As we drove along
Queensland’s famous Gold Coast on the Van-Tastic promotional roadtrip, windows
down, warm sea air blowing through our hair, sun brightly shining, it was easy
to see what attracts the masses to the area. The sky was cloudless, the waves
were pumping and the surfers were flocking to the golden sands for their fix.
However, we wanted to get
an insider’s perspective on the Gold Coast, and find out if it was really too
good to be true. We caught up with Jo-Anne Wilkie, Treasurer of Backpacking
Queensland, owner of Aquarius Backpackers, and Gold Coast resident to have a
bit of a chat about the area and its attractions.
So,
Jo-Anne, what is the allure of the
Gold Coast?
Many travellers think they know
what to expect on Australia’s
Gold Coast; the brilliant beaches, the Surfers Paradise nightlife, dozens of
theme parks and the best looking talent in the country. But there’s much more
to explore than the traditional travel guides are willing to admit.
Sure our city sits on a 70
kilometre stretch of fine sandy gold beaches washed by the South
Pacific Ocean. But what about the subtropical rainforest, real
Australian wildlife, mountain climbs, tree-top walks, island getaways and all
the adventure activities you can cram into such a naturally spectacular place.
The
Gold Coast really seems like a place where you could spend a lot of time. What
are the best places to see or things
to do along the Gold Coast for backpackers?
There are more attractions on
the Gold Coast than any other city in the southern hemisphere. If you want
anything in the way of theme parks to indigenous kayak tours, wreck diving to
bungee jumping, swimming with the sharks to cuddling koalas; you can do it on
the Gold Coast - and it is all within 40 minutes drive.
So after an action-packed day at the Gold Coast, what’s the best way to
unwind at night?
After all that daytime
adventure, you might just want to relax in you room listening to the waves wash
upon the shore. No chance! You must experience the Gold Coast wildlife as the
city’s bars, clubs, restaurants and attractions draw locals and visitors out
into the sparkling night. Big Night Out operates every Wednesday and Saturday night - just
buy a ticket from the reception of Aquarius Backpackers - and it’s sure to
unleash the party animal in you. Its big-city nightlife 365 nights a year, but
if you’re craving something different, there is always a touring international
act, football game or music festival happening, so you can join the carnival
when events arrive in town. The possibilities are endless, really!
Sounds
like an awesome time! Do you have any off-the-beaten track roadtrip ideas for
travellers?
If
you can peel yourself off the beach, The Balunjali Interpretative Cultural
Kayaking Tour has a fantastic new experience on the Gold Coast. Explore,
encounter and connect with the land and the sea – you can see the world through
Aboriginal eyes whilst immersed in the natural beauty of the Gold Coast's
waterways and wildlife. You journey by kayak across the tranquil blue waters
encountering wildlife: dolphins, stingrays, reptiles, wallabies, native birds
and colourful sub-tropical fish. Participate with your guide in the journey
from past to present and leave with a deeper understanding of the Aboriginal's
role as caretakers of the land. It’s a great way to mix in a bit of culture
with your adventure.
Well, we’re sold. Looks like the
Gold Coast really does live up to its hype. Time to book our next adventure to
the Gold Coast!
