The goodness of the Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is typically characterised by a) rollercoasters and b) The GC, aka The Worst Telly Show Ever Made by New Zealand on Air. But if you’re after an adventure that isn’t the same as everyone else’s, check out an assortment of other things the sunny Gold Coast offers.
Swimming with sharks at Seaworld
OK, so it’s probably not a good look kicking off this list with one of the most popular spots in the GC, but throw a good dollop of bravery into the mix and you’ve got one hellava adventure. Banish your scariest Jaws memories to the back of your mind and take a dip in Seaworld’s purpose-built shark-filled lagoon, filled with lots of little sharkies (called such to make them less scary) like whitetips and leopards. If you’re after some decent heart thumping, though, clamber into the shark cage for an exhilarating feeding session with tiger sharks and dusky whalers. This is a friendly reminder to keep your fingers clear of the edge, lest the little sharkies think you’re the meat.
Learning to surf the waves
If you’re, like, totally bodacious, dude, hanging 10 whist riding the waves is probably pretty appealing. Have a go at fitting in with the cool kids with a surfing lesson. Yes, there will be loads of babes on the beach and yes, they will probably giggle a bit when you will fall off heaps, but imagine how cool you’ll look when you casually ride a barrel into shore and sweep a layday off her feet in the process.
It’s jungle fever on the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk
Escape the city and head for the rainforest where the incredible Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk awaits. Channel your best spider monkey impression when you wander along an elevated walkway through the beautiful middle and upper canopies. At its highest point you’ll enjoy incredible views of the valley and creek below and lush rainforest all around, a whopping 30 metres off the ground. Humming R. Kelly’s “I believe I can flyyyyyyyyyyy …” is optional.
Climbing up to Q1
If seeing so much green from above makes you feel too much like Swiss Family Robinson, swap the leaves for the concrete and head to the Q1 observation deck. Either take one of the world’s speediest lifts to levels 77 and 78 in just 42.7 seconds, or take your sweet sweet time by food up a casual 1331 steps. Head to the bar and take in the spectacular city and ocean views from 230 metres up. If you’ve got vertigo, we suggest you don’t get too close to the window.
Hot air ballooning above the Hinterland
And since we’re on the upwards buzz, take heights to a whole new level by securing a spot on a hot air balloon. Breathe in incredible views over the Gold Coast hinterland including sweeping sights of Mt Tamborine and the GC cityscape. You shouldn’t have to be reminded to keep all body parts firmly within the basket at all times.
Dining with Dracula
Finally, you can’t get through all this crazy adventuring without a little sustenance. And here’s a some sustenance with a difference. Draculas combines cabaret, comedy, burlesque and some seriously good food to create a dining experience you would die for (guffaw). BYO blood.
The goodness of the Gold Coast is just a few hours away from EnZed. Pick up an awesome deal including flights and accommodation, thanks to China Airlines and GrabOne.