Gold Coast Travel Forum

Hi All,

We are planning for a "Big" family holiday in Gold Coast in Mar'08 for about 7 days. We are looking for apartments for 9 adults & 4 kids, Could anyone recommend us some good apartments to accommodate the whole family. At the same time would appreciate it if you could advise some of the places to visit during this visit(eg. Themes parks, shopping.....)

Thanks for your help.

check out the mantra sun city resort in surfers paradise
http://www.ozhorizons.com.au/qld/gc/outrigger_sun/sc.htm
it is just off the main area of surfers yet only 8 minutes walk to the centre of SP. i'm sure that the apartment configurations can be combined to accommodate your group. i would suggest emailing them and seeing what they can offer you.
if you enjoy shopping, do visit harbourtown in biggera waters...a factory outlet mall....happy shopping!!
http://www.harbourtown.com.au/goldcoast/retail_directory.htm

Hi. My favourite accommodation on the Gold Coast is Pelican Sands appartments at Tugan -
http://www.pelican-sands.com/?gclid=COvt34DR3pACFRpdagodVmMrXg
They have 2 bedroom appartments so you would have to rent 2. But the location is great! Right on Tugan Beach which is a long stretch of white sand beach and located 2 minutes from Coolangatta airport. The appartments overlook the beach and also the airport from the other side if like me you love to see airplanes take off and land. There is a bus right outside the door to take you to Surfers Paradise and you can walk along the beach to Coolangatta. The reception will arrange theme park pass for you and also let you know about attractions. You can also hire a car in Coolangatta or at the airport so that you can visit other areas like the Gold Coast hinterland including Natural Arch, south though Kingscliff, Cabaritta, Hastings Point and further afield to Byron Bay if you want. It is also very close by bus to Currumbin Bird Sanctuary which should also be on your 'must see' list. Have fun downunder!!
Cheers, Ann :o)

tks for the recommendations :)

let us know the age of the kids than we can advise, do not go to Dracula's as it is very boring and not worth the money, (the meal was good though) we walked out half way through as the "show" was so slow, with tired old jokes and poor dancing and the costumes were only fair (the costumes on the staff outside where you lined up were better than the ones on stage).

Seaworld is very good and will suit most ages, plan on spending most of the day at any of the theme parks, it is a good idea to have quiet day in between visits to the theme parks, of course the beach is a must. Check out the web sites for the theme parks.

I actually enjoyed Draculas Marie....sorry. But I liked our dinner cruise better ;o)

As JuneTL suggested, have a look at Mantra Sun City. It is is the heart of Surfers Paradise and they accomodate for larger groups of people with fairly generous sized apartments. They also have great facilities including indoor and outdoor pools (outdoor has its own mini beach), waterslide, sauna/steam room, tennis courts, gym, kids room, bars and restaurant. The website for Sun City is http://www.mantraresorts.com.au/accommodation/resorts/sun-city/

Theme Parks on the Gold Coast include:
Wet N Wild
Sea World
Movie World
Dream World
White Water World

Wet N Wild, Sea World and Movie World are all affiliated so you are able to buy something called a superpass which allows you entry into all three theme parks at a great rate. For more information check out my tips or visit www.myfun.com.au

Dream World and White Water World are situated next door to one another, so you are also able to buy a special pass to visit both. Check out www.dreamworld.com.au

Other places to check out on the Gold Coast include:
- Australian Outback Spectacular (www.outbackspectacular.com)
- Currumbin Sanctuary (www.currumbin-sanctuary.org.au)
- Harbour Town Shopping Centre (http://www.harbourtown.com.au/goldcoast)
- Pacific Fair Shopping Centre (www.pacificfair.com.au)
- Carrara Markets
- and many many more..

If you are interested in venturing outside of the Gold Coast Brisbane's CBD is only an hours drive, Mt Tamborine is approximately 30 mins from Surfers Paradise, and you can be guaranteed to enjoy some of the best beaches by venturing south of the Gold Coast. Byron Bay is also another great destination which is only a short drive away.

Bianca, sounds like u are kind of expert in Gold Coast. Fyi, I'll be attending a short courses in Brisbane. Rite after the course ended, I plan to spend few days at Gold Coast for my holiday. The office has arranged the apartment for me to stay while my family and I at Gold Coast soon. The apartment named Burleigh (on the Beach). Do you have any idea about this hotel? Like a public transport, is it easy to go to the theme park and other attractive places. And what is the best shopping place would you recommend? Any factory outlet? Thanks a lot

Hi jackjunior,

Well I guess when you live here your whole life, you hope to a little more then the tourists ;)

I am not familiar with any hotels just called 'Burleigh'. What is the full name of the hotel (i.e. Burleigh Palms, Burleigh Gardens, Burleigh Pt etc)? The actual area on the Gold Coast called Burleigh is at the south end. Its a beautiful spot and the beaches are gorgeous!

As Burleigh is situated south its a little further to travel to get to the theme parks which are situated at the northern end of the Gold Coast. Check out www.translink.com.au for public transport options. If you want to catch just buses it will take you a little over an hour. Driving by car will take you approximately 30mins. I recommend you speak to the concierge/reception when you get to your hotel. Some places offer shuttle services which are much more reliable then public transport.

If you are interested in outlets, again check out Harbour Town (please refer to my travel tips all the details are in there). Once again Harbour Town is at the northern end of the Gold Coast. If you are looking to shop a little closer to where you are staying try Pacific Fair but note all the shops are retail based.

If you require any more information please do not hesitate to ask.

:)
Bianca.

thanks Bianca for the info. Well, I've read a bit regarding the public transportation in GC especially bus services and it seems pretty good. Since this is my first time in GC, what do u think about driving in GC if I wish to rent a car? How's the traffic? Just need your opinion between bus and rental.

Say that I opt for the buses service, what about Ezy Pass from Surfside Buslines? Once I arrived at the airport can I get that Ezy Pass from there? Plan to visit themes park, shopping places and factory outlet - can i use that pass to get there? Afraid that I m asking u too much and sorry for that Bianca. Well, anyway, thanks a lot.

jackjunior - if you are comfortable driving I would honestly recommend hiring a car. The traffic on the Gold Coast isn't bad as long as you avoid general peak hour traffic during the week. These times are usually from 7-8am in the mornings and 5-6 in the afternoons.

If you are on a budget or would prefer catching public transport then an Ezy Pass would be ideal for you. You will be able to use this pass to go anywhere on the Gold Coast including travel to theme parks, shopping centres, outlets etc. You can buy your Ezy Pass from any bus driver.

Which airport are you flying into and how are you getting to your hotel from the airport?

Coolangatta Airport. Is it possible for me to go to Surfers Paradise where my hotel is using Surfside Buslines? Since I can buy the ticket from bus driver, so we plan not to waste our limited that afternoon to go to Harbour Town. Probably I'll hire a car two days later because I need some time to adjust myself with the routes in GC.

As I dont know where you are staying I can't really answer your question.

However you would be far better off to catch a taxi to your hotel. Buses can't accomodate all areas as well as others so there is a chance you may not be able to get dropped off directly to your hotel.

Actually why don't you contact the hotel you are staying at and ask how much a transfer is from the airport? Usually transfers are cheaper then taxis.

Thanks Bianca. Since Gold Coast isn't too far to Brisbane what would you suggest for me and my kids for attractions in Brisbane? Heard that Harbour Town outlets do offer good value for shopping, don't they?

Harbour Town is actually located on the Gold Coast.

DFO (Direct Factory Outlet) which is similar to Harbour Town is located at Jindalee and also just near the Brisbane Airport. If you are going to visit Harbour Town there would almost be no point visiting DFO as these outlets sell similar brands etc. However compare for yourself at www.harbourtown.com.au and www.dfo.com.au

If you are interested in continuing your shopping in Brisbane check out the Queen Street Mall located in the Brisbane CBD, Fortitude Valley and Westfield Chermside Shopping Centre http://westfield.com/chermside/

There are loads of things to do in Brisbane, but by far too many to list. Check out www.ourbrisbane.com for some ideas.

Also I haven't started writing tips on Brisbane yet but check out some of the other member's pages and tips on Brisbane to get some good ideas.

thanks ya, for all your information, veri useful...