Gold Coast A World Leader For Best Resorts

Children laughed and screamed with delight as they soaked up the mid-morning sun which I’m sure would have been music to the ears of the young couple as they pulled into the car park. While ushering their own small brood through to the Treasure Island Holiday Park reception, in eyeshot were budding young, wannabe golfers taking turns on the 18-hole putt putt course. In the distance the sounds of continual splashing and giggling confirmed visiting families here on the Gold Coast were literally spoiled for choice.

This region is regarded as the resort capital of Australia with the simple formula of fun and affordability proving enough to entice friends, families, couples and small groups to take advantage of all that’s available in this coastal oasis of Queensland. A wide selection of award winning resort options to suit any budget, and importantly the idyllic way in which resorts can enhance the holiday or short stay experience has become the stuff of Gold Coast legend. History shows that through any traveller’s ongoing search for things to see and do, many have settled on making the most of what the Gold Coast region can offer time and time again. The resorts themselves showcase an abundance of social and interactive activities available in-house, with the added bonus of being within a short distance to the many beaches, theme parks, activities and restaurants that the Gold Coast is famous for.

The Pryor family of The Entrance in New South Wales, has been coming to the Gold Coast for their regular holiday breaks for the best part of two decades. Impressed by their first time experience, at Paradise Resort in Surfers Paradise, the Pryors see no reason to change what has become an annual ritual. “I first stayed at the resort when it was known as the Ocean Blue Resort then the Mercure and now the Paradise Resort,” confirmed grandmother Kerry.

“I started taking my children along with me and now that they’re all grown up with kids, we take the grandchildren along also. For three generations we have enjoyed the resort and have celebrated a honeymoon, a wedding anniversary, a birthday and many more enjoyable holidays. The staff are always helpful and I look forward to many more years of holidaying at Paradise Resort. Please don’t ever change, you only have to walk past the pool and hear the joy of the children to know this is a special place.”

Typical of resorts plotted up and down the 70 kilometre coastline and pocketed throughout the villages of the greater Gold Coast Hinterland, a warm and welcoming persona is what sets such experiences apart from the rest. Those visitors willing to do a little homework will quickly pinpoint what works best for their holiday needs and understand that among the cache of opportunities there is one perfect for their requirements.

At Treasure Island, diversity is the key with 21 different housing options available for couples right through to large families or groups up to nine people. The added bonus of caravan and camping facilities provides a virtual smorgasboard and reconfirms why this place has become the ultimate Gold Coast retreat for so many. Panning across one of the shaded pool areas, kids could be seen rocketing down the waterslide and across to the left was a scene of exhilaration on the giant jumping pillow, where a large group of children of all ages had gathered. The younger ones were being tended by their parents at the popular children’s playground that boasts an extensive range of recreational facilities.

Eating, as always, is a major consideration for holidaying families and having sampled the hospitality of Galleons Bistro and Bar at Treasure Island, I can attest to its overall affordability. It seems value for money meal options have become par for the course at all major Gold Coast resorts. Galleons’ will keep the heartiest appetite content with most breakfast options priced under $10 and my personal choice, the signature Big Brekky cost just $12.

While the theme parks are just a short 15 minute drive from Treasure Island, through a short exploration I managed to find an amazing park about a kilometre up the road that sits alongside the Broadwater. Judging by the mass of people gathered on a Saturday afternoon, this little piece of paradise has no doubt provided countless Gold Coast memories for visiting families.

Talk about absolute bliss! Shaded barbecue areas, picnic tables, playground equipment, a flying fox and best of all for the kids, a natural knee deep lagoon that stretched out from the sand and detached itself from the Broadwater proper. A group of families utilised a generous clearing to play cricket as the sweet aroma of bush tucker emanated. Sausages sizzling in an onion sauce and steaks screaming for attention made for the perfect lunch time feast. Feeding time for the resident pelicans was also a major highlight. A nearby fish and chip outlet intensified an already roaring trade, dishing out fish scraps much to the delight of these amazing birds and many more curious onlookers. Apparently like clockwork the pelicans have been gathering for decades at the Broadwater for this daily ritual.

Herein lays the major point of difference for each and every resort option on the Gold Coast. Holiday makers need to consider the attributes of each resort, complemented by its proximity to other natural and man-made wonders of the region. Then it’s just a matter of choosing the resort that works best for you.

Family favourites
Fun for all ages coupled with facilities and amenities that serve to make the holiday experience all the more enjoyable is what defines Gold Coast resort favourites such as Treasure Island Holiday Park and Ashmore Palms Holiday Village in the city’s north, Paradise Resort in Surfers Paradise and Sands Turtle Beach Resort just to the south of Broadbeach. Each has gained a reputation of consistent high standards in holiday housing options, offering additional day and night time children’s activities as part of your stay, or supplementary recreational activity fixtures that are included in the resort package.

Backpackers and thrill seekers
The Gold Coast is also well prepared for the ongoing evolution of the backpacker and adventure travel market and has suitable resort accommodation options available. Known party destinations and thrill seeker activities within the area make the Islander in Surfers Paradise and Grande Florida Resort ideal considerations, as they both actively encourage backpacker business. Such has been the surge in activity within this market, the Gold Coast Adventure Travel Group has set up a designated website, www.adventuregc.com to help facilitate the growing accommodation and activity requirements of backpackers, adventure travellers, flashpackers and grey nomads.

Couples, older families or corporate
If a little more privacy and seclusion suits your needs there are just as many establishments available among the hundreds of resorts on the Gold Coast that fulfill such criteria. Couran Cove Island Resort is an intimate location giving visitors leisurely access to all amenities and activities of the island, while it’s a similar formula of over riding attention to detail which generates the success of places such as the Surfers Paradise Marriott, Sun City, Crown Towers and Outrigger Twin Towns properties. Golfing resort holiday accommodation remains popular for recreational and business purposes and with 40 championship courses plotted throughout the region, it’s not surprising that many resorts have actually been built in and around these architecturally sound creations. Names like Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove, Palm Meadows course at the Radisson Resort and RACV Royal Pines have become iconic havens for lovers of the game. As a business events proposition the depth, quality
and affordability of the Gold Coast resort experience is unlimited and a renewed focus on conference facilities and meeting rooms to supplement leisure activities makes the Gold Coast a perfect choice. The Main Beach area of the Gold Coast is personified by cosmopolitan alfresco dining and fashion retail outlets, including Marina Mirage’s newly refurbished offering, so it’s no great surprise that two of the best in five star resort accommodation are available within the neighbourhood. Palazzo Versace and Sheraton Mirage leave nothing to the imagination with opulence, superior design and friendly service providing the cornerstone to a memorable Gold Coast resort experience.

Location, Location
The Q1 Resort and Spa in Surfers Paradise continues to grow its reputation through an array of additional activities, none the least a superior day spa and use by residents of its 77th Floor QDeck Bar, situated at the top of the world’s tallest residential tower. Location is also a strong point of the Gold Coast hinterland where intimate resorts are nestled among world heritage listed rainforest and offer experiences in total contrast to the traditional beach side setting. Cabin style lodging, an award winning in-house restaurant and scenic nature walks in close proximity to the main village of Mt Tamborine’s famous cafes and coffee houses is what makes Songbirds Rainforest Retreat a favourite for couples. Similar picturesque surrounds and a homely feel offered by a cosy mountain retreat is the best way to describe the ambience achieved at Binna Burra Mountain Lodge.
Situated within Lamington National Park, Binna Burra offers modern amenities but is void of phones, clocks,
radios and television to ensure a restful time away. It’s a similar escape from all the usual conveniences at Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat that exudes serenity and soul and inspires the desire to live a healthier life. Guests experience innovative wellness programs, specialty spa treatments, superb organic cuisine, plus extensive facilities. But it’s not all rest and relaxation within the hinterland and for those looking for wholesome family fun, the 112 hectare Thunderbird Park has a selection of attractions within the property that will keep everyone amused. Hunt for treasure in the world’s largest open-cut Thunder Egg Mine, take the Adventure Parc challenge, do battle with a Laser Skirmish, go horse trail riding, enjoy the thrill of mountain bike trail riding, abseiling, or rock climbing, relax in the rainforest, go bushwalking or swim in the rock pools. The range of activities is endless. Guests have the option to pitch a tent on a large, shady site, book a landscaped, te
rraced caravan site or choose from an array of self-catering lodges to suit couples, families, and larger groups at Cedar Creek Lodges.