Travel: Australia - Gold Coast

[Dnls_mum]

imstar:

Hi everyone! I'm new here! Planning for a trip to Gold Coast from 17 nov for 7 days and have a few questions It'll be great if there's some guidance as it will be my first time in Australia.


1. What's the most convenient way to travel from GC Airport to Moreton Island? Read some reviews and seems that airport transfers are available from Brisbane and not GC Airport. If there is no direct transfer is it ok to rent a car and drive to Brisbane, park there, and come back for the rented car 1 day later? We are wondering if it is safe to park at Brisbane and the cost of parking for 1 day overnight. We will be staying overnight for 1 night from 17 Nov to 18 Nov.

2. Is Moreton Island worth going? From reviews like tripadvisors it seems that Tangalooma Resort is over rated? Pls share your reviews and I'll greatly appreciate it if any of you have any recommendations besides Tangalooma Resort for a 1 night stay at Moreton. Or will a day trip for whale watching and dolphin feeding be better than staying overnight?

Thank you!

There is a garage at the holt street wharf for you to park your car. There are pick up from GC hotels too. All these info available on the Tangalooma website. Here is the link:
http://www.tangalooma.com/info/general_information/departure_point/

If you go Tangalooma, I advise a one night stay if you have young kids because it can be a long day. If your group are all older, and can handle a long day, then I suppose a day trip is fine. If you go, the dolphin feeding is a must. Whether it is worth going depends on you. It is mainly for the dolphin feeding. The sand taboganning is just an additional activity since you are there. My boys enjoyed playing on the beach and we went for pelican feeding, kookabura feeding etc. It was a good relaxing day for us to get over our jetlag after a red eye flight. We stayed 2 nites and most Singaporeans will find that too long. But we are not typical Singaporean travelers. My friends comment that I holiday like \"ang mohs\". If you are the type that must be on the go at all times, then it may be too boring for you. We went when I was expecting DD, had 2 young boys and my parents, so we were on a relaxing trip. So ok for us.

[abitkiasu]

syen27:

Dnls_mum:

[quote=\"abitkiasu\"]hi...can advise is apply visa through online realiable ? I got my visa thru EASYETA. thanks.

As far as know, it is to be done online.

Yes, EASYETA is reliable. I got my visas via there and has been in and out of gold coast in Sep 2012.[/quote]Hi Syen27,
Thank you for the info.

[zanice]

Hi, intending to bring my 2.5yrs old son to gold coast in Mid Feb next year, planning for 7-10 days trip. Any suggestions on itinery, car rental, lodging,etc? Would think seaworld and movieworld are must… Just 3 of us, so we like to keep it easy and relax. How’s the weather? Am contemplating between Melbourne or gold coast…

[berrysweet]

Hi

Can anyone share any difference btw O’ Reilly and Mount Tambourine ? Which is more interesting ? Thx !

[SBKS]

zanice:

Hi, intending to bring my 2.5yrs old son to gold coast in Mid Feb next year, planning for 7-10 days trip. Any suggestions on itinery, car rental, lodging,etc? Would think seaworld and movieworld are must... Just 3 of us, so we like to keep it easy and relax. How's the weather? Am contemplating between Melbourne or gold coast...

feb is ard autumn period. should be ok bah. i went in end mar. getting to winter time...cold...cool in day cold at night.

melbourne will be colder than gold coast.

for kids, sea world and movie world is a must, skip dreamworld.

[jacsplace]

Going to Gold Coast next month with nine-year old and six-year-old.

[micollh]

babyspike:

Hi, you can book the accommodation / day cruise at their official website at http://www.tangalooma.com/info/home/


The only thing I noticed is that the Dolphin-Feeding cruise without adventure isn't available for online booking. I've called them before and they told me to call them again within 7 days of travel to make the booking. Do compare the various cruises to see which is most suitable for you. As dolphin-feeding is extremely popular and limited, and if you are going there as a day tripper, do book in advance. If you are staying overnight, the dolphin feeding is complimentary.

Also, under \"What's On\", you can view the current schedule of activities they have at the resort. As what Dnls_mum mentioned, the full day can be tiring if you take part in many activities, not to forget Dec weather will be super hot. I also hope my kids can take the day trip - I'll be contented if we can do tobaggan and dolphin and other times rest in air-con lounge. hee..

Oh btw, despite the Dec hot weather, I read from tripadvisor that at night it's still good to have warmer clothes like long sleeve for the kids.

any age limit for dolhin feeding ? minimum age

[Dnls_mum]

micollh:

babyspike:

Hi, you can book the accommodation / day cruise at their official website at http://www.tangalooma.com/info/home/


The only thing I noticed is that the Dolphin-Feeding cruise without adventure isn't available for online booking. I've called them before and they told me to call them again within 7 days of travel to make the booking. Do compare the various cruises to see which is most suitable for you. As dolphin-feeding is extremely popular and limited, and if you are going there as a day tripper, do book in advance. If you are staying overnight, the dolphin feeding is complimentary.

Also, under \"What's On\", you can view the current schedule of activities they have at the resort. As what Dnls_mum mentioned, the full day can be tiring if you take part in many activities, not to forget Dec weather will be super hot. I also hope my kids can take the day trip - I'll be contented if we can do tobaggan and dolphin and other times rest in air-con lounge. hee..

Oh btw, despite the Dec hot weather, I read from tripadvisor that at night it's still good to have warmer clothes like long sleeve for the kids.

any age limit for dolhin feeding ? minimum age

DS was 6 when he did it. How old is your kid? You need to wade quite a bit into the sea.

[micollh]

eldest 5 plus by next year… youngest 3 by then. too young ?

[Dnls_mum]

micollh:

eldest 5 plus by next year.. youngest 3 by then. too young ?

5plus shd be ok I think. But the 3yo maybe too short, so maybe need to carry. Also the dolphins are pretty big and the 3yo may get scared. Maybe you can email tangalooma to check if there is min age.