Travel: Australia - Gold Coast

[december21]

Thank you babyspike for your reply!


Btw, anyone have recommendations on the hotel in surfers paradise? Initially I wanted Hotel Chancellor however I realised the car park is not free. I do not mind booking somewhere away from surfers paradise but My concern is if I drove to surfer paradise, I will need to pay for parking fee.

Thank you.

[december21]

babyspike:

Hi december21, we visited the glow worm cave at Tambourine. There wasn't a need to book in advance and entrance fee is quite ok. As it's man-made, it's pretty small, but still interesting for first timers (like us).


The one you are referring to is probably at Springbrook National Park, and the tour includes the transfer so it's expensive. If you are planning to do self-drive, it takes about 1.5 hrs from GC, and it seems the drive back can be challenging as it lacks of road lamps and animals may appear. Else the cost to enter the Glow Worm Observatory is only A$20+ i think, and can get to see interesting plants. I saw from their website there's even glowing mushroom in Dec :).

Great to know you'll be staying at Lillydale too! Yes, you can buy your own food to bbq. All the ovens and cookwares are available for you to use. We were the only family there at that time, so we had the whole bonfire to ourselves. As the bonfire is set up on a grass patch, I believe other families who sign up will join in together. They just set up the bonfire for us and leave it there overnight. We were given a pack of marshmellows, that's all, no planned bonfire activities, so just enjoy the warmth and stars. Perhaps it'll be more fun with more people.

The boomerang throwing and pony grooming (for kids above 5yo) are free as part of the room package. After booking, Bec will email a form of activities you can book in advance, and the list states clearly which are chargeable at per person/family. She's flexible with the timings in case you want to change, very responsive in email replies too.

Hope you and your family had a great time at GC

Hi Babyspike,

Yes, like what you mentioned..Lillydale has a list of activities, am now going through the list. Have you sign up for any activities? Which activity is more worth the try? May I know what is bonfire? Is it BBQ?

Thank you!

[happydl]

dark chocolate:

Dear all


Can someone advise if there is a difference in terms of service between Quantas and Quantas fly by Emirates for flights to Brisbane? Thks!

I think i know what you are trying to say as I have read about the merging alliances between Qantas and Emirates.

You have to see the timing and airline code. You can book Qantas or Emirates flight and end up taking either one of them. However they will display which flight you will be flying one. For more info you can see below link:

http://www.emirates.com/sg/English/help/faqs/FAQDetails.aspx?faqCategory=1112928

[babyspike]

Hi december21, a bonfire looks like this:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g1125994-d611039-i28968850-Lillydale_Farmstay-Rathdowney_Scenic_Rim_Queensland.html#28968848

Technically can be used as a bbq, but the fire is usually too large. So a quick stretch of arm to toast your marshmellows on skewers is quite fun and toasted marshmellows are nice and crisp on the outside, melted on the inside. The farm has proper bbq grills and utensils. Just wipe the grill clean with the kitchen towels provided before and after cooking.

I only top-up for tractor ride and bonfire as I thought my kids will enjoy them. Didn't try the pony ride as my kids have their unpredictable moods. The adults horse riding looks fun as get to explore far.

There's also plenty of free activities. We didn't get to try these, but they are available - They have lifevests for canoeing at their lake, boots if you want to walk to dino cave, there's a maze too. And there's an Alpaca farm nearby.

[december21]

Thanks Babyspike…think my son will enjoy the farmstay!

[dark chocolate]

Babyspike


Thanks for sharing so much info! My boy is 9 YO, I will be traveling with him only for this trip. Actually, we will be staying at my cousin’s place except for 2 nights at Lilydale Farm. As my cousin will be working and her kids will be attending school, we will drive around on our own to visit other attractions on weekdays.

Can I also ask how to go about applying for visa? Which websites do you all use?

Thanks!

[happydl]

S$10 per visa at JA travel.


http://www.ja-travel.com/visa/visa_aus.html

[esthertyl80]

Thanks to babyspike for addressing my concern over certain food to be brought to Gold Coast. Did anyone brought uncooked rice, canned food like sardine, luncheon meat, tuna or even white plain bread before?


The VIP passes online valid before 30 June but we will be travelling there in July, so what should i do? When do u think they will release ticket for july onwards? Do u think it’s cheaper?

Btw, for those who r travelling in July, seaworld resort is having promotion right now, considered cheap, free movie world, sea world n wet n wild ticket too. Jus to share : )

[happydl]

So you wait for promotion lor. I think they sure increase, i see from 79 to 99 then to 109.


you go to their website myfun.com.au to subscribe to their online newsletter, whenever there’s promo they
will email you.

[jwaychee]

Hi,


My family going GC early June and I am planning the itinerary now. Will going to Sea World and Movie World on Friday and Saturday be too crowded?