As part of the independence celebration of Queensland, there was an online vote for Gold Coasts top 150 icons. Here are some of the results.

People:

Kristy Hinze was among the top 150 icons of Gold Coast. She is the grand daughter to the infamous Minister Russ Hinze. Kristy is an international supermodel, and was the first native Australian to be on the cover of Vogue, at the young age of 14. Kristy was recently married to the founder of Netscape, Jim Clark.

Grant Hackett : Born on the Gold Coast, Grant Hackett, the world class athlete is one of Australia’s greatest freestyle swimmers. He won gold in the 1500 metres freestyle at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and the 2004 Athens Olympics and set world records in the 1500 metre and 800 metre freestyle. He has not been beaten in the 1500 m freestyle since 1997.

Events:

Coolangatta Gold – This is the original Ironman endurance event that involves a 23 kilometre surf ski race, from Surfers Paradise to Greenmount. It is an annual event in Coolangatta and was made famous in 1984 by a film of the same name.

Indy (now Super GP) ” running since 1991,the Gold Coast Indy 300 is traditionally a four day and night event held in Surfers Paradise. Crowds in their hundred thousands descend on Surfers for along weekend filled with motor racing, entertainment and celebrities. There are performances from live bands, stunt displays from the Freestyle Moto X team, an exhilarating Defence Force air combat display and the Miss Indy pageant which draws local interstate and international attention. Replacing Indy, this years Super GP will be held from October 22 ” 25 and will be one of the first rounds of the 2009/2010 A1GP world cup of motorsport and round 11 of the V8 Supercar championship series.

Natural Attractions:

Surfers Paradise Beach – According the the Gold Coast Mayor, Surfers Paradise Beach is more famous than Queensland. It is the most well know beach in Australia and you can watch the Quicksilver Pro Surfing Competition and the Surf Life Saving Championships.

Structures and Engineering Feats:

Q1 – This tower is the first residential building that is greater than 1,000 feet tall. It is an 80 story tower, that is reminiscent of the Sydney Opera House. It is located on the opposite side of Surfers Paradise Beach, and offers a 360 degree view of the Gold Coast. While inside you can explore the 10 level mini rainforest sky garden.