Sunday, 9 December 2012

Tully River Rafting , Cairns with Selina


My favourite tour, by a long shot, is Tully River White Water Rafting. If you're after an adrenalin rush, enjoy getting out of your comfort zone and enjoy getting soaked with a boat load of friends-you-haven't-met-yet...then this one's for you! 


Although it's an early start, the scenic drive from Cairns to Tully is really beautiful and there won't be a lack of interesting conversation with a bus load of excited Aussies, backpackers and adventurous folk to keep you occupied. The staff are super friendly and, by the end of the day, if your cheeks and belly aren't sore from excessive smiling and laughing, I think you may have boarded the wrong tour bus! They take your safety very seriously too and won't force you to do any crazy flips in the raft...unless of course you're feeling up to the challenge. Awesome day tour, not to bee missed!!


Wednesday, 5 December 2012

Jupiters on the Gold Coast, Broadbeach with Bec


When people think Gold Coast, they immediately think Surfers Paradise. But, if you can sway them, Broadbeach is definitely where you want to be!!! It has a great restaurant/café scene, great shops and the beach is beautiful. But what is has over Surfers is that really laid back beach holiday feeling to it. With plenty of great hotels, there is lots to choose from, however, after our stay at Conrad Jupiters I would definitely recommend this as a great option!




Conrad Jupiters is the site for the Gold Coast Casino and is the closest we have to a “vegas” style hotel. It’s big, it’s busy, it’s 24 hour buzz, it has shows, pokies.. what more could you want??



Well for me, I like to have: a good hairdryer, great room service, a comfy bed, a proper iron and good shower pressure (I know picky!) But Conrads ticked all the boxes!  And not only this, the Casino is linked by Monorail to the heart of Broadbeach’s restaurants and shops, so great location and easy to get around! The hotel rooms were also spacious, modern in their features and the service was some of the best I’ve received.




For a hotel stay on the Gold Coast, with a fun and happening atmosphere, you can’t go past Conrad Jupiters. And while you’re there, go and check out one of their shows!!!

Saturday, 3 November 2012

Hayman Island September 2012 with Tina


One of the most relaxed places on earth. Our family of 4 enjoyed 2 nights on Hayman. If possible, I would recommend trying to extend, as we really only had 1 full day. The transfer back to Hamilton Island to fly home will pick you up at 09:30am from Hayman, so only time for a quick brekkie before you head home

 We stayed in an interconnecting Pool View Deluxe. This is guaranteed interconnecting room, so the boys didn’t feel too far away, but they had their own space at the same time. We left the interconnecting door open so it was a massive area.

We mainly spent our time at the pool, where they heat the internal salt water pool to 30 degrees, and the outside chlorine pool to 27 degrees – both perfectly lovely swimming temperature.

Our eldest who is 7 enjoyed his first Helicopter experience, which you can pay direct on the Island (approx.. $150 pp). This was his highlight, and proceeded to tell everyone in his class about how he flew the helicopter upon his return!




Both boys enjoyed a lovely dinner with 2 courses!




La Tratorria also provided colouring in books, and pencils to keep them occupied whilst waiting for their dinner. You must book in for dinner as soon as you hit the Island. A lot of places are only open on certain nights, but you can order room service and stay in your PJ’s if nothing suits your family.

It was really a perfect day to be playing on the beach, whilst we leisurely finished our breakfast. Hayman also have a barista onsite, so skinny, mocha, decaf, late…. Whatever you please.



It was time to head home on the gorgeous yacht transfer back to Hamilton Island with champagne flowing and canapés at the ready, we were sad to say goodbye to Hayman – until next time – we have wonderful memories.






Monday, 29 October 2012

Mantra Broadbeach on the Park, Broadbeach

I had the pleasure of staying here in March of 2012 for a beautiful and memorable long weekend of 3 nights (on a fabulous stay pay - they are great when you get them!) This Mantra is situated 1 block back from the beautiful beach of Broadbeach, right above an iconic Gold Coast restaurant, Moo Moo (amazing steaks! and other meaty treats).



Broadbeach is the suburb south of Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast, and is a little bit quieter than the centre of Surfers - I would say it is a more relaxed and less hectic crowd. It has heaps of restaurants and shops - there is actually a fairly new shopping cul de sac comprising many shops and restaurants between the Peppers Broadbeach and the Sofitel, which is fantastic for a nibble and a browse.



We stayed in a 1 bedroom apartment that was spacious, with a fully equipped kitchen and laundry. The room and hotel was beautiful - clean and crisp - with all the facilities you would expect of a 4.5*:
- complimentary secure undercover parking
- in room internet access
- tour desk
- child minding
- games room
- sauna
- spa
- gym
- bbq area

Breakfree Longbeach, Surfers Paradise

This property was nicer than i expected. It is dated, but the rooms are all massive , they all have ocean views , and it is about 50 metres from the beach. Seriously!
 
A lot of the units are owned by individuals who then rent to Mantra and this is why some of them have airconditioning and some do not. This is also the reason we need to request bedding types at properties like this- some are king, some are queen, so just request it and they will see if they can accommodate.
Facilities
- gym, inddor and outdoor pools, sauna, spa, baby pool, bbq area, tennis court!
- foc parking
 
 
1 Bed Ocean/ 3 Bed Ocean Apartments
- massive!
- some have ocean and hinterland views- a balcony on the front and the back!
- fully self contained
 
 

Mantra Circle on Cavill, Surfers Paradise

I would rate this property so much higher now that I have been there. It is modern, set in the literal heart of Surfers' Paradise, schmick and trendy- worth the extra $$$ because it looks amazing and the facilites are fantastic.
 

 
Facilities
- in house cinema to book foc by guests
- multiple,pools, spa, sauna, gym, etc etc
- foc parking
- kids play area
- amazing games room
 
 
 
1 bed standard
- is not standard, is amazing!
- seriously beautiful, hinterland views, modern and massive.
- fully self contained.
2 bed ocean and 3 bed ocean
- opulent and massive.
- wraparound balconies.
 
 

Mantra Crown Towers , Surfers Paradise

This is another property on the Gold Coast that is fantastic for families, with an amazing array of kids facilities. This property feels like a resort. ie. the facilities are so good, you wouldn't feel like you needed to leave for a day or two without getting cabin fever.
 


 
 
Facilities
- grand entrance, under the water theme
- pirate ship and play area
- massive lagoon pool area outdoors, indoor, outdoor, sand area pools, spa, sauna, day spa.
- cafe, restaurant- Chang Mai- amazing Thai
 
 
2 and 3 Bedroom Ocean Apartments
- massive living space
- really beautiful and well appointed again apartments