Spouse/Partner Program

Spouse/partner registration includes all the events shown here. Registered spouses and partners are invited to join delegates for the Sunday and Wednesday conference program. Monday and Tuesday offer special programming designed exclusively for spouses and partners. There are also other activity options for Wednesday, as detailed below. Please register your spouse/partner for the Spouse/Partner Program during the delegate registration process.

Space is limited to the first 55 spouses/partners to sign up, so register soon!

Schedule subject to change. Please check back for updates.

Sunday, July 8

TimeDescriptionLocation
11:00 AM – 1:30 PM Coaches depart conference hotels for the school. Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa
Hilton Surfers Paradise
11:00 AM – 1:30 PM Registration, School Tours, IBSC Action Research Poster Display, and Refreshments Hall of Fame
1:00 – 2:00 PM Traditional Smoking Ceremony Dixon Gates
2:00 – 4:30 PM Opening Plenary Session Annand Theatre
4:30 – 6.45 PM Welcome Reception River Ovals
5:30 – 7:15 PM Coaches depart the school for the conference hotels.

Monday, July 9, Flora and Fauna

5:45 – 6:45 AM Walking/running group options Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa
Breakfast on your own
8:45 AM Coaches depart conference hotels. Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa
Hilton Surfers Paradise
9:30 – 11:45 AM Point Danger Outlook

Situated on the New South Wales/Queensland border, high on a peak overlooking the popular surfing destination Duranbah Beach, Point Danger was named by Captain James Cook on his 1770 journey up the east coast of Australia to warn future mariners of the dangerous coral reefs off the coastline. Visit the Captain Cook Memorial, molded from cast iron actually jettisoned from the Endeavour and recovered in the 1960s, and view the memorial plaques positioned along Centaur Remembrance Walk honoring those lost at sea. As you enjoy the stunning views from the lookout, indulge in morning tea and keep an eye out for passing whales and dolphins

11:45 AM – 4:15 PM Lunch and Tour of Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Explore this iconic Gold Coast wildlife sanctuary for the afternoon. Immerse yourself in the natural wonder and beauty of nearly 27 hectares of Currumbin rainforest as you wander through open animal enclosures, feed kangaroos, and cuddle koalas along the way. Experience wild lorikeet feeding, free-flight bird shows, and Indigenous cultural and educational performances. The Lost Valley precinct includes five hectares of stunning rainforest and takes you on a journey through the ancient supercontinent Gondwana. See some of the world’s most unique and distinctive flora and fauna, including friendly lemurs, cotton-top tamarins, red pandas, capybaras, free-flying birds, and exotic reptiles

4:20 PM Coaches depart for the conference hotels.
6:15 – 6:30 PM Coaches depart the conference hotels for Sea World. Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa
Hilton Surfers Paradise
7:00 – 9:00 PM Special Evening Event at Sea World

Spend the evening at one of Australia’s most popular destinations. Enjoy fabulous food, wine, and entertainment. Marvel at the antics on Dolphin Beach, and keep an eye out for some incredibly special “conference delegates.”

8:30 – 9:15 PM Coaches depart Sea World for the conference hotels.

Tuesday, July 10, Art and Culture

5:45 – 6:45 AM Walking/running group options Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa
Breakfast on your own
8:45 AM Coaches departs conference hotels. Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa
Hilton Surfers Paradise
10:00 – 11:30 AM Mount Tamborine Vineyard and Winery

Just 45 minutes from Surfers Paradise on the edge of the escarpment behind the Gold Coast, Tamborine Mountain is a geological phenomenon — the result of an outpouring of lava from Mount Warning — that includes several small villages stretching along its 8-kilometer ridge. Upon arrival, enjoy a luscious morning tea (and wine tasting if it’s not too early for you) at the Mount Tamborine Vineyard & Winery, located on the mountain’s famous Gallery Walk. Please note: While winter on the Gold Coast is generally sunny and dry, Mount Tamborine may feel considerably cooler with high temps reaching only 16°C (60°F).

11:30 AM – 1:45 PM Lunch and Gallery Walk

After morning tea, explore the unique and vibrant shops, galleries, wineries, restaurants, and cafes of Gallery Walk. Distinctive shops feature original artwork, paintings, sculpture, glass works, pottery, ceramics, antiques, jewelry, and clothing. Choose your own venue for lunch using an AU $30 cash card provided for you.

2:00 PMCoaches depart for Marina Mirage
3:00 - 4:20 PMAnthea Polson Art Gallery and Marina Mirage Shopping

Marina Mirage is an exclusive two-level waterfront shopping and dining destination with 60 stores, including designer boutiques, lifestyle stores, restaurants, and cafes. It’s home to the nationally recognized Anthea Polson Art Gallery, which attracts both international and domestic tourists alike. Join Director Anthea Polson for a glass of champagne and learn more about the gallery’s current exhibition before exploring the shopping precinct.

4:30 PMRIver Cruise return to Marriott Hotel

Take in the scenery of the Gold Coast from a different angle on this stunning river cruise to the Marriott pontoon. After departing Marina Mirage, enter the Broadwater then the Nerang River passing the famous Palazzo Versace Hotel, Southport Yacht Club, the residential towers of Main Beach, the multimillion dollar homes of Paradise Waters, and the gorgeous grounds of The Southport School

5:30 PM Coach return to Hilton Surfers Paradise
Evening on Your Own

Wednesday, July 11, Day of Leisure

7:15 - 8:15 AMCoaches depart conference hotels for the school
8:00 AM - 12:45 PMAttend IBSC Annual Conference Closing Day
OR
8:45 AM - 5:00 PMGrab a G:Link Tram Day Pass and a local map from the TSS representative at your hotel and enjoy a day of exploring Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, and beyond.