Like a flock of geese heading South for the winter, schoolies kids are now heading North for the summer to the good ol’ Gold Coast. If you’ve accidentally booked a trip to the sunny coast, forgetting that crowds of 17-18 year old graduates are going to be ruling the streets of Surfers, then here’s some advice on how to avoid getting caught amongst them so you can have that relaxing getaway you deserve.
Schoolies attendees will typically stay around Surfers Paradise for their stay. It’s got everything they need right there: food (Macca’s), the beach, apartments galore and of course the famous strip of nightclubs lining the Cavill and Orchid avenues. You can bet there’ll be many young people in Sin City, so it’s best to stay away from any nightclubbing there (unless you want to be labeled a ‘toolie’).
If the main goal of your getaway is to find a place in the sun, plonk yourself down and just relax, then there are definitely places around that will suit you better then amongst the midst of Surfers.
Coolangatta is nice and quiet, looking out over the skyline at the hazy skyscrapers of Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise in the distance. Rainbow bay is the perfect place to perch, surrounded by the beautiful blue oceans. You can also head to Snapper Rocks on the Southern corner of Rainbow Bay or take on the waves at the famous surf break of Duranbah beach. Local fish and chipperies provide that fresh and summery fish-and-chip-by-the-beach hit (don’t forget a ginger beer to wash it all down!) as you lay against the rocks and away from the wind on the corner of Greenmount. This’ll be the perfect spot to swim.
Broadbeach, while only one tram stop away from Surfers Paradise, will give you enough distance from the schoolies celebrations while still seeing what the Gold Coast has to offer. It hosts Dracula’s Haunted Mansion, and the newly reconstructed Pacific Fair Shopping Centre. If you’re up for some entertainment, Dracula’s is a not-to-be-missed horror-themed, comic, cabaret dining experience. Vampires, zombies and skeletons will put on a show for you as soon as you walk up to the ‘mansion’ entrance. Get greeted by a bar as you walk into the fully decorated and spooky foyer. Take a ghost train to your seats and get a professional photo taken to keep as a souvenir. Enjoy dinner and a show with a set menu, and maybe even splurge a little on the blood red fishbowl cocktail (I’m not kidding when I say fishbowls – yes, they are massive).
Another place you can wander around is Hope Harbour Marina, located on the northern end of the Gold Coast and hosting an array of deck restaurants where you can enjoy a Corona overlooking beautiful, white, yachts. Check out the designer boutiques in the shopping center and even hire a motorboat to cruise along the scenic berths.
Remember, staying at Broadbeach doesn’t mean you can’t check out Surfers. While the schoolies crowd flourish in the nightlife, they may well be checking out the same locations as you. But don’t fret, you won’t be surrounded by them, unless you plan on walking down Cavil Ave in the evenings (it’ll remind you of those American college movies).
If you check out the scenic areas and fun activities all over the north and south of the Gold Coast, you shouldn’t be bombarded by schoolies kids. And don’t forget to head to the Carrara Markets over the weekend for some great summery bargains.
Make sure you make the most out of your holiday, however you decide to go about it, schoolies week or not.
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