4D3N Gold Coast Trip - Day 1

Gold Coast Australia, first impression is the sun, the sea and the sand. The most famous and talked about place has to be Surfers Paradise - the spectacular golden beach and its amazing waves!

The legendary family theme parks:
Dreamworld, Sea World, Wet ‘n’ Wild, WhiteWater World, Warner Bros. Movie World, Australian Outback Spectacular.

Shopping:
Carrara Markets, Broadbeach Art and Craft Markets, Harbour Town Outlet Shopping Centre, Robina Town Centre.

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Our itinerary for a leisure, relaxed trip in Gold Coast:

Day 1 (Saturday)
First thing first, grab some of the many brochures available at the airport for more information of the various places of attraction.

If you are thinking of driving, you should check and pick up your car here, but if you are like me who prefers to take public bus, then proceed to the counter and purchase the “Go Card” use on Surfside Buslines. It works like a top-up transit link card in Singapore. Child under 4 years old travels for free. Most of the places of attraction mentioned above are accessible by bus. Any remaining value can be refunded before you fly home.
$5 deposit is required and top up can be done at 7-11 shops, train stations and even on the bus. We spent about A$140 for 4 days. Remember to download and print the bus guide before you fly over.

Gold Coast Cabs are available too.

Took a 10mins ride to our apartment at Palm Beach.

The timings of the buses are all printed for you to plan ahead and not miss your bus.

Since we are early for check in, we left our luggage at the reception and headed to a nearby beach park for breakfast. Dune Cafe at Currumbin Lagoon.

Breakfast at such a place is total relaxing. Though the weather is sunny, but the breeze was absolutely wonderful.

I had ham sandwich and the girls had a huge english breakfast & chocolate chip muffin.

Jayne checking out the muffin. Does Aussie muffins smell nicer?

Right by the cafe was a playground for kids. Knowing Joey and Jayne, even before we finished our breakfast, they were already asking us to bring them over.

One good thing about cold weather places, the girls can play for almost 30mins and not sweat at all. This has to be the first time for them, especially Joey.

Time to check in. Royal Palm Beach Apartment – perfect for families, 2 bedrooms that can sleep 5, with a fully equipped kitchen, 2 bathrooms, 2 balconies, and a spacious living room.

The girls were super excited to see a double-deck bed.

The best of all has to the view – superb!

After 2 hours’ rest, we are recharged to go for a walk to the nearby town area, buy some groceries and have dinner.

The girls are still adjusting to the cold weather.

Love these shots how the girls are enjoying the breeze.

Coles is a must check out place, if you want to save a bit on your breakfast, just spend about A$30, you can get bacon, ham, milk, bread, eggs, veggie, cheese etc.. Take note of the timing, you do not want to make the trip and the supermarket is closed.

Dinner was a simple affair. Kebab and Fish & Chips.

It’s a rare chance to photograph the girls in their sweaters. Love the brown wall background too.

Night comes early in Gold Coast, it’s only 5pm and the sky is getting dark. Time to head back and rest early for a busy day tomorrow.