Tuesday 8th October 2013
So today is flight day
and I would not say I am nervous but more counting down them moments until I
get on the plane.
The plane ride itself was
not to bad I think it was mainly due to the fact that I prepared myself for a 3
hour flight whereas it was only a 1hr 40min flight.
Hayley and Madison coped
extremely well with the flight and we had no dramas at all. There was a little
turbulence coming down to Coolangatta through the clouds but nothing major.
Hayley did complain a tiny bit of her ears popping on the decent into QLD as
well.
When we got into the
airport I was expecting some pretty intense humid weather. It was quite humid
and sticky but not as bad as it is pumped up to be, I quite like it to be
honest. The rental car we got, we weren’t expecting to take the pram so we
booked a Nissan Tiida but there was no way we would be able to fit all our
belongings into that tiny car. Instead of even trying I asked if we could get
an upgrade and we did to a brand spanking new Peugeot 4008 fresh to the Thrifty Team. Now this would probably
have to be my dream family car now and something I could only ever dream of
owning.
The apartments we stayed
at were called the 2nd Avenue Apartments and our room was 22C-
located 22 floors up. I wouldn’t say it was anything flash at all but for me I
would pay the money just for the stunning, almost breathtaking views. I could
easily stay out on the balcony and just look into the ocean and watch the
whales splash away and play, Or the surfers carving up the swell. We are literally across the tiny road from
the beach and probably a 1minute walk down (most of which is spent in the
lift!!)
The girls absolutely love
it here and I cannot wait for our first family holiday to unfold.
Weds 9th
October 2013
Sooo today there was not much on the cards except to settle in a
little and investigate our surroundings. When Ann-Maree told me there were
early mornings to be had, as it gets quite warm up here and quite bright early
I did not expect a 5am start. It wasn’t even bright in our room as were more
situated to the side but boy does it get humid and stuffy in the room. But it
was so strange I didn’t have to peel myself out of bed or anything, instead I
woke up nice a early and just went on my way as if it was 9am not 5am. I think
eventually these early mornings will creep up on me though and will pay the
toll in a few days to come.
After out breakfast, which consisted of toasted sangas and
cereal we decided we would head down the beach for a walk and to also take the
girls to the park that is directly across the road from us.
So the girls had a little play at the park and we went on our
merry way up the road (on foot of course) down to the strip of shops to get the
girls a drink and see what was up there. There wasn’t anything special and
almost all of the shops were closed, which is a very strange feeling. But the
girls were happy as they got their Slurpee’s with popping rocks so it was worth
it for them.
On the walk back form the shops we took the beach route and Matt
dragged the pram along in the sand so that the kids could frolic in the water
and sand. At first Madison was not to keen and would not go anywhere near the
water line. But after Daddy taking her ankle deep and walked with her for a
while she warmed up and began getting a little bit more confident. Then a
bigger wave came crashing into the sand pushing her over onto her bottom, me
worried she wont ever want to go to the beach again scurried over to pick her
up and consult her. Only for her to want to go back for more and get even
wetter then she already was.
As for Hayley she was straight into the water splashing around
and running around like she was born on the beach. This babe fit in perfectly
with her skinny bod and tanned skin!! It was actually quite tough to get her
out of the water to be perfectly honest.
We went back to the apartment for a while and then decided it
was time to try out the indoor pool and give it a whirl. This was great fun and
provided us with at least 3 hours of fun.
For lunch we had fish and chips from across the road. One thing
I have noticed up here though, they make their Dori and chips super greasy oily
and leave a gross taste in your mouth.
3pm and it was time to get all ready to attend the Big Brother
LIVE eviction show at Dreamworld.
Gates opened at 4:30 but we got there at like 4:45 and the lines
were absolutely enormous and the wait to get in was quite long. We got into the
studio at probably 5:30, but had plenty of time to spare before the show. But standing in line was such a HUGE tease as
we were lined up right next to Dreamworld, which looks like any child’s dream
(and mine.)
At the show there was Ben (winner from last years BB) The sugar
sisters, Tully, Oat A La Layla and Ryan (last years hotty) The housemates family
were also there which was great to see.
Unfortunately we were there for the night that poor Benny Boy
was evicted L (CRIES) But luckily for me we were sat right
by the stage where the evictee enters. Here is where I was lucky enough to hold
Ben’s hand as he looked me in the eye saying Thank you HAHAHA … Made me shake
after that.
It was so surreal to be at the studio where the record something
I watch every single day and also to have held the hand of probably one of my
favourite housemates…
Afterwards Matt took me for a drive to the main strip of
Surfer’s Paradise, and now I know why they would call it that. The city itself
was nothing special and quite outdated compared to Melbourne but it was
beautiful right on the beach. There was not much to see at night except for the
bright lights and people everywhere. The city was also setting up for the Indie
(or whatever they are called races.)
And here I am now writing to you from bed, it is only 10:42 but
I am absolutely wrecked. I did get up at 5am so it really has been a long
one. Night xx
Thursday 10th October
It is only 8:12pm QLD but I
cannot believe the kids have not dropped like flies yet!!! Today was a MASSSIVE
day at Movieworld and I can now confirm my childhood dream has come true, and I
loved being able to spend it with my family.
Watching the girls faces
light up as they went on the rides that had the right height restrictions had
to be the best feeling I have felt in a long time. Hayley was straight into it
and roaring to go but Madison took a little bit to warm to it, but when she did
she was a ball of excitement.
I really need to thank
Movieworld for providing us with a family pass to this amazing park and of
course there other ones which we are yet to explore.
Now confirming I went on
EVERY single ride at Movieworld and my two favourite rides would have to have
been the Superman ride and also the Arkham Asylum. Both were hell scary but
Superman you reach one negative (whatever its is called.) And the Arkham one
your turned upside down in full 360’s and reach speeds up to 80kms hr.
For me this was something
huge, as I mentioned above it has been a dream of mine since I was about 10 to
be able to go to the theme parks in QLD and today was my first.
The girls got to meet all
the characters they watch on the TV and were even able to watch the daily
parade, which for them was the best part. Nanna and Pah took them off onto the
kid rides while we went on the bigger rides.
And they came back with lollies and even some cool airbrush tatts!!!
We had lunch at the
buffet there, I think it was called Ricky’s something.. But there I ate the
best piece of pizza in my life. It was some sort of chicken pizza but the sauce
they used was absolutely amazing.
Well that was my BIG day
today, and I could probably blab on about it for days as I had an absolute
blast and arrived at opening and left at closing… And I almost had to be
dragged out of there.
Mind the face of this, the whole spooky theme was set up for Fright Nights
Oh there was also a
really cool deal on where if you bought a USB for $50 you could go on whatever
rides you wanted to and have the images put on there, which was fantastic value
for money. Every ride I went on (which was ALL of the them) I bought the cards
that you pop your pictures in so I can print them back at home. All the souveniers and stuff are also very
cheap and worth the spend.
Friday 11th
October
Today was Dreamworld/White Water World, but before we started
our adventure we decided to head in early and get a glimpse of the Metricon
stadium, which is where the Gold Coast Suns play and more or less the home of
Gary Ablett jnr. After driving by a couple of times we were well on our way to
Dreamworld.
After lining up out front of Dreamworld when we went to Big
Brother LIVE evictions I was very keen to get my big bottom into this park.
We started the day of in the kids area where the girls played
along with Shrek, Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda and so much more. The two rides
which were Hayley’s favourite was the Shrek round a bout and also the Shrek
Merry Go Round.
After exploring the kids world for a bit we headed into the
Tiger Park where there was a Tiger names Nika laying on the glass having a nap
above our heads. Matt picked Madison up and popped her near the glass, Nika
must have seen this as prey and swipe her hand and showed them pearly whites..
Madison would not go near the tigers after this experience haha.
Then Jordan, Matt and myself left the girls with Ann-Maree and
Terry and shot of to the Tower Of Terror II (quite literally.) This was a great
ride and we did it again at the end of the day.
We then went and met up with the in-laws for the Tiger show,
which was absolutely amazing. I could not believe how amazingly smart and
trained these tigers were, I could have easily sat there and watched them for
the entire day.
After this we were all off to the Wiggles world where the day
really began to fire up and get hot (thanks QLD!!) But in there Matt and myself
jumped off on the Big Red Car ride and that was it for us and the kiddie stuff,
it was time to get the adrenaline pumping.
Went on this stupid motorbike ride (Mick Duin or something)
which was pathetic, the lines were huge and there was no thrill at all; very
disappointing.
My favourite part of the day was meant to be the BB tour until I
found out all it was, was a walk on the stage where they would take photos…
that was it! Meh to that and we left.
On the right you can see Matt waving and myself to the right of him.
Then Matt and Myself went on the Giant Drop which was absolutely
AMAZING and oh so scary at the same time. I think I competley pushed my limits
and could have almost passed out when going on this. Jordan was to scared to
come on the first time but when he saw how much fun we had we wanted to go on.
He did go on but it was later on in the day after buzz saw.
Talking about the Buzz Saw, I would have to say this is one of the most stomach churning and probably
most scariest ride of the theme park. I did love it though, as I am a bit of an
adrenaline junky and would have gone on it many of times if it wasn’t for the
crazy lines.
The other stand out ride for me was the Zombie Evilution. It
scared the living daylights out of me literally and is very much a fright one
that reminds your of something out of a movie. You have zombies coming at you
and scaring the absolute jebuz out of you.
After this we did a few other rides here and there and headed
over to White Water World where we met up with the in-laws and girls who were
having a ball in the wave pool.
Matt and Jordan went off and did their own thing here and I
stayed with the girls taking snaps of them playing in the water. There is no
better feeling then watching them girls having fun with a smile from ear to
ear.
Dreamworld and White Water World and two parks that we shall be
returning to that is for sure.
Saturday 12th October
This was the day we met up with my mum at the Carrara Markets,
which is absolutely huge and one heck of a walk around. I wouldn’t say it was
anything special but there certainly was a bargain to be had. Here I bought
myself some hippy pants for $20 and a dream catcher, but this was about all we
bought.
After the Carrara Market we headed on down to the Surf outlets
where Matt shopped up a little storm. As for me I only bought a couple of items
but saved myself quite a bit of cash in doing so. We will be heading back here though as I
didn’t know they had kids outlets at the back.
All day I was super excited for the Fright Nights evening and was
hoping for a real scare. When we arrived at 6:20 we were greeted by a massive
cue that banked so far out on the freeway it was just not funny.
I am sorry but before I go on about the actual fright nights I
would like to start off with a rant and something that to be quite honest with
you PISSED ME OFF!!! Movieworld (Warner Brother, whatever) need to stop being
all about the cash and actually focus on the experience!!! The whole night I
paid to go into fright nights only to be lining up the whole night. I swear we
arrived at 6:30 and left at 10pm and only went through two of the mazes, that
was it!!!!! Didn’t get the chance to go on any rides or anything, absolutely
pathetic by Movieworld to let so many people in that gate and for such a little
amount of time.
The effects and costumes were great and there was one maze I went
on that I liked and that was the evil dead or something which had an amazing
set and setup. Everything else was a wait and a line, just ruined my night.
If I had known about how horrible it would have been inside with lines and waiting I
would not have paid good money to go…. Oh and if you wanted to jump the lines
just once for all of them it would have cost you an extra $75 on top of your
$40 entry fee….
Sunday 13th October
Today was a pretty
cruisey day as we figured that everything would be packed on a weekend. So
instead we planned to hit up the local beach and go down to the surf club for
breakfast. It was a beautiful breakfast and I think we mainly paid for the
view.
Half way through
breakfast Nanna and Pa came along and met us there, and planned to come down to
the beach with us. And the beach we did J It was very windy and sand was going everywhere. I did not
really swim in the water but did go into the water waist high.
I can’t even explain
my day without saying the QLD sun absolutely hates me and I got completely
fried. It is now Tuesday as I am writing this and I am walking around like my
skin has been peeled right off my body that is how sore it was.
There’s not much to
talk about today as it was a beach/pool relaxing in the room kind of day, and a
well-deserved rest.
Monday 14th
October
Early start again today, I don’t think there has been a day that I
have woken up after 6… The sun shines so bright in your room and it gets really
hot fast, reminds me of when we go camping to be honest with you.
But it didn’t matter getting up early as we had breakfast planned in
the Meehan’s room at 7:-7:30. Which consisted of pancakes, ice-cream and fresh
strawberries. There was also the good old bacon and eggs of course, which is a
bit of a Meehan must have to breakfast.
After breakfast we were off for a little road trip across the border
of NSW and into Byron Bay. The start of the trip did not go to plan though as
there was a car at the Byron exit that caught fire closing all lanes south
bound. We waited over 30mins to get off this FWY and more all of about 3kms.
But when we eventually did exit we were greeting by an absolutely stunning
beach.
The first thing you notice when hitting Byron Bay is all the hippies
and back packers around, it gives a kind of cool feeling to Byron Bay. I was
looking forward to the shopping up here but to be honest there was nothing
special and if there was it was extremely over priced and just not worth the
spend.
I did have the best ice-cream of my life up here which was a combo
of Mars Bar and then also Honeycomb Banana with real honeycomb pieces inside.
We had lunch at Beach Hotel for Kellies birthday which was quite
lovely. I think we were meant to go for a swim, but by the time we finished
walking the beach it was time to leave and I had honestly had enough.
For dinner I cooked the first meal of the apartment which was pasta
Bolognese.
This was the day and tomorrow we are off for Seaworld WOOHOO,
another theme park!!
Tuesday 15th October
Ok, so I may have already said this before but today I went to the
best theme park QLD has to offer by far- Seaworld.
I love animals and especially sea creature so this is probably
why, it could be because I am a picease. But my biggest childhood dream did
come true today and that was getting the chance to come up close and personal
with the dolphins and getting the chance to have my photo taken patting one. If
I were to move up to QLD I would make it my mission to become a handler or
trainer in Seaworld.
We also got a family photo with a seal in the seal theatre, which
was really cool and a lovely photo; one for the wall that is for sure!! For the dolphin pic and the seal pic it only
cost $100 and that even included a photo package!
There were not many rides but that did not bother me or the girls
either, they had loads of fun interacting and watching all the shows.
Seaworld is great as well because you go and see all the shows and
work things in between. The girls both got to play and pat the stingrays which
was a highlight for them.
A lot of the larger rides were shut down for maintenance so the one
Matt wanted to go on (only adrenaline one) had a huge line and he gave up about
5 minutes into waiting haha.
Today I didn’t feel to crash hot at all so it was great getting
out and taking my mind off my body and not feeling well. And driving home we took
the more scenic way home along Surfers Paradise beach.. but not intentionally
haha. Matt was concentrating on an old man speeding on by to get in front of
him and had to chuck a left, but it turned out being the better way anyway.
Surfers Paradise is transforming for the Gold Coast 600 or whatever it
is, and it reminded me of being back in Melbourne when they set up for the
Grand Prix. I don’t ever want to leave QLD but thinking about it, I don’t think
I could last their Summer through, the Spring is hot enough for me and no
CYCLONES!!!
16th
October 2013
Ok so today was a catch up day and a kind of fill in day to go
back on the things we missed out on.
We started the day off at Wet n Wild, but didn’t stay there as
long as what was planned due to the fact that the girls were to young for a lot
of the rides and the day wasn’t the warmest or sunniest.
Well Movieworld was all about the shows today and we would fit
in whatever rides we could in between.
My favourite of all the shows was of course the stunt drivers. Some of
the moves and tricks these boys can do was absolutely unbelievable and a real
treat to watch. It was a little annoying though Matt wanting to sit front row..
This meant for us we had to sit in the boiling hot sun for a good 40minutes
before the show start and then remain there for the rest of the show.
The girls watched the parade and also went to the Scooby Doo
show and Batman show loving both of them.
They also got to fit quite a bit of the kids worlds rides into
the mix and had a MASSIVE day! Today was all about the girls and the girls it
was.
It is now 7:03 and we’re off to the Surfers Paradise Night
Market, so I will report back to you a little late on with my night and
purchases! I have not been feeling to
crash hot today so I will also let you know how that goes (but Ive kept it
quite as Matt doesn’t like hearing about it and kind of makes me feel bad L )
Well we did get to the market at about 7:30 but left the bag
with all our cardi’s and jumpers in the hotel (sigh.) But we went home and
picked them up and got to the market at about 8pm ish. There was not much there
and we didn’t end up buying anything to be completely honest, but we did get a
photo done ($10) with a snake, which Hayley chose. It was the same people from
the Reptile Park that was at the Currumbin Market and I am thinking we may have
to pay them a visit before we leave.
The market has a beautiful scenery as it is located literally
along the main beach with the waves crashing in the background J It was a lovely evening out and we had Greek type of food for
tea which was super yummy for someone not feeling to crash hot.
17th
October
Relaxing day was meant to be on the agenda today and relaxing it
was. We made our way to Tamborine Mountain, which was full of rainforests and
amazing sights.
The first place we stopped off at was the Skywalk, which cost us
$40 odd dollars to get into and for me that was very over priced. It was a
lovely walk but nothing you should have had to pay for, especially as much as
we did. We did the walk and took some
pics then it was off to a waterfall for us.
Getting a little lost in the winding mountain roads was a little
stressfull and then our GPS took us the longest way ever to do a U-turn and
head back. But when we arrived at Carter’s Waterfall we were pumped. I don’t
think I would have been saying this afterwards though, the amount of steps we
had to carry all our stuff back up was insane and my legs burnt like crazy. It
was worth it though and the waterfall was absolutely stunning and worth ever
muscle burning minute.
After lunch we decided to head to the Glow Worms cave and again
this was VERY pricey for what you get. The surroundings were stunning and I
could have easily have sat down there for the whole day without even doing the
tour.
But the tour went for about 15minutes and about 7 of them were
watching a show and being told what we could not do!
Then we headed to Glowworm Avenue and were in there for about
5minutes before the sprinklers were turned on and we then had to leave the
tunnel. The glow worms were stunning and it was like looking at a starry sky
night but it was all man made caves and then a walkway full of the worms (which
are actually maggot like not actually worms.)
Then we got a message from a friend that we should go and visit
Natural Bridge while we were out that way. This was about an hour away from
where we were but we had nothing else to do for the day so decided to hit the
tar and go again. After a beautiful hour in the car watching the forests and
beautiful green land pass by we were there.
Now this is something I would have happily paid money for and
money couldn’t buy the photos I took there. It was a lovely short walk down
before you could hear the roaring of water, this is when I knew I was getting
close to the fall. And then we were faced with the natural beauty of the natural
bridge. At night you can actually see glow worms in there in the natural
environment, which would have been stunning. There is like a hole where a
waterfall drops down into creating the most stunning almost romantic scene (if
only!!)
We left the Natural Bridge at about 4:30pm and arrived home just
a little before 6 as we stopped in at the supermarket for some essentials. I had to buy some moisturiser as during the
day I was rubbing my chest and my fingers became wet. That is when I looked
down and realised my chest had actually blistered over and began to pop and
ooze (TMI sorry guys.) No wonder I was in a world of pain a few days ago, my
poor skin absolutely fried (literally.)
Tomorrow we are off to Dreamworld for all the shows and to also
see all the animals and even get our photos taken J SAH MUCH FUUUN
18th October
WAAHHH not much longer and our trip will come to a very sad end L Not looking forward to it one little bit!!!
Today was all about the girls once again as we returned to
Dreamworld to see and experience all the shows/things we missed.
So firstly we headed over to Wiggle’s World where the girls had
their fun there and got to meet Dorothy and Henry the Octopus. We then ducked
over the bridge to the Koala Sanctuary to book in our photos. Initially we were
only going to get the photo with the koala but ended up buying a package of
three, which allowed us to hold and pat a koala, snake and baby croc. This was
a once in a lifetime experience and one I will cherish forever. In Melbourne you
are unable to hold a koala because of all their laws and what not.
After this we plodded along and went to the shows as well as
meet the different characters. It wasn’t the best day to be at a theme park as
it was overcast and even rained throughout the day. But for the family and
myself this was great as there were no lines for the rides and the sun wasn’t
beaming on us all day and did not have to worry about re-applying sunscreen so
often.
For lunch we went to the Buffet that was in Dreamworld and it
was money well spent. We purchased 2 adults and a child and got a free endless
soft drink cup all for $57, which we would have easily spent if we went to the
food arcade.
We left Dreamworld right as it closed and decided we would come
back on Sunday to meet Mikkayla at the Big Brother Section of Dreamworld.
For dinner we went to South Port Sharks footy ground (yes it was
Aussie Rules not Rugby.) And I must say, if all our Melbourne sides complain
about debt, or not getting enough money maybe they should take a leaf out of
QLD’s books! Their bars/resturants are amazing and always get the crowd in. We
paid $30 a head and it was an all you could eat buffet with Asian food, Italian
Food, Cavery and sooooo much more YUMMIES!
Tomorrow we are not sure what to do and I think it will be a go
with the flow kind of day and sneak the Outlets in there again before we leave
kind of day :-P
19th
October
Today we had
absolutely nothing planned and thought we might try and hunt down a good
market. So we made our way to Hope Island where I think A LOT of the rich come from,
as they are massive houses with their own private bays.
When we arrived to
where the market should have been it looked as if it had been deserted. So
decided to turn right around and head on out of there and go back to the surf
outlets.
I am so glad we did go
back to the outlets as I did a huge shop and bought some pretty neat clothes and
bags. Matt also bought himself a Samsonite like Billabong suitcase to fit all
of our new stuff in to take home J I think it was a pretty cool buy to be honest!
Then we went to the
TAB and put some bets on for the Caulfield cup, and it is fair to say I should
have not bothered at all. Matt did have a win on the last race backing Fawkner
and winning his money back and some more, which was good news!
Then we hung around
home for a few hours relaxing and looking over the things we had bought and
photos we had taken at the parks and what not (gosh there is a lot!!)
But after hours of
watching races and loosing every single one I got over it and wanted to get out
of the hotel room. I persuaded Matt to head back down to the Surfers Paradise
Night Market only to find that it was not on… Major downer again, all I have
wanted this holiday is to go to some awesome QLD markets and I have only been
to one (Carrara) and it was not even that good!!
We went to Lonestar
Tavern for Tea and the girls had a play on their playground and also in the playroom.
I loved this tavern and it was beautiful to be able to sit outside and not be
cold while eating dinner. Lately smells of food really get to me and can even
make me feel ill and turn me off my food, so it was good to avoid this.
We are now at home and
it is 9:40 and I am already snuggled in bed haha.
I am in two minds
about our holiday coming to an end L Like I don’t want to leave as this place is beautiful and
I have thoroughly enjoyed my first ever family holiday but I also really miss
home and my Melbourne (and blogging to be honest. ) I cannot wait to see what
packages have arrived and all the goodies I get to write about.
20th October
Today we had a little thing going where we knew what we had to
do and places we had to be at and had a schedule to stick to.
Luckily for us Dreamworld opens an hour earlier on the weekend
for season pass holders, which meant we had a little more time to play
around. The main reason for us heading
to Dreamworld was actually to see Mikkayla and get a photo with her.
This was actually a lot easier then we thought, there was NOBODY
there and we walked right up and even had a little chat to her and she asked
Hails if she loved Mr. Clooney, which of course she did.
It was so strange standing and talking to somebody I watched on
TV not too long ago and watched her go about her daily business. But she was
lovely and you could tell what you saw in the house was a Mikkayla under
extreme pressure and circumstances that pushed her limits.
But while we were there we went on some rides. Matt and I went
on the Buzzsaw again each and I went on the Claw for the first time. That ride
is not even scary one little bit and actually made me feel ill (and I had not
even had any breakfast.) Then we went on the much loved (by our family) Log
Ride.
After our log ride we were off and racing again in the car not
knowing where to go as we got out of Dreamworld earlier then expected. So in
the end we decided we would go and see what Pacific Fair was all about and stop
off for lunch there.
I was actually really disappointed with Pacific Fair and it was
nothing fancy at all. In my opinion it is very out dated and the only real
modern thing in there are these pot plant chairs they have put in there and
that’s about it. We ate lunch and left, I was extremely disappointed.
Now what we planned our day around was the V8s Gold Coast 600s
Parade and signings. But before we made it to Surfers Paradise we FINALLY found
a market that looked half decent, so we stopped off. After walking around the
market for over an hour the only thing we bought was a hippy dress for Madison
and one for me.
Then we finally made it to Surfer’s Paradise where the parade
took place. The girls got some flags and a little beach ball, which was quite
nifty. Walking down Cavil Ave afterwards trying to find the place where the
drivers were doing the signings and a lady stopped us and said driver signings.
So we went up and met the boys and also got two posters signed.
Hayley and Matthew also got their photo taken with the Meter
Maids and also got a poster signed for $10. You have to pay $5 to get a photo
with the maids as apparently it all goes back to charity or something…
For dinner we made our way down to Mermaid Beach and had pizza
down on the coast. Watching the moon pop up from behind the clouds was amazing
and almost breath taking with the city in the distance.
Tomorrow we plan on going to Paradise country and seeing what it
is all about, but if we are let down we will probably go to Sea World or
Movieworld.
21st October
My very last night in paradise and I am hating every minute, as
much as I could not live here there is a part of me that just does not want to
leave. QLD put on amazing weather for our last night here to.
Today we went to Paradise Country and wish I never went to be
honest. Don’t get me wrong the place is OK, but tiny and not really a place to
go if you know about the land down under really. Paradise Country is more a
place you would take loved ones that have come from overseas or those who are
foreigners. I do believe the girls had a good time as they love their animals
and they could get quite up close and personal with these. Hayley even got the
opportunity to milk a big cow, which she thought was ace.
One of the main pluses for me would have had to have been the
grub J The food
was delish and I left there with a very full belly.
I don’t think we picked the best day to do this either as there
was a couple of massive tour buses filled with Japanese students there and they
basically took over the park and did not leave much space for us to get a good
view and what not. They also kept taking photos of the girls like they were the
main attraction or something… Which I suppose was ok, but after a while it can
get a little too much!!
Matt, Hayley and myself also got the chance to “mine” for some
opals which was OK. It is basically a tiny little cave that has sand walls and
little sections that are number where you can a pick (other end of the hammer)
and chip away at your part of the wall, which is probably 20cms by 15cms (only
tiny.) I found three little clay balls and in the clay balls were actually opal
rocks, quite pretty but not sure it is worth $10 per person to be completely
honest.
After lunch we hit the road again as there really wasn’t much
for us to do and we were a little overwhelmed with the amount of tourists that
were there. So we decided we would go for a brief visit to Whitewater World
again.
At WhiteWater World the girls played in the Wiggles Water world
for a couple of hours and then we were done. Matt didn’t get the right board
shorts and the string was missing so we had to cut the trip short, but the
girls had had enough and we told them we would swim back at the apartments.
And were not ones to go against our promises, after Matt
finished off a CC and Dry we made our way down to the pool and went for a swim.
We had the entire pool to ourselves and stayed in there for a few good hours,
which was fun. It was also sad knowing that I would not be getting back in that
heavily chlorinated pool, that made my skin dry out L There are soo many things I will miss about this place but I
know I shall return.
Not sure what we are going to do tomorrow as we have a few hours
to kill between check out and the airport so I will get back to you when we hit
the tarmac in Melbourne WAHHHHH
22nd October
So I have just curled up in a ball in MY VERY OWN bed, and I
must say I did miss sleeping on my cloud like bed. But this also means that
sadly our family holiday has now come to an end and we have to get back to
reality (Doh!!!)
This morning we had to check out of the hotel at 9am but we were
out of there by 8am as it just got to hot and there was no real need for us to
just hang around anyway. We dropped the keys into the real estate and said our
goodbyes to 2nd Avenue Apartments.
Then we went on our merry way to Coolangatta/Tweed Heads and
stopped off at the beach there so the girls could have some play time on the
playground there and hoped that would kill time.
It did not kill as much time as we hoped so we decided to jump
the border and head to Tweed Heads where they were an hour in front of
Coolangatta ,which meant that we could have lunch earlier. We did not quite
make it to lunch as Matt took a wrong turn but actually turn out to be the best
wrong turn. Down this street there was
the Volcom Factory outlet and also another little surfer one but found nothing
here.
Then after we headed to Danny’s restaurant, which is located on
Coolangatta/Tweed Heads Gold Club. Danny’s is a Asian/Aussie.Seafood buffet and
was sooooo yummy and only cost $18.50 per head… Matthew well and truly got his
monies worth going back for seconds and even thirds.
When lunch was done it was time to head back to the airport so
we could check ourselves in, but we didn’t even make it half way there before I
got matt to stop at Kirra Surf which had a MASSIVE sale on. They had further
reduced their already reduced prices by an extra 30%, which made for some
fantastic bargain shopping!
Then we were in the air at 3:10 and arrived here in Melbourne at
6:30 Melb time. We left QLD on a 27 degree sunny day and arrived to Melb in 12
degrees and rain. The weather was so bad we had to circle around the airport
for 30mins while a storm cloud passed by.
I will NOT be travelling again with Tiger Air though as our pram came
out in Melbourne destroyed!!! The rubber on the hand rail was sliced right down
to the metal and the brake had been ripped straight off.
