The Gold Coast is one of Australia’s most recognised holiday destinations by both national and international travellers. The coastal city has been the selected holiday location for families for many years, with additional attractions making appearances each year.
A holiday to the Gold Coast will never be a unmemorable occasion especially if you follow our must do guide guaranteeing the perfect fun filled trip away!
1. Less Known Beaches
The Gold Coast is renowned worldwide for its beaches, uncomparable to any other in the world. Although most tourists are attracted to the famous beach of Surfers Paradise, we recommend to take a trip down to Currumbin Alley beach. Only a 25 minute drive from Aqualine Apartments this beach boasts lovely clean sand, less people and safe swimming conditions. Why not make a day trip out of the drive and visit Elephant Rock just around the corner, which, as the name suggests looks uncannily like its animal counterpart. Many much loved cafe’s and restaurants are situated around this area, however the views of the Currumbin Surf Club always make it a winner!.
2. Outlet Shopping
What better way to spend a holiday than indulging in a little retail therapy. The Gold Coast’s well known Pacific Fair outdoor shopping centre is always high on the list of must do activities on the coast, however it’s Harbour Town Shopping centre that has our pick. Only a 15 minute drive from Aqualine Apartments, Harbour Town is home to a huge array of designer brand outlets that offer unbeatable discounts all year round. Some of the big names include Levi’s, Nike, Tommy Hilfiger, Oroton, Polo Ralph Lauren and Hugo Boss. The centre is open every day including most public holidays, and is designed to provide shoppers with an outdoor retail experience so they can enjoy the Gold Coast’s beautiful weather. If you are travelling from interstate or overseas be sure to visit the Tourism Lounge located in the centre, to collect your VIP Tourism Card. The card offers special discounts and traveller incentives to ensure visitors take full advantage of the deals on offer.
3. Walk with a View
There is no better way to squeeze in some holiday exercise than to take a walk around Burleigh Headland National Park. Only a 20 minute drive from Aqualine Apartments this park offers two walking tracks- The Rainforest Circuit (2.3 km return) and The Ocean View Walk (1.3 km one way). Despite which track you choose both offer unmatched views of the famous Gold Coast skyline and beaches. The circuits can be accessed from the very top of Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads, which also boasts picnic perfect grassy areas and facilities overlooking the ocean. We recommended to take a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and a bottle of water to make the most of the experience.
4. Great Coffee & Great Food
Chirn Park, only a short stroll from Aqualine Apartments, is the home to a collection of the Gold Coast’s best cafe’s and dining options. Winner of the Crave Gold Coast “#1 Coffee on the Coast”, Daark Espresso is the northern Gold Coast’s answer to the perfect brew. As the focus of Daark is clearly the coffee, the menu is restricted but offers a flavour packed selection of all day breakfast and lunch items. Around the corner is Koncubine Cafe. Offering cosy indoor and cool outdoor seating this haunt is a favourite of locals. With a menu built on fancy sandwiches and classic breakfast dishes its unlikely to be anything other than satisfied. Thai Magik is another favourite of the area, offering fresh and truly authentic thai cuisine for a reasonable price. Tonic on Chirn is a fantastic tapas bar which easily competes with the well known establishments of Broadbeach. Tonic on Chirn offers an extensive cocktail list and a regularly refreshed menu of tapas dishes.
5. Pelican Feeding
The Ian Dipple Lagoon, located only 5 minutes up the road from Aqualine Apartments is the perfect place for a relaxed day of beach activities. The lagoon is sectioned off from the broadwater by a sand barrier providing safe swimming conditions all year round. The lagoon area also hosts barbeque facilities, picnic tables, childrens playground and shaded areas to ensure visitors can make the most out of their day. The main attraction however is the fascinating pelican feeding which occurs at 1:30 pm everyday, weather permitting. Free to all, spectators can watch as the huge number of pelicans soar down from the sky and then make their way out of the lagoon onto the banks for a lunchtime feed. Tourists are even encouraged to take photos with the pelicans before the take flight once again! Adjacent to the lagoon is the Gold Coasts famous Charis Seafoods, which along with supplying the lunchtime fish to the pelicans also has classic style fish and chips for the onlookers.
