5 reasons to visit SURFERS PARADISE
Writer Cloe Willetts takes her daughter on an Oz vacay
It’s not only adults who need to escape the hustle of routine now and again – kids do too! Especially when your destination is sunny Surfers Paradise.
1 Luxurious, childfriendly digs
With busy days and a different time zone, kids often need somewhere to recharge while on holiday. Finding the perfect accommodation that’s both lavish enough to feel like you’re being treated and so cosy kids will feel at home is a win. We found this in the new Ruby Collection Apartments, a self-catered apartment complex 10 minutes’ stroll from central Surfers Paradise. With its kids’ club brimming with activities – as well as a fully-equipped kitchen and laundry, sparkling baths and child-friendly TV channels – Hazel and I were happy to spend lots of time onsite. Aside from sky-high views, the splash pad and 21m saltwater pool were hits for my water-baby, who started each day having fun under the Gold Coast sun.
2 A shopper’s dream
If you’re like us, a holiday isn’t complete without retail therapy! Pacific Fair is one of Queensland’s largest shopping and dining destinations, and just a 10-minute car or tram ride from Ruby Apartments. Located in Broadbeach Waters on the Gold Coast and designed using tropical landscapes, the mall is filled with global brands spread across 400 stores. For outdoor shopping, visit Cavill Ave – a pedestrian complex abuzz with dining and bar spots, along with countless clothing, health and knickknack stores. It’s a great place to take kids during the day and early evening, before heading home as partygoers come out to play in the stretch known for its nightlife.
3Magic to be found
Hazel couldn’t wait to visit Gold Coast’s famous theme parks. We picked Dreamworld, where looping rollercoaster rides, character performances and buckets of blue candyfloss took her to another world. Trolls Village – inspired by the children’s DreamWorks Animation – was the hit of the day and by far the most glittery! From dancing life-size characters and fluffy-haired paraphernalia to an amazing interactive tour of the Trolls’ Funhouse, Hazel was in total wonder. We finished a full day’s fun with a swim at the adjoining WhiteWater World, where I relaxed on a lounger while Hazel powered down water slides.
4 Good for the body and soul
Although known for its golden sand and turquoise sea, Surfers Paradise Beach has much more to offer. In a place where health and fitness are prized, the oceanway is buzzing with walkers, joggers and – thanks to the city’s Active and Healthy programme – people enjoying a free fitness circuit. With park pit stops including cross trainers, ab-hip swingers and butterfly presses, a quick sweat session can be thrown in before a dip at the beach. Free yoga and Tai Chi classes are also available (see goldcoast.qld.gov.au).
5 Legendary beaches
You should dedicate an entire day to Surfers Paradise Beach. It’s free, fun and an excuse to juggle tanning with child’s play. In between wave jumping and being turned into a sand mermaid, Hazel raced to see Borobi the surfing koala – the 2018 Commonwealth Games mascot sculpture that lives under the iconic Surfers Paradise sign. Like all tourists, she posed for a snap before we headed to the street markets for a spot of stall hopping.