We spent 6 days and 5 nights on the Goldie, and the first thing you notice when you step off your REX flight is just how much warmer it is.
But firstly back to REX – we were upgraded to business and what a treat that was. A meal worthy of talking about, exceptionally friendly staff – that fall over you to make sure you’re comfortable and make you endless cups of tea. Kids were treated like kings and I would have liked the flight to take at least another hour to continue the pure joy of quiet and being waited on. REX – we’ll choose you next time we fly.
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This is why we come to the Gold Coast
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The perfect lines of the supabank
We stayed in Coolangatta for 3 nights – surfed Snapper on waves that go for days, I even got 2 in a pack of hungry surfers.
Our first night we met the crew at Grandad Jacks Craft Distillery for a Gin aperitif (you can take your own cheese board) and Precinct for a local beer and no fuss. Live music, huge warehouse – great for kids and a bustling vibe for a Friday night.
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A surfers dream, Point Danger to Rainbow Bay
Yep we did the theme parks – Movie world will long reign in our kids top experiences of life. Who doesn’t love a roller coaster. Download the Village Road show theme park app, get on the virtual que or pay for the fast lane – it’s worth it to not wait for rides. Take your lunch – the food is not that healthy, but if you want a blow-out – go the hot dogs.
We rate Paddock Bakery for brunch – it’s busy, you will wait in line or get there early. Donuts and pastries are to die for! Ask our boys!
Our favourite for brekkie or lunch is Commune in Burleigh, this whole little village is worth a visit and bookmark La Bella Cellar for a vino or a dinner! We didn’t get to it, but will next time.
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300 days of sunshine every year @ Goldie
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Try the stand-up paddle at Go Vertical at Surfers Paradise – Chloe will take care of you and try to pick a day without wind – we didn’t score it but it’s a great birds eye view into some of the mansions of the water! Drop into Surfers Pavilion on your way out for a drink over the water.
Coolangatta Surf Club for a good pub dinner and drinks is the go for a family – we loved it here, fast, fresh and with style.
A special experience for us all was the Jellurgal Aboriginal cultural walk – the boys learnt so much about the regions first inhabitants, and the walk is stunning up the magical mountain called Jellurgal. Breathe and enjoy the nature.
We spent 2 nights at Cedar Creek lodges – visit the Cedar creek falls – stunning, swim but be safe with kids, it’s refreshing and so worth it. It’s about a 35 minute walk, our kids are not bush walkers, but did it with little to no complaining. This is an epic place for the kids. The tree top zip lining is all time – but your kids need to be about 10 years old or tall for their age as the younger version of the course isn’t open on the weekdays. They have a crystal mine (our boys loved it) and mini putt putt golf, another winner in the Tan family and mum and dad got an hour to themselves by the fire.
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Slept the night on the side of this creek in a cabin - Cedar Creek Lodge
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Tan familia, signing off from Queensland
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I bet you didn't know this was 1 hr drive from Snapper
Eat at Picnic for breaky or lunch – beautiful food and like everywhere we went, people are nice, friendly and oh so welcoming.
Do the Tamborine Mountain Skywalk – it’s privately owned by Brendan and his family who have a long history in the area. It’s stunning, lush and an easy walk amongst the tree tops for the whole family. We loved our morning here.
We did a lot – our kids are active and like to know what’s next, there’s so much to do and see, food is all time too. It’s the perfect family holiday – you might find me doing block laps on the REX plane, we were so impressed!
Words: Deb Tan
