1) Remember to apply ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) for Singaporean and Malaysian. Go to http://ja-travel.com/visa/visa_aus.html as JA Travel has the cheapest ETA fee of SGD10, and you can almost get an approval within two days. Alternatively, you may apply via Australian Immigration website at AUD20 (about SGD20 - based on current rate of 1 to 1) http://www.immi.gov.au/visitors/tourist/visa-options.htm Note that ETA allows multiple entries to Australia within a year from date of application. (Yeah! We used back the same one we had for our Sydney trip last Nov)
2) Australia's immigration is very strict on meat, water, electronic devices, and look out for all signs prior to arriving or departing. We brought a hotdog bread, and did not declare on arrival card. The officer is kind enough not to fine us, but our bread was confiscated. When we were departing, our baby was not wearing his shoes (we left it at our resort in a hurry). We had to buy a pair of flip flop for baby as barefooted are not allowed.
3) Get an Optus prepaid card at Surfers Paradise or major shopping mall such as Pacific Fair at Broadbeach South tram station. You get 500MB of data as low as AUD2 per day! I paid AUD20 for 6 days.
4) Gold Coast's tram & bus services are so accessible that you do not even need to rent a car unless you are going up to the mountains. Go to translink website to plan your journey eg. travelling time, and boarding of which bus or tram. http://jp.translink.com.au/travel-information/journey-planner/1913802562
Get a Go Explore card (not Go card) from Translink staffs station at some of the tram stations, and definitely at the bus stop out side airport. After topping up AUD10 per day, you get to travel on any buses, trams, and ferries multiple times for that day. When you top up at tram station, go to "Add Pass", and proceed accordingly. After which, tap your card before boarding of tram, and upon alighting, tap it again. Note that tram's door is operated automatically so do press on a button to open it.
If you are topping up your card on bus, you need to tap three times (with some help from driver of course). Bus drivers in Gold Coast are generally friendly, and will be more than happy to assist you. For parents with baby strollers, don't worry as these public transports are certainly convenient for you! Believe me as we travelled all the way with a stroller.
~ Day One : Surfers Paradise ~
I managed to catch sunrise on the plane at 7am Australia's time. Normal sunrise at Gold Coast is 4:30am (which we did not get to see during our one week's stay). I mean who wakes up at 4:30am in the morning?!
Upon arriving, we headed straight to bus stop right opposite of domestic arrivals gate to board bus 777 to Broadbeach South tram station.
We alighted at Cypress Ave station, and walked for five minutes to Chateau Beachside Resort. It offered an awesome beachfront view as well as city area, and was only ten minutes walk away from Surfers Paradise.
The first thing on my mind was to get an optus card immediately, so we walked along The Esplanade until we reached Cavill Ave. Yes' Optus was located at the far end of shops.
We toured around Cavill Ave while waiting for Hog's Breath Cafe to be opened at 11:30am.
Finally, our first meal in Gold Coast! Grilled rib steak was still acceptable.
Next task was to purchase entry tickets to the attractions which we would be visiting for the next few days. This was the first time I'm travelling without buying tickets in advance as there would usually be discounted theme parks or zoos packages offered by local travel agencies. Do check out with your hotel as sometimes there might be further discounts for each attraction.
We dropped by Cold Rock Ice Creamery at Elkhorn Ave which was located on the same street as our resort. It was also diagonally opposite of Towers of Chevron Renaissance where we bought some groceries from Coles supermarket.
 |
| Look at Baby's happy face! |
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| G:link passing by Towers of Chevron Renaissance |
Marriott Resort & Spa was a station away from Cypress Ave station. Upon alighting at Surfers Paradise North station, we turned to the right (with station facing in front of us) along Surfers Paradise Boulevard until we reached Golden Gate Resort. We then cut through Golden Gate Resort to Gold Coast Highway, and crossed to the opposite road to Marriott Resort & Spa.
 |
| All refreshed after our nap! |
The view from our room before we end the night.
Chateau Beachside Resort
Corner of The Esplanade & Elkhorn Ave, Surfers Paradise, GC 4217, Australia
+ 61 7 5538 1022 | res@chateaubeachside.com.au | http://www.chateaubeachside.com.au
Hog's Breath Cafe
Tenancy T2.09 Soul Building, Cavill Mall, Surfers Paradise, QLD 4217, Australia
https://www.hogsbreath.com.au | +61 7 5527 5554
Operating Hours: 11:30am to 2:30pm, 5pm to late daily
Benihana Japanese Steak House
Level 3, 158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast 4217 Australia
+61-7-5592 9770 | http://www.marriott.com/hotel-restaurants/oolsp-surfers-paradise-marriott-resort-and-spa/benihana-japanese-steak-house/57221/home-page.mi
Cold Rock Ice Creamery
Corner of Gold Coast Highway & Elkhorn Ave , SURFERS PARADISE QLD 4217
broadbeach@coldrock.com.au | http://www.coldrock.com.au | +61 7 5592 0909
JTB Gold Coast Travel Centre
Ground Floor Office 3A, 3191 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, QLD, 4217, Australia
+61 7 5592-9490 | oolweb.au@jtbap.com | Operating Hours: 8am – 6pm daily
http://www.australiatravelcentre.com.au
Yes Optus
Shop 205 Centro Surfers Paradise, Corner of Surfers Paradise Blvd & Cavill Ave, QLD 4217 | +61 7 5667 1900 | http://www.optus.com.au
~ Day Two : Dream World ~
With about a ten minutes walk brought us to bus stop at Ferny Ave at Palm Ave. We then boarded bus no. TX3 to Dream World directly. The entire journey was around forty five minutes.
Buzzsaw
Opening Hours: 10am to 5pm daily | Height limit: 130cm
Our first stop was to Goldrush Country to try Buzzsaw - a 15 storey high roller coaster where you twisted and turned at 105km/hr.
The Giant Drop
Opening hours is 10am to 5pm daily | Height limit: 120cm
Annual maintenance: Monday 20 July through to Sunday 09 August 2015 inclusive
Next was the most anticipated Giant Drop - a 120m free fall ride.
Dreamworld Railway
Opening hours: 10am to 5pm daily | No height limit
We stopped for a ride on Dream World Express at Central Park Station.
Motocoaster
Opening hours: Mon-Fri (outside school holidays) 11:30am - 5pm,
Weekends & School Holidays: 10am - 5pm | Height limit: 120cm
Annual maintenance from Monday 01 June through to Sunday 07 June 2015 inclusive
Motocoaster ride was still okay according to hubby.
Dorothy's Rosy Tea Cup Ride
Opening hours: Mon-Fri (outside school holidays), 10am - 3:30pm
Weekends & School Holidays: 10am - 4pm
Height limit: 95cm, and children under 4 years old must be accompanied by an adult | Annual maintenance: Monday 01 June through to Sunday 07 June 2015 inclusive
Who could resist these lovely spinning tea cups ride?
Big Red Boat Ride
Opening hours: Mon-Fri (outside the school holidays) 10am - 3:30pm
Weekends & School Holidays: 10am - 4pm | Height limit: 92cm
I was amazed by how the boat was able to move at 360 degrees. Felt as excited as Baby.
Big Red Car Ride
Opening hours: Mon-Fri (outside the school holidays): 10am - 3:30pm
Weekends & School Holidays: 10am - 4pm| No height limit
We
were brought into a dark house whereby each room would only lit up when
the car went near them. More like a censor, and Baby held my hand
tightly the entire time. Pretty scary for him, I guess.
We took a break eating paddle pop's flavour ice-cream, rainbow split!
We happened to see Madagascar's characters at King Julien's Theatre, and dropped by for some photo taking.
An indoor playground at MAD Jungle Jam with shooting of softballs game. Baby could not bear to leave!
Ogre-Go Round
We never missed a merry-go-round ride.
Dronkey Flyers
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm daily | No height limit
Children under the age of 12 months are not permitted to ride, and those under 4 years old must be accompanied by an adult
We love flying up, up, and above!
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Some pictures with Shrek at Faire Faire Away.
Kungfu fighting with Panda!
Check your height before riding.
Last but not least, a photograph with Dreamworld's mascots, Kenny & Belinda Koala. We did not manage to try out all the rides, and will be back the next time!
We alighted at Ferny Ave at Palm Ave bus stop, and walked about 15 minutes to Chevron Island for dinner.
I was craving for some Thai cuisine, and Noodle House was voted the best in Gold Coast. Indeed, we loved the grilled Barramundi, BBQ Duck rice paper rolls, and tomyum prawn egg noodles. Well, the tomyum soup was sweet and salty instead of spicy. You could not expect much from an "Ang Moh" country, could you? Lol..
Dreamworld Gold Coast Australia
Dreamworld Parkway, Coomera, Queensland 4209, Australia
+61 7 5588 1111 | http://www.dreamworld.com.au
Reception is open 9 am-5 pm daily (7 days), excluding Christmas Day and ANZAC Day
The Noodle House
Actual address is at the corner of Mawarra St & Karloo St, not sure if it has shifted from Thomas Drive.
~ Day Three : Harbour Town | Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets ~
A cloudy morning beachfront view, and we spent the rest of our trip with the most terrible thunderstorm ever.
We walked along Elkhorn Ave, and turned right to Gold Coast Highway to Little Mynx Cafe for all day breakfast. The lady boss managed this cozy cafe all by herself from barista to chef. Do try out the Big Mynx.
After filling up our tummy, we walked along Gold Coast Highway again, and turned right to Cypress Ave. We then boarded a tram from Cypress Ave station to Southport station, and walked to Scarborough St. We waited for bus 704 at Southport bus stop B which brought us straight to Harbour Town's bus stop at Gateway Drive. Note that if you are heading back, the bus stop would be directly behind the one you alighted.
We did not shop much since we preferred sight-seeing, and eating most of the time. I managed to buy a pair of comfy short from Cotton On though. Lol..
Some Boost fruit juice, and yummy nutella churros for our snack.
We made it in time to the beachfront markets before it started pouring.
We
walked along The Esplanade, continued straight on Northcliffe Terrace
before turning to our right onto Hamilton Ave. We were quite drenched by
the time we ran to Alfresco on Elston. The Hawaiian pizza was superb,
even the garlic bread tasted great.
Little Mynx Cafe
64 Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast, QLD 4217, Australia
+61 7 5539 0093 | https://www.facebook.com/LittleMynxcafe | mynxcafe@gmail.com | Opening Hours: Mon to Thur, 7:30am - 5pm | Fri, 7:30am to 8pm
Harbour Town Gold Coast Australia
147-189 Brisbane Road, Biggera Waters, Queensland 4216 | +61 07 5529 1734 reception@harbourtowngoldcoast.com.au | http://harbourtowngoldcoast.com.au
Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets
The Foreshore, Surfers Paradise | +61 7 5584 3700
Opening hours: Every Wed, Fri, Sun - 5pm to 10pm (closed if weather is bad)
http://www.surfersparadise.com/things-to-do/beachfront-markets
Alfresco on Elston
~ Day Four : Skypoint Observation Deck | Champagne Sailing Cruise ~
It was raining the whole day which made me craved for some hot soup all of a sudden. We tried out Hakataya Ramen as I had looked up some good reviews online. Well, noodles were springy and it almost felt like we were eating ramen in Singapore. There was no hard boiled egg, by the way. Do check out my Japanese ramen post here.
Fortunately, Cavill Ave tram station was nearby, and we could ride to the next station - Surfers Paradise which was directly opposite of Skypoint Observation Deck. We could get an amazing 360 degrees view of Gold Coast.
We had our tea time at Max Brenner for some hot tea, hot chocolate, and chocolate fondue. That was so delicious because I'm a sweet tooth person.
A short 5 minutes walk along Elkhorn Ave, and Gold Coast Highway brought us to bus stop at Ferny Ave at Palm Ave. We waited for bus no. 705 to Seaworld Drive at Mariners Cove.
We wandered around while waiting for Michael, the owner of Champagne Sailing Cruise, for our yacht ride at 4pm. Usual sunset sailing cruise would be at 5pm, but this time of the year (in April) the sun set a little earlier. Michael took three years building up his yacht from scratch. He travelled to 36 countries so far with his parents by sailing all around the globe.
His assistant, Airi, was such a lovely lady to be with. I totally fell in love with the idea of private cruise for two as usually yacht rental requires at least six person to sail. Did I mention that they served extremely fresh seafood? A two hours cruise with champagne & seafood spread for two cost AUD350.
Hakataya Ramen
Shop 26 Centre Arcade, 3131 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
+61 7 5526 7055 | info@hakatayaramen.com | http://hakatayaramen.com
Operating hours: 9am to 9pm daily
**Shop will be closed on the day ramen soup is no longer available
Skypoint Observation Deck
Level 77 of Q1 Resort, 9 Hamilton Avenue, Surfers Paradise, Queensland, 4217 Australia | +61 7 5582 2700 | http://www.skypoint.com.au | info@skypoint.com.au
Max Brenner Chocolate Bar
Ground Floor, Chevron Renaissance Shopping Centre, 3240 Surfers Paradise Blvd | +61 7 5538 3846 | http://maxbrenner.com.au
Champagne Sailing Cruises
Berth "C" 51, Mariners Cove Marina, 60-70 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach, OLD 4217 | +61 412 794 643 | info@champagnesailingcruises.com
http://www.champagnesailingcruises.com/the-crew
~Day Five:Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary | Pacific Fair Shopping Centre ~
This was the worst day of our trip as we spent the whole day in thunderstorm. Our morning was greeted with strong wind, and lucky for us, Surfers Sandbar was just below of our resort. We would be cold and wet without having any breakfast. I must say the all day breakfasts in Gold Coast were all pretty decent.
We boarded tram from Cypress Ave Station to Broadbeach South Station. From there, we transferred to bus no. 700 to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.
There was nothing much to see, not many animals except for some snakes, kangaroos, and koala bears.
We toured around on a train, and happened to catch Dr. Doo-Lots Show. Baby was not afraid to touch this little alligator, and told me its skin was quite rough.
We had some fun in the rain, and not to forget photo taking with Koala!
We had our lunch at Pacific Fair before heading back to resort. Do check out the Japanese stall at its food court. We also tried this irresistible crepes from The Crepe Cafe.
Dinner was at Costa D'oro Italian as I wanted to have some pasta. Turned out to be better than Alfresco, most probably because I ordered the dry pasta instead of jelat creamy sauce. The bugs tasted great, and do try out their steak as I noticed a lot of people having it.
Surfers Sandbar
52 The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast, QLD 4217
+61 7 5526 9994 | info@surferssandbar.com.au | http://www.surferssandbar.com.au
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Pacific Fair Shopping Centre
Hooker Boulevard, Broadbeach, 4218 QLD
+61 7 5581 5100 | http://www.pacificfair.com.au/home
Costa D'oro Italian Restaurant
27 Orchid Ave, Surfers Paradise 4217
+61 7 55385203 | http://www.costadoro.com.au
Operating hours : Mon to Sun 12pm to 10pm
We took a break eating paddle pop's flavour ice-cream, rainbow split!
We happened to see Madagascar's characters at King Julien's Theatre, and dropped by for some photo taking.
An indoor playground at MAD Jungle Jam with shooting of softballs game. Baby could not bear to leave!
Ogre-Go Round
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm daily | No height limit
Must be over one year old to ride, and under 4 years old to be accompanied by an adultWe never missed a merry-go-round ride.
Dronkey Flyers
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm daily | No height limit
Children under the age of 12 months are not permitted to ride, and those under 4 years old must be accompanied by an adult
We love flying up, up, and above!
.jpg)
.jpg)
Some pictures with Shrek at Faire Faire Away.
 |
| Guess who took our photograph? |
Check your height before riding.
Last but not least, a photograph with Dreamworld's mascots, Kenny & Belinda Koala. We did not manage to try out all the rides, and will be back the next time!
We alighted at Ferny Ave at Palm Ave bus stop, and walked about 15 minutes to Chevron Island for dinner.
I was craving for some Thai cuisine, and Noodle House was voted the best in Gold Coast. Indeed, we loved the grilled Barramundi, BBQ Duck rice paper rolls, and tomyum prawn egg noodles. Well, the tomyum soup was sweet and salty instead of spicy. You could not expect much from an "Ang Moh" country, could you? Lol..
Dreamworld Gold Coast Australia
Dreamworld Parkway, Coomera, Queensland 4209, Australia
+61 7 5588 1111 | http://www.dreamworld.com.au
Reception is open 9 am-5 pm daily (7 days), excluding Christmas Day and ANZAC Day
The Noodle House
Actual address is at the corner of Mawarra St & Karloo St, not sure if it has shifted from Thomas Drive.
~ Day Three : Harbour Town | Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets ~
A cloudy morning beachfront view, and we spent the rest of our trip with the most terrible thunderstorm ever.
We walked along Elkhorn Ave, and turned right to Gold Coast Highway to Little Mynx Cafe for all day breakfast. The lady boss managed this cozy cafe all by herself from barista to chef. Do try out the Big Mynx.
After filling up our tummy, we walked along Gold Coast Highway again, and turned right to Cypress Ave. We then boarded a tram from Cypress Ave station to Southport station, and walked to Scarborough St. We waited for bus 704 at Southport bus stop B which brought us straight to Harbour Town's bus stop at Gateway Drive. Note that if you are heading back, the bus stop would be directly behind the one you alighted.
We did not shop much since we preferred sight-seeing, and eating most of the time. I managed to buy a pair of comfy short from Cotton On though. Lol..
Some Boost fruit juice, and yummy nutella churros for our snack.
We made it in time to the beachfront markets before it started pouring.
 |
| Yummy cupcakes we bought at the market |
 |
| Beachfront markets ended right opposite of our resort |
64 Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast, QLD 4217, Australia
+61 7 5539 0093 | https://www.facebook.com/LittleMynxcafe | mynxcafe@gmail.com | Opening Hours: Mon to Thur, 7:30am - 5pm | Fri, 7:30am to 8pm
Harbour Town Gold Coast Australia
147-189 Brisbane Road, Biggera Waters, Queensland 4216 | +61 07 5529 1734 reception@harbourtowngoldcoast.com.au | http://harbourtowngoldcoast.com.au
Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets
The Foreshore, Surfers Paradise | +61 7 5584 3700
Opening hours: Every Wed, Fri, Sun - 5pm to 10pm (closed if weather is bad)
http://www.surfersparadise.com/things-to-do/beachfront-markets
Alfresco on Elston
2 & 3 3018 Surfers Paradise Boulevard (Corner Hamilton Ave & Surfers Paradise Blvd) | Opening hours: 5pm to 10pm daily | +61 7 55 389 333 / +61 7 55 380 395 | alfrescogoldcoast@yahoo.com | http://www.alfrescogc.com
~ Day Four : Skypoint Observation Deck | Champagne Sailing Cruise ~
It was raining the whole day which made me craved for some hot soup all of a sudden. We tried out Hakataya Ramen as I had looked up some good reviews online. Well, noodles were springy and it almost felt like we were eating ramen in Singapore. There was no hard boiled egg, by the way. Do check out my Japanese ramen post here.
Fortunately, Cavill Ave tram station was nearby, and we could ride to the next station - Surfers Paradise which was directly opposite of Skypoint Observation Deck. We could get an amazing 360 degrees view of Gold Coast.
We had our tea time at Max Brenner for some hot tea, hot chocolate, and chocolate fondue. That was so delicious because I'm a sweet tooth person.
A short 5 minutes walk along Elkhorn Ave, and Gold Coast Highway brought us to bus stop at Ferny Ave at Palm Ave. We waited for bus no. 705 to Seaworld Drive at Mariners Cove.
We wandered around while waiting for Michael, the owner of Champagne Sailing Cruise, for our yacht ride at 4pm. Usual sunset sailing cruise would be at 5pm, but this time of the year (in April) the sun set a little earlier. Michael took three years building up his yacht from scratch. He travelled to 36 countries so far with his parents by sailing all around the globe.
His assistant, Airi, was such a lovely lady to be with. I totally fell in love with the idea of private cruise for two as usually yacht rental requires at least six person to sail. Did I mention that they served extremely fresh seafood? A two hours cruise with champagne & seafood spread for two cost AUD350.
Hakataya Ramen
Shop 26 Centre Arcade, 3131 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
+61 7 5526 7055 | info@hakatayaramen.com | http://hakatayaramen.com
Operating hours: 9am to 9pm daily
**Shop will be closed on the day ramen soup is no longer available
Skypoint Observation Deck
Level 77 of Q1 Resort, 9 Hamilton Avenue, Surfers Paradise, Queensland, 4217 Australia | +61 7 5582 2700 | http://www.skypoint.com.au | info@skypoint.com.au
Max Brenner Chocolate Bar
Ground Floor, Chevron Renaissance Shopping Centre, 3240 Surfers Paradise Blvd | +61 7 5538 3846 | http://maxbrenner.com.au
Champagne Sailing Cruises
Berth "C" 51, Mariners Cove Marina, 60-70 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach, OLD 4217 | +61 412 794 643 | info@champagnesailingcruises.com
http://www.champagnesailingcruises.com/the-crew
~Day Five:Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary | Pacific Fair Shopping Centre ~
This was the worst day of our trip as we spent the whole day in thunderstorm. Our morning was greeted with strong wind, and lucky for us, Surfers Sandbar was just below of our resort. We would be cold and wet without having any breakfast. I must say the all day breakfasts in Gold Coast were all pretty decent.
We boarded tram from Cypress Ave Station to Broadbeach South Station. From there, we transferred to bus no. 700 to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.
There was nothing much to see, not many animals except for some snakes, kangaroos, and koala bears.
We toured around on a train, and happened to catch Dr. Doo-Lots Show. Baby was not afraid to touch this little alligator, and told me its skin was quite rough.
We had some fun in the rain, and not to forget photo taking with Koala!
We had our lunch at Pacific Fair before heading back to resort. Do check out the Japanese stall at its food court. We also tried this irresistible crepes from The Crepe Cafe.
Dinner was at Costa D'oro Italian as I wanted to have some pasta. Turned out to be better than Alfresco, most probably because I ordered the dry pasta instead of jelat creamy sauce. The bugs tasted great, and do try out their steak as I noticed a lot of people having it.
Surfers Sandbar
52 The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast, QLD 4217
+61 7 5526 9994 | info@surferssandbar.com.au | http://www.surferssandbar.com.au
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
| +61 7 5534 1266 | http://www.cws.org.au | Operating hours : 8am to 5pm daily
**Closed on Anzac Day 25th April/ Christmas Day 25th DecemberPacific Fair Shopping Centre
Hooker Boulevard, Broadbeach, 4218 QLD
+61 7 5581 5100 | http://www.pacificfair.com.au/home
Costa D'oro Italian Restaurant
27 Orchid Ave, Surfers Paradise 4217
+61 7 55385203 | http://www.costadoro.com.au
Operating hours : Mon to Sun 12pm to 10pm
