Australia: Road Trip - Gold Coast

[Dleodleo]

Yup, it's time to plan one self drive trip for Brisbane and gold coast for June 14.

 

Did some primary research, see if anyone who has experienced in these areas can help tks.

 

Primary goal, to visit 2 friends both staying in Brisbane.

Drive around viewing scenery, not able to visit all 3 theme parks due to 7 yo can't participate in all rides.

 

Places I read so far are

Theme park in GC

Koala park

GC hinterland

Lost world valley

MT Barney - farmstay

Sunshine coast

 

Great barrier reef is very popular but is it suitable for 7 yo?

Thanks alot

 

Hi,

 

I went in June 2013. Winter is good, very cooling with occasional rain. Bring raincoat and umbrella. GC's winter will not be very cold during daytime unless it rains and during evening when the sun is down, it will be very cold.

 

Why children age 7 cannot participate in most rides? Actually we brought our 6 years old and 10 years old children there, they enjoy the theme parks. Go movie world and seaworld, they have rides for the kids which are suitable for your 7 years old. For these 2 theme parks, i think your kid cannot ride only 2 adults rides (I also wouldnt dare to ride - like roller coaster) in each park.

 

They also have cartoon characters parade and photography - your kid will love it. Seaworld - spongebob and dora. Movieworld - tweety bird, batman, wonderwoman, cat woman, scooby doo and etc.

 

Just avoid Dreamworld which cater more to teenagers and above that is not suitable for children.

 

Here are some blogs with children to the GC with themepark, perhaps you want to read first before deciding whether to bring your child there:

 

http://etrangle.net/goldcoast2012-day-1-to-4/

 

http://jbabiesdad.blogspot.sg/2012/06/4d3n-gold-coast-trip-day-2.html

 

http://www.cheekiemonkie.net/search/label/Gold%20Coast

 

http://sengkangbabies.blogspot.sg/2010/09/gold-coast-surfers-paradise-day-1.html

 

http://patchbunny.blogspot.sg/search/label/Family%20Trip%20-%20Gold%20Coast

 

Enjoy your trip.

[Blueblueman]

Thanks bro , yup I believe it's this dream world which was scary when I went as a teenager 20 yrs back that's y I say it's too much for my boy n ya we are gng to movie world n not sea world cos theme park aren't cheap haha

 

Wifey wish to add granite belt to the list

Ya wine n wine haha

 

 

 

 

Hi,

 

I went in June 2013. Winter is good, very cooling with occasional rain. Bring raincoat and umbrella. GC's winter will not be very cold during daytime unless it rains and during evening when the sun is down, it will be very cold.

 

Why children age 7 cannot participate in most rides? Actually we brought our 6 years old and 10 years old children there, they enjoy the theme parks. Go movie world and seaworld, they have rides for the kids which are suitable for your 7 years old. For these 2 theme parks, i think your kid cannot ride only 2 adults rides (I also wouldnt dare to ride - like roller coaster) in each park.

 

They also have cartoon characters parade and photography - your kid will love it. Seaworld - spongebob and dora. Movieworld - tweety bird, batman, wonderwoman, cat woman, scooby doo and etc.

 

Just avoid Dreamworld which cater more to teenagers and above that is not suitable for children.

 

Here are some blogs with children to the GC with themepark, perhaps you want to read first before deciding whether to bring your child there:

 

http://etrangle.net/goldcoast2012-day-1-to-4/

 

http://jbabiesdad.blogspot.sg/2012/06/4d3n-gold-coast-trip-day-2.html

 

http://www.cheekiemonkie.net/search/label/Gold%20Coast

 

http://sengkangbabies.blogspot.sg/2010/09/gold-coast-surfers-paradise-day-1.html

 

http://patchbunny.blogspot.sg/search/label/Family%20Trip%20-%20Gold%20Coast

 

Enjoy your trip.

[Dleodleo]

 

Thanks bro , yup I believe it's this dream world which was scary when I went as a teenager 20 yrs back that's y I say it's too much for my boy n ya we are gng to movie world n not sea world cos theme park aren't cheap haha

 

Wifey wish to add granite belt to the list

Ya wine n wine haha

 

 

 

Hi,

 

You can buy VIP pass for 3 worlds, unlimited entry to these 3 parks (seaworld, movieworld and wet and wild) at AUD99.99.

 

How many people going? If 4 people you can buy at myfun.com.au. Buy 3 and get 1 free. This one you have to wait for promotion. On and off they will have.

 

http://myfun.com.au/theme-parks-passes

 

Forget to tell, the wet and wild, we went but we left within 2 hours cos too cold for us. The water are not heated, only heated is their whirlpool.

Edited December 3, 2013 by Dleodleo

[Mcf777]

this link all about brisbane/GC

http://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/forum/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=4623&start=940

[Blueblueman]

Hi thanks for the links. Yup iternary is about the same as they wrote

Farmstay theme park etc etc

 

Lastly, anyone ever tried scoot to GC ?

Any idea when is the best time to book for best price?? Haha

Eg how many mths ahead or they will Hv promo coming up when near?

I never take scoot before and based on their price now it's ard 500+ rtn GC

Is that a good price and sadly alot of bad reviews abt scoot delay, change flight dates last min etc etc

Really that horrible? I admit I got no prob with js for all my trips till date

Gaha tks

Hahaha actually I really not into these theme parks

More of a relax trip and enjoy the weather n slow pace n farms

But thanks anyway, it's will be good for those bros reading and gng for these theme parks

 

Thanks

 

 

 

Hi,

 

You can buy VIP pass for 3 worlds, unlimited entry to these 3 parks (seaworld, movieworld and wet and wild) at AUD99.99.

 

How many people going? If 4 people you can buy at myfun.com.au. Buy 3 and get 1 free. This one you have to wait for promotion. On and off they will have.

 

http://myfun.com.au/theme-parks-passes

 

Forget to tell, the wet and wild, we went but we left within 2 hours cos too cold for us. The water are not heated, only heated is their whirlpool.

[Blueblueman]

I can't believe it, nOw is just dec n one of the farm in granite belt that I'm looking at is fully booked for June!

Omg

[Spanly]

Just back from my GC holidays. Would like to share on my road trip...

The night drive from Brisbane airport to Gold Coast wasn't as difficult as I thought due to my lack of night driving experience in past driving trips in Aussie-land The highways are mostly lighted with only short stretches w/o street lighting but was still ok with the tail lights fr vehicles in front & the reflectors along the highways. Took me almost 1.5 hrs as there're some roadworks along the way. The car rental guy even gave me direction to bypass the toll bridge.

Daytime weather was mostly sunny so sunblock & sunglasses are a MUST. Temp in the evening is a pleasant 22-26 degree. Sunrises very early before 5am.

The beach at Surfer Paradise is great with its long stretches of clean fine sand... kids would love it! The Hakataya ramen is a good find & I simply love the tasty broth... what's more, they even

provide free noodle upon request

Shopped at both Harbour Town & Robina... Harbour Town is more of outdoor concept so was sort of hot at this time of the year... Robina is fully air-conditioned & have a food court.

Apart from the beaches, theme parks, wildlife park & shopping, can also consider the nature aspect... I've stayed 2 nights over at the O'reilly Rainforest Retreat at the Lamington National Park just less than 2 hours drive inland from Surfer. The last 30km up the hill was rather windy & narrow & took almost an hour to cover. Those with experience going up Genting/CH may find it to be less challenging as there're fewer cars & I don't even see any buses/lorries along the way.

At the retreat, U can do tree-top walk, hiking & bird watching. There're a couple of short hikes(can see a waterfall) with returned distance of less than 5km so is definitely doable even for those with kids tagging along. Can see many beautiful birds around the resort compounds... King Parrots, Crimson Rosellas etc. These birds are rather bold as they're probably very used to humans & even dare to gather around u to see if they can get any food.

Covered very low mileage this trip... less than 500km in all for the week; so just need to top up once before returning the car. Actually if just staying in the Surfer vicinity, may not really need a car to go to those theme parks/food/shopping. Just that having one offers more flexibility & convenience.

Btw, my rented car is a Elantra 1.8(A) ... pretty decent drive with good boot space for the luggage.

 

 

[dragonbob]

Anyone care to share your experience? Also looking for Australia Map for PaPaGo which I understand an alternative is to purchase in form of SD Card from the Local Agent.

[Perseus76]

Anyone care to share your experience? Also looking for Australia Map for PaPaGo which I understand an alternative is to purchase in form of SD Card from the Local Agent.

no need to buy map. if u are using i phone, just use the apple map. it works great in my last trip, between the north Hervey bay, all the way down south to gold coast....

 

all u need to do, is once u landed, just get a local no. at the airport, with data plan. there are several packages, with some as cheap as AUD15, and it should gives u enough data to last for the week.

 

Sometime their hotel no free wifi, and u need to pay, and it cost more too, to pay by per day wifi....so just get their local no. and u can even do hot spot, and use apple map.

[Jman888]

Anyone care to share your experience? Also looking for Australia Map for PaPaGo which I understand an alternative is to purchase in form of SD Card from the Local Agent.

 

Na free for Australia map on iPhone/iPad is free, no data needed.

[Perseus76]

Na free for Australia map on iPhone/iPad is free, no data needed.

 

map is free, GPS can gives u the location. But if no data, I don't think it can download the map., much like google map.

once u go new location, it needs to download the local map. else, its all blurish....

[Jman888]

 

map is free, GPS can gives u the location. But if no data, I don't think it can download the map., much like google map.

once u go new location, it needs to download the local map. else, its all blurish....

the map can be downloaded in Singapore, then you won't need data when you are there.

 

I use it in Perth for 9 days when travel down south.

 

sorry it should be Navfree, not Na Free

Edited December 14, 2013 by Jman888

[Soya]

Ok time for a FR.

 

Was downunder during the recent hols. Hooked up the Garmin (rented the SD card from Navicom - kudos to whoever recommended it, saved a bundle compared to renting from the car rental co) and the Navfree together.

 

Punched the same destination to see which one more accurate or provide easier guidance. Drove with both on at the same time.

 

Both were accurate (naturally) but find that Garmin provides better guidance. The prompts were clearer and more ahead of time and I could plan the lane filtering and exits better.

 

But being a free app, Navfree does a great job.

 

Conclusion: If u want assurance and ease of use, stick wif Garmin. If wanna save a bit, Navfree will get u there too. Juz gotta be a little more alert.

[Blueblueman]

Thanks for the great fr! I think I stick my garmin then n get this aust map from navicom for my June trip.

Thanks

[Atrecord]

If you go to tamborine mountains, don't trust Garmin.

 

The rental co waived the fees for the Garmin when we were there Nov/Dec. When going up tamborine, the stupid Garmin led us to a place where the road got narrower and narrower, then got a car stopped in front of a house that was on a slide slope. Luckily a lady was there collecting mails and when we asked, she just laughed and said dun trust GPS there, it's not accurate, and directed us to go another i think 7 km down then turn again...

 

I think the suggestion my cousin gave was better: just buy a sim card at the airport, put into smart phone, and use google map for navigation.

 

oh, btw, whatever you use, be prepared that there are lots of road works in oz. GPS might tell you turn right in 100 m, then at the turn, you see workers and excavators on the road, and some of them waving for you to go right on instead of turning cos road closed... just have to do so, and wait for GPS to recalculate...

[BabyBlade]

Going to Gold Coast this April for 12 days. Regretted booking so long, 12 days is a lot of time to spend at GC. Flying via FlyScoot. Got my tix from there for about $300+.

 

Anyone bought your theme park passes from https://myfun.com.au/attractions-and-experiences.aspx ?

 

Is it really a better deal than buying from the theme park itself? Those who have bought from myfun.com.au before please share your experiences. Will be going to Movie World, Sea World + Whale Watching. Sea World have a combo package available @ http://www.seaworldwhalewatch.com.au/pricing_and_packages.php.

 

Is myfun.com.au a reliable source?

 

So far what we have in mind:

 

- SkyPoint Climb

- Surfers Paradise Beach

- Movie World

- Sea World

- Whale Watching

- Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

- Cape Byron Bay Lighthouse

- Hot Air Balloon

- Springbrook National Park Glowworm Tour

- Lamington National Park

- Shopping trips

 

Anyone else have experiences with day tours? Any local tour agency to recommend?

[drivinghazard]

Going to Gold Coast this April for 12 days. Regretted booking so long, 12 days is a lot of time to spend at GC. Flying via FlyScoot. Got my tix from there for about $300+.

 

Anyone bought your theme park passes from https://myfun.com.au/attractions-and-experiences.aspx ?

 

Is it really a better deal than buying from the theme park itself? Those who have bought from myfun.com.au before please share your experiences. Will be going to Movie World, Sea World + Whale Watching. Sea World have a combo package available @ http://www.seaworldwhalewatch.com.au/pricing_and_packages.php.

 

Is myfun.com.au a reliable source?

 

So far what we have in mind:

 

- SkyPoint Climb

- Surfers Paradise Beach

- Movie World

- Sea World

- Whale Watching

- Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

- Cape Byron Bay Lighthouse

- Hot Air Balloon

- Springbrook National Park Glowworm Tour

- Lamington National Park

- Shopping trips

 

Anyone else have experiences with day tours? Any local tour agency to recommend?

 

Wow 12 days is really very long. But there are many beaches there, if you want can go explore other beaches other than Surfers Paradise, for example i like broadbeach and Coolangatta. Each beach is different. Other standard activities include whale watching, hot air balloon, parks etc.

 

For theme park, you can get the unlimited pass to Movie World, Sea World, and Wet and Wild. Dream world need to get separately. Buy from here: https://themeparks.com.au/box-office/movie-world.aspx?

Since you staying for so long, it's really worth it. I bought unlimited pass but only went to Movie World and Sea World.

 

For those whale watching, hot air balloon activities, no need to buy in advance. Can go there and buy.

 

I also like Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, see the free roaming kangaroos and see koala bears.

 

quite sure you will enjoy your trip. Hope this helps

 

[Jman888]

Going to Gold Coast this April for 12 days. Regretted booking so long, 12 days is a lot of time to spend at GC. Flying via FlyScoot. Got my tix from there for about $300+.

 

Anyone bought your theme park passes from https://myfun.com.au/attractions-and-experiences.aspx ?

 

Is it really a better deal than buying from the theme park itself? Those who have bought from myfun.com.au before please share your experiences. Will be going to Movie World, Sea World + Whale Watching. Sea World have a combo package available @ http://www.seaworldwhalewatch.com.au/pricing_and_packages.php.

 

Is myfun.com.au a reliable source?

 

So far what we have in mind:

 

- SkyPoint Climb

- Surfers Paradise Beach

- Movie World

- Sea World

- Whale Watching

- Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

- Cape Byron Bay Lighthouse

- Hot Air Balloon

- Springbrook National Park Glowworm Tour

- Lamington National Park

- Shopping trips

 

Anyone else have experiences with day tours? Any local tour agency to recommend?

 

 

drive to Sydney and come back