Best of both worlds
The Gold Coast’s hinterland and the ocean exude totally different vibes, and offer a wide range of fun pursuits between them.
AUSTRALIAN swimming star and Olympic gold medallist Brooke Hanson is sitting opposite me at breakfast, talking animatedly about grocery shopping and her children.
“They were waving excitedly at the helicopters that flew past our home this morning, saying that mummy’s friends were in them,” the 39-year-old gushes about her children’s antics at her house in Palm Beach, as she chomps down on farm poached eggs and toasted sourdough bread.
We’re having a casual dining experience at the Palazzo Versace in Gold Coast, Queensland (well, as casual as the star-studded hotel gets) – and Hanson’s kids would not be half-wrong.
Mummy’s friends – or rather the journalists who are spending the sunny Friday morning with her, as part of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games world press briefing – had indeed taken to the air on choppers earlier in the morning for a stunning bird’s-eye view of the coastal city.
“The coast from up there is beautiful, isn’t it?” Hanson says, when I relate the amazing scenery of the beach, canals and skyscrapers from the air.
“I can’t wait for the 2018 Commonwealth Games to be hosted in my backyard,” the athlete enthuses.
The 2018 Commonwealth Games – officially known as the 21st Commonwealth Games, and commonly referred to as the Gold Coast 2018 (GC2018) – will be held in the sunny coastal city from April 4–15 next year.
“The Gold Coast just has so much to offer everyone. You always feel like you’re on a holiday here because the atmosphere is just so relaxed – there’s no rush or any rat race.
“We have the best of both worlds, with the hinterland and the ocean. You really need to take some time out to just enjoy the sun while you’re here,” Hanson offers, as we cruise the Broadwater on a luxury yacht past water-side mansions en route to Surfers Paradise.
And that’s exactly what I do once the official working itinerary of the world press briefing ends – take some time to explore the Gold Coast.
On a high by the beach
The Gold Coast, being a coastal city, exudes casual vibes, mostly at the Surfers Paradise seaside resort. The popular holiday destination, which is easily accessible via the G:link tram, is where you will find tonnes of energy, excitement and an electrifying social scene, with its many restaurants and shops.
What I don’t expect to find, though, is K-pop music blasting across the beach here. But that’s just what I chance upon after a stroll on the golden strip of sand. I walk into the heart of Surfers Paradise to the sight of people dancing to K-pop girl group 2NE1’s I Am The Best at the annual
Bleach* Festival.
Before I know it, I’m in the heart of the seaside resort, dancing. That moment encapsulates perfectly the laid-back charm of the Gold Coast.
Hanson was right, there’s such an easy and relaxed atmosphere here.
The next morning, when I venture into the majestic hinterland for a hot-air balloon ride, I feel that perhaps nothing is as rejuvenating.
“You do have travel insurance, right?” a hot-air ballooning staff asks with a serious expression. “I’m just kidding, you’re in good hands! Our pilots are some of the most experienced in Australia.”
That’s very reassuring. And whatever jitters I have about floating in an untethered giant balloon melt away with the breathtaking view of the sun rising across the horizon.
Words can’t even begin to describe the sensation of the calming quiet up in the clouds, with the spectacular views of the landscape below and the skies above. It’s all very (The Secret Life Of) Walter Mitty-ish.
When the balloon finally lands at O’Reilly’s Vineyard for us to do some wine-tasting and have a hearty buffet breakfast, my head still feels like it’s in the clouds.
This is followed by an exhilarating 4WD tour across the hinterland; nothing gets you grounded like this!
The ride with Southern Cross 4WD Tours winds through eucalyptus trees into the gorgeous rainforests of Tamborine Mountain National Parks. During our descent to the rough terrain, my guide tries to look out for koalas that might be perching on the eucalyptus trees.
Too bad, we don’t see any of the cuddly creatures. So, he gives me the next best thing: An audio recording of a koala when it’s mating. Well, let’s just say you would never imagine something so cuddly could produce such a guttural sound.
Up close with the wildlife
In hindsight, I probably could have done without listening to that audio recording. At the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary the next day, I find myself cuddling a koala for a photo op – all the while trying not to think of that growl – as the little fellow clings onto my shirt. I keep my composure and smile for the camera.
That episode aside, it’s easy to see the appeal that the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary holds for the young and young-at-heart. It’s a great alternative from the theme parks, for families with young kids.
It is home to one of the largest collections of native Australian wildlife, where visitors can feed wild lorikeets and kangaroos as well as watch a free-flight bird show. It’s a one-stop venue for interactions with some of the country’s most iconic animals.
The journey to the heritagelisted zoological garden from Surfers Paradise reveals a less touristy side to the city. Between Coolangatta and Currumbin, the laid-back vibe of the coast is amplified. The beaches are less crowded, and there are more opportunities to see the locals going about their daily grind. Sunday is the best time to travel to this part of town, as the Coolangatta Art and Craft market takes place then.
With over 150 stalls offering locally made crafts and fresh produce, the venue is a great place to walk to after breakfast at a seaside cafe along Point Danger. You can opt to drive, if you prefer. But then you would be missing out on a scenic 15-minute stroll with fantastic views of the blue sea and interaction with hot surfers, er, I mean friendly locals.
The less bustling southern part of the coast appeals to me more. Sure, Surfers Paradise is a great place to enjoy the vibes of the Gold Coast. But for something a little more toned down, places like Currumbin, Coolangatta and Burleigh are definitely the more relaxing places.
Venture out of Surfers Paradise, and you will also find novel and hip eateries like The Collective at Palm Beach and Etsu Izakaya at Mermaid Beach.
But hey, what spells “laid back” more than some drinks in the afternoon? Before heading back to my hotel, I stop by Burleigh Brewing Co for some refreshing brew. After all, we’re in Australia’s capital of fun, right? Cheers to that, mate.