The Gold Coast. Otherwise known as Surfers Paradise. Destination of beach goers from Australia and the world!
Why Surfers for us?
This destination was Dads choice. He had driven through here and stopped for dinner but never stayed. Me, on the other hand…I can count many trips here.
Where did we stay?
The decision was taken early in the arrangement to stay at Q1. I had stayed there several times with my late husband, brother and sister in law. Dad and I booked a two bed apartment and asked that we had an ocean view. Boy did they deliver!
The apartment was right at the front of Q1 and was the largest of the two bedroom apartments that they have. It gave us 2 beds, 2 bathrooms, laundry room, dining area, two seating areas and kitchen. All on the 45th floor.
Eating out at Surfers
For me, eating out at Surfers is a no-brainer! Hard Rock Cafe is always my venue of choice due to their menu and especially their fajitas! This trip did not disappoint. I even picked myself up a T-shirt. Hard Rock is 50 this year….so am I! I was not going to turn down a T-shirt that said “Est 1971”
We also ate out at the restaurant/bar at the hotel. Again this did not disappoint. Longboards @ Q1.
What to do at Surfers?
Apart from the obvious beach, and the Wednesday market, there are many things to entertain. Shopping is plentiful, both in the major Surfers area and the factory outlets a little way out of town. There is also Ripleys believe it or not!!!!
Dad and I didn’t do those. We went for something different.
We drove out to Springbrook National Park and visited Natural Bridge.
A beautiful natural sight with glow worm caves also. Approximately 1.75km walk with some steps and slopes to accommodate.
We also spent some time at the Gold Coast Botanical Gardens. Gold Coast botanical gardens as well as heading back up to Springbrook for a sunset at Best of all lookout
All in all, the trip was a success. Good food, good company and a cocktail or two! I visited places I had never been as usually my Surfers trips with Mark, Lee and Clare involved pubs, pubs and kebabs!
It was a strange trip to be on without Mark. We always stayed at Q1 together and had done three months before I lost him. But, its time for new memories and I certainly made a few!
