Let’s face it, our feathers have all been more than a bit ruffled lately. Unlike the Kiwi bird who likes to stay grounded, we’ve all been itching to fly the coop but where to? The Gold Coast has always been a number one destination for New Zealanders and here are the top 10 best things to do in Surfers Paradise on your next holiday to well and truly finish 2020 on a more positive note.
1 | The Weather
Sorry, it has to be said. With an average of 245 days of sunny weather each year, the Gold Coast offers you the chance to leave the woollies at home with the hardest part of your travel packing being how many sarongs and jandals to pack!
2 | Iconic Surfers Paradise Beach
Famous for its stunning coastline, Surfers Paradise Beach with it’s white soft sand and glistening blue ocean will beckon you the minute you hit Coolangatta Airport. The new foreshore is bustling with walkers, cyclists and those who like to idle away the time soaking in the sun whilst sipping on their latte. The 2km stretch of sand offers a paradise for swimmers and surfers alike and there’s plenty of barbeque access and seating areas with an ocean view for the family to enjoy.
3 | The Thrill of the chase
So a trip to Disneyland is off the cards for now but there’s no reason you can’t take in the fun and family adventure at one of the many theme parks with easy access from Surfers Paradise. Thrill-seekers and daredevils eat your heart out with some of the best theme parks in the Southern Hemisphere offering up fun for the young and the young at heart. If you’ve done Queenstown, then it’s time you see what Queensland has to offer!
4 | Surfers is a natural choice
Natural attractions abound in sunny Queensland. The Gold Coast hinterland is heavenly. New Zealand might have some pretty spectacular waterfalls but these hinterland watering holes situated at Curtin Falls, Tamborine National Park will have you packing a picnic and popping on your togs with a soothing warm temperature to break the ice. Surfers Paradise is situated perfectly with an easy and scenic 34km trip to Mt Tamborine. The list of incredible and natural scenery is long and if you are still not entirely ready to come out of your Corona bubble, Binna Burra offers beautiful walks in the golden silence of the Gondwana Rainforest which is an Australian World Heritage Area.
5 | Wildlife - skip to it
Cuddle up to a koala - an Aussie icon or hop to one of the many wildlife attractions to feed a kangaroo.
You can visit Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and make some holiday memories of a lifetime, or head to Dreamworld where you can book an exclusive interaction at the tiger exhibit - one of the rarest creatures on the planet. You don’t have to stick to land either! Whilst at Sea World you can take a Dolphin deep water adventure.
6 | Entertainment
Holidaymakers in search of some nightlife be it the arts, clubbing, adventure or dining will not be disappointed. Enter entertainment on a whole other level! Surrounded by parklands and a lake with Surfers as it’s backdrop, HOTA is home of the arts offering cinemas, theatres and galleries. Miami Marketta is a quick uber ride away from Surfers Paradise and offers a family evening with street food from all over the world and all undercover with live music including blues, jazz and independent artists.
You’ll be spoilt for choice with indoor skydiving at IFly, Water Jet Ski, Jetpack and Flyboard shows on the canals and entering the heartland of Australia with the romance of dinner and a show at the Outback Spectacular.
7 | Shopping mecca
It’s a shopping mecca offering some serious designer labels for all budgets with discount shopping available at Harbour Town to the full more high end at Pacific Fair. However, it’s the local designers, artisans and craft makers who can truly offer something unique at one of the many boutique shops including great market shopping at the long-established Carrara Markets, a popular choice for a family day out.
8 | Sky high views
Venture to the top of the SkyPoint Observation Deck and you will be rewarded with some stunning 360 degree views of all of the Gold Coast attractions. Whilst most of us will be taking a lift, for supreme athletes, try your hand at a mouth-dropping adventure climb on the outside of the building.
9 | Just cruising with the majestic humpbacks
Even the majestic humpbacks stop by the Gold Coast for a visit. With a 5-month season each year, the Gold Coast attracts a large number of whales on their migration to the Great Barrier Reef in search of warmer waters. You can get up close on any number of whale watching cruises, but for starters visit here.
10 | A Souvenir with a difference
If you don’t take home a memento of your holiday, did you even holiday? With so many travellers and locals alike dropping into Surfers Paradise, Southport and Coomera studios, it would be remiss of us to leave a tattoo out from the list!
Part of a global franchise, Celebrity Ink™ has studios at easily accessible locations and shopping centres offering tattooing and body piercing, and we’re ready to treat you to the star treatment with a tattoo to commemorate the holiday of a lifetime! Artists can help you with a flash tattoo if you just want to walk in off the beach or create something uniquely yours!
If you’ve already been to the sunny Gold Coast, what would you add to the list?
