dknudsen

Looking for upscale Gold Coast hotel or apartment for 4 nights in June near beach away from the madding crowds at Surfers Paradise. Got a good quote from Phoenician Resort Apartments in Broadwater. Anybody have some experience with this place? I believe it would be a few blocks' walk to the beach. My daughter is going to school and living in Main Beach, so we'd like to be near there but also go exploring places she hasn't been yet... maybe beaches/forests to the south (?)

Janese

AT the risk of being told by a certain person from New Zealand that I don't know what I am talking about, I think you have chosen a great place to stay which is only about 200 mtrs to the beach, has dozens of restaurants along the street sides around the complex, has a lovely mall 100 mtrs away with things going on there all the time and a mono-rail to the Casino and a short walk to one of Australia's largest shopping complexes.
Unfortunately ( for us Queenslanders) it is too cold to swim in June but if you are from Alaska or New Zealand it will be fine for you.
The rain-forests, waterfalls, wineries, arts and craft shops, boutique distillery etc are to the west of there and there are many walking tracks around different National Parks.
There is a craft market on at Tamborine Mountain ( main hinterland village) on the second Sunday of each month.
Each Saturday and Sunday the Carrara Markets are at the Gold Coast which sells just about everything you can imagine at great prices. Get there early and have a $4.50 Au breakfast. Its a great market with lots and lots of bargains.
Enjoy you time in Queensland.

dknudsen

Although I'm Minnesotan, I've never personally chopped a hole in the ice to swim... I'm sure we'll brave the "cold" but being in the water is not a priority, just the scenery, the food and some walks on the beach... we'll have time in Northern QLD and Fiji for actual snorkling.

What is it your NZ 'friend' would say was so bad about this place? I've heard that Broadwater is a nice location.

Daneille

Does dknudsen mean Broadbeach - I didn't think there was a suburb called Broadwater - broadwater is just the stretch of water between South Stradbroke Island and the mainland.

Janese, do you know if the evening market still operates on Friday nights along the main broadwalk at Surfers Paradise Beach? We used to really enjoy it when we lived on the Gold Coast.
And do you know the name of the pub up at Tamborine with the view across the valley and cliff faces and the peacocks wandering around? (dknudsen this is well worth a visit - lunch and a beer).

dknudsen

<blush> Yes, Broadbeach. (Broadwater is a favorite fishing bay up here in MN.)

nzers

dknudsen, do you realise that the Phoenician @ Broadbeach is not really that close to Mainbeach - but the Broadwater area is...Since you mentioned your daughter is living at Main Beach. There are a number of really nice resorts closer to Main Beach if you prefer to be closer to this area.

dknudsen

nzers:
could you identify a few of those resorts?
Thanks

nzers

Hi there. Off the top of my head, I know of the Palazzo Versace resort which is classified I think as 6* and costs $$$, Sea World Nara resort, Sheraton Mirage. But a search on the web will list heaps of others - if these don't appeal. www.globalstore.com.au/goldcoast-mainbeach.htm has a good range.(Perhaps your daughter could check them out personally before you book - we always do this as we book cheap places which ie AUD$350-$400 per week for a two bedroom and I like to be sure its OK. Hope this helps.

nzers