There were several firsts on our June vacation to Gold Coast,
Australia this year. It was our first family vacation to Gold Coast; our first time flying with Scoots airline; and the
very first time we encountered a rare thunderstorm on our vacation overseas.
On the first night we checked into the Mantra Legends Hotel, which was a stone's throw away from the famous Surfers Paradise beach, the wind was howling so loudly
outside and banging noisily on the hotel windows that I was jolted awake several times in the night. Due to the heavy thunderstorm that swept across Gold Coast that night, all the beaches in Gold Coast were closed to public.
The next day, the rain was still pouring but we decided not to let the rain ruin our holiday. We proceeded as planned to the Dreamworld theme park since we had already bought
the tickets. But to our utter disappointment, all the rides in the
theme park were shut down due to the thunderstorm even though the
park remained open. Undeterred, we walked around the park for a while, trying to take shelters here and there in the rain. There were not many people at the theme park, only a couple of busloads of tourists who were equally disappointed as we were. Fortunately, our 3-day park tickets allowed us to come back again the
next day.
Although the first day of the vacation in Gold Coast was slightly marred by the
unexpected thunderstorm, the next day turned out surprisingly bright and sunny. We have had fond memories of slurping up piping hot dumpling noodle soup at Dumpling Noodle On Circle at Cavill Avenue Mall in the winter-cold weather, savouring one of the best kebab wraps I have ever had at the Greek Street Grill, and chomping on no-frill fish-and-chips and gigantic fries while watching seagulls flapping around at Ben's Fish & Chips at Surfers Paradise beach.
After dinner, we strolled along the beach and watched some surfers brave the waves at sea. On some weekend evenings, there are makeshift beach markets touting interesting home-made products such as braided personalised name bracelets, scented soaps and candles, beautiful hand-painted glass and ceramic ware, even T-shirts in flashing neon lights.
On the night we were there, we even saw a busker painted in glittery silver from head to toe in a still 'sitting' posture with his pet crocodile. The audience were all amazed at his ability to sit on air for such prolonged period! If you like beach markets, don't miss the Broadbeach art & craft market. It seemed to have more varieties than the one at Surfers Paradise.
Gold Coast is more than just surfing and shopping. It also boasts three theme parks with different focus: Dreamworld, Movieworld and Seaworld. We only went to Dreamworld and even though I found the attractions a bit lacklustre, we still managed to have a whale of a time trying out the various rides. We especially endeared to the DreamWorks characters and attractions like Kung Fu Panda, Shrek and Madagascar. Those with preschoolers should check out the ABC Kids World and Wiggles World which is full of imaginative play areas for the little tykes.
Your little ones can also get a glimpse of the Aboriginal culture and catch some sheep, cattle, kangaroos, koalas and other rare Australian native wildlife in action at Corroboree Sanctuary inside Dreamworld. We also saw some tiger cubs wrestling with their handlers in a glass enclosure. For more adrenaline pumping experience, hop over to the WhiteWater World just next to Dreamworld to try out their wet and wild slides and rides. Take note that it would be freezing cold if you were there in the winter months.
Another highlight of our Gold Coast vacation was the stunning 360 degree panoramic views up 230 metres above sea level at the SkyPoint Observation Tower. On the 77th level of the observation deck, we were treated to a beautiful sunset of the Gold Coast skyline and beyond. For the more adventurous, you can attempt the ultimate SkyPoint Climb lasting about 90 minutes. Opt for the twilight climb so you can enjoy the breathstaking sunrise or sunset at the same time. Just make sure you do not have high altitude phobia.
Travelling within Gold Coast is rather convenient with the Gold Coast
go explore card, which you can use on any TransLink bus or tram services. But if you plan to go beyond Gold Coast to Sunshine Coast or Brisbane, it may be better to hire a car and drive at your own leisure.
