Getaroom Travel Bites

Gold Coast is the most populated non-capital city in Australia, and is visited by around 10 million tourists a year, all searching for the surf, sun and fun which the city offers as a major holiday destination.

Situated in the southern-east end of Queensland, and just above the border of New South Wales, Gold Coast weather is very comfortable with a subtropical climate throughout the year. December through to March is storm season, however the storms pass quickly and sunshine is abundant very soon after some rain.

Surfers Paradise is the tourist center of the city, with a skyline of high-rise hotels and apartments. Many popularised attractions within Surfers Paradise includes the Gold Coast Meter Maids – girls in bikinis who originally went around helping people place coins in their parking meters. Now the meter maids’ main purpose seems to be to look pretty and accept gold donations for a photo taken with them. Even in the colder months of June, July and August, they will be in their gold bikinis and some furry boots and jacket.

Surfing lessons are hosted all along the coastal area, and there are many brochures and information booths advertising various surfing coaches and surf schools. A great introduction to getting used to boards and the water, however, may be Boogie Boards or Body Boards, which do not require you to stand up straight on a board when riding the waves.

Some people like more of a motor thrill with their water sports, however, and a really fun activity for them may be the Extreme Jet-Boat Thrill Ride, which allows you to do slides, turns and all kinds of tricks, as well as soak in the grandness of some of Gold Coast’s most expensive real estate and super yachts along the broadwater.

Scuba-diving, skydiving, bungee jumping and pretty much any other extreme thrill or water sporting activity you can think of, Gold Coast will have it. The city practically exists to ensure that you have the kind of holiday where you can just have fun and feel alive. Other less thrilling yet equally recreational activities available are golf, mini-golf, tennis, horse-riding, and many other leisurely activities.

For a full day of rollercoasters and the like, you can choose from theme parks: Seaworld, Movieworld, Dreamworld, White Water World, and Wet ‘n’ Wild. There are also plenty of Fun Passes or Super Passes to obtain which allow you access to the parks for 5 days or 14 days at discounted prices.

Seaworld has magnificent dolphin and water sport shows, and Movieworld allows you to join tours which explain to you the ‘behind the scenes’ of moviemaking. Dreamworld has been the host of Australian Big Brother since its first season, and has many major thrill rides, as well as the famous Tiger Island, where you can take a photo with a tiger. (It’s always most exciting when there are a litter of new cubs!) White Water World and Wet ‘n’ Wild are both water parks, which are excellent in the scorching summer heat.

For the really little ones, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is a great animal sanctuary where you will be able to get very close the kangaroos and pet them as if they were your family pet. Really fun little train ride that goes around the park and some traditional Aboriginal dance shows.

Next door to Movieworld, is the Australian Outback Spectacular, presented by R.M. Williams. It’s a dinner and show package which features some of Australia’s finest stunt riders and horsemen, and includes a free souvenir Stockmen’s hat! The show provides a great sense of the Australian bush culture, and serves traditional Australian BBQ food as part of the authentic flavoured meal. (Yes, Kangaroo meat and other interesting flavours are featured on the menu).

As well as water sports and theme parks, Gold Coast has a beautiful, lush hinterland and mountain range area, including Springbrook National Park, which has an impressive 100 metre high waterfall nestled in the heart of an hour-long bushwalk trail. The national park also has amazing 2000 year old Antartic beech trees. In the evening, the grotto hosts tours to see beautiful glow worms light up the night like moving stars.

For more hardcore bushwalking, try a Lamington National Park Full-Day Tour, which takes you on 6 kilometre trek through the World Heritage rainforests of Lamington and Mt Tamborine National Parks. As the largest area of protected subtropical rainforest in Australia, Lamington National Park is pristine with lush greenery and a gorgeous variety of native Australian wildlife.

Four-wheel drive eco tours or outback eco tours are also available, which take you through Tambourine Mountain, and some shorter bushwalks. Kangaroos, koalas and other native Australian animals may also be spotted throughout the journey. Some tours offer other novel activities such as a lesson in boomerang throwing, or a refreshing swim in a cool mountain stream.

Another four-wheel drive tour that is really worth considering is the 2 Day Moreton Island 4WD Camping Tour. Moreton Island is renowned for sand tobogganing, as it has vast beach areas of sand hills which provides hours of entertainment for the young and young at heart. There are also beautiful rainforests to discover on the island, as well as lookout points with views of the Glasshouse Mountains.

The best views of the Gold Coast, however, may be from up above, in the delightful comfort of a hot air balloon. Always scheduled at sunrise, and dependent upon on the weather, when you’ve got the o-kay to go onboard, it is magnificent and extremely worth the wait. A luxurious champagne and breakfast package awaits you upon set down as well, which is a perfect finish to a truly romantic and fun-filled activity.

With all the fun of surfing, rainforests and outback spectaculars, however, naturally one may visit Gold Coast with the intention to shop til they dropped. And there are plenty of major shopping centres on the Gold Coast for all sorts of shopping styles. There is luxury shopping at Marina Mirage, which is also next to the famous six star Versace hotel; discount shopping at Harbourtown, and many other shopping centres such as Pacific Fair, Robina Town Centre, Oasis Shopping Centre, and Australia Fair Shopping Centre.

Whatever your preferences for a fun-filled or relaxing holiday, Gold Coast, with its beautiful, warm climate throughout the year, is sure to satisfy your holidaying needs and desires.

- Nicole Chiu

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Melbourne is recognised as the Fashion, Sport and Cultural Capital of Australia (in direct competition with Sydney, with locals from both cities snubbing their noses at the credibility of the other!)

Founded 1835, Melbourne was designed by city planners who set out to build an orderly city of rectangular lines which would make the area easy to navigate. What was once a large and very neat city by historical standards, is now a relatively small CBD area, with plenty of surrounding suburbs which form the Greater Melbourne area. (Historically, many of these suburbs were small towns of their own, so you may stumble across some historical town halls throughout streets of such suburbs).

From the moment you arrive, someone may offer you the advice of purchasing a Metlink ticket, which covers transport on trams, trains and buses, but not ferries (different to transport ticketing options you may find in Sydney or Brisbane). The city is divided into three zones, Zone 1 is the central area, Zone 2 expands beyond to places which take around twenty minutes to forty minutes by trains, and Zone 3 is much further out, to places which may take up to an hour by train.

If you’re going anywhere by taxi, make sure you tell the driver, “The fastest possible route, please, I’m in hurry.” In my experience some taxi drivers take the much longer road which result in much higher fees. Also, they add random taxes from time to time, which I haven’t been bothered to debate as it’s usually just a few dollars difference. If you don’t feel like haggling with the taxi drivers, then it’s best to hop on a tram or arrange some form of transport service with your hotel. (Though, don’t get me wrong, some taxi drivers are very nice and friendly. I once had a Greek driver who taught me how to say all the basics, from Hello to Goodbye, and showed me pictures of his children!) There is also a See Melbourne and Beyond Smartvisit Card you can buy, which is really worth it if you’re planning to travel to the outer regions. 

One of the major joys that Melbourne provides, apart from fashion, sport and culture, is the food. And although Australia as a country boasts itself on being multicultural and having plenty of towns and cities that has food from many different cultures, Melbourne is the place where there is the best quality food from many different cultures.

A great way to explore Melbourne and its many different food sensations is by joining the Melbourne City Tour – Afternoon, which takes you to many local hotspots, such as Chinatown and Queen Victoria Market. If you’re in the mood for spicy foods, Chinatown has some of the most authentic Sichuan restaurants in Australia, with extreme chilli overload, and plenty of jugs of water for relief.

Other famous food districts include: Italian food at Lygon Street (Brunetti’s is the largest, most beautiful bakery), Greek food on Lonsdale Street, Vietnamese food in Richmond, and chocolate cafes everywhere - San Churros, Koko Black, Max Brennar’s. The best high tea is at The Hotel Windsor, which offers ALL you can EAT of its dessert buffet, plus beautiful teas and silverware. 

You will find that although Melbourne has its obvious landmarks such as Federation Square, Rialto Tower, Eureka Tower, Crown Casino, the Arts Centre, Melbourne Central and the GPO, some of the best Melbourne experiences are tucked away in the tiniest alleyways where there are no carpark spaces and barely even tram tracks nearby. This is the fun of Melbourne shopping, it’s all about exploration and feeling like you just stumbled upon a treasure that nobody else yet knows about.

To explore Melbourne like the locals explore it, join a Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour, and be introduced to some Melbourne’s best kept shopping secrets. The tour takes you to designer boutiques, hidden art galleries, basement bookstores and hole in the wall cafes throughout the city.

Though, of course, if you’ve had enough of the secrecy and just want loud and proud bling, go to Collins Street or the GPO for luxurious boutique shopping. Some other great tours which will compliment an enjoyable day of fashion indulgence include: the Spirit of Melbourne Dinner Cruise, the Sunrise Breakfast Balloon Flight over Melbourne – a magnificent experience, second only to the Sunrise Breakfast Balloon Flight over the Yarra Valley, and the Port of Melbourne and Docklands Sightseeing Cruise.

For animal lovers, there is a must-see attraction, which is the penguins at Phillip Island. There are many tours available, from small eco tours to night tours, to a full wildlife package such as the Phillip Island Nature Park and Wildlife Cruise, or the Phillip Island: Penguins, Koalas and Kangaroos Day Tour from Melbourne. Also try the Savannah Walkabout Australian Animals Eco Tour from Melbourne, which takes you to the outer bushlands area, where you’ll be able to see kangaroos and koalas in their natural habitats, as well as learn about the special Koala Research Project and how you can help their conservation.

For over 18s, in terms of alcoholic experiences, well, where do I start? Clubs, lounges and jazz bars are in as much abundance as cafes and fashion boutiques in Melbourne. Ask any local, and they will surely have their own favourites to recommend. In terms of serious wine tasting, you’ll have to venture out to the Yarra Valley (Zone 3), where there is a vast quantity of vineyards, best experienced with a Wine Tasting Tour.

For families, the Puffing Billy Steam Train, Yarra Valley and Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary Day Tour may be the best compromise, as the children will enjoy the wildlife and steam train, whilst parents get to have a moment of indulgence with the wine touring throughout the valley.

Other great sites of the Greater Melbourne area include Mornington Peninsula, famous for the little beach houses in bright colours lined along the sandy coast, and the Great Ocean Road, famous for the Twelve Apostles rock formations, a site of incredible beauty during sunrises and sunsets. (Just remember to bring some insect repellent if you’re visiting in the summer).

For winter sport lovers, Mt Buller is the place to be, and for the AFL football lovers (I have not forgotten you since I wrote that Melbourne was the sporting capital at the start of this post), there are plenty of great football tours.

Melbourne is a great place that accommodates travellers on all budgets, and often has free events that just pop up in the middle of the streets as part of advertisement for the featured events of major festivals. And in terms of festivals, Melbourne is the capital of those, too. From comedy festivals, wine festivals, food festivals, to writers festivals and flower festivals, as well as bridal expos, car expos, fashion week and the racing season in September which hosts the greatest horse-racing event of Australia: The Melbourne Cup. (And, much, much more!)

Melbourne is possibly one of the most romantic cities in Australia, and if you have the time to make a booking for this, you must experience the Melbourne Valentine’s Day Dinner Cruise with your sweety. It is sure to be the perfect compliment to a fun-filled holiday in Melbourne, Australia.

- Nicole Chiu 

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If you’ve never been to Australia before, Sydney is definitely a ‘must-see’ and the best place to start your Australian visit. Home to the world-famous Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, 2004 Olympic Park & Stadium, and host to some of the most exclusive shopping districts in the country, Sydney is like the unofficial ‘Capital’ of Australia.

The focal point of the city, of course, is the harbour with the bridge and Opera House. This is the first on the ‘must-see destinations’ list for many first-time Sydney visitors. The Opera House provides short or long tours of the history of the opera house, explanations of the concept behind the design, as well as its modern features. High Tea is also available at the opera house, which is a delightful experience for high tea and opera connoisseurs, as you will be arranged to receive an exclusive operatic performance by an acclaimed opera singer. The views from the team room also include the nearby beautiful Botanical Gardens.

Outside of the Opera House area, at Circular Quay you can catch a Ferry to Taronga Zoo – one of the largest zoos in Australia – or visit some of Sydney’s most popular beaches, such as Manly, which also features Oceanworld. Taronga Zoo is lots of fun for families as there are plenty of shows throughout the day, including a really captivating bird show that features huge eagles, and some native Australian birds. The giraffes’s habitat has the most beautiful view of Sydney city itself, and is a perfect location for a photo-op.

Sharking diving tours are available at Oceanworld, Manly, which provide an up-close and extreme experience with not only sharks but other aquatic wildlife such as turtles, stingrays and much, much more. The tours are available for beginners or advanced shark divers.

At The Rocks near Circular Quay, you’ll find The Rocks Markets, featuring plenty of tasty Australian honey products, sheep wool and other unique Australian (and some, not so Australian but equally unique) items.

Over at Darling Harbour, where the Sydney Aquarium, Sydney Wildlife World and Imax theatres can be found, helicopter flights or seaplanes are also available. These exciting tours of the city and waters gives you an awesome experience of not only being in a helicopter or seaplane, but also to grasp the geography and wonderous atmosphere of Sydney. For a family vacation, Darling Harbour is an excellent area to suit all needs – of both parents and children, with plenty of shopping and restaurants.

The best way to enjoy Sydney’s finest shopping experiences is through a guided shopping tour, which introduces you to all the major shopping destinations, loved by locals and tourists alike.

For the not-so-fond of flights and such, there are also Sydney Harbour Tea, Coffee, Lunch or Dinner Cruises available, as well as plenty of jetboat rides or even water taxis.

To fully appreciate Sydney’s embrace of diversity and multiculturalism, visit the Chinese Garden of Friendship in Darling Harbour, and Chinatown. Nearby Paddy’s Markets in Haymarket is not only one of Sydney’s largest markets, yet also hosts Australia’s largest Yum-Cha restaurant at the top of the shopping complex. (If you’re lucky, you may be witness to one of the restaurant’s may sporadic displays of dragon dancing – rumour is that it’s run by the Chinese mafia and the dragons come to collect ‘red packets’ of ‘protection money’ – but don’t quote me on that if you feel like confronting them about it! It’s just an urban folktale; a bit of a joke, really.)

More colourful flavours of Sydney may also be experienced with a guided tour of King’s Cross, Australia’s (in)famous red light district. If you happen to be visiting during Mardi Gras in early March, then Oxford Street is the place to be, with even more excitement and fun partying, as well as trendy shopping. 

A little further from the city centre, Sydney’s Bondi Beach is an iconic destination in itself for all Australians. It’s been the subject of many artist’s paintings and photographer’s prints, as well as, more recently, television reality shows such as Bondi Rescue and even now Bondi Vet Rescue. The attraction is not only the beach itself and beautiful waters, but also the beautiful people. For some decadent fun in the sun and surf, you really must try a lesson in surfing or include Bondi as part of your sightseeing tours.

For dolphin lovers, there are plenty of tours which involve dolphin sights as well as cruises that take you along for a refreshing oceanic escape. Jervis Bay, Port Stephens and Nelson Bay are amongst the top destinations for departure cruises that feature exclusive dolphin sightings.

Further inland from the coastline, and at much higher altitudes, is the Blue Mountains, home to the legendary ‘Three Sisters’ rock formation at Echo Point, in Katoomba, and also plenty of native Austrailan wildlife such as koalas.

The ‘Three Sisters’ are three distinct rock formations of 922, 918 and 906 metres tall. Aboriginal dream-time legend originates the three sisters, Meehni, Wimlah and Gunnedoo as members of the Katoomba tribe. The three sisters, all extremely beautiful, had fallen in love with three brothers from the Nepean tribe, against the laws of the tribes which forbade them to marry. When the brothers tried to use force to capture the sisters, a major tribal battle began. When it became apparent that the lives of the three sisters were in danger, a witchdoctor from the Katoomba tribe turned the three sisters into stone to protect them – with every intention to turn them back, later on. Unfortunately the witch doctor himself was killed in the battle, so the sisters have since remained in their eternal beauty as rock formations, and also as a reminder of this kind of battle as a cautionary tale for later generations.

Many more interesting Aboriginal legends and stories may be stumbled upon throughout your visit to Australia, and particularly within the Blue Mountains area in Sydney.

Another awesome natural feature of the Blue Mountains is the limestone Jenolan Caves. These caves are so beautiful that many people have even hosted their wedding ceremonies in these caves.

Finally, for wine fanatics, a visit to Sydney wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Hunter Valley, where many of Australia’s greatest wineries exist and are open for tastings and tours.

Back in the city center, Sydney also has a real ‘chill’ factor for those seeking a moment of modern and otherworldly experiences. The Minus 5 Ice Bar is the ‘coolest’ experience in Sydney, where drinks are served in carved ice cubes, and everything else from tables and seats are carved in ice. Plenty of beautiful ice sculptures are also featured, and a must-try is the signature vodka cocktail.

If you’re visiting during the winter months (about June to mid-September), and you really want to see some snow, head to New South Wales’ Thredbo or Perisher Blue ski resort for your much needed snow fix. 

- Nicole Chiu

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