Down Under - Gold Coast

The four days that I spent in Sydney proved to be a wonderful experience. The architecture was marvellous, the people kind and the weather was on point, at least during the time that I was there. I couldn’t make time for Bondii beach in Sydney, with the rains playing spoil sport on two separate occasions. But I wasn’t too bummed out about that. Cuz next on my list of places to visit in Australia was Gold Coast.

The drive from Sydney to Gold Coast is about 900km long. It can actually be completed in a days time, but I chose to break the journey into 2 parts. Of course, you could also do this over 11 days, such is the vastness of the Australian country side. But I chose to do it in 2, and spend more time in the cities itself. From Sydney to Port Macquarie, and onwards to Gold Coast.

Port Macquarie is about 400km from Sydney, and the drive takes about 4-5 hours to complete. About as long as it takes to get from Mumbai to Lavasa. Its a small, quaint beach town with a population of about 45000 people. While in Port Macquarie, I stayed at Oxley Cove, a beautifully furnished serviced apartment complex about 200m from the beach, and what a beach it was! Crystal clear waters and warm sunshine! But the party piece was undoubtedly the Port Macquarie Lighthouse.

The Lighthouse Beach stretched out in front of me and on my right, the Pacific Ocean on my left. During the one hour that I was there, the sun set and the wind became colder, prompting me to head back to the hotel and retire early. But not before I spotted a few whales in the water below. Majestic creatures spewing out water into the air, and navigating the shores with their fins. The whale breeding season was approaching its end, and I was told I was lucky to spot one on the day! It was quite a majestic experience!

On the next day, I headed into town to grab a heavy breakfast at a local cafe. Thereafter, I drove onwards to Gold Coast. After about 7 hours of driving (including stops), I reached Surfer’s Paradise. Over the next 3 days, I stayed at the absolutely wonderful Circle On Caville. I had a 15th floor, fully furnished apartment with views of the sea on one side, and the Nerang river on the other! The apartment came with 2 bed rooms, a kitchen, a living room with a large enough LCD TV, and finely furnished washrooms. It also came with a balcony with fabulous views of the shoreline.

On the next day, I headed into town to grab a heavy breakfast at a local cafe. Thereafter, I drove onwards to Gold Coast. After about 7 hours of driving (including stops), I reached Surfer’s Paradise. Over the next 3 days, I stayed at the absolutely wonderful Circle On Caville. I had a 15th floor, fully furnished apartment with views of the sea on one side, and the Nerang river on the other! The apartment came with 2 bed rooms, a kitchen, a living room with a large enough LCD TV, and finely furnished washrooms. It also came with a balcony with fabulous views of the shoreline.

I spent a large part of the 3 days that I was in Gold Coast, on the beach. The weather was perfect, bright sunshine, with a very light, cool breeze blowing across the golden sands. The beaches were clean, and the slope predictable.

Due to an unfortunate spasm in my lower back, I was unable to take a trip to the amusement parks. I was however able to sample some amazing restaurants in the Gold Coast area. A mention must go out to this Italian restaurant named Alfresco. I would highly recommend the spaghetti in Napoli sauce if you ever happen to visit it. Other restaurants worth trying out are Gelatossima – for creamy, sinful ice cream and Madmex Guzmani for a quick-fix Mexican meal.

I must admit I wasn’t able to make the most of Gold Coast’s night life and amusement parks. But I’m sure I’ll return to the place sometime, and cover those too.

Next up, my experience of the Great Ocean Road.