Hazy-headed and still trying to find my centre of gravity, I decide that Aussie thrill rides are not for the light-hearted. Although, with an array of attractions with names like Tower of Terror ll and Wipeout left to conquer and cram into the rest of the sweltering day I soldier on to keep up with my brother and father. We collectively agree after each ride through nervous laughter and grins, there's truly nothing like being sporadically shaken, jolted and thrown around like ragdolls in all different directions at rapid speeds out of our own control for entertainment. Each ride has its own stomach-lurching quirks; the amusement never ceases.
The Gold Coast's numerous offerings are bigger and better than the best you could find within New Zealand; making Rainbow's End look well-intentioned yet measly in comparison, it's a haven for families or thrill-seekers of all ages. Whatever pace you levitate towards, Movie World and Dreamworld will answer with variety, although you will have to brave the lines. To cram as much in a day as possible we bought fast passes (Q4U at Dreamworld and Fast Track at Movie World) which made for shorter queueing, a worthwhile option for adrenaline junkies trying to cross every thrill ride off their lists.
You'll find that the concrete hikes, queues and fried foods of theme parks erode your wellbeing, so make space for a rest day of sorts. Whether it's a spot of outlet shopping, chucking a fat Aussie prawn on your rental's stovetop, a beach walk to any lookout of the skyline or simply people-watching the constant flow of attractive and tanned Gold Coast folk exercising at all hours of the day, you'll need it.
