LOCAL MAGIC WITH AN “INSIDER’S” TOUCH

Over the past few months, I’ve been gathering a wonderful group of local creatives. Each is talented in their own right, but together they make a pretty epic network for our GC Insider clients to call on.

Our Insiders include filmmakers, social media strategists, content creators, photographers and drone and video specialists, with experience across food, hotels, art, music, fashion, interiors and lifestyle.

If you have a local event coming up and need help getting the word out, or capturing content on the day, we can bring the right people together.

Our packages can include:

• PR and strategy in the lead-up to your event

• Photography, video, drone content and reels

• EDM features before and after your event

We love supporting our local community and connecting good people with great creatives.

If you have something coming up, drop us a line and we’ll help find the right people to support your content and publicity needs.

BTW - we hit 10k followers on Instagram - eek!

LOCALS WE LOVE.
AN ARTIST WE LOVE.

A little hinterland magic for your walls

Some people bring as much colour to a room as their art, and Kim McDonald is one of them.

Her infectious energy and love for what she creates are impossible to resist, and her paintings have that same joyful spirit. I love how they capture the lushness of our hinterland, with colour that makes you stop for a closer look. There’s warmth, personality and a lovely sense of escape in her work.

Working from her rainforest studio on Tamborine Mountain, Kim creates layered pieces inspired by the palms, ferns and shifting light around her. Think soft, earthy palm scenes alongside vivid jungle colours in pink, orange, teal and gold. Each canvas is painted by hand, building colour and texture until it captures that feeling of being surrounded by nature.

After years balancing a career as an assistant accountant with raising three children, Kim has returned to her creative roots, pouring years of pent-up creativity into her painting. Her work was recently exhibited at Brisbane’s B.Lowe Art Gallery, sharing a little of our hinterland with a new audience.

She’s now inviting boutique homewares and gift stores, accommodation owners, offices and interior designers to feature her paintings, while welcoming custom commissions for homes and businesses across South-East Queensland.

Whether it’s a statement piece for your home, a welcoming touch for your business or something special for a boutique stay, Kim’s work brings plenty of heart.

A little piece of the hinterland, made just for your space?

Yes, please - explore Kim’s art here

HIDDEN SPOTS.
YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT (YET).

Back in 2002 (showing my age!), I began my career as a concierge at Sofitel Melbourne, and I’ve never lost that sense of discovery.

After more than 20 years in tourism, I’m still the friend everyone asks, “What should we do?” and “Where should we book?” I’m forever devouring travel blogs, magazines and foodie articles, gathering ideas to share whenever someone asks.

Here are my top four unique spots on the Gold Coast that you might not know about, perfect for a special stay or a memorable private event:

Hillview 1887: A little country magic in Currumbin Valley.

Full disclosure, I’ve known about Hillview 1887 for a few years. It’s one of the Gold Coast’s best kept secrets and almost too good to share.

Hillview 1887 offers beautiful farm stay sleeping 10, with its own pool and a touch of Yellowstone charm, just 12 minutes from the beach.

Three years in the making, owner Simone has poured love into every detail, from reclaimed timber beams to dreamy linens and the coolest kids’ bunks. Resident horses and Highland cows complete the country escape.

Perfect for a girls’ weekend, family gathering or group getaway. My tip? Brekky at The Salt Mill, a browse at Cornerstone Stores, then back to the farm for a lazy afternoon by the pool.

Explore Hillview 1887 and enquire about your stay.

Meet LOLA, Miami’s newest beachfront escape.

She’s a little understated from the street, but step inside and LOLA will surprise you. Sitting directly opposite Miami Beach, this boutique stay is one to bookmark for your next Goldie getaway.

With interiors by Nicole Rosenberg of Liberty Interiors and a renovation by local builder Zero 9, expect warm earthy tones, custom furniture and beautiful terracotta details. Two inviting bedrooms, light filled living spaces and a full-length beachfront balcony make settling in easy. Secure parking is sorted, too.

My favourite part? Waking up to the waves with a coffee on your private balcony.

Pair your stay with GC Insider’s little black book of where to eat, drink and explore in Miami.

Highgarden Estate, where the gardens meet the sky.

Come for the magical gardens, stay for the view that seems to stretch forever.

Perched on the eastern escarpment of Tamborine Mountain, Highgarden Estate is one of those special places that makes you stop and take it all in, with sweeping views stretching from Stradbroke Island to Byron Bay.

Set across 25 acres, this century old estate brings together rainforest, avocado orchards, open lawns and the most magical gardens.

It’s a setting with so much history and heart.

The custodians Sam and Ian Youngman are continuing that story, welcoming others to share in its beauty through unique experiences and events.

For a memorable gathering surrounded by nature, this is one to keep on your radar.

Discover Highgarden Estate

A little slice of the Mediterranean, right here in Miami.

Somewhere between Miami and the Mediterranean, Bec and Col have created something pretty special, and you can feel it in every little detail.

Think mature olive trees, soft natural textures and a dreamy courtyard that could whisk you straight to the European coast.

And then there’s the plunge pool. Framed by limestone and lush greenery, with beautiful Sukabumi tiles, it’s an absolute scene stealer. Add an outdoor fireplace, gorgeous built in seating and HAY furniture, and honestly, I wouldn’t know where to point the camera first.

Designed with photoshoots and content creation in mind, the home offers beautiful backdrops at every turn, from stone garden pathways to soft neutral interiors that flow outdoors.

For brands and creatives planning their next shoot, this is one to bookmark. A thoughtfully created space with so much heart, right here on the Gold Coast.

Check out Miami No. 5

INSIDER WEEKLY.
ENTWINED EXHIBITION.

ENTWINED.
A Photographic Exhibition
The Faces Behind the Flavours

Love discovering the people behind your favourite local places?

Make a little room in your next Tweed outing for Entwined at M|Arts Precinct.

Created especially for Savour the Tweed, this collection by the incredibly talented Rob Palmer brings you face to face with the farmers, growers, fishers, chefs, makers and colourful characters who shape how the region grows, cooks and eats.

Across a series of visits, Rob photographed people where they live and work, from farms and kitchens to workshops, restaurants and out on Country. The result? Huge, striking portraits that tell a story about food, friendship, landscape and the relationships that hold a community together.

This is exactly what we love at GC Insider. Local legends, big hearts and a community that gets behind its own.

Our insider Justin James captured the opening, and his takeaway says it all: “There was a lotta love in that room, real community spirit, and it made me want to move there.”

Go for the photography, linger for the stories and make a day of exploring the Tweed.

Discover Entwined at M|Arts Precinct.

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View GC Insider’s feature story here
Photography @justinjamespictures

Brand & Lifestyle Mini Shoots

Need some fresh photos for your business? I’m offering brand and lifestyle mini shoots for $400 until the end of the year.

You’ll receive:

• A one-hour shoot at your location

• Edited images

• A fully downloadable online gallery

From products and headshots to customers in action or content for your website and socials, we’ll focus on what you need.

I’d love to work with you!

Discover Where the Locals Dine & Sip

My Gold Coast Insider Foodie Guide is another little love letter to this town, filled with my favourite restaurants, bars, markets and hidden gems. Whether you’re visiting the Gold Coast or simply looking for somewhere new to enjoy, I hope this guide takes the guesswork out of where to go and helps you dine and sip your way around the GC like a local.

LET’S CHAT FOOD AND VENUE PHOTOGRAPHY

Fee
Gold Coast Insider
fee@goldcoastinsider.info
0421 571 845