I arrived yesterday afternoon in the Gold Coast and got a bus to my hotel, the Conrad Jupiters Casino. My first impression of the Gold Coast was not too good. It is essentially a big holiday resort. The fact I was staying in a casino gave me a bit of a flashback to Vegas.
On arriving at the hotel I noticed there was a pool, so I went straight out and had a swim. This made me feel a little more positive. Then I noticed there was a gym with a room where they teach fitness classes. The room was empty so I went back to my room, got my Yoga mat and did an Ashtanga practice. It was cool not having to practice in my hotel room. Too many distractions. After this I was feeling up for a wander around.
After leaving the hotel I walked through a shopping center and a restaurant area, then out on to the beach. This is when I realized I was going to like the Gold Coast. The beaches are long and wide with white sand. It is the perfect place to bring kids on holiday, hence the holiday resort developments. I’ve got 2 days before the conference starts so I’m going to spend my time between the beach, the gym and the pool. I’m going to try and blank out the casinos and holiday resort feel as they will only spoil it for me.
I would post photos only the hotel internet charges are extortionate, so I’m using a public terminal. Unless I get internet access at the conference, I probably won’t be online much until I reach New Zealand.
Cheers
Tim…
The Gold Coast was my least favourite part of Australia when I visited a few years ago, compared to Sydney, Melbourne, Cairns etc etc. As you say, it’s primarily based around casinos, shopping developments etc, a bit too American for my tastes (not that this is bad, it’s just that I was in Australia).
That said, as you say the beaches are good, and of course it’s in Australia which is always nice. I think if I went back again though I’d give it a wide berth, two places in Australia I’ve not yet been to are Perth (which sounds good, from your description) and Darwin, both of which I’d like to get to see when I’m next down under.
BTW (I’m sure Doug would like to ask this) – have you seen any big spiders yet, particularly ones that hide in holes in the ground or live in toilet bowls? Box jellyfish? Or strange spider-box jellyfish hybrids? Just asking.
“big spiders”
i.e. ANything more than an inch across and definitely including anything with visible fur!
Hi.
I saw a very big spider in the botanical gardens in Sydney. It wasn’t tarantula big and it wasn’t hairy, but you wouldn’t want to see it in your toilet bowl. I tried to get a photo, but I couldn’t focus on it and I didn’t want to get too close in case it jumped at me and laid eggs under my skin. 🙂
I’ve seen plenty of small jellyfish in the sea and a few big ones in aquariums…
Cheers
Tim…
When I read your blog entry, I just had to comment. It is so sad when people come to the Gold Coast, drive from Coolangatta Airport to their hotel, go to a conference, see very little and thing that this place is all yuk!
I love the Gold Coast, but there are parts that are very average. There is so much more to the Gold Coast than the Casino and those tacky holiday resorts.
We have 30 golf courses, a fabulous hinterland with rainforest and native animals galore, humpback whale watching (if you go now you will see the mothers and calves) and some amazing waterways. I haven’t even had to mention the beaches – and yes there are many and there are different kinds. Try Tallebudgera or Currumbin, Kirra and if you get a chance spend some time on the amazing South Stradbroke Island the only place on earth with the Golden Wallaby.
Surely there was something in that list that makes you a bit more curious to come back and have another look.
Hope you don’t mind me posting, I just am passionate about this place and I want everyone to see behind the facade – scratch a little deeper and there is lots, this place isn’t shallow.
Annie
Hi.
I didn’t mean to offend. I’ve enjoyed my short stay in Gold coast. I will post some photos in a future blog.
Cheers
Tim…
Tim,
I am not offended at all! I know that there are parts of the Gold Coast that are tacky and unfortunately people come here and that’s all they see!
I just think it is a shame that people don’t get to see some of the better parts! I guess that is true of many places that people visit.
Glad you ended up enjoying your stay.
Cheers
Annie