Relax time
by amidis
Theme park and the walk on the beach.... When you are there, nobody is working.... at least that what it seems to be coz almost everyone is relaxing. You tend to be carried away and forgot all the problems and headache that you left behind at home. Did I miss that? What a question, wish it never end... The other thing is that I find that the Aussies are very friendly and easy going except for one or two of course. This certainly contradict the Aussie Govt which has successfully painted an arrogant and snobbish attitude towards other people especially Asian. I would have never set foot if not because it was a family trip, but how wrong I was, the people are beautiful and I will be back.
BEACH and SURF SAFETY
by Gwynneth
BEACH and SURF SAFETY
1. Do Not swim at beaches not patrolled by lifeguards or lifesavers.
2. Do Not bathe outside the red and yellow flags which mark the safe swimming area.
3. Do Not bathe directly after a meal or under the influence of alcohol.
4. Do Not bathe when beach is closed. Observe the visual sign 'Danger - Reserve closed to bathing' and the red flag.
5. Do Not bathe where there are no safety flags in position.
6. Do Not get excited if caught in a current or undertow, but raise one arm up and float until help arrives.
7. Do Not struggle if seized with a cramp, but raise your arm for help, float and keep the affected parts of your body perfectly still.
8. Do Not go out far when a yellow flag is flying, it means the surf is dangerous.
9. Do Not bathe if unsure of surf conditions, but seek the advice of the lifeguard or lifesaver.
10. Do Not struggle against a rip or current, but swim diagonally across it.
Care to wander further afield?
by tiabunna
If you have developed a taste for the scenic ranges behind the Coast by now, you probably will enjoy this somewhat longer trip. I’d allow a day for it. Head down to Murwillumbah in NSW (probably the shortest and fastest route is on the main road, the most scenic would be via Springbrook).
Murwillumbah is an old agricultural centre for the dairying and sugar industries, alongside the Tweed River. Unlike the coastal communities, life here moves at a more relaxed pace. I have a VT page on it and on the subsequent drive I’d suggest you take through Chillingham and back into the ranges to visit Numinbah Valley. From there you can continue on to the main roads and Brisbane or Southport, or alternatively head back via Springbrook on the scenic route to the Coast. Either way, I’m sure you’ll have a great day’s outing.
Of course, if you’re feeling suitably fit at Murwillumbah, you could climb Mt Warning which is National Park and which more or less dominates the area.
Being an Island, the best way...
by finzy
Being an Island, the best way to get to Australia [unless you are a jolly good swimmer] would have to be by Boat or Plane, The nearest international airport to the Gold Coast is Brisbane, approx.a 1hour trip by airport shuttle or if you are travelling interstate ie. ex Sydney,Melbourne etc. we have a domestic terminal at Coolangatta 20 mins south of Surfers Paradise.
Getting around the Coast is relatively easy, buses run frequently up and down the coastal strip. Broadbeach has a Monorail which runs between the Oasis Shopping Center and the Casino also in Broadbeach. Surfers Paradise has hire cars, mopeds, motorcycles
in fact most things even surfboards can be hired there.
Theme parks
by emstar21
Best theme parks (in order of preference)
Movie world - great for everyone including little kids.
Wet n Wild - great rides but have to spend alot of time in lines - but worth it.
Seaworld - good all rounder but getting old - great staff, tell you alot about the animals.
Dreamworld - a bit of dissapointment if you go to all the rest, dreamworld is not worth the money ($60 adult), as it is not included in the 3 park super pass.
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Mixing in
Views of Surfers Paradise from Elephant rock
Marina, Hope Island
Road Junction to Eagle Heights, Joalah N/Pk here
