Hostelworld and Gold Coast Tourism created something big and sandy to the Goldie this week that had foreign tongues wagging with excitement.
The two joined forces to build the world’s first ever-Sand Hostel on the Gold Coast foreshore, offering one-off experiences and unique activities over the three-day event.
Located on Kurrawa Terrace, the gigantic Sand Castle cue Hostel opened to the public from 20-22 September and offered two exclusive accommodation spaces for guests (an eight-bed dorm and one private double room) which could be booked over a two-day period.
Shame it was only open for two days.
The 8-bed dorm
Those not staying at the hostel could also come and enjoy the facilities during the day and live music into the evening at the beachfront lounge area and bar. Food trucks, plus a variety of activities including beach volleyball, surf lessons, beach yoga, sand sculpting classes and more were also on offer.
The Sand Hostel was designed and created by Lively Worldwide working alongside production designer, Jon Dowding, whose feature film achievements include Mad Max and The Blue Lagoon.
World champion sand sculptor Dennis Masoud, or the aptly ‘Sandman’ as he is known, built the sand structure, which used approximately 24 tonnes of sand.
“By teaming up with Gold Coast Tourism, we wanted to challenge the perception of hostels and show how they are amazing social hubs where you meet open-minded travellers and create extraordinary memories. We listened to what our customers wanted and created the ultimate dream hostel right here on the Gold Coast. The Sand Hostel offered the opportunity for the lucky guests to immerse themselves in the local Gold Coast culture and interact with travellers from across the globe with the sand between their toes in a beautiful setting. It was unlike anything anyone has ever seen before.”
Hostelworld’s Head of Acquisition, Niall Walsh.
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“Joining with Hostelworld was a natural fit to show young travellers the real Gold Coast experience, through modern hostelling. There is an inexplicable energy that lives here and we invite young travellers to see how the Gold Coast has evolved. Our unique coastal culture, emerging street food and craft beer hubs, iconic beaches and lush hinterland sets the scene for truly memorable experiences. We are excited for these guests to uncover those genuine, remarkable moments that millennials so desire and that are in abundance here on the Gold Coast,” said Gold Coast Tourism Executive Director Corporate Affairs and Strategy, Dean Gould.
KarryOn is still trying to work out how may bucket and spades they must have gone through to make this happen. Any guesses?
The Sandy bar