Kirstin Macfarlane kicks it up a notch in north east Australia
Kristin Macfarlane's 'done' the Gold Coast's theme parks so kicks it up a notch with the out of the ordinary.
The Gold Coast is known for its theme parks, shopping and beaches but Australia's sixth largest city offers much more, especially if you're prepared to travel outside the tourist hotspots.
I spent four nights there and was pleasantly surprised with everything I did that was beyond the ordinary.
It's a city with a regional feel. You can be in the heart of the CBD and walk barefoot in togs without anyone looking at you twice — and that's what I love about the place.
I stayed in the heart of Surfers Paradise and experienced the Gold Coast like never before, making me excited to visit again — and soon.
From cruising the Gold Coast's canals by boat and jetski, getting a bird's-eye view of the city, visiting some of Queensland's boutique wineries, surfing on the amazing coastline and dining in the city, I did it all.
Stella Ashcroft, 15, a gymnast taking part in the Commonwealth Games performs on Surfers Paradise beach. Photo / Greg Bowker
Tamborine Mountain is only a 40-minute drive from the Gold Coast.
If the GC's tropical climate is too warm, Tamborine Mountain's temperatures are slightly cooler given you're on a volcanic plateau. The area, packed with new and old charm, has an artsy, small-town feel and you're surrounded by green views similar to those you'll find in New Zealand.
We did a full-day winery tour with the Vino Bus Winery Tours and Events.
For $150, a driver will pick you up and drop you off, and you'll also get a flexible eight-hour guided tour of five destinations, a two-course meal, snacks and more.
We visited Tamborine Mountain Distillery, Witches Falls Winery and Cellar Door tasting award-winning whites and reds, liqueurs and vodkas, ending with beer and live music at Fortitude Brewing. The band was pumping out Kiwi music such as Six60 and Survival's Rua Kenana.
If you've done the theme parks already, do something different to make visits fresh.
We travelled to Sea World on board Crystal Blue Express, which not only takes you through canals and past some stunning homes, it also gives you another view of the city. Once we arrived, we jumped in the water with dolphins as part of a Dolphin Deep Water Adventure, swimming, playing and feeding a dolphin.
It's an experience you can add on to your normal entry fee.
Sea World Helicopters operates here and a scenic flight over the city not only showcased the towering buildings and stunning coastline, it was informative. Pilot Brett Anderson pointed out sites including areas being used for the Commonwealth Games.
Just down the road at Sea World Resort, I headed out on a one-and-a-half hour jetski tour along the waterways to the scenic South Stradbroke Island, bypassing the homes of the rich and famous and nearly getting wiped out — but loved every moment of it!
If you're not ready for high speeds, hiring a jetski and doing your own thing will probably be more suitable because you'll struggle to keep up if you're riding at less than 70km/h — a couple pulled out before we made it to the island because it was too much for them. There were moments when I was sure I was about to plunge off but, apart from the sea spray, I arrived dry on the island that lies south of Brisbane and forms the northern end of the Gold Coast.
There are campsites if you want to stay longer and a cafe if you're feeling peckish after your ride over.
Kristin Macfarlane with Go Ride a Wave surf instructor Zander Hyland.
There is 57km of coastline stretching across the Gold Coast and a trip there isn't complete without a dip in the surf.
I'm an amateur surfer who has attempted and failed at the sport many times, but I've had plenty of fun doing it.
This time, I had a surf lesson with Go Ride a Wave, opposite the Surfers Paradise sign, and I'd recommend any newbie do a lesson to boost their confidence.
The winds were strong and we spent a lot of time fighting the currents and trying to control the beginner boards (they were long and light), but it was an enjoyable workout with instructors who were friendly, fun and helpful.
Another new experience was seeing how green the Gold Coast is — something I noticed when I took an early morning hot-air balloon ride, beginning the day watching the sun rise from the east coast of Australia.
It's an early start — the Hot Air Balloon Gold Coast transfer picked us up at about 4am — but the views, bright skies, smooth ride and banter with the pilots was well worth it.
It was topped off with a champagne breakfast at O'Reilly's Grand Homestead and Vineyard.
I've only just scratched the Gold Coast surface and I can't wait to head back.
A bird's-eye view of the Gold Coast waterfront. Photo / Getty Images
Tips:
• Riding a jetski at 67km/h with eyelash extensions does not work well. • If you head to Stradbroke Island take cash or money card with you in case you want a bite to eat or drink — $10 won't go very far though. • Book tours and activities online for discounts. • If you are heading to the Gold Coast during the Commonwealth Games, some roads are closed. • Expect warm weather but pack for wet conditions just in case.
Checklist
GETTING THERE Qantas flies daily from Auckland to the Gold Coast, via Sydney, with Economy Class fares starting from $758.
