Last on the Coast in 2001 when as a family we had two weeks staying at Kirra near Coolangatta, I swore that was the last trip to this part of the world and definitely the final time for doing the theme parks.

Admittedly it has taken six years to return but after a very relaxed eight days in the sun, I’ll not say again, “that’ll be the last.” In fact, I’m convinced that the therapeutic value of sunshine and toasty temperatures when its is wet and cold in Auckland, is good enough reason to return.

This time six of us stayed at Markham Court Apartments in Broadbeach just a few strides from the beach and about 300 metres from excellent shopping and a multitude of eateries. Despite being a stone’s throw from the Gold Coast Hwy it was amazingly quiet. Travel broker Martina Muggeridge, recommended it as being cheaper, better located and just as well appointed as the entry level package I had enquired after. We were delighted we accepted her recommendation.

The attractive, low-rise complex provided us with comfortable, three-bedroom accommodation plus an excellent pool, heated jacuzzi and barbecue area. While not palatial and definitely in need of better internal lighting, the apartment interior was very tidy and spacious with laundry facilities a real asset. Moreover as we had paid only $664 each for airfare and 7 nights accommodation, we had no complaints about value.

This particular holiday had a three-fold purpose – an escape from Auckland’s dismal weather, a chance to give my young Finnish relative (here on a gap year) a taste of Australia and, most importantly time, out with daughter and son-in-law returning home after two years abroad.

Yes, the kids did do two theme parks, Dreamworld and Movieworld although they all found the latter disappointing – few of the shows we had experienced six years ago were on the agenda.

However, all four gave Dreamworld the thumbs up and still declare the BIG Drop to be one of the best rides around – high praise from thrillseeking daughter.

However, for hubby and I one highlights had to be our day trip to the….

Hinterland region of Mt Tamborine:

Approximately an hour’s drive west of the coast, the views were outstanding and the attractions, varied – everything from shopping to an adventure park. We were especially attracted to the number of enchanting bush walks which ranged from an easy 500 metres to a moderate four kilometres. With at least seven accessible tracks all within a short drive of each other, there was ample opportunity to check out the flora and fauna. Sadly we had time for only the shortest walk (1.5km), which took us through rainforest country to the picturesque Curtis Falls.

The trail was very easy underfoot, mostly flat, and could be managed by most people including active seniors. I would recommend allowing extra time to take in at least one other walk such as the Knoll walking track of 3.5 kms. It takes in the Cameron Falls and there is a good chance of seeing lyrebirds. Others include the Witches Falls circuit or perhaps Palm Grove, which encompasses five easy tracks. However, our bush-walking was curtailed by the desire to pack in several other attractions including…

PICTURESQUE: Curtis Falls.

The Gallery Walk:

This pretty street lined either side with art and craft boutique shopping and wonderful eateries, is similar but not as extensive as Montville craft village west of the Sunshine Coast. Nevertheless, it is easy enough to wile away a couple of hours digging about in shops such as the fascinating  German Cuckoo Clock Nest with its huge array of traditional German timepieces plus other souvenirs and German-made collectibles.

Other shops also offered a myriad of personal and home décor items however, for anyone with little girls in tow, Fairies on the Walk and Angels on the Walk were two specialty boutiques designed to enchant. Together with a host of cafes, all offering delicious culinary temptations, the Gallery Walk could have kept me busy for hours but our wanderings were cut short when son declared we’d come to the mountains to see the sights not the shops – “what’s the difference?” I asked only to be shunted off to the car quick smart. So from there we headed for…

A taste of Heritage Wines:

Just one of several totally unexpected vineyards on the Gold Coast (or rather Hinterland) wine trail, this charming and expansive property offered both wine tasting and dining with magnificent views all the way to the coast. The gardens were lovely but the building was particularly interesting. Formerly the Infant Saviour Catholic Church at Burleigh Heads, it was saved from demolition and relocated to its present site where it has been lovingly restored. Exuding a sense of tradition, the interior featured a rich combination of timber, brick and colonial style with a sweeping staircase (added to the design) and a huge stone fireplace all part of the ambience. We wanted to dine there but had already devoured freshly-made hot waffles at the Gallery Walk. However we did manage to sample a few of the estate’s wines before and making our way to…

BIG ON CHEESE: Witches Chase Cheese Company.

The Witches Chase Cheese Company: 
Cheese connoisseurs will enjoy stopping here. Staff willingly bought out a variety of cheeses, made from both goat’s milk and dairy. We were encouraged to taste as many as we liked and sampled both soft and hard cheeses including a delicious double cream brie before deciding on four different types to take back to the apartment. That night we sat around the pool, quaffed Heritage wine, ate cheese and crackers and barbecued steaks for dinner.  We really enjoyed our visit to The Witches Chase Cheese Company but were sorry that the distillery, located right next door, was closed We had hoped to try a little ‘hooch’ or some such but instead decided it was time to return home but along the way we did stop at…

The Macadamia Nut Shed

While there was no end of places to visit, things to see, and food to savour, I steadfastly avoided temptations such as Fudge Heaven and Mayfield chocolates but as we headed back to the coast I just had to stop at the Macadamia Nut Shed. Just slightly more upmarket than a roadside stall, nevertheless this nut specialist offered Macadamias done a host of different ways and hubby just could not resist buying wasabi flavoured nuts. Definitely not my thing, one was quite enough. On the other hand the large bag of roasted, salted nuts I purchased was gobbled up in no time.

One day in the Mt Tamborine region wasn’t enough. There were so many attractions we missed. However, hubby did suggest that next trip (now, that bodes well for the future) we should book a night or two at one of the area’s many attractive B&Bs and allow ourselves time to explore the botanical gardens, the bird park, more walks and, of course, some of the great eateries, pubs and wineries. I’d also like to wend my way further south to O’Reilleys Rainforest Retreat in the Canungra Valley. In particular I was sorry not to experience the Tree Top Walk, which is 15 metres above ground (literally among the tree tops), 180 metres in length and is made up of nine suspension bridges. From what I’ve heard, it is a must do for next time. And I rather fancy having a second go at the distillery – sounds good to me.