The Gold Coast hits peak season aligned with the four school holiday periods during the calendar year – Christmas/New Year, Easter, June and September.

However another key week features prominently with Gold Coast holiday makers and travel agencies nation wide, and this year that week falls around the dates of October 20 to 23.

In late October on the Gold Coast, the weather is traditionally beautiful for beach goers but the attraction is a carnival of entertainment unrivalled anywhere in Australia. The atmosphere is electric, the vibe is positive and the streets are abuzz.

This holiday season is called the Lexmark Indy 300, Queensland’s premier annual Event which is returning in 2005 for its 15^th consecutive staging on the streets of Surfers Paradise.

So what has made the Lexmark Indy 300 so popular for holiday makers each year?

Is it the speed and thrills of five international motor racing categories led by the Champ Cars and V8 Supercars?

Is it the opportunity to bump into any number of celebrities soaking up the atmosphere on track?

Is it the awesome sound of 800-horsepower Champ Car engines and 620-horsepower V8 Supercar engines roaring around the 4.47km street circuit?

Is it the chance to rub shoulders with Marcos Ambrose, Mark Skaife, Russell Ingall, Greg Murphy and drivers from more than 10 countries?

Is it the beauty and glamour added by the Bartercard Miss Indy and Bartercard Miss V8 Supercar girls?

Is it the more than 50 Off Track Events that create a carnival of entertainment throughout the entire Gold Coast?

Is it the availability of accommodation catering for all requirements and budgets?

Is it the spectacular sights of the Royal Australian Air Force F1-11 ‘dump and burn’ and the new night motor racing feature?

Is it the accessibility to be at the Lexmark Indy 300 one minute, on the beach the next minute, at a restaurant, cafe or bar the next minute, in your hotel room the next minute, on free public transportation the next minute and at a theme park shortly after?

Is it the close proximity of the Gold Coast Airport and Brisbane Airport for interstate and international travellers?

Or is it the party atmosphere generated by the more than 300,000 spectators over the four days?

Indy Travel Manager Sue Rule said it is a combination of all of the above that has seen the Lexmark Indy 300 become an annual holiday for many already and many more to come.

“The Lexmark Indy 300 is a holiday for more and more people every year,” Ms Rule said.

“People come, taste the atmosphere and action, have such a great time, and keep on returning, usually with more friends and family the next year.

“The options and accessibility really make it an ideal holiday. The circuit is in the heart of the Gold Coast. You can walk out of your hotel room onto the track, the beach and then to a restaurant or bar.

“And then with free public transportation on Surfside Buslines and Queensland Rail’s Citytrain network from Brisbane for all pre-purchased ticket holders, it makes a visit even more attractive.”

Research conducted in 2003 revealed that more than 159,000 visitor nights are created by the Lexmark Indy 300. It also showed that the Event is a catalyst for tourists to stay longer than they normally would. Visitors from interstate spent an average of 6.3 nights on the Gold Coast, an increase from the average length of 4.7 nights.

The Lexmark Indy 300 is a valuable tourism investment for the Queensland Government with the Event injecting $50.43 million into the Queensland economy.

Lexmark Indy 300 General Manager James O’Brien said that Lexmark Indy 300 added another vital holiday season to the Gold Coast.

“It is great that now more than 300,000 people enjoy the Lexmark Indy 300 and the entertainment extravaganza on offer in one of the greatest destinations in the world.

“The impact that the Event generates is wide reaching. With so many people coming into the Gold Coast, the economic benefits are enormous for the accommodation, cafes and restaurants industry, as well as the retail trade industry.

“The Lexmark Indy 300 is certainly established as a holiday season in itself now.”

Travel packages are available for the Lexmark Indy 300. Indy Travel, the Official Travel Agency of the Lexmark Indy 300, can organise accommodation, flights, Lexmark Indy 300 tickets, car hire and transfers.

Contact Indy Travel on phone 1800 300 055 or visit www.indytravel.com.au . Packages can also be arranged through Queensland Travel Centres on phone 13 88 30 or Qantas Holidays on phone 13 14 15, providing a host of options for holiday makers to the Lexmark Indy 300.

KEY FACTS – LEXMARK INDY 300

Dates – Thursday October 20 to Sunday October 23

Location – Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast

Feature Motor Races – Champ Car World Series, Gillette V8 Supercar Challenge

What is the Champ Car World Series? Over the 15 years of the Lexmark Indy 300, the 800-horsepower open-wheel Champ Cars have lit up the track clocking speeds in excess of 300km per hour. Champ Car racing features some of the world’s best drivers in an international 14-round series held in the United States, Mexico, Canada, Korea and Australia.

What is the Gillette V8 Supercar Challenge? V8 Supercar racing is Australia’s favourite motor racing formula pitting 620-horsepower Holden Commodore V8s against Ford Falcon V8s, in high speed and highly skilled racing action around Australia, New Zealand and now also in China. It is a 13-round series with round 11 at the Lexmark Indy 300. Drivers include Marcos Ambrose, Mark Skaife, Russell Ingall and Greg Murphy.

Support Motor Races – Wright Patton Shakespeare Carrera Cup, CARSguide Aussie Racing Cars, Yokohama V8 Ute Series

Track – 4.47km street circuit

Off Track Entertainment – More than 50 Events ranging from the annual Bartercard Miss Indy competition, motoring exhibitions, water sports, free family days, corporate parties, air shows, cocktail parties, nightclub events, a gala ball and much more.

Tickets – On sale through Ticketek on phone 1300 303 103 or via www.indy.com.au . General Admission and Grandstand tickets can be purchased with or without access to on-track accommodation.

Ride Free to Lexmark Indy 300 - All Lexmark Indy 300 Ticketek ticket holders will receive free public transportation to the Event on the QR Citytrain and Surfside Buslines network.

Travel Packages – Available through Indy Travel on phone 1800 300 055 or visit www.indytravel.com.au