19th Avenue on the Beach
Travellers can enjoy the uniqueness of a beachfront resort holiday, without having to go overseas at 19th Avenue on the Beach on Queensland’s legendary Gold Coast.
Where else will you find a 22m heated pool under a glass atrium making it a joy to swim in all year round?
Every spacious fully self contained two-bedroom holiday apartment has an en suite, spa bath in most apartments, a fully equipped modern full-sized kitchen, an elegant dining area and a laundry. The expansive balconies are the perfect place to enjoy impressive views of the beach and ocean. During whale season — late May to early November each year — guests can watch the whales from the balcony or relax in the lounge room and gaze out at the Pacific Ocean.
Available resort facilities include wireless broadband, a sauna and steam room, plunge pool, heated spa, tennis court, squash courts, well equipped gymnasium, BYO Balinese restaurant, beachside gazebo with barbeque facilities and Internet kiosks available in the foyer.
“We are right on a patrolled beach. There is no roads to cross — you walk out of the gate and you are out on the beach,” said Chris Ward. “The location here and the facilities of the property is what sold us.”
Management rights owners since January 2009, Wendy and Chris Ward are kept busy with the 46 strata apartments in the letting pool of a total 76 apartments.
“Not everyone is cut out for management rights,” explained Chris. “It is not an easy industry when things are tough because you have a number of people wanting a return on their investment as well. Each unit is individually owned so besides running the apartment complex we also have a responsibility to each of the owners.
“With management rights in particular, we have a considerable amount of investment in our business so that personal touch has to work.”
The Wards are not new to the hospitality industry as this is the second management rights business they have taken on.
“In 1990 we purchased a 20-room motel in Tenterfield in New South Wales. That was our first taste of the accommodation industry and catered mainly for those travelling through to Queensland,” said Chris. “This is our second building. We bought management rights at Mari Court Broadbeach, a three storey walk-up, in 2003 and sold that in 2007. After a 15 month break we came in here.”
Previous to that, the Wards owned three Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurants in NSW at Young, Yass and Cowra and have had a number of business interests. “We have been busier in this industry than the fast food industry of 120 staff,” Wendy commented.
Getting familiar with the computer software reservation system wasn’t as daunting this time as it was initially at Mari Court because that was the first time in management rights for Wendy and Chris.
Chris explained, “All buildings have their own idiosyncrasies. The difference with this building is that this has 16 levels with two lifts whereas the other property was a three-storey walk-up, so you are dealing with different aspects of the building.”
Wendy and Chris are very aware of the fluctuations in the accommodation industry. Chris has been associated with the Australian Resident Accommodation Managers Association since 2003. Chris is the current national and state president of ARAMA (and regular contributor to Resort News) and prior to that he was the Gold Coast president.
The Gold Coast is central to magnificent places such as Springbrook National Park, Lamington National Park, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, David Fleay Wildlife Park, 40 excellent golf courses, 500 plus restaurants and the list goes on.
19th Avenue’s website has a vast list of things to do to satisfy all guests. Then, of course, for those guests who don’t want to race around to the many highlights, this is the perfect place to kick back, gaze at the ocean and relax. Many of the guests are families and repeat customers. During winter there is an exodus from the southern cold to Queensland’s warmer climate to enjoy the comfort of 19th Avenue on The Beach.
There is mainly a local contingent of guests with the majority being in the drive market from places such as, Toowoomba, Ipswich and Brisbane and some international visitors.
It is only a few minutes from Coolangatta airport, the renowned theme parks, shopping and beachfront dining and within walking distance to Tallebudgera and Palm Beach Surf Lifesaving Clubs, a 7-Eleven store and McDonalds across the road.
Remote after hours security entry and undercover parking gives guests peace of mind. The reception desk is open seven days a week and the tour desk will book any of the Gold Coast attractions or rental car, free of charge.
For those requiring business facilities, fax and photocopy services are available at reception for a small fee. Everything is designed for the guest’s convenience ensuring they have an enjoyable stay.
Every successful business is based on reputable staff and 19th Avenue on the Beach is proud of their conscientious staff.
“Front office manager, Les Scott works four days per week and is absolutely brilliant. He is extremely industry savvy because he has been in the hospitality industry for 25 years — he has excellent guest relation skills and is a pure asset. Les keeps everything ticking and even keeps us in check,” said Chris with a grin.
Colin Ector, the groundsman, maintains the gardens and grounds in pristine style and it’s a never ending job.
Pat Cause has been at 19th Avenue for more than 12 years and looks after the cleaning of all the guest common areas, including taking out the rubbish at 4am and ensuring the foyer is presentable. Heather Johnson relieves when Pat has her RDOs.
Built in 1988 this prestigious building, similar to any other, requires ongoing maintenance, because it is necessary to keep reinvesting into your asset.
Wendy and Chris support the local businesses as much as possible and it is very rare that they need to go elsewhere. “Recently we completed a very extensive campaign in Brisbane on 97.3FM radio. We have given away holidays to encourage people to visit again or perhaps tell others.
“It is necessary to always be looking for marketing opportunities. Although the internet plays a major part in attracting business you can’t rely on it alone,” continued Chris.
Everyone is after a bargain so you have to work at it. There is still a place for traditional marketing as in press, radio and television.
The tourism industry needs to be more innovative and promote more natural attributes of the Gold Coast. 19th Avenue on the Beach welcomes web based guest reviews and responds to each one.
Sometimes it can be trying to live where you work but Wendy and Chris agreed that, “Waking up on a glorious day, although knowing you have to work, you get a reality check when you glance out at the beautiful Pacific Ocean and take in the stunning scenery and then it’s on with the job with a smile on our faces.”
Chris smiled and said, “We love meeting the guests, their interaction, they come back and they have that big smile on their face. Just watching people enjoy themselves and in knowing that some way you have helped them is very satisfying.”
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