A look back at the Gold Coast's early attractions

The Gold Coast, renowned for its theme parks that have drawn millions over six decades, also boasts a rich history of early attractions that captured the imagination of visitors.

From car museums to marine life encounters and daring water ski shows, the region's entertainment landscape has undergone significant evolution.

In the 1960s, alongside its famed surfing beaches, the Gold Coast catered to motoring enthusiasts.

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George Giltrap established an auto museum in Bilinga in 1959, showcasing his collection of 30 cars brought from New Zealand.

Initially intending to retire, Giltrap found that holidaymakers loved his old jalopies, so he bought more and stayed.

Marine attractions also played a pivotal role in the Gold Coast's early tourism appeal.

Jack Evans established a porpoise pool at Snapper Rocks, where interactions with the dolphins were a key draw.

Visitors were invited to participate, with the experience involving a plank and the potential for playful interaction.

Further north, at The Spit, Seaquarium, which later became Marineland, offered dolphin shows.

In 1971, Sea World was established, with businessman Keith Williams acquiring the competition and expanding the marine life offerings.

Water skiing also emerged as a popular attraction.

Williams had previously founded the Surfers Paradise ski gardens in 1959, running shows on the Nerang River at Carrara.

For those seeking thrills, the chairlift at Nobby's offered a unique perspective.

This article was produced with the assistance of 9ExPress.