Upon arrival at Coolangatta International Airport, my sis and I were greeted by heat. In comparison to New Zealand, it was a lot warmer in Australia. Getting out from the airport, I exclaimed spontaneously, "We're back to civilization!"

No doubt, we were.

Gold Coast is such a populous city, that we were surrounded by..

high-rise buildings!

Strolling around the city, we also saw..


Modern old clock which "sing" every quarterly

and even Hard Rock cafe!

Despite that Gold Coast is renowned for its sunny subtropical climate, we experienced rain for the first few days. The gloomy weather didn't stop us from exploring the city further. We kept ourselves dry traveling in our rented Toyota Tarago.

We also bought a bottle of Cabernet Merlot on our way to Tamborine Mountain, a rainforest hinterland in the west of Gold Coast.


Cost $18.90.

Alternatively, there are many shopping malls to turn to. *giggling* Ranging from Harbour Town, to Robina Town Centre, to Pacific Fair. How I wish we have these in Christchurch!! Even one Mid-Valley would be suffice! --"

Surrounded by 57km of coastline in the city, there are many popular beaches. One of them is...


Surfers Paradise!


Surfers Paradise skyline


Crowds enjoying the beach and climate.

One of the highlights that we could not missed was definitely the Australian Outback Spectacular. This was the first most expensive dinner that I ever had, at $88/person, including dinner and show. That was after discount. Otherwise, the price is $99/person. Therefore, it's always worth to walk around the city, as some travel agents offer discounts to the theme parks or show.


The crowds was enormous!

The venue is decorated with Australian natives and scenic backdrops. Wearing the bush hat, I felt as if I was in a traditional outback shearing shed.


I'm the cowgirl.

A tantalizing array of 3 course Aussie BBQ dinner was served, started with Queensland salad and ended with Pavlova, a traditional OZ/NZ dessert. The barbecue tenderloin beef steak with such rich gravy was yum! I like the mashed potatoes of all!!

With live music, sound and lighting effects, Australia's Outback heritage unfolds. The dashing horses, cattle mustering and stirring bush poetry certainly captivated our attentions. We watched the show in delight. Unfortunately, no camera is allowed in the arena.


Sis curi-curi took this upon my request. LOL.

Some people said "Gold Coast visit is not complete without a trip to theme park". Before we left to Brisbane, we visited one of the featured theme park, Warner Bros. Movie World.



We were enthralled in the world of cartoons!


Tweety bird and Bugs bunny


Scooby-Doo


The Shrek


Batman

Oh my, I was back to childhood again!

If cartoons fantasy bores you, don't worry. There are lots of exciting and exhilarating (or I would say heart-stopping) ride.


Superman Escape


Batwing Spaceshot

Now what? Thrill?! Fear??!!

We started from...


Road Runner Roller Coaster


Scooby-Doo Spooky Coaster


Wild West Falls Adventure Ride : heart-stopping drop.. Aahhhh!!


Beesh...


KA-BOOM!!


Obviously, I was soaked!!

And I have no idea what Lethal Weapon was until... I got myself into the queue!!!


Over 765m of non-stop drops, dives, bends, rollovers, sidewinders, double spins, loops and plunges!


It's going to drop, IT'S GOING TO DROP! *deafening scream*

I almost got myself killed here!!!

Thankfully, I'm still in one piece. Phew!

So, what do you think of Gold Coast?


Our 4 days 4 nights trip in Gold Coast was filled with so much fun. These were the first few days I spent with my family, and celebrated dad's birthday!


Happy family at the Movie World.

Next, Brisbane!