100 THINGS TO DO ON SCHOOL HOLIDAYS: PART 4
Beaches, theme parks, skyscrapers, the Hinterland ... the Gold Coast has all of this and more. We’ve listed some of multitude of things to do — perfect for tourists, families, couples, kids and yes, even locals. Here’s the final instalment.
76 READING CINEMAS HARBOUR TOWN
Brisbane Road, Biggera Waters, readingcinemas.com.au Sometimes, you just want to chill out and watch a movie. We all have those days! Reading Cinemas Harbour Town is the go-to for locals because tickets are less than $10.
77 BYO FISH AND CHIPS
Pick up some fish and chips and hit the sand with a picnic rug. Burleigh Heads is a popular spot.
78 GLOW WORM TOUR
Cedar Creek Estate, Mt Tamborine, tourgc.com.au/ tour/glow-worm
The glow worm caves on the mountain consist of two large chambers interlinked by tunnels. The first chamber is the presentation cave where you are shown an audiovisual display on the glow worms. This chamber is complete with realistic formations such as stalagmites and stalactites.
79 GOLF
Multiple locations Choose a resort course such as Palmer Gold Coast, carved out of native woodlands; the RACV Royal Pines Resort which hosts the Australian PGA Championships; or the Intercontinental which gives you access to Sanctuary Cove’s The Palms and The Pines courses. Alternatively try the public courses such as Parkwood International, an 18-hole course set in contoured bushland.
80 HELICOPTER FLIGHT
Get a bird’s eye view of the skyline on a scenic helicopter flight. A number of companies offer deals including Gold Coast Helitours and Sea World Helicopters.
81 JET BOAT RIDE
Power over the water in an adrenalin packed adventure including 360 degree spins, wake surfing and high speed drifting. Fifty-five minute rides start at $58 with Gold Coast Jet Ride.
82 DIY BBQ
Most public parks have a barbecue where you can cook up snags for a DIY lunch in the sunshine. But arrive early on weekends because the public barbecues are hotly contested.
83 THE BATH HOUSE
Tallebudgera Creek Road, Burleigh Heads, greenhousefactory.com.au/ the-bathhouse The word bath conjures up feelings of warmth and relaxation, so imagine an entire institution dedicated to those feelings. Brought to you by the ladies behind vegan eatery Greenhouse Canteen at Miami, the new Greenhouse Bath House will warm you physically and mentally.
84 BURLEIGH BREWING
Ern Harley Dr, Burleigh Heads, burleighbrewing.com.au The only thing more heartwarming than a local brew is the passion of the people behind them, so make sure you have a chat too.
85 THEME PARKS
You’ve been waiting for this one! Sea World, Wet’n’Wild, Movie World and Dreamworld are top of the list for kids on school holidays. Hit up Sea World to check out marine life up close and personal, Wet’n’Wild for crazy water rides, Movie World to get a taste of Hollywood and Dreamworld if you’re a thrillseeker. All theme parks have regular deals on offer.
86 STUNT ACADEMY
Southport-Nerang Rd, Nerang, stuntpark.com.au The Stunt Academy at Nerang offers a fun introduction to the exciting world of stunts including staged combat, swordplay and flying on wires. This option runs for a half or full day, providing an experience that will be the envy of all adrenaline junkies.
87 SOUTH STRADBROKE
The Broadwater Said to be the Coast’s best kept secret, this island hideaway has several destinations including Couran Cove Resort, boatie favourite Tipplers and McClarens Landing.
88 LAHEY’S TRAMWAY TUNNEL
Canungra Teach the kids about our history and take a look at Lahey’s Canungra Tramway Tunnel, which was built during WWII as an ammunition dump.
89 ELVIS PRESLEY CHALLENGE
Hollywood Showgirls, Surfers Paradise, hollywoodshowgirls.com.au This is one for the adults. Go to Hollywood Showgirls and play the Elvis Presley pinball machine while sipping your way through the bar’s $500 ‘Elvis’ cocktail which is modelled on the famed Sidecar concoction.
90 CRAZY CANDLES CANDLE MAKING
Multiple locations, crazycandles.com.au Build your own colourful candle and watch the delight in your eyes as it’s sculpted into a special shape or character. Or make your very own colourful wax hands. For a fantastic keepsake, your hax hands will be placed on a base. They come to you! So visit their website to make a booking.
91 SNORKELLING HOTSPOT
Palm Beach Palm Beach Reef is a series of rocky ridges and gullies covered with extensive hard and soft coral, anemones, ascidians and sponges. Commencing at a depth of 24m it spreads over a large area. In some areas the top of the reef is only 5m from the surface.
92 JELLURGAL DREAMING TOUR
Burleigh, jellurgal.com.au Embark on a journey of discovery and explore the secret world of the first inhabitants of this region, the Yugambeh people. Designed for international travellers, interstate visitors and locals wishing to learn more about the Aboriginal history of their region, Jellurgal Dreaming is a fivehour Aboriginal Cultural Experience.
93 LOOKOUTS
There’s more to the Gold Coast than just the beach, with the city also famous for its glorious views. There are plenty of lookouts and many include picnic and barbecue facilities as well. The Best of All lookout at Mudgeeraba is among the best and there are plenty of others, from coastal areas to the Hinterland.
94 DRACULA’S HAUNTED HOUSE
Surfers Paradise, draculas.com.au Enter if you dare. With five levels of interactive spooky exhibits, this terrifying haunted house is family-friendly, and great for kids of all ages. You’ll descend deep below ground level, and enter the scary underworld – with sharks, spiders, creatures and ghouls.
95 EXERCISE
Along the coastline there are exercise machines and equipment that are free for everyone to use, plus loads of walking and cycle routes.
96 FREE BIRD FEEDING
Tomewin Street, Currumbin, cws.org.au
If your budget doesn’t allow for expensive activities, you can appreciate some natural wildlife for free. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary has free bird feeding twice a day. Hundreds of rainbow lorikeets will descend on you from surrounding trees to get the sweet honey nectar you hold out in a bowl.
97 QT GOLD COAST
Staghorn Ave, Surfers Paradise, qthotelsandresorts.com/ gold-coast Go to Bazaar for the food and Stingray Bar for the drinks. Then head to SpaQ for a relaxing massage or facial treatment.
98 KAYAKING AT CURRUMBIN CREEK
Head for the Boat Shed on Currumbin Creek Rd and hire a kayak. It’s an affordable activity and on the southern end of the Coast, it’s a nice little local secret.
99 PELICAN FEEDING
Pelican feeding is daily at 1.30pm at Ian Dipple Lagoon, 371 Marine Pde Labrador. There are free two hour parking spots. It is suggested you arrive early for the full experience and to witness the pelicans gathering before feeding time. Pack your swimmers and a picnic lunch and make an afternoon of it.
100 SLIDEWAYS GO KARTING
Spencer Rd Nerang, slideways.com.au This Nerang facility is the only hire kart track with a three-storey layout, which features a tunnel, as well as an outdoor section. The unique surface allows you to drift the karts through the corners.