Carrara - Gold Coast's golf & market mecca

Carrara, just 15 minutes from the Gold Coast beaches, is the sports and market mecca of the Gold Coast and is well worth a visit for sporty families who like to get out and about, and most especially for the avid golfer.

Browse the famous Carrara Markets, stay at the Gold Coast's first sports hotel or golf resort, catch a game at the iconic Metricon Stadium, tee off at Carrara's first class golf courses or take time out to train where the pros train at the Gold Coast Sports & Leisure Centre.

You can easily spend a day or even a weekend exploring Carrara Markets, the Gold Coast's largest and longest running market. Open on weekends, with more than 300 market stalls, Carrara Markets are a mecca for bargain hunters. From designer gear and vintage clothing to sunglasses, hats, jewellery and bags, as well as toys and collectables, books, plants, beauty products, homewares and artworks as well as a huge range of fresh produce, you won't be leaving empty-handed. With 10 onsite cafes and a host of kids entertainment including pony rides, mini golf, bungy trampoline and face painting there's so much here for the whole family to enjoy.

 A golfer’s paradise, discover world class golf courses Emerald Lakes and RACV Royal Pines or let your inner Happy Gilmore unleash in the split-level hitting bays at KDV Driving Range. Put a day aside, gather your best mates and head out to the Graham Marsh designed 18 hole golf course at Emerald Lakes. Not for the faint-hearted, this course is renowned for it’s championship design, and multitude of pristine lakes. Otherwise, head over to RACV Royal Pines and live out your championship dreams. Travelling companions can enjoy time spent here too relaxing in the day spa, enjoying fine dining, having a hit of tennis and letting the kids run wild in the huge playground zones.

Bring your pre-workout to KDV Sports Centre and make your way around the impressive facilities. Starting with a stress-release session in the driving range bays, enjoy hinterland views from the split-level options before exploring the other exercise options onsite. You'll find traditional tennis and Padel (a mix of squash and tennis) courts, while for kids there's a climbing wall and an 18 hole mini golf course. You can even enjoy a work out at their state-of-the-art gymnasium or take a dip in the heated swimming pool and spa. If you'd like to spend more time, book a stay at Elite, KDV's new onsite accommodation, with 22 premier rooms and 3 group suites, as well as a cafe, library and swimming pool.

Metricon Stadium is the best place to cheer to your heart’s content for football teams, Big Bash cricketers, bands like Guns N’ Roses (6 November 2021), concerts and even BMX stunt riders (Inverted Festival 1 May 2021). Located in the Carrara Sporting Complex (CSC) on the site of the old Carrara Stadium, Metricon is one of the Gold Coast's iconic landmarks and a must-visit for any sporting fan.

With several resorts to choose from, there's plenty of good reasons to stay at Carrara, where you're only a 15 minute drive to the beaches. Mercure Gold Coast Resort, nestled amongst a picturesque green-belt of golf courses, offers luxury accommodation, with direct access to Graham Marsh-designed Palm Meadows Golf Course and Jack Nicklaus-designed Lakelands Golf Course. There's also a tropical lagoon-style pool, perfect for relaxing after that game of golf. 

You'll enjoy the stunning views of the Gold Coast skyline or the Queensland hinterland from RACV Royal Pines Resort's five star accommodation. With luxurious rooms, premium dining facilities, a day spa, tennis courts and championship golf course as well as a water park, playground and in-house movies for the kids, RACV Royal Pines Resort makes for a top getaway for the whole family.

*Treat yourself to the ultimate Gold Coast Getaway with three nights' or more accommodation at RACV Royal Pines Resort and receive a $100 dining credit to use across the resort's restaurants, bars and lounges during your stay. Book here

This feature was produced in partnership with our friends at Destination Gold Coast.

For more great things to do and see in Carrara and the rest of the Gold Coast, visit Destination Gold Coast HERE.