Explore the Excitement of the Gold Coast
Looking family getaway inspiration for you next visit to the Gold Coast? Keep reading for tips from a local Gold Coast mum, who also happens to be our General Manager of Hilton Surfers Paradise, Fiona Pryde.
THE BEST OF SURFERS PARADISE
What makes or breaks a holiday for your family?
Coming home feeling regenerated, connected and having created memories for our boys. My husband and I both work full time, juggle school and our boys sports so during the school term it is incredibly crazy for us. When we go on holidays we like to keep the boys active and still find time to relax ourselves which will almost always involve a cocktail by the pool, a good book, a massage and a pizza. I also love having a laundry in my room when I travel so I don’t return home to 4 suitcases of washing!
If you were to stay at Hilton Surfers Paradise, what else should be on your to do list?
Definitely a visit to Timezone. Our kids love it and they have some great online timed packages so that you can balance the budget. Back at the Hotel it would be a massage at Eforea Spa. I can’t resist treating myself to a massage whenever I’m on holidays. Eforea Spa also does remedial massage so you can even claim it back on your health fund!
THEME PARKS
Theme parks are on most families agenda when they visit the Gold Coast. Which one is the best?
Tough choice and it really depends on the age of families. My favourite has always been Sea World Marine Park as it’s more suitable for younger children and the Dolphin show continues to take my breath away. For families with older children Dream World or Warner Bros. Movie World have more thrill rides. Pack some snacks and bottled water to cut down the expense.
SHOPPING
What is your favourite Gold Coast shopping destination?
Pacific Fair, it’s got everything including space for the kids to play. It’s also just a quick trip on the light rail right outside the doors of Hilton Surfers Paradise.
NEARBY DINING
The sun is setting and the kids are getting hangry where do you go?
Teppanyaki. There are a few different places in Surfers & Broadbeach with KooKoo Tepppanyaki & Lounge Bar being my pick. The kids will love it as it’s not just a meal but an experience. Trust me when I say they’ll be talking about it for awhile.
I also love fresh seafood so would make a dash to Chevron Island Seafoods and cook for the family so we could enjoy an easy night and take in the twinkle of the city lights from one of our Residences.
Best place to stop, relax for 20 mins and enjoy a morning cuppa?
I’d have to say from one of our balconies taking in the incredible view of Surfers Paradise. If I was to wander further a field it would be next door to Stairwell Coffee in the alley next to the hotel and then take a stroll along the iconic Surfers Paradise beach.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
You wake in the morning and you step outside, where are you off to?
Barefoot Fish. It’s one of the funniest things I’ve done. I squealed with delight for almost a minute straight when my feet entered the tank. The fish nibble at your feet and you leave feeling like you’re walking on clouds. The kids will love it too and it’s just a 2 minute walk from the hotel.
Only a Gold Coast local knows…
When all else fails add water. With just a skip and a jump to Australia’s most famous beach it’s pretty easy to do this and if you’re really lazy we also have 4 pools and a spa that can help diffuse any situation.
Events Calendar
Dive into 2024/2025 at Hilton Surfers Paradise with our Events Calendar! Explore a spectrum of experiences, from school holidays, local events and entertainment. Discover a world of possibilities and create unforgettable memories with us throughout the year!
