Recently our gorgeous daughter, Miss Oz surprised me with tickets to the Australian Outback Spectacular Heartland Show here on the Gold Coast.
The Australian Outback Spectacular has been around since 2006 when it first opened with it’s Original Show. Since then there have been five other versions of the show. Each show has celebrated, in some way, a part of our Nation’s heritage and history. The current show is called Heartland and focus’ on life in the Australian Outback – the good and the not so good.
THE VENUE
The venue that the Outback Spectacular is held in is purpose built and looks something like a huge wool-shed from the outside. As you walk into the venue, you are handed a large, souvenir straw hat. You then have the opportunity to have your photo taken.
From there you enter a huge space which houses the bar. This is a great area to have a drink before heading into the show. There are plenty of tables scattered around and usually a singer to keep you entertained.
The walls of this area are adorned with photographs and memorabilia of rural Australia. A couple of these photographs really captured my attention as they beautifully depict the essence of rural Australia. It is well worth spending some time to look at everything.
In this area you can also have a photo taken with one of the horses out of the show (which we did). Other options include photos on a four-wheel motor bike with two dogs from the show or with the Wedgetail Eagle from the show.
The show itself is held in a large arena style area. There is tiered sitting on three sides and the focus is most definitely on the centre of the arena and the rear wall.
THE FOOD
Considering that there could be up to 1000 meals to serve on any given night, we thought the food was pretty good. When you enter the arena and find your seat, your entree is sitting waiting for you. Our entree was a Goats Fetta Tart and it was really delicious.
For main course you can choose either steak or chicken and both are served with vegies. There are also vegetarian options if required.
The absolute best part though was dessert! It was a chocolate flan with salted caramel sauce and it was rich and gooey and very chocolaty! I was most disappointed that an extra one wasn’t delivered to the empty seat next to mine!
THE SHOW
The show itself is nothing short of spectacular. It is part musical theatre, part rodeo and part light show. Heartland tells the story of a struggling farming family – Reg, Marge and their daughter Sarah. It depicts the realities of what many families in outback Australia have to deal with on a daily basis.
The animal action is fantastic and the skill of the riders and performers is second to none. Coming from a rural background I was completely mesmerised by the whole show.
IS IT FOR EVERYONE?
I think the show caters well to all ages. It tells a real story and touches on our Indigenous heritage and culture as well.
However, it is not a cheap night out. General admission tickets are $129.99 or Premium Rail tickets are $169.99. Ticket cost includes entry, your three course meal and beer, wine or soft drink during the show. Additionally, with Premium Rail tickets you get a complimentary first drink and a free photograph.
If you belong to a motoring organisation such as RACQ they often have discounted tickets available as do discount sites such as Groupon. Package deals are also available if you stay at Paradise Country.
The Australian Outback Spectacular – Heartland is a great show and a really enjoyable night out, so I would recommend it to visitors coming to the Gold Coast.
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