Author at Eleventy Traveller Blog. Grew up in Melbourne Australia, worked all over that country in theatre and television for most of my life. Met my husband in 2001 (I think!), and since then we've moved house, a lot! Read more
  • Day 2

    Adelaide Casino, Australia

    February 26, 2016 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C

    Is it train station?

    Correct! And its still operating. You can take the train directly to the casino, which makes for an easy journey home if you are staying somewhere else in town. The Adelaide railway station is not only the hub of the Adelaide metro, with all lines departing or terminating here, but it is a beautiful old building. The first section of the building, the North Terrace, was built in 1856 and you can see every fine detail and quality of workmanship in the features and fixtures. The casino takes up over three floors of the station that is no longer used for travel and it has been transformed into an elegant and lively venue for all things gambling, cuisine and entertainment in the city of Adelaide.

    But it’s a casino!

    Since 1985 the Adelaide Casino in South Australia was a state owned venture, with multiple gaming licenses adapted every few years to accommodate more and more machines. Since the year 2000 however, when the Skycity Entertainment Group purchased the complex, there have been no more amendments and a new licensing regime was approved, which works out better for both the casino and the punters. They even have a license in place that says the number of gaming tables will more than double, and the gaming floor will jump by more than 500 machines when the next renovations have taken place.

    Games, games and more games!

    On the three floors the casino is situated on, two of those are dedicated to gaming. Table games like Baccarat, The Big Wheel and Blackjack are firm favourites. Along with Caribbean Stud, Craps, Lucky Big Wheel and Roulette make this a nice little family of tables. Rapid Roulette and Rapid Baccarat are available for the player interested in a private, individual electronic table. Adelaide was solely responsible for introducing Texas Hold’em Poker into Australia, so naturally poker and Texas Hold’em are also available to play. If this is your game you should definitely check out the Poker Zone on level 1 where you can play cash ring or tournament games to your hearts content.

    The Casino also offers TAB and Sportsbet facilities, and sky channel and information touch screens are located all around the complex.

    Playing with no cash?

    EZY play. A definite step into a modern world without cash is that of the EZY Card. You transfer your own money on to your easy card (or your premiere Rewards Card) and play with that, no coins, no notes, just a swipe and you are done. Hassle free and easy. Also incredibly secure as each card has its own private pin number. You needn’t cash out when you move from one machine to another, when you remove your card credits are automatically transferred to you. You don’t have to wait for a jackpot to pay out. You can take your EZY Card straight to the cashier for a payout whenever you wish. Along with Adelaide Casino’s Premiere Rewards loyalty system, which gains you access to heaps of perks and rewards and VIP treatment in the Casino, the EZY card, is the best possible way to play in this day and age of gambling in Australia.

    Food break!

    With many options to find some grub (Aussie slang for ‘food’), you can head to Café Junction or Oasis Outdoor Bar to grab a casual bite to eat. If you are even hungrier you can partake in the Fortuna Buffet and fill your plates high, and if you find yourself hungry at 3.00 in the morning, head to the new Barossa Café who are open 24 hours!

    However, we have to recommend that you take the time to enjoy a meal at one of two of Adelaide’s premiere contemporary food establishments. Madame Hanoi is a first class restaurant and bar serving a French-Vietnamese fusion food, spearheaded by acclaimed chef Nic Watt. Not to be overshadowed of course by the wonderful Sean Connolly restaurant, Sean’s Kitchen. This New York style Brassiere uses South Australia’s best produce to make a stunning contemporary cuisine. They even have a private dining section in the vaults of the station.

    For drinks, if you are not at the Oasis, or the Barossa bar, then head to either the fittingly named Backyard Bar for some casual drinking, or the Chandelier bar for some classy drinking. The Grandstand Sports bar has everything you need sports wise with a big screen and 12 other TVs, TAB and Sportsbet at the bar, and a bar food menu if you get the munchies while you watch the game.

    Don’t miss the train!

    This 2015 South Australian Tourism Award Winner is not only the place to be for gaming, The Adelaide Casino has a great reputation for hosting DJ’s and live music in the venue.

    One of the best places to spend an evening in the city of churches in South Australia is the Adelaide Casino in the old railway station building.
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  • Day 15

    Skycity Casino, Darwin, Australia

    February 26, 2016 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C

    Casino Darwin is the capital of, and the largest city in, the Northern Territory in Australia. The smallest of all Australian capital cities it still manages to operate its own casino, the only one in the state.

    Skycity Casino Darwin was granted a casino licence in 1979, and opened in Mindle Beach in 1983. It has had many names since then, Mindle Beach Casino, Diamond Beach Hotel and Casino, MGM Grand Darwin and finally Skycity Darwin, after the Skycity Entertainment group purchased it in 2004.

    The Casino

    The Skycity Darwin casino has everything you could need over its two level gaming floor. Over 750 electronic gaming machines, free live entertainment and facilities close by. There’ s NTKeno and TAB available, 26 table games and changing weekly gaming promotions to keep you entertained.

    The electronic games include Reels of Wheels and Goliath, and the ever-popular Vegas Star. Located next to Rapid Roulette on the gaming floor, Vegas Star offers tablet style betting where animated dealers can lend a hand in playing Baccarat or Roulette. Sleek and sophisticated, this is a great section of the gaming floor to experience. Skycity Darwin is constantly adding new machines to their collection. The latest additions are the fantastic Lightning Link, Lightning Cash, Wicked and Wild, Weird, Jetsetter Link and Tarzan-Lord of The Jungle. With those titles, everyone will want to try their luck.

    Something special in this Northern territory casino – is the café that holds a whole bunch of 1-cent machines. At Cent City you can enjoy light snacks and hot drinks like tea and coffee to perk you up a bit, whilst you play the room on their exclusive 1-cent machines!

    Most of the gaming machines in this casino run on a Ticket in Ticket Out (TITO) system. This is a new system of payout to make the handling of cash easier whilst you play on the gaming floor. You insert cash into a machine at the beginning of your play, when you decide to leave the machine, press collect and a ticket will be printed with your credit amount. This ticket can then act as your cash for the machine for the rest of your night, insert it into your next machine to start playing, just as you would with your hard cash. Machine hop with this ticket, or, when the times comes that you wish to pay out, simply take it up to the cashier to redeem your winnings.

    VIP gaming suites for members have exclusive games within. The Diamond Room and Skyroom have machines like Striking Stars, Fine Diamonds, Dynamite Cash, 5 Dragons Gold, 5 Dragons Legend, Rich Traditions, Lucky Strike and Tunes of fun.

    Gaming machines are open 24 hours, Tables pen from 12 noon, until the early morning hours.

    The hotel

    The hotel and spa in Skycity Darwin has won a bunch of impressive award and can boast the fact they are a 5 star beachfront resort with luxury rooms, villas and gaming suites.

    With an 8 rooms tropical spa, lagoons and tropical beachside gardens at your doorstep, a glorious poolside cocktail bar, and private white sand beach, wouldn’t you want to stay here too?

    The hotel run some great package deals and seasonal specials, so make sure you hit up the website to grab a great deal for your stay.

    The food and wine

    Multiple restaurants and bars are at your feet as soon as your step out of the gaming floor or hotel.

    The wonderful restaurants include The Vue, where there is an exceptional buffet on hand, or if you like Italian food, head to il Piatto to enjoy your meal with a stunning view of the Arafura Sea. There’s authentic Asian fusion cuisine at Dragon Court, and you simply must eat at the award Good Food and Travel Guide Chef hat wining restaurant, Evoo. Bars a plenty why not try poolside cocktails and imported beers at Terrace Bar, or enjoy the ocean view with champagne Friday’s and live music at Sandbar. The fantastic sports bar Aces has heaps of screens, a dance floor and funky bar, plus TAB facilities, and then there’s Cent City, remember that nice hidden treat I mentioned with good coffee and food and 1 cent machines? A great line-up to keep you fuelled for your night.

    The location

    Mindle beach is a well-known spot for visitors to Darwin; it has a wonderful night market known as the Mindle Beach Sunset Market, which you should definitely visit if you are there between April and October. Here you can find over 130 stalls of local craft and goods, and lots and lots of food vans to grab a bite to eat and watch the sunset on the beach, and then head back to the casino and hotel for the rest of the evening. Stay and enjoy your evening at the Skycity Darwin and head back to the beach to catch the next sunrise in the same spot. Divine.
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  • Day 2

    The Star Casino, Sydney

    February 13, 2016 in Australia ⋅ 🌙 20 °C

    The Star Casino wants you to have it all. That’s why they offer so much to their dedicated visitors, and to those people passing through who are looking for a good time and want to place a bet or two. This is the second largest casino in Australia and is the only legal casino in New South Wales! When you are here, you’ll feel as if it is tailor made for you in regards to variety of games, services and amenities, shops and entertainment. The guests are their highest priority. Step inside and you’ll have everything at your fingertips for an amazing few days of fun and frivolity under The Star.

    So much to play

    Where to start!? Why not on the gaming floor? There are two to choose from. The main gaming room on level one is separated into three sections: table games, electronic games and Poker. Why not try your luck at a table game? Here you can play Baccarat, Roulette, Blackjack or everyone’s favourite dice game, Craps. For something a little different you can try Pai Gow, which is a Chinese domino game. There’s also the big wheel to spin! Easy to stay all night at this one, unless Bingo is more your thing. Bingo would have to be one of the most fun, and one of the easiest games to play on the floor. Why not have a round or two at the regular Bingo game where you can win cash, casino dollars and a jackpot!

    If you would prefer to start at the pokies then head to the Electronic Games quarter. The Star Casino houses over 1490 gaming machines for you to choose from. However if you are a little more serious about your evening them you’ll need to head straight to the Poker tables. The Star has 20 tables on the main floor, they run weekly tournaments and other events throughout the year, plus a Star Poker Summer Series where there’s a $400,000 up for grabs. Best get your poker face on for these players.

    Your other gaming floor option at the Star is the Sovereign room on level three. This upgraded, invitation only, luxury and exclusive area is something to behold. With top-notch views of Sydney harbour, this stunning floor has private gaming rooms, dinning areas and lounges for the very special guests only. Want to get that ultra exclusive feeling? Then you’ll need to dress to the nines and get in here.

    So much to buy

    The Star casino is big on the shopping front. If you want to play as a high roller then you’d better dress like one! Gucci, Calvin Klein Jeans, G-Star Raw at your disposal, not to mention designers like Bottega Veneta, Moda Emporio, Salvatore Ferragamo, Im Lingerie and of course, the one and only, Chanel.

    So much to gain

    If you are visiting The Star casino in Sydney Harbour, you’ll want to know about this amazing rewards system. With an Absolute Rewards card you not only received discounts and benefits at al the retail shops, bars and restaurants but you can earn points too! When you use your card on a purchase you gain rewards in Absolute Dollars, which can be used to buy goods and services in the hotels and spas.

    The very best thing about this rewards system is that it works not only for The Star Casino. It is also linked with Jupiters Hotel and Casino on the Gold Coast and the Treasury Casino and Hotel in Brisbane. So you can redeem all over the country!

    It’s the whole package

    Food, entertainment and accommodation. The Star Casino Sydney has it all.

    Grab a drink at the Sports bar, Balla Aperitivi Bar, Marquee, Rock Lily, Black Bar, Cherry, or the Sokyo Lounge before your night begins, or watch the sunset from the awesome Sky Terrace, the absolute place to be in summer.

    If you need a quick bite, head to the café court or the many casual dining restaurants. However, if you are after something a little bit more special, you simply must try one of The Star’s signature dining restaurants. You’ll have to decide between Sokyo, Momofuku Seiobo, The century, Osteria Balla Manfredi and Black By Ezard. A tough choice, as they are all excellent in service and quality cuisine.

    Big on entertainment, The Star hosts two performance venues where you can see a wide range of shows and concerts. The 2000 seat Lyric Theatre has had big shows like Phantom of the Opera, Pricilla Queen of the Desert, and Matilda cross its stage, as well as international artists like Stevie wonder and Elton John. The Star Event Centre concert venue has had the likes of Tom Jones, Anastasia, and Ricky Martin stop by, just to name a few.

    After all that you’ll probably need to relax, so you may head to your hotel room and the spas to rejuvenate. Its your choice of place at The Star’s luxurious accommodation. The Darling Hotel is beautiful accommodation and is paired with The Darling Spa, which is a real treat. Astral Towers is sleek and sophisticated with everything you could possible need, and the Astral Residencies have 130 privately owned and serviced apartments if you are up for a longer stay and need somewhere a bit more permanent.

    Curious yet? You should be, the Star is worth it.
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  • Day 2

    Crown Casino Perth

    February 13, 2016 in Australia ⋅ 🌙 20 °C

    In Perth for a spell? Then you simply must check out Western Australia’s premiere casino, Crown Casino Perth.

    Did you know that Reel-slot pokie machine that you operate with the pull down lever, you know the fun ones you have to put a bit of muscle into, are not permitted any where in Western Australia, except – you guessed it, Crown Perth! This, and the fact you can play Two Up here, gives you all the more reason to visit! (More on the iconic Australian old time gambling ‘Two up’ a bit later.)

    Try your luck in the gaming rooms or, if you are up for higher stakes, hit the exclusive rooms made for the general public. There’s so much to do and see here, you’d better put aside a whole night, just to get acquainted. Then come back again to really get to know one another.

    Sitting proudly in the popular suburb of Burswood, Melbourne’s Crown sister casino is at home here. This massive entertainment complex where you can wine and dine, stay and play and watch and win, is sophisticated, inviting, exclusive and makes for an incredibly enjoyable night out.

    Compared to the massive scale that the Crown Casino in Perth now proudly possesses, this casino had somewhat humble beginnings. Opened in 1985 it has undergone 4 large-scale renovations and refurbishments since then, making sure that everyone is catered for.



    Time to play!

    Crown Perth is committed to helping your gaming experience be one of the best and most exclusive in town. As of 2012, the games were to be expanded to total 2,500 poker machines and 350 gaming tables. Caught your interest yet?

    The gaming floor is filled with all the table games you can think of! Blackjack Plus, Crown Std Poker, Pai Gow, Rapid Roulette, Casino War, the Money Wheel and more. If electric games are more your style, head to the machines where you can find Jumpin Pumpkin, Ghostbusters, Lucky Rich Devil, Villa Thriller, The Flintstones, Pegasus 3, Emerald Fortunes and the latest and most popular, 5 Dragons.

    The Meridian Room is an exciting space, where they run 15 minute gaming frenzies with lots of cash prizes, a Bauble Bonanza with extra point. There’s regular prizes and entry to the grand prize where two people at every draw will win a Coles Myer gift Card, values at $1000!

    If you are interested in more of a high stakes level on gaming, The Riviera room might be for you. This stylish room has many tables where you can play Blackjack, Vegas Star Roulette, Baccarat, Crowd Hold’em, plus, complimentary beverages whilst you play.

    Crown Perth’s diamond however, is The Pearl room. This is a very special place where service, attention and detail are in high regard. Here you can see 180 degrees of skyline whilst you sit back in your private salon with luxury service and high quality games.



    A little bit of tradition

    If you are up for trying Australia’s most traditional gambling game, then you must head to Crown Peth Two Up ring. Two Up is a game left over from the Australian and New Zealand Army Core soldiers, and was played as far back as World War 1. This game is usually played on ANZAC day around the country in RSL clubs and pubs. Outside this special day and these traditional locations, the Perth Crown Casino is the only place you can try your luck at spinning the pennies.

    I think I might stay a while……

    Crown Perth boats two luxurious hotels on the premises, Crown Metropol and The Crown Promenade.

    Crown Metropol is a beautiful hotel experience where you can relax in comfort and sophistication in the luxury rooms before you head to the huge pool complex. Poolside is an awesome experience in the Perth sun. Here you can drink and dine at wither the al fresco poolside Bar and Grill whilst pool hopping between the waters surrounding the day beds and cabanas.

    The Crown Promenade is perfect for more of a contemporary stay. Superior rooms and suites are on offer, along with one of the best spas in Perth! This is state of the art modern luxury.



    What else can I find here?

    This casino is the place to be in Perth as it has everything you could possibly need! Apart from the thousands of table and electronic games on offer, you can choose from 12 different bars including the Crown Sports Bar, La Vie exclusive champagne Bar, the Merrywell Pub and the Lobby Lounge. Or if nightclubs are more your thing, Eve, and Minq are the best in town with perfect atmosphere, the best and most delicious DJ’s and the hottest party goers in Perth.

    This fabulous Casino also hosts an entertainment complex where large-scale live shows are always playing in the theatre, there are two ballrooms for weddings and other functions and meeting rooms for all your business needs.

    Obviously Perth’s Crown Casino is your one stop gambling stop whilst in Western Australia. What more to say? Nothing really, time to make a visit, don’t you think?
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  • Day 2

    Hobart Tasmania

    February 13, 2016 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    What makes Tasmania’s Wrest Point Casino one of the most interesting casinos in Australia to visit, apart from the luxury hotels and divine restaurants surrounding the casino, is the fact that it was Australia’s very first casino.

    A little history
    The Wrest Point Hotel was long established by the time The Federal Group were applying for the country’s first casino license. In 1973, the new buildings residing on this beautiful piece of Tasmanian land were re-named Wrest Point Hotel Casino.
    So we know it’s been around since the early 70’s, but don’t worry, along with its retro characteristic charm, the complex has been extended and refurbished in recent years and opened up a large conference centre and boardwalk to add to the already impressive casino and hotel.

    So let’s get to the games
    Naturally you’ll find great Blackjack, Roulette and Baccarat tables, as well as Rapid Roulette and of course a Money Wheel! For the Poker tables, Wrest Point Tasmania has some great deals in regards to their Poker games and tournaments. The Poker here is played on commission. 10% on pots over $20, with no commission for pots under $20. No time fees or seat charges, so it’s all rather nice and relaxed, which is a bit like the nature of the state of Tasmania itself. Only played Wednesday and Thursday from 6pm, and Friday and Saturday from 8pm, you’re able to book your seat on the night at the Casino Cash Desk.
    Tasmania loves their electronic games! So its highly likely you will too. This casino’s electronic games cover two large areas and you are guaranteed to find a seat on the any of the many different games. Tasmania is a lovely, and very local place, so stepping on to the gaming floor you will find people from Hobart who love to have a regular drink and a turn on the machines. They, and the staff are sure to welcome you to play and join the fun, promotions, jackpots, and Federal Club rewards program on offer.

    What else?
    Hello home of free entertainment! The Wrest Point Hotel Casino has free live music every night of the week! Yes you heard me – every night. Piano bar, cover bands, original singer songwriters and duos, and bands. Naturally they also host some huge local and international names in music and comedy on their larger stage, and they are the official home to the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra.
    With four bars and five restaurants on offer, you’ll find whatever you are looking for. Especially if what you are looking for includes a stunning view of mount Wellington, the Tasman Bridge and the city of Hobart. You can enjoy all this eye candy whilst you dine at the revolving restaurant. Enjoy sumptuous French cuisine, whilst you gaze at the impressive backdrop of the city. You’ll be sitting at the top of a 64 metre octagonal tower that is the tallest in Hobart and nationally identified with the ‘apple isle’ (that means Tasmania in local talk). Bars to choose from are tailored to everyone. Just want a quick bite and a beer? -Go to the Boardwalk Snack Bar. Don’t want to leave the gaming floor? -Then the Casino Bar is right in the middle. The Birdcage Bar is the original retro classic bar from the old days, and Onyx Bar is modern, sleek and inviting, open to everyone and with a great lookout of the waterfront at any time of day or night.

    But it all began with a hotel
    The original Wrest Point Hotel has many suites to choose from over three hotels in the complex, Motor Inn, Water Edge and The Tower. Included are all the perks like under cover parking, health club and gym, a sauna and spa and heated pool. The very first hotel that was built on this site was the Wrest Point Riviera Hotel in 1939. It was sold in the 50’s to Federal Hotels and they kick started not only the rise of legal gambling in Casinos all over Australia, (there are now 13 major casinos in the country) but created a tourism boom for Tasmania that has helped the state make even more of a name for itself. This action also encouraged the Federal Hotels group to open the Country Club Casino in Tasmania’s other major town of Launceston.
    So if you are in Tasmania and are looking for a game or two, why not take a leisurely visit to the Wrest Point Casino Hotel. You’ll be surrounded by some classic nostalgia mixed with a contemporary groove, and a bunch of very friendly faces.
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  • Day 2

    Broadbeach, Jupiters

    February 13, 2016 in Australia ⋅ 🌙 21 °C

    Jupiters Casino on the Gold Coast sits proudly over looking the Nerang River, like a beautiful a-symmetric architecturally sound mother ship, guiding its fleet home. This was Queensland’s very first casino, and the leader in setting the bar high for the rest of the Gold Coast’s gaming venues to try to live up to.
    Located in Broadbeach, the complex covers eight acres of land and juts out into the river, marking its territory. Opened in the mid 80’s it has had two refurbishments and extensions since then. They made the gaming floor twice as large as it had been, added a much sought after Gold Club Room, and built a massive 2000 seat theatre for the most high tech, and high quality entertainment.

    This place is impressive, so lets go inside!

    The Casino

    This casino is world class. On the gaming floor you’ll find over 1,600 machines and over 70 table games to get you into the swing of things. The shiny machines will welcome you with their vibrancy and entertainment. Try games like Double Shot, Dinomight, Lighting Cash and Golden Dollars. They even host somes games found only in NSW such as Cash Express, Fa Fa Fa, and Players Choice-Superstar, all three versions! Try them all to come up with a winning combination on the pokies, or take a spin on the Keno machines.
    The table games offered run the gamut from Blackjack and Texas Hold’em to Roulette, Craps and Sic Bo, the Wheel and the card game Casino War, where you can either go to war, or surrender, to the card dealer. Your choice!

    If you want some privacy on the machines you should get yourself into one of Jupiters Casino’s three private gaming rooms. The Club, The Sterling Suite and The Suite are accessible by invitation only – How do you get an invitation? Just apply and gain some points from the Absolute Rewards customer desk. This is a gaming floor that will feel entirely yours! You get even more kudos if you are an interstate or international visitors to the casino on the Gold Coast. They do love their guests!
    Jupiters are constantly running fantastic promotions to take advantage of, and they mix them up throughout the year, so on your next visit, you’ll have something different to play for!

    The Hotel

    Apart form the luxury, the service, the nearby beach, Jupiters Hotel is right in the middle of the action, and the views of the Pacific Ocean are to die for. 596 rooms, fitness centre, a pool with private bungalows, therapeutic massage, gift service, I could go on!

    Here’s a fun fact!

    Jupiters Casino has been officially named a conservation Champion! The complex has reduced its water consumption by 40% since 2003, and they continue to integrate water saving practices into its every day running. Considering the casino is open 24 hours and the sheer size of the building and surrounds, this is a very impressive feat. They also use many other ‘green’ ways of living with lots of recycling, product donations to charity, phosphate free cleaning chemicals. Go Jupiters! Another way they are the leader of the pack in an ever-changing commercial world.

    Food and drinks!

    Yummy, yummy, yummy is all we can say. Restaurants like Bite, Food Fantasy, Zen, The Garden Kitchen and Bar, Cucina Vivo and of course the cutting edge and exclusive Japanese restaurant Kiyomi, will satisfy all your taste buds, whilst places like Jbar, Atrium and Jupiters Sports Bar have everything else to quench your thirst.
    They’ve got a Monorail!

    That’s right! Jupiters has a very impressive monorail that connects the Casino to some important locations around Broadbeach. Jump on this speedy baby and as well as taking a spin around over the waters edge, you’ll also be connected to the Oasis shopping centre, the beach, the Sofitel on the Gold Coast, and the Broadbeach Mall. Or, just take a round trip for fun! Monorails are so 1980’s, that when you find one around today you simply must go on, just for old times sake….plus its quite a handy way to get around don’t you think!?

    Reap your own benefits.

    The Absolute Rewards system in place at the Jupiters Hotel and Casino on the Gold coast, is second to none! You can earn Casino Dollars, Absolute Dollars or Absolute Points, and all can be used in three affiliated Casinos in Australia. So when you visit either Jupiters, The Star in Sydney, or the Treasury Casino and Hotel in Brisbane, then you are already set to keep claiming your bonus rewards, no matter which venue you are playing in.

    These guys take the cake for size and service and all round cool place to be, and to play. Jupiters on the Gold Coast should be at the top of your list and your first stop when you arrive on the East Coast of Australia.
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