Experience Gold Coast beach culture from the 60s, 70s and 80s immortalised by acclaimed photographer Graham Burstow. During the 60s, 70s and 80s the region boomed as tourists and locals alike flocked to the shores for a chance at a relaxed and sun-kissed life; filled with beer belly contests, mutton bird tanning oil and sun girl quests.

This was an era prior to the internet and digital photography. Amateur photographer and social documentarian, Graham Burstow – on annual family holidays from Toowoomba during the 60s, 70s and 80s – moved freely among the crowds, contestants and modest props chatting and photographing human interactions and shapes on very close-up and public display.

Flesh: The Gold Coast in the 1960s, 70s and 80s, features his black-and-white hand-printed images that capture the essence of this special era at the Gold Coast, and yet are timeless in terms of the stories and emotions that they convey.

Image Credit: Graham Burstow