Gold Coast
Resorts and Apartments
The Gold Coast has more to offer than just sun, surf and sand.
After 50 years as one of Australia's leading tourist hotspots, it's
evolved into much, much more. Where else can you go on wine trails,
hike rugged mountains, jet-boat and hug koalas all within 50km of
one another? Here's a list of just some of the must-do
activities
Visit Q1
The world's tallest residential tower is also the only
observation deck in Australia by the beach. Clearly recognizable
among the Gold Coast's many high rises, the landmark Q1 Resort is a
great starting point for tourists. It's best visited during the
day, although bad weather can also be a plus - visitors like to lay
out on the floor during thunderstorms to watch lightning strike the
Q1's impressive 97.7 metre spire. Otherwise just amaze at the
length of the coastline, which stretches out as far as the eye can
see in both directions. Book your discounted tickets online or
grab them from the front desk when you get there.
Fuel your adrenalin
The Gold Coast is well on the way to calling itself Australia's
adventure capital with no end of thrill-seeking activities
available - think jet-boating, jet-skiing, off-road 4WD adventure
drives, zorbing, surfing lessons, bungy jumping, tiger moth joy
rides, helicopter tours, go-karting, Harley Davidson jaunts, WRX
rally car racing, scuba diving, deep sea fishing, hot air
ballooning, theme parks and Infinity... to name a few.
Cheer on the local team
The Gold Coast's population is increasing at the rate of knots -
and with it, its sporting power. A day at the footy, or rugby, or
basketball, or local ironman contest is a great way to keep the
whole family entertained. The Titans, in the NRL, and the Blaze, in
the NBL, both turned two in their respective codes this season. An
AFL team looks set to join the fun by 2011 officially and Gold
Coast United is the A-League's most colourful new addition.
Get a theme park thrill
Even the most conservative visitor should take a moment before
snubbing this suggestion. Sure, it's a no brainier for kids, but
the diversity on offer among the big five - Dreamworld, Sea World,
Movie World, Wet 'n' Wild and White Water World - and the string of
smaller parks guarantees a good time can truly be had by all.
Stroke a sting ray at Sea World's Ray Reef, experience a virtual V8
Supercar race at Dreamworld, cuddle a koala at Currumbin Wildlife
Sanctuary, or witness life on a station at the Australian Outback
Spectacular. Read more and book your Discounted Theme Parks
Tickets.
Discover the Hinterland
The Hinterland often gets forgotten in the glitz and glam of the
Gold Coast. But up in the hills, the Coast can actually be very
charming. Along the usual winery trails, there's also homemade
cheeses, fudge and local brews and liquors to be sampled. Go during
the weekend and snap up some local produce at a Farmers' Market, as
well as some arts and craft. For the more adventurous, you can
tackle one of the many rainforest walks available on Tamborine
Mountain, or head down to NSW and Mt Warning. They don't call it
that for nothing - you'll have to pull yourself up via a chain for
the last few metres.
Visit a surf club
Whether you get along for a meal or a couple of beers with some
mates, surf clubs are a favourite with locals and dish up
well-priced meals in comfortable surrounds. The walls of most clubs
are lined with photos of lifesavers in budgie smugglers giving a
good insight into the history of the club and its members. A
family-friendly dinner option and a great place for a session
before you hit the clubs in Surfers.
Have a spa treatment
The Gold Coast is home to an ever-growing list of top-class spa
treatment centres. There's something luxurious about wandering
about in the daylight hours in a plush robe and slippers. You can
head back to the Q1 and its award-winning resort and spa or try a
myriad of other beauty spots located in the top hotels, such as the
Golden Door Spa & Health Club at the Sheraton Mirage, Main
Beach and L'Aqua
Enjoy a seafood feast
Fresh seafood is a regular on many a Gold Coast menu so diners
are spoilt for choice. Splurge on one of the top end restaurants
(see our Gold Coast restaurant reviews for ideas) or pog out in
private by buying your own fresh (try Charis Seafood at Labrador,
Peter's Fish Market at Main Beach or Ferry Road Market at Southport
where you can try before you buy). Of course, there is added
satisfaction to be had in catching your own (see resident guru Paul
Burt's fishing tips to find out what's biting where) but pride and
hungry children may negate this option. Several operators also run
chartered fishing expeditions and catch-a-crab cruises.
Walk the Burleigh Hill
Make like the locals and stretch your legs along Burleigh's
esplanade before making your way around the hill. The track is
bordered by lush rainforest remnant that is Burleigh National Park
on one side (watch out for the scrub turkeys, they have a habit of
creeping up out of nowhere) and stunning views north to Surfers
Paradise and south over Tallebudgera Creek.
Have a picturesque picnic
Outdoors is where the fun is at. This is a perfect chance to
grab a basket and head to the Gold Coast's famous beaches.
Barbecues and picnic tables are available along most parts of the
cityside beaches (including BBQ pontoons on the Broadwater), or you
could always try more scenic locals, like the rock pools at
Currumbin. Up in the Hinterland is another perfect place for a
picnic, or you can take the trouble out of lunch by ordering fish
and chips at Charis Seafood, Labrador or Peter's Fish Market at
Main Beach, while the fresh crab sandwiches at the kiosk at the end
of The Spit are a Gold Coast specialty.
Go hot-air ballooning
Ballooning may not come cheap (prices start from $175 per
person), but it pays off. Floating soundlessly in the sky is one of
those rare experiences that everyone should try at least once. And
on the Gold Coast, the views are spectacular, with Brisbane, the
brilliant sight of the Coast's endless high rises and the peaks of
Tamborine Mountain and Mt Warning all visible on clear days. Thirty
minutes feels like only a moment up there and you'll be wishing for
more. Browse Gold Coast hot air balloon deals.
SPLASHTASTIC
For the children who want to get their feet wet Splashtastic Fun
in the Park is the ideal holiday activity. A council organised
activity, the day is made up of water based and water interactive
games in the park. Children should be warned take a change of
clothes. Splashtastic Fun in the Park is on Monday at Justins Park
on The Esplanade from 9am. Call Fit Kids on 0434 107 599 for more
details.
CAROLS
Get into the Christmas spirit with the kids by taking them to a
good old-fashioned carols by candlelight. Not only will they get to
belt out all their favourite holiday tunes, you also wont have to
worry about keeping them quiet. There will be carol evenings right
across the Gold Coast from Coolangatta, Palm Beach and Carrara to
Broadbeach, Main Beach and Southport. For dates, times and
locations visit the Gold Coast City Council website at
http://www.goldcoastcity.com.au/ BEACH. The old stand-by, packing
up the towels and sunscreen and heading to one of the Gold Coasts
world-famous beaches. With the price of petrol at the moment
parents can take their pick anywhere on the Gold Coast from Kirra
to Surfers Paradise. Most Gold Coast beaches are patrolled
full-time thanks to lifesavers and lifeguards. If youre not too
keen on the waves the family can always head down to the Currumbin
rock pools.
PICNIC UP THE MOUNTAIN
Take your children on a mountain adventure to discover the other
side of the Gold Coast in the Hinterland. After packing the picnic
basket all you will need is a map to all the beautiful lookouts the
mountain has to offer. Take a stroll through Tamborine Village,
afterwards you can even pop into one of the wineries for a bit of a
treat for mum and dad.
MOVIES
Stockland is getting into the spirit of Christmas, hosting free
movie nights across the Coast. There are childrens favourites, this
months is Santa Clause 3 starring Tim Allen. The movies start at
the bedtime friendly hour of 7.30pm and there is even a sausage
sizzle beforehand from 6.30pm. There will also be special guest
appearance by Santa himself. The movie will also screen on December
15 at Highland Reserve Parkland, Rose Valley Drive, Upper Coomera,
on December 16 at The Observatory Park on Southern Skies Avenue,
Reedy Creek and on December 17 at Central Park, Hotham Drive,
Pacific Pines and December 18 at Jacobs Ridge Parklands,
Ormeau.
RHYTHM AND GROOVE
Get your kids into the groove with some of the free council
activities that involves learning to play an instrument, sing and
dance. Children can bring their own instrument or learn how to play
a completely new one. Its on today from 3pm to 4.30pm in Reserve
Park on the corner of Coomera Spring Boulevard and Rosemallow Drive
in Upper Coomera. You dont have to book in but for more information
call The Twine on 0409 064 490.
PAINTING
Get your kids inspired with the Surfers Paradise 75th
anniversary art show. The show has artwork charting the rise of
Surfers from the sleepy town it was to the buzzing entertainment
central it is today. Its open every weekday until New Years Eve at
the Watermark Hotel and Spa, 3032 Surfers Paradise Boulevard,
Surfers Paradise. Afterwards you can get creative with your kids
and do some painting of your own outdoors in Surfers Paradise.
Water colours are cheap as chips and its a great opportunity to
soak up the vibe in Surfers.
LIBRARY
While the library does have a certain stigma about it, and is
probably the last place kids think they want to go in their
holidays, they will be pleasantly surprised. Most of the Gold Coast
libraries feature fun and interactive games on computers and kids
can hardly be bored discovering such greats as Roald Dahl and Enid
Blyton. A bonus is the ever-expanding DVD collection the libraries
now have with many TV series and movies available to rent for free.
They also host a lot of daytime activities through the holidays.
For your nearest library visit the Gold Coast City Council
website.
STREET ENTERTAINMENT
Its the time of the year when Surfers is pulsing with all types
of street entertainment which is free, so take the children along
to enjoy it. Chevron Renaissance hosts live music weekly with a
band on Saturdays from 5.30pm at the Fountain Piazza. Meanwhile
latin dancers twirl and dip for onlookers at Circle on Cavill from
7.30 on Friday nights.
WILDLIFE SPOT LIGHTING
Discover the great outdoors at night with guided spot light
tours of Coombabah. Kids can discover exactly what kangaroos and
other native wild life get up to at night. Rangers takes groups on
tours of Coombabah Lakes Conservation Area in Rain Tree Glen. Tours
must be booked, so get in quickly by calling 07 5581
1521.
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