Is it fun to be young on the Gold Coast? Perceptions of leisure opportunities and constraints among young people living on the Gold Coast.

Abstract

Leisure has always been a space where young people have sought to experience different lifestyles, activities, identities and social groups. However, 'being young' is far more than an agerelated process, and planning for young people's leisure requires knowledge and understanding of the needs and experiences of this diverse social group. This paper explores the perceptions of young people living in what is known as the surf and fun capital of Australia. The research indicates that for many, it is not fun to be young on the Gold Coast, and that it is a highly structured existence centred on school, work, and family obligations with little to do in what spare time exists.