How often do you turn on the radio, open up iTunes or pop in your favourite CD, listening to the hits from the 1950s and 60s, thinking, "Man, those were the days"? If the answer is even close to 'all the time', you should consider grabbing a room at your favourite Gold Coast resort accommodation and heading to Cooly Rocks On this May.
Cooly Rocks On, held in Coolangatta on the Gold Coast, is the ultimate nostalgia celebration of 50s and 60s culture in Queensland (and quite possibly the entire country). It runs for 11 days from May 29 to June 8, and often attracts as many as 80,000 visitors. In fact, the Grand Finale (the final weekend) is so big, a kilometre of Marine Parade will be closed to accommodate all the activities taking place during these few days.
So what should you be looking forwards to?
There's something incredibly charming about classic 50s and 60s cars. Throughout the event, you'll have the opportunity to witness over 1,000 of them. Along Marine Parade there'll be plenty parked, with the owners showing off their prized beauties and no doubt willing to chat to you about their history. During the Grand Finale, there will also be a fantastic Harley Davidson zone set up so you can check out the famous bikes (and maybe even try one), as well as colourful street parades.
A little south of the Marine Parade area is the Police Citizens Youth Club building, which will play host to the Cooly Rocks on Dance Competition on June 7. There are loads of different categories that all ages can enter, including Traditional, Rock 'n' Roll, Swing and Lindy Hop. Entrants will all be dressed in classic clothing, dancing to some of your favourite songs. Got some moves of your own? You could enter, and be in a chance to win a $1,000 cash prize!
"Can't get enough of 50s and 60s vintage culture? Make sure you visit Cooly Rocks On at the end of May. Bring your dancing shoes! "
Nothing says glitz and glamour quite like a beauty pageant, which is why checking out the finals of the Miss Cooly Rocks On Vintage Glamour Pageant should be high on your agenda for June 6. Twelve finalists from around the country will be competing in Day Wear, Beach Attire and Evening Gowns, hoping to be crowned Miss Cooly Rocks On. You can also catch these gorgeous ladies during the Street Parade on the morning of June 6.
On top of the above, there will also be markets and musical entertainment throughout the entire event, so it's worth exploring the area and seeing what vintage wonders you can find!
Coolangatta is located almost adjacent to Gold Coast Airport, making it exceptionally easy to get to. Most of the Cooly Rocks On events are situated around Marine Parade, which stretches along the length of the town's waterfront.
As for where you should stay, make sure your holiday accommodation is in the perfect spot. Mantra Coolangatta Beach is right at the heart of the Marine Parade festival area, and offers immediate access to the main marquee, as well as all the street parades, markets and stage shows happening in the vicinity.
If you're the type of person who'd prefer a little peace and quite between the festival activities you love, consider instead booking into Mantra Sierra Grand, located just half an hour north in Broadbeach. With this stylish hotel, you'll have all the holiday luxuries of a Gold Coast retreat, as well as easy access to Cooly Rocks On when you want it.
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