Posts for Gold Coast

TOP ACTIVITIES WHICH YOU MUST TRY OUT IN SURFERS PARADISE

Australia - Ross French - November 9, 2017

Located on the Queensland’s Gold Coast in eastern Australia, Surfers Paradise stands as a symbol for the lifestyle and the yearnings of the people who visit the area. Situated just 83 kilometres away from Brisbane, this beautiful resort town is truly a ‘paradise for surfers’. Although preferred by the younger generation, this glorious strip of sand and the few blocks of sheer luxury attract tourists from all ages and ethnicities. The strip is home to the most luxurious hotels you can find in the Queensland area, and of course, the most beautiful beaches. Book a room in one of the hotels near Surfers Paradise beach, spend your days soaking up the sun and enjoy some of the activities this paradise of a place has in store for you. Among the numerous activities, here are some of the must-do things to try out during your vacation in Surfers Paradise.

1. Go surfing

As the name of this beautiful location suggests, surfing has to be the number one thing to try when you visit Surfers Paradise. The beaches of this location have some of the best wave breaks that you can find in the entire world, and surfing on these waves is surely one of the most fun experiences that you will have during on your vacation. After a fun surf, catch a break at the beautiful beach, relax for a bit and then hit the waves again. And if you do not know how to surf, or are not very experienced, then you can book yourself a surfing lesson. You will get to learn how to ride the waves at locations which fit your skill level. The Spit beach is the best location for beginners with small waves and great instructors.

2. Enjoy the view from Gold Coast SkyPoint Observation Deck

The Gold Coast SkyPoint Observation Deck is the only beachside observation deck you can find in Australia. The observation deck is located on the 77th floor of the Q1 Tower, which is the tallest resort building of the entire country. The unparalleled view of the entire Gold Coast that you can see from here truly makes a trip to this tower an unforgettable experience. The deck sits 230 meters above the sea-level, and the 360 degrees’ views of the sand and waves will surely take your breath away. You can also relax and enjoy a really nice meal at the SkyPoint’s Seventy7 Café and Bar.

3. Go whale watching

The nearby waters of the Gold Coast are home to some of the most magnificent creatures you can find in the sea, and among them, surely the most majestic ones are humpback whales. There are a lot of tour operators who organise the trips out to sea. Get up close and personal with these magnificent marine creatures in their natural habitat. You will get to enjoy a scenic cruise down the Nerang River aboard a luxurious vessel, go past the picturesque South Stradbroke Island and reach the Australian Whale Sanctuary. Every year, between May and October, the majestic humpback whales migrate here to reproduce and welcome the next generation of whales. You will also get the opportunity to see some of the other beautiful marine creatures of these waters too, including bottle-nose dolphins, giant loggerhead turtles, killer whales and various sea birds. Seeing these incredible creatures is another must-do activity while you’re here.

4. Experience a relaxing sunset cruise

If you want to spend your vacation days enjoying the ultimate luxury and comfort, then going on a sunset cruise through the calm and beautiful waters of the Gold Coast Broadwater is a must do activity. You will get to enjoy a beautiful cruise on board your luxury yacht. Experience the beautiful views of the local landmarks such as the Southport Yacht Club, Marina Mirage, Wave Break Island and Surfers Paradise, as you sip on your glass of sparkling wine. You will get the opportunity of spotting some of the gorgeous birds and marine life of this area such as pelicans, cormorants, terns, sea eagles and even dolphins. Experience the magical changing colours of the sky and the water as the sun slowly sets into the horizon. You can also include a gourmet dinner served on board and sample some of the freshest seafood from the area.

5. Try out indoor skydiving

This is one of the most unique experiences that you can get in Surfers Paradise, at iFLY Gold Coast. Located just off the beach of Sunset Paradise, iFLY Gold Coast gives you the opportunity of experiencing the thrill of skydiving without actually jumping off an aeroplane! You will get to experience the adrenaline rush of skydiving in a multi-story wind tunnel, under the supervision of an expert instructor. The experience lasts about one and a half hour, and during that time, you will get to learn basic skydiving techniques, get the thrill of floating in the air and also attempt to do some mid-air stunts. The environment is completely safe and the technology is state-of-the-art, which makes it a great way to experience the fun and thrill of skydiving without the added risks which normally come with it.

6. Visit the Cape Byron Lighthouse

Located in Byron Bay, the Cape Byron Lighthouse sits on the most easterly point of Australia. This beautiful lighthouse has been shining its light over the Cape Byron Marine Park since 1901. Take the one-and-a-half-hour trip south into New South Wales to experience the beautiful vistas. You can also visit the Maritime Museum below to learn more about this iconic lighthouse, and find out about shipwrecks and other stories.

A few exciting activities I encourage you to try on your holiday in Surfers Paradise. Explore this incredible city and soak up the sun with its warm weather all year round.

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5 of the Most Gnarly Surfing Spots in the World

Travel Blog - Ross French - September 22, 2017

Surfing Spots

You’ve probably heard the saying, “A bad day in the water is better than a good day working,” but what if days filled with bad surfing conditions were few and far between? You need to find a beach with an amazing surf, and it might be easier than you think. Stop randomly chasing the waves, and check out some of the most gnarly surfing destinations in the world.

1. Oahu, Hawaii

There’s a reason that Hawaii’s Banzai Pipeline is a fixture on the surf tour circuit — it’s one of the heaviest waves in the world. The flawless water tube hovers more than 19 feet over the shallow base of the reef that lines the shores of Ehukai Beach on Oahu’s north shore. Unfortunately, most surfers will never be good enough to surf the Pipeline. The granddaddy of all waves is also one of the most dangerous. If you need more practice, Honolua Bay in Maui. If you’re lucky, you might see a whale or two from your board.

2. La Jolla, California

Southern California has several excellent surfing spots, but La Jolla, CA is one of the best because it’s home to several surfing spots with varied wave levels. If you’re a beginner, check out La Jolla Shores. It’s a pretty basic beach, but its reliable, predictable waves make it a favorite among local surfers. To find the gnarliest waves in the area, head to La Jolla Cove. Some of the largest waves in the area break just outside the protected part of the cove.

3. Eastern Cape, South Africa

When traveling to South Africa consider staying in Jeffrey’s Bay in the Eastern Cape province. The laid-back beach town is about an hour’s drive from Port Elizabeth — one of the largest cities in South Africa. Jeffrey’s Bay has some of the best waves in the world, according to Surfer Today, and it’s known for its long, fast barrels and intense breaks. The bay itself is divided into sections, making it easy to choose a wave that matches your skill level. Find Magna Tubes, Kitchen Windows, Boneyards, and the craziest of them all, Supertubes.

4. Raglan, New Zealand

Raglan, New Zealand burst onto the surf scene in the 1960s when it was used as a filming location for the surf classic, “The Endless Summer.” The sleepy surf town is filled with cafes and bars that have surfing videos on continuous play. Manu Bay is the most popular surf spot in the area. It’s a long, left-hand point break along a boulder beach that has waves that start as a hollow drop before going into a barrel, and finally into a long walled section. On epic days, surfers can surf from Indicators straight through Whale Bay to Manu Bay.

5. Gold Coast, Australia

Gold Coast, a coastal city in Queensland, is a well-known surfing mecca. The surfer’s paradise is home to over 40 miles of pristine beaches and four epic point breaks, including the Superbreak. Generally considered one of the best surfing spots on the Gold Coast, the Superbreak, is a right-hand wave that barrels regularly — it’s known for producing heavy, hollow barrels only suitable for experienced surfers. Surfers also flock to Currumbin Alley. Known simply as the Alley, the popular surf spot produces consistent, world-class waves that advanced surfers love, as well as whitewash waves ideal for beginners.

The key to finding an amazing surf spot is finding beaches that produce surf-worthy waves on a regular basis. This way, when you’re ready to hang ten, the waves are ready for you.

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TOP FIVE PLACES TO VISIT IN BRISBANE

Australia - Ross French - September 12, 2017

Brisbane attractions

The capital of the state of Queensland, Australia – Brisbane is the third most populated city in the country. Located inland from Moreton Bay, Brisbane is situated between two of the most popular destinations of East Coast Australia, the Sunshine Coast, and the Gold Coast. Considered as a business city, Brisbane is not as culturally rich as Melbourne or Sydney, but the beautiful Brisbane attractions make up for it. Queensland is often referred as the ‘Sunshine State’ of Australia, and the all-year-round beautiful weather makes Brisbane a perfect city to visit any time of the year. Just rent one of the luxurious Brisbane accommodations, and explore the beautiful, busy Brisbane. From adventure activities along the coast to leisurely walk through the parks, there are a lot of Brisbane attractions for you to enjoy. Here are the top five places which you must visit during your trip to Brisbane. Continue Reading

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7 Extreme Experiences in East Coast Australia That You Should Try

Australia, Travel Blog - Ross French - February 16, 2017

Gold Coast

You may or may not be the adventurous type, but as the saying goes: “you only live once”. For some, they want to feel that adrenaline rush over and over again, but for others, trying it at least once in their lives is enough.

The East coast of Australia hosts a number of extreme parks, rides, and experiences, which can easily be accessed. Some of these experiences are located in Brisbane, Adelaide, Sydney, and Gold Coast, and the best way to get to these locations is by getting a car hire in Gold Coast or other metros – especially if convenience is number one in your list. Check out our compilation of the best extreme experiences in the eastern seaboard that you must try at least once in your life.

1. Clipsal500 Hot Lap in Adelaide

Experience the thrill of having your head pinned to the head rest and almost fly through air by riding a race car in Adelaide. Clipsal500 Hot Lap gives racing fans a chance to experience the thrill for two whole minutes, alongside Australia’s best race car drivers! Get your tickets here today, as the event will be happening on March 2-5, 2017.

Gold Coast2. Wollongong Tandem Skydiving in Sydney

Skydive over North Wollongong Beach and see dolphins and migrating whales several feet from the air! A professional skydiving instructor will be joining you all throughout the ride, so you need not worry about not being able to maneuver the parachute. Safely jump 14,000 feet from the air, with the speed reaching 120 mph or 193 kph. The round trip transportation from the Sydney CBD to the drop zone will also be included in the fee.

3. Shark Diving Xtreme in Sydney

Have you ever thought about what it’s like to swim with sharks in Australia? Well, now’s your chance to do such. Shark Diving Xtreme in Sydney provides a different scuba diving experience, where divers can get a chance to get up close and personal with large grey nurse sharks, stingrays, sea turtles, and colourful fish. Sharks are the most misunderstood sea creatures, and this experience will teach you why you should not hurt them or be terrified of their presence. You will, of course, dive with an expert through your 30-minute experience with the sharks.

Ramp Jumping4. Rap Jumping in Melbourne

Experience running face-down from a 7-storey building in Melbourne! Rap jumping or forward abseil running gets your adrenaline rushing by letting you rapel face first down the side of a building. Enjoy awesome views of Melbourne while feeling the adrenaline rush through your body. Instructions and safety equipment will be provided, so no need to worry about anything! You do not need experience to try it as well, as experts will be there to guide you all throughout.

5. iFly Gold Coast: Indoor Skydiving in Gold Coast

If you’re not ready to try the real thing yet, then go ahead and try iFly’s indoor skydiving first. This is suitable for kids, so you can spend the day without having to leave the kids behind! You do not actually have to jump off a plane – all you have to do is lean forward inside a multistory wind tunnel, and you will automatically float in the air! Guests can choose how many flights they want to have, and if they want to share their flights. An expert will also be guiding you all throughout the experience.

Kangaroo Point Cliffs6. Rock Climbing at the Kangaroo Point Cliffs in Brisbane

Although Brisbane is known for its CBD, a lot of hidden gems are waiting to be discovered in this city. Kangaroo Point is the perfect place to do rock climbing, as the peak presents a wide and amazing view of the whole city. Brave the rocks and climb 65 feet above the ground, with experienced instructors guiding you to the peak.

7. The Mega Adventure Park in Adelaide

Purchase a ticket from this park and enjoy a two-hour access to all areas. More than fifty obstacles are present in the park, with extras such as the ParaJump and the SkyWalk. Visit the park today and enjoy aerial thrills that this park has to offer!

Have a great adventure and enjoy the awesomeness of Oz!

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