I am being very tempted by a hot deal from the UK to Brisbane. It is a package deal, which is basically 3 weeks at the Marrakesh Apartments between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach. <BR>What climate should I expect in March/April? <BR>As the vacation would be over Easter, should we expect mega-crowds? <BR>Is this area safe? - We have a child in tow! <BR>Also, the apartments are supposedly 4**** - are Australian 4*** apartments up to a high standard? <BR>Your assistance is much appreciated - many thanks. <BR> <BR>

Broadbeach is on the Gold Coast which is about 1 hour by road south of Brisbane. Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise are adjoining beach suburbs. Broadbeach is a lot more sedate and less touristy than surfers. The area is very safe, maybe apart from late at night in the middle of Surfers. March/April is the ideal time for the Gold Coast. The heat and humidity of summer have eased a bit and the water is at its warmest. <BR>School holidays for Queensland are from late March to early April and for NSW from mid-April. Even if you're there during school holidays, it won't be a problem for crowds - there is plenty of space and the area is well geared for lots of visitors. <BR>Have you tried their site at www.marrakesh.com.au ? It looks like you'll be about 20 mins walk from the centre of Surfers, 10 mins walk from the Broadbeach mall and a couple of minutes from the beach. It looks like a nice place. Try and request a room with views. <BR>Apart from the beach and theme parks, there is plenty of things to do in the area, especially if you get a rental car and explore the mountains and hinterland nearby. <BR>email me if you want any specific tips.

Georgie, <BR>We had a holiday last April at Broadbeach, and much prefered it to Surfers. The public transport is excellent and the cost of tours are very reasonalble. Here is a link (just copu and paste)to a few photos I took when we were there. <BR>http://albums.photopoint.com/j/Album...3732&a=6374994 <BR>We found that the weather was cool during the evenings and when we went into the hinterland. <BR>Peg. <BR>

Georgie, <BR>We've also stayed at Broadbeach and loved it. Very safe (except maybe very late at night). Good market on the esplanade on the weekend. There are lots of shops and restaurants and a monorail from the Oasis Shopping Centre (on the esplanade at Broadbeach) to Jupiters Casino. Your child would love the theme parks - SeaWorld, MovieWorld etc. A 4 star apartment should be pretty good. <BR>Kay

Just want to say, thank you so much for your responses to my info request - I really appreciate it. I am making my Big Decision this week, so will let you know if we are taking the plunge or not. Again thank you all so much.

georgie.My daughter lives a short distance from Broadbeach and we were there last year.It is a fantastic place to stay,you will really love it.You can also get a train to Brisbane,we went just for the day,and it was well worth it,so cheap too. Have a geat time.