World-class  hard  court  hitters, prize thoroughbreds and epic wave riders

are just a few of the attractions coming to the Gold Coast in 2006. Already

recognised as an ideal location to experience and host a variety of diverse

activities,  the  Gold  Coast's  upcoming  calendar  includes a continually

increasing portfolio of major events and sporting occasions.

destination,  appealing  to  event  organisers  who  recognise the ultimate

opportunity  to  capture the attention of the region's 4.2 million visitors

per  year.   With  dozens of world-class hotels and hundreds of restaurants

and  bars, there is no better place to host an event expected to draw major

crowds and holiday goers.

"The  upcoming  schedule of exciting and exclusive activities fits with the

Gold  Coast's strategy to leverage our strengths as the premium holiday and

business   tourism   destination,  whilst  solidifying  our  leadership  in

high-growth specialty markets,"? said Gold Coast Tourism CEO Pavan Bhatia.

Mr  Bhatia  continued,  "We  are  thrilled  to be able to present our local

residents  and visitors with such a range of attractions and we are pleased

to be associated with world-class events."

Gold  Coast  Tourism  unites  the  very best holiday experience with a star

line-up of upcoming events for the first quarter of 2006, including:

JANUARY 1 ­ 7, 2006

Mondial Australian Women's Hardcourt Tennis

Recognised  as  the first Australian tournament to win the players' vote as

WTA  Tournament  of  the  Year (Tier III to V), the intimate venue at Royal

Pines Resort promises to deliver an exhilerating show with big name players

set to grace the court, including Russian sensation and current world No. 1

Maria Sharapova.

JANUARY 2 ­ 20, 2006

Conrad Jupiters Magic Millions Carnival

The eighteeen days of Carnival action includes a bevy of events to suit all

tastes  -  from  glamorous  cocktail  functions  to  cinema  on  the beach,

fantastic  days  of  racing  action  and  the largest yearling sales in the

southern  hemisphere.  Conrad Jupiters Magic Millions Carnival attracts not

only  fashionitas  and  punters,  but  also leading thoroughbred buyers and

trainers from around the globe.

FEBRUARY 2 ­ 5, 2006

ANZ Ladies Golf Masters

Celebrating  its 15th host year on the Gold Coast, the Ladies Masters draws

leading  international players in 2006 including past champions Karrie Webb

and  Laura Davis along with Japanese champion Ai Miyazato. Considered to be

the  corner  stone  of  LPGA  Golf  in  Australia  with  some  20 countries

represented,  the  event  will attract one of the strongest fields of women

golfers ever assembled in Australia.

FEBRUARY 27 ­ MARCH 12, 2006

Quiksilver Roxy Pro

Speed,  power  and  flow  will  be  judged as the world's best radical wave

riders  take  to  the  Gold  Coast's  epic  waves. From re-entries and full

roundhouse  cutbacks,  to  floaters, tube riding and through to aerial type

manoeuvres  ­  these  surfing  ppros  do it all at the Quicksilver Roxy Pro,

vying for their chance to take out the ASP World Tour title.

MARCH 4 ­ 5, 2006

Gold Coast Triathlon ­ Luke Harrop Memorial

The  Gold  Coast's leading annual triathlon, held in memory of Luke Matthew

Harrop,  will challenge some of Australia's best sportsman and help support

up-and-coming elite triathletes.

For more event details visit www.VeryGC.com