Australia unpacked: Goldcoast adventures and Melbourne Natural charm
4-Day Gold Coast Getaway:
Singapore to Goldcoast- Surfers Paradise
Day 1: Arrival in Brisbane & Check-in at Q1 Resort and SpaAfter a morning flight from Singapore, we landed in Brisbane and opted for a convenient Uber ride to the Gold Coast. The journey took approximately 2 hours, and by 1 PM, we arrived at our accommodation. Our stay was at the Q1 Resort and Spa, where we had booked a 2-bedroom suite on the 39th floor. Q1 resort is the tallest building in Gold Coast and the panoramic views of the city and coastline it offers is absolutely breathtaking. The suite was spacious, featuring modern amenities, a comfortable spa bath, and even included laundry facilities, which came in handy during our stay. (booking.com)After settling in and taking some rest, we ventured out in the evening to explore Surfers Paradise, just a short walk from the resort. The area was vibrant with lively street performances, a plethora of dining options, and the iconic sandy beaches that the Gold Coast is renowned for.
Day 2: Thrills at Theme parks:
The Gold Coast in Australia as we all know is famous for its world-class theme parks. The major ones being:
- Warner Bros. Movie World
- Theme: Hollywood movies and superheroes
- Highlights: Superman Escape, DC Rivals HyperCoaster, Justice League 3D Ride
2. Sea World
- Theme: Marine life and ocean adventures
- Highlights: Dolphin shows, polar bears, shark bay, Jet Rescue coaster
3. Dreamworld
- Theme: Family fun, wildlife, thrill rides
- Highlights: The Giant Drop, Tiger Island, DreamWorks Experience
4. WhiteWater World (adjacent to Dreamworld)
- Theme: Water park
- Highlights: Extreme water slides, wave pools, family splash zones
Our second day was dedicated to fun and excitement at SeaWorld, Gold Coast, Australia’s premier water park. The park offered a variety of attractions suitable for all ages. We particularly enjoyed the Amazing whale show, multiple family rides, the pendulum which promised double the thrill. For those seeking a more relaxed experience, the H2Oasis provided a tropical splash zone perfect for cooling off.
After a day filled with water rides and shows, we returned to Surfers Paradise in the evening. The beach offered a serene setting for some water play, and we concluded the day with a delightful dinner at one of the many beachfront Italian restaurants.
Day 3: Adventures at Warner Bros. Movie World. Our day was packed with excitement as we visited two of the Gold Coast’s most renowned theme parks.(movieworld.com.au), Australia’s largest theme park, offered a mix of thrill rides and family-friendly attractions.
We braved the Wizard of the Oz rollercoaster rides and enjoyed the immersive experiences in themed areas dreamworld.com.au, en.wikipedia.org)In the afternoon, we headed to Warner Bros. Movie World, where the magic of movies came to life. The park featured adrenaline-pumping rides and entertaining shows that captivated audiences of all ages. (australia.com, themeparks.com.au).
Day 4: Day 4: Wildlife Wonders at Currumbin & A Cozy Evening with Friends
Morning: Journey to Currumbin Wildlife SanctuaryAfter a delightful breakfast, we embarked on a 40–45-minute Uber ride from Surfers Paradise to the renowned Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Arriving early proved advantageous, as the sanctuary opens at 9:00 AM, and early visitors can enjoy the exhibits and shows with minimal crowds. (gold-coast-tickets.com)
Midday: Immersive Wildlife EncountersCurrumbin offers a plethora of scheduled shows and interactive experiences. We planned our itinerary by referring to their official schedule, ensuring we didn’t miss highlights like the WildSkies Free Flight Bird Show at 10:45 AM and 2:15 PM, and the Blinky Bill Show at 10:15 AM and 12:30 PM. (currumbinsanctuary.com.au)
The kids were enthralled by the Koala Nursery Keeper Talk at 11:45 AM, where they learned about the care of these iconic marsupials. Feeding and interacting with kangaroos in their open enclosure was a memorable experience, offering close encounters in a natural setting.(currumbinsanctuary.com.au)
For lunch, the sanctuary boasts several on-site restaurants and cafes, providing a range of options to suit all tastes. Afternoon: Lorikeet Feeding SpectacleOne of the day’s highlights was the Lorikeet Feeding at 4:00 PM.
This vibrant event allows visitors to feed dozens of wild, friendly lorikeets as they perch on your hands, shoulders, and even heads. It’s a colorful and interactive experience that’s both fun and educational. (currumbinsanctuary.com.au)
Evening: Dining with Friends:
After a day filled with wildlife adventures, we spent the evening dining with friends at one of the many Indian restaurants in the Gold Coast, especially so, at Surfers paradise. The region offers a diverse culinary scene, and the flavors of home provided a comforting end to an exciting day. The new find of the day was Yo-Chi @ Surfers paradise https://yochi.com.au/yochi-venues. You can check the details and venues across Au here.
This 4-day itinerary offered a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and entertainment. From the luxurious stay at Q1 Resort and Spa to the thrilling experiences at the theme parks, our Gold Coast getaway was truly unforgettable.
—————————————- —————————————————————-
Day 5-7 Magnificent shades of Melbourne :
Day 5: Arrival in Melbourne & Evening City Exploration
Morning: Flight from Gold Coast to MelbourneWe caught a 9:30 AM flight from the Gold Coast and landed in Melbourne around midday. Upon arrival, we headed to the car rental counters at Melbourne Tullamarine Airport. Opting for a self-drive experience, we hired a Toyota RAV4 Hybrid SUV, which provided a comfortable and eco-friendly ride for our upcoming adventures. Car seats and booster seats are also provided by the car rentals on a basic per day charge. There are tons of car rental shops in a seperate wing besides the Airport in the same premises.
Afternoon: Check-in and Rest Near the AirportGiven our plans to embark on the Great Ocean Road drive the next day, we chose to stay at a hotel near the airport for convenience.
After checking in, we took some time to rest and recharge from our journey.
Evening: Exploring Melbourne’s City CenterIn the evening, we decided to explore Melbourne’s vibrant city center. We took a train from the airport vicinity to the city, which was a straightforward and efficient journey. Once in the city, we hopped on the iconic City Circle Tram (Route 35), a free service that loops around Melbourne’s central business district. The vintage-style tram offered a charming way to see the city’s landmarks, including Flinders Street Station, Federation Square, and the Parliament House. (seniorsinmelbourne.com.au, visitmelbourne.com)
The tram operates daily from 10 AM to 6 PM, with services every 12 minutes, making it easy to hop on and off at various attractions. (seniorsinmelbourne.com.au)After our tram ride, we strolled through the bustling streets, enjoying the city’s lively atmosphere and diverse culinary offerings before heading back to our hotel to rest up for the next day’s adventure along the Great Ocean Road.
Day 5: The Great Ocean Road Adventure Continues
Morning: Sweet Start at the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery
We set off from our Melbourne airport hotel around 8:00 AM (this was mid April, you have to start earlier if you want to cover the same distance before 5pm), embarking on the much-anticipated Great Ocean Road drive. Our first stop was the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery in Bellbrae, a delightful haven for chocolate enthusiasts.
The chocolaterie offers a variety of experiences, including the Junior Chocolatier Class for children aged 6–12, where they can create their own chocolate masterpieces.
The on-site café serves an array of chocolate-infused dishes, and the landscaped grounds provide ample space for kids to play and explore.
Midday: Coastal Charms at Lorne
Continuing along the scenic coastal route, we made a stop at Lorne Beach, a picturesque spot perfect for a family break. The kids enjoyed building sandcastles and playing in the gentle waves, while we relaxed on our picnic mats.
Lorne boasts a variety of eateries, including vegan and health-conscious options, ensuring a satisfying lunch for all.
Afternoon: Ice Cream Delights and Apollo Bay Exploration: As we drove further, we couldn’t resist the numerous ice cream parlors dotting the route. The kids indulged in sweet treats, adding to the joy of the journey.
Our next major stop was Apollo Bay, a charming coastal town offering recreational parks, eateries, and a beautiful beach. It’s an ideal spot to stretch your legs and soak in the coastal ambiance.
Late Afternoon: Historic Visit to Cape Otway LightstationOur second last destination for the day was the Cape Otway Lightstation, the oldest surviving lighthouse on mainland Australia, built in 1848. The lighthouse offers guided tours, providing insights into its rich maritime history and the lives of the lighthouse keepers. The panoramic views from the top are breathtaking, making the 40–45-minute visit truly worthwhile.
Evening: Sunset at the Twelve Apostles:
After the lighthouse, we headed to our final destination: The Twelve Apostles. It took approximately 55 minutes from Cape Otway to reach the Twelve Apostles car park. Timing is crucial, especially if you’re aiming to catch the spectacular sunset views. In early June, sunset occurs around 5:13 PM, so planning your arrival accordingly is essential. (sunrisesunset.willyweather.com.au)
From the car park, it’s a short walk to the viewing deck. Along the way, there are several vantage points where you can pause to admire the magnificent beauty of the limestone stacks, the sun casting golden hues over the ocean, and the waves crashing against the shore. The Twelve Apostles are best viewed at sunset when the yellow rock turns red, orange, and every shade in between (parks.vic.gov.au).
Night: Retreat to Summerhouse Cottages:
As dusk settled, we concluded our day’s adventures and proceeded to our accommodation for the night. We had booked a stay at Summerhouse cottages, located approximately 10 kilometers from the Twelve Apostles in Port Campbell. This tranquil retreat offers cottages spread over a farmland and bush, providing a serene environment to unwind after a day of exploration. The cottages are equipped with comfortable amenities, and the expansive grounds offer views of wetlands, coastal dunes, and the distant ocean. Settling into our cozy cottage, we reflected on the day’s memorable experiences, from the delightful chocolate indulgence to the awe-inspiring natural wonders. The peaceful surroundings of our accommodation provided the perfect setting to relax and rejuvenate for the adventures that awaited us the following day. This tinsel town has a few beautifully designed cozy cafes and restaurants and one single grocer shop.
This day along the Great Ocean Road was filled with delightful experiences, from indulging in chocolates to exploring historic landmarks and witnessing one of nature’s most breathtaking spectacles. Stay tuned for the next part of our journey, where we continue to uncover the wonders of this iconic Australian route.
