airways which are equally good.

ACCOMMODATION 

Gold Coast is the most expensive place in Australia for accommodation (but for good reason), but hopefully your strong dollar makes it worth it. Booking.com is a great website to look up hotel options. Locations to look in: Broadbeach: Known for The Star casino, which has amazing food offers, nightclubs and more. Pacific Fair Shopping Centre is also in Broadbeach, as well as many restaurants. It is on the tram line so easy to get around.Surfers Paradise: This is our 'glitter strip' no locals actually live here or go here to surf. This has lots of attractions for families, a lot of tours leave from here, but don't expect the local Gold Coaster way of life when visiting here... it will feel more like America with plenty of chain stores and restaurants. It is on the tram line and also has a big bus terminal of all the majors like Greyhound etc. A day or two here to hit attractions may be good otherwise head south. Nobbys, Miami, BurleighThese suburbs are full of lots of local cafes and restaurants that are to die for and heaps of nightlife. Food and cafe culture is big here. Lots of little bars and breweries too. Less hotels so you may need to book an Airbnb in these areas. They are on the tram line so easy to get around. Palm Beach, Currumbin, Tugun, CoolangattaThese are the locals suburbs, no tram here so BYO walking shoes or hire car. If you want the true local slow lifestyle experience then this is for you. Similar to Encinitas. I recommend not staying exactly near the wedding venue as there is not so much else near by. These suburbs are all a 5-10 minute drive to Gold Coast Airport, so easy access if you are flying in or out of there for a cheap uber. AIRBNBSIf there are 4+ of you travelling together or grouping up, sometimes it is worth checking out Airbnb listings as sometimes these are cheaper than hotels depending on the area. There are plenty of beachside apartments that step you right onto the sand, or 4-5 bedroom homes with pools that are a short stroll from cafes and the beach. There are cafes literally everywhere (it's part of the culture) so make sure you check where your closest one is in relation to your accom. BRISBANEI highly recommend if you are landing in Brisbane to stay here for at least that day to get onto the timezone, but also Brisbane has so much to offer as a City. - Felons Brewing Co on the water at Howard Smith Wharves (for all ages, includes kids playground and best views of the city for sunset)- Southbank: think shops, meets man made giant beach pool, restaurants and markets. - GOMA &amp; Museum: great place to kill time for all ages and best part is it's free!- Ride the CityCat around the river- Eat Street: open Friday to Sunday for the best food from 100's of food trucks and entertainment.

BRISBANE

I highly recommend staying is Brisbane on the way in before heading to the Gold Coast. Our capital city has so much on offer.

GETTING AROUND -  PUBLIC TRANSPORT

PUBLIC TRANSPORTBuses, City Cat (ferry) and trams are 50 cents (you heard right) per person, per ride. This does not include the Air Train which is owned by the airport. Brisbane has many bus services to get around locally, as well as the City Cat which takes you around the city via the Brisbane River. It is a beautiful way to see the entire city plus no traffic! Trams - Gold Coast has a tram network running from Southport all the way to Burleigh. This includes major hubs like Surfers Paradise (tourist/glitter strip), Broadbeach (Casino area and Pacific Fair Shopping Centre), Nobbys and Burleigh (great places to eat and drink). These are also 50cents per ride. TRAM STOP MAP IS BELOW:

GETTING AROUND - CAR HIRE

Queensland is a drive state, and unless you are in the heart of a CBD or on a tram line you may want to hire a car, and for all your luggage. We drive on the opposite side of the road to United States, but its easy to get used to (I do it in the States all the time). <a href="https://www.booking.com/cars" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Booking.com </a> is a great place to get car hire deals, and one way car hire from Gold Coast to Brisbane may be cheaper than Brisbane return.

Travel

THEME PARKS / ATTRACTIONS

<a href="https://www.dreamworld.com.au/our-worlds/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Dreamworld</a> - the big 'all in one' theme park. They have everything from big rides, waterpark, animals (native and tigers). They also own <a href="https://www.skypoint.com.au/tickets" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">SkyPoint</a> in Q1 Building in Surfers (Tallest tower on Gold Coast, with 360 views of the beaches and city)<a href="https://themeparks.com.au/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Movieworld</a> - One of my favourite theme parks. Warner Brothers own it so they do stunt shows, character meet and greets, Marvel themed ride, Looney Tunes and Scooby Doo themed rides.If you go to only one theme park, go here. They also own Sea World, Wet 'n' Wild (water park) and you can get a multi day pass to each.<a href="https://outbackspectacular.com.au/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Australian Outback Spectacular</a> - Dinner and a show about Australia. This is next to Movieworld, so if you're not completely pooped after a day at Movieworld, you can head to it after dinner and get transfers out of Surfers Paradise.<a href="https://currumbinsanctuary.com.au/visit/tickets/?utm_term=currumbin%20wildlife%20sanctuary&amp;utm_campaign=Brand+%7C+SD&amp;utm_source=adwords&amp;utm_medium=ppc&amp;hsa_acc=2504076821&amp;hsa_cam=21505499940&amp;hsa_grp=165481695059&amp;hsa_ad=707349342176&amp;hsa_src=g&amp;hsa_tgt=kwd-318515728939&amp;hsa_kw=currumbin%20wildlife%20sanctuary&amp;hsa_mt=p&amp;hsa_net=adwords&amp;hsa_ver=3&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=21505499940&amp;gbraid=0AAAAADzpujYJikdPMN1gSLwP5H6ZOoyLO&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiAsY3LBhCwARIsAF6O6XjGZLPONNuYItnGU6GIK-wq16dGtqQFaJ_wVeyPzrnJaH2osnCffSEaAn1sEALw_wcB" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary</a> - If you know are only coming to the Gold Coast and can't make it up to the Sunshine Coast for Australia Zoo (Crocodile Hunter/Irwin Family), then Currumbin Sanctuary is great for them to have the Australian animal experience. They can still see all the animals, feed kangaroo, koala photo, crocodiles, bird show etc. and its really close to our wedding venue.<a href="https://seaworldcruises.com.au/whale-watching/whale-watching-tickets/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Whale watching tour</a>- It is humpback whale season when you are here, so there are so many whales out in the beach. We have a number of Whale Watching tours, some are private and Sea World also does them. Includes lunch.<a href="https://hijinxhotel.com.au/activities/challenge-rooms?gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=21493966073&amp;gbraid=0AAAAAoupsB-POkxmwkZbJ9kq-DISbGBW1&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiAsY3LBhCwARIsAF6O6XiWciKLOm5mY7aJxR_WMmxXMm0zDaMhH1MnirYr2HVoQ165VnzdTzUaAplkEALw_wcB" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Hijinx Hotel</a> - Challenge rooms, so much fun for all ages. 2hrs tops. In Surfers Paradise. Super affordable activity ($20) that will have you laughing your heads off.<a href="https://holeymoley.com.au/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Holey Moley </a>- Fun Putt Putt indoors. You can also get a package deal with Hijinx Hotel, Holey Moley and Bowling for $36pp. Surfers Paradise based, all walkable.

CAFES, BARS, RESTAURANTS

BROADBEACHO Bagel - This specialty bagel house boasts an extensive menu of sandwich bagels—fat bagels stuffed with loaded gourmet fillings—or simple bagels for when you’re just after the classics.The Star Casino - Kiyomi Japanese (hatted)Hideaway Kitchen - Asian fusion, tasty share plates and cocktailsHarajuku GyozaLoose Moose - The Best Burgers, Ribs, Wings, Craft Beer &amp; Whiskey in Broadbeach. The Loose Moose is a vibrant Prohibition-style Tap &amp; Grill House that redefines casual dining. BURLEIGHTarte Bakery – you'll immediately feel the collision of Parisian and New York style bakery. Freshly baked pastries, huge all day food menu, good coffee and all the little things done properly. Everyday from 6am - 3pm.Paddock Bakery - The Gold Coast's best and most awarded café for breakfast and lunch, set in an old cottage/house.Grandad Jacks - Gold Coast's first and only craft Gin, Vodka, Whiskey &amp; Liqueur distillery located just two minutes walk from North Burleigh beach with over 100 international and national prestigious awards for our spirits and distillery bars since opening.Mohr CafeSocial BrewPrecinct Brewery -Beer, tasty pizzas, stand-up comedy, live music and some captivating, limited releases like their recent Big If True, Hazy IPA.Black Hops BreweryFIZZ HQ - Fisher (DJ) taproom where the FIZZ is always cold and the vibes are always good. Tucked away in the so called ‘Liquor Lanes’ of Burleigh Heads, HARD FIZZ TAPROOM is an eclectic Neverland of delicious (and often exclusive) HARD FIZZ on tap, not to mention our mouth watering bar snacks that won’t break the bankRoji Cat - Gold Coast’s very own Japanese beer den. This vibey laneway bar brings together the holy trinity of izakaya dreams: cold Japanese brews, sizzling street eats, and neon-lit nostalgia with over twenty sakes.The Tropic/The Pavillion - MIAMI/NOBBYSBam Bam Bakehouse - best pastries, coffee and breakfast on the Coast. Won many awardsEstu Izakaya - Top rated Japanese restaurant. Contemporary spot with a curved wooden ceiling, for Japanese dishes to share plus sake and whiskey.Glenelg Public House - Our menu is steak-focused, using the World's best beef, which is grown right here in our backyard. Boutique wine and craft beer.Franc Jnrs - BEST DEEP PAN PIZZA in Australia (american style), book in early this place is popular.Miami Marketta - is where creativity, good food, and live music all come togetherMexicali - delicious mexican upstairs for big groupsJuJu - fine diningThe Oxley - a collective of fine dining and delicious eateries CURRUMBIN/TUGUN<a href="https://www.insidegoldcoast.com.au/13-gold-coast-bars-day-drinks" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Balter Brewing Company</a> - the amazing Balter Taproom never disappoints. Its line-up of founders includes some seriously famous sporting legends, and it just oozes chillax and cool in equal measure. Whether it’s from the tap or can, there’s a variety of styles to get your tastebuds singing. Kick back in the beer garden and enjoy live beats with your brew, along with food truck goodness.Tarte Beach house - The best breakfast cafe on the water, pastries, good coffee, yummy food and beautiful viewTommy’s Italian - Italian on the beach, say less!Tommy’s Tacos - small mexican with great nightly dealsSalt Mill Coffee - best local cafeStable Coffee at Cornerstone Stores - run by Clay's brother Chris, this was our back up wedding venue. Chilled vibes, fancy take on breakfast food. Right across from Currumbin Wildlife SanctuarySticky Rice - Delicious thai foodThe Bread Social - Bakery and Cafe SURFERS PARADISEJanus Deli - Japanese/Korean inspired sandwiches, burgers, fried chicken, donuts and good coffee

SHOPPING CENTRES (MALLS)

SHOPPING CENTRES (MALLS)<a href="https://www.pacificfair.com.au/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Pacific Fair</a> - in Broadbeach (on tram line after Surfers Paradise, next to Casino). You can spend and entire day here. Everything under the one roof, last minute wedding guest cloths, groceries, restaurants, outdoor lounge, it is one of the biggest most beautiful shopping malls. You could come over here without an outfit and be sorted for everything here. <a href="https://robinatowncentre.qicre.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Robina Shopping Centre</a> - again, everything you need all under the one roof. All the big department stores, groceries, make up, clothes, cinemas all in one.

AUSTRALIA ZOO - STEVE IRWINS LEGACY 

Australia Zoo, founded by the Irwin family, offers a unique, high-energy experience focused on hands-on conservation, world-class crocodile shows in the massive Crocoseum, and intimate, close-up wildlife encounters with both native and exotic animals. It stands out for its passionate staff, large, immersive, naturalistic habitats, and active involvement in protecting endangered species. The "Crikey" Experience &amp; Live Shows: The zoo is famous for its daily, high-energy wildlife shows in the 5,000-seat <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0nlvTGEJ1E" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Crocoseum</a>, featuring saltwater crocodiles and birds of prey, often showcasing the legacy of Steve Irwin. Robert Irwin (winner of Dancing with the Stars) is regularly the host of the show, if you are lucky and he is there for your dates. Unmatched Animal Interactions: You can get closer to animals than in many other parks, including feeding kangaroos, meeting lemurs, walking through Bindi’s Island, and witnessing tigers and giant tortoises, with opportunities for special up-close encounters.Conservation Focus: The zoo operates the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, allowing visitors to see firsthand the dedication to rescuing and rehabilitating native wildlife.Immersive Exhibits: Rather than traditional cages, the zoo features large, naturalistic habitats that allow animals to roam, including an African savannah exhibit with rhinos, zebras, and giraffes.A Full Day Out: The sprawling, clean, and well-maintained grounds offer a full day of entertainment, including a water park for children and extensive, varied, and educational wildlife talks.PLEASE NOTE: Australia Zoo is on the Sunshine Coast (north of Brisbane, 3hrs from Gold Coast) and requires a car from Brisbane for the 1hr 15min drive, alternatively you can get the train or shuttle from Brisbane but it takes longer. There is not a lot else around Australia Zoo and the closest attractions are staying at the Sunshine Coast beaches (30min drive back from Australia Zoo) or an airbnb out in Maleny which is a quiet hinterland town with cute cottages and bakeries.

Caitlin & Patrick

Caitlin & Patrick

Photos