Just Back From The Gold Coast

After a quick flight up to Gold Coast Airport at Coolangatta on VirginBlue, we picked up a car and headed north along the Gold Coast highway. We did stay in the heart of Surfers Paradise at the Watermark hotel, really central hotel, with a day spa attached, a couple of bars and a seafood buffet restaurant. No need to leave the hotel really if that is what you are looking for. I wanted to relax, but also needed to head out.

Having a hire car was a great way to get around. On our first afternoon we took a leisurely drive up to Tamborine Mountain in the Gold Coast hinterland. What a find. A great artist village with galleries and shops to wander through – one shop in particular has the best fudge I have tasted in a long time. Driving out of town around the mountain, vineyards and wineries are scattered about. Luckily for me, I wasn’t the designated driver, so I could taste some of the great wine in the region. Who knew it was up there? Certainly not me! We left there a couple of bottles tucked in the bags.

Saturday evening was a stroll around Surfer’s Paradise. It has been nearly 15 years since I had been to the Gold Coast, for the rite of passage that is schoolies. Saturday night on Cavill Ave is an interesting mix of families, teenagers out on a Saturday night and tourists taking it all in. We found an Irish pub and people watched. Cavill Ave is great for that.

I have heard a lot about Byron Bay, but never made the trip. The new road from Tweed Heads to Byron makes it a really manageable day trip from the Gold Coast. An hour and half there, stopping off for breakfast along the way. I know now what all the fuss is about! Byron is gorgeous. The beach is picture perfect, great for a mid-winter stroll. The lighthouse – the most easterly point in Australia, gives great views up and down the coast. There are shops to wander through, delicious ice cream, and a great pub with live music to end the day. Not to mention the cafes and restaurants catering to all tastes and budgets. I will definitely be heading back.

On our final morning we had booked a midday flight home. After an early morning stroll on the beach at Surfer’s, we headed back to the airport, stopping for breakfast at Currumbin surf club for breakfast. This is a find! It sits right on the beach, with a glass walled balcony, looking back up to the gold coast. Amazing!

All in all, a very relaxing weekend on the Gold Coast. A great place to re-charge the batteries and get some mid-winter sun!