Joanna James
Party, explore, or simply relax at Gold Coast – Queensland's top vacation destination! It has plenty to offer, no matter what your taste is. To make the best of your time there, check out this list of 5 exciting things you must do on your Gold Coast vacation.
Here's your chance to get away from the beach for a bit – of course, you never want to get away from the beach – but this adventure is worth some time away from sand and surf. Here's why! Q1 is the tallest external building in Australia and climbing this structure will take you high into the sky. The reason you must head out at twilight is simply to experience an amazing sunset from your perch atop the building. The views of the ocean below are pretty impressive too and you wouldn't want to be caught out without your camera! By the way, Q1 is pretty easy to access from centrally-located hotels in Gold Coast QLD. Hence, you can easily head there on your way back from the beach. For instance, Oaks Gold Coast Hotel is only 5 minutes from Q1.
Want a shot of adrenaline to course through your body? Then head over to Surfers' Paradise and hop aboard the jet boat for a hair-raising ride. Hang onto your hats as the boat zips around the ocean, avoiding pelicans and sandbars! The almost one-hour ride is one for the adventure buff and the not-so adventurous to get their dare-devil groove on. The driver, by the way, is highly-skilled and knows how to avoid the larger vessels, causing the jet boat to do its own little jig on the waves.
Popular from June to November, the whale watching cruises offer an up-close and personal experience of the gentle giants of the ocean. Responsible tours, which do not disturb or cause anxiety to the mammals, are available at Gold Coast, which also boasts the longest whale-watching season in Australia. A simple tour, during the height of the whale watching season, will treat you to sights of the huge humpbacks, orca whale, dolphins, and even sharks.
Explore the popular Burleigh Head National Park with the aid of an experienced indigenous guide and discover the exotic culture of Australia's Aboriginal people. Explore the rainforest as your guide explains the environs and listen in fascination to some of the oldest Dreamtime stories in Queensland.
The Gold Coast offers some of the best breaks in Australia and you don't want to miss out on the ride of your life. Home to some of the nation's top surf schools, the beaches here are often crowded with many a would-be surfer, practising on the beach. Once you learn the ropes – and you do pretty fast because the instructors are awesome – you can hit the waves to enjoy some of the best times of your life!
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
