Surfers Paradise Hotels
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Stuck with a bunch of 'schoolies'
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I found out before headed here that this was a big week for Surfer's...
basically it is the graduation celebration for all the Queensland high
school graduates, and they flock to the beach for what is known as
"Schoolies Week". So yeah... me being a bit outside that age range
(okay a lot) I quickly grew tired of this area and set out to explore
up and down this area, known as the Gold Coast. I arrived at the
backpackers to find a cleaner room than my previous experience, with
it's own bathroom, and bunks that didn't squeak ferociously when
someone climbed them. Hung out with Steve, a Brit in the room the
first night, where bars were packed with young'un's getting their drink
on. The main bar / club area was actually well monitored by police and
volunteers, so it wasn't too crazy, just packed.
Explored the little there was to see in actual Surfer's on Friday..
it's not much other than shops, bars, and huge skyscrapers along the
beach. One of which is the highest residential tower in the world.
The beach is nice... but really the name of the town has caused it to
grow into a tourist mecca and evidently surfing is better in many other
places. So on Saturday I headed down the Gulf Coast to Coolangatta,
explored the beaches there- a lot less packed and not overrun with huge
tourist hotels, and a well done boardwalk area, and good surf breaks
packed with surfers. It was a nice walk except for the 15 minutes I
left my camera sitting on a hill, to run back and find it still there,
thank goodness.
Next went to my main goal that day, the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.
Immediately upon entry there is an eclosure with a bunch of koala bears
chilling out- what they do best it seems- I must admit I love these
critters. They just make you smile when you look at them, and are so
relaxed it is really awe inspiring. I mean they are amazing creatures
to have developed such a docile nature and don't seem one bit perturbed
by people. Plus they are cute as hell. I caught a bird show which was
on par with the Williamsburg Busch Gardens show, which I watched every
time I went there- they had some cool birds including a hawk that uses
a rock to break open eggs. Then on to the other goal, the kangaroo
area. These guys are amazing too- these were all in a big enclosure
and were very used to people, and you could feed them. Obviously not
the best environment for a wild animal- most were just laying around
and the enclosure wasn't too big- but there were many volunteers making
sure they weren't mistreated and many were carrying joeys. It was
really cool to be able to see them up close.
I explored the area to the north the next day, trying to wring out what
interesting sights I could since I had paid my room through Tuesday.
But there really aren't many- this is pure vacation area for Aussies
with nearby theme parks (no thanks), thrill rides (waste of money- do
something real that is just as thrilling), and the beach (seen and will
see plenty). So yes I am a bit tired of this area and am looking
forward to moving on once I figure out what to do with my kiting
equipment... but I think I have it figured out....
Where I stayed:
Surfer's Paradise Backpackers Resort
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