The sky is pink one minute and orange the next. The golden light of the sun outlines the clouds. There are dozens of birds lapping up the water. Surfers trying to tame the waves. All around us locals are going about their exercise routines. But we just sit there, admiring the sunrise! Sunrise at Surfers Paradise is an experience that is etched in our memory forever.
We visit Australia to spend time with Vid’s nieces ever so often but this time around we were in Gold Coast to showcase an exciting experience for Hilton Honors members. If you’re a Hilton Honors member, you can bid for this experience using Hilton Honors points and if you win the auction, you can savour this entire Hilton Honors Experience. Even sightseeing, transfers, and meals are included, so you don’t have to spend a penny from your pocket.
Here’s all our favourites that are included in the experience itself:
- Limousine transfers
From the moment you land at the airport, all your transfers are taken care of. You will be pampered with limousine transfers, so you feel like a VIP on your vacation in the Gold Coast.
- Hotel Stay
Hilton Surfers Paradise is located in close proximity to Surfers Paradise beach. Rooms are equipped with comfortable beds, large windows and views overlooking the ocean, hinterland or city. Breakfast boasts of a huge full buffet selection, including a cereal bar, salad bar, fruit and hot food stations. In addition to this, you can also expect an array of Asian and continental delicacies. The combination of spacious rooms and such an extensive breakfast buffet makes it an attractive option for both couples and families. A spa treatment at Eforea spa in the hotel is included in your Hilton Honors Experience, so make sure you reserve it for a day when you need it the most.
The best part is that the hotel is less than a 5 minute walk from the beach front. This ensures great views but better still, you can walk to the beach at sunrise before the crowds descend. We might have done this everyday (hello jetlag!) and can I just say, this was definitely our highlight of the day every single day!
- Meals, drinks, and nibbles
Isn’t food the highlight of every holiday? This Hilton Honors Experience includes several meals that you will love to bits. Grab some cocktails at Fix Bar – they have several interesting ones on offer including a Watermelon Negroni that we loved! Don’t leave without sampling the nibbles, especially the halloumi fries with garlic aioli. You will definitely be asking for seconds.
Another meal that is included in this experience, and one you shouldn’t skip, is a relaxed dinner at Catch Restaurant. Here fresh ingredients, sustainable seafood, and occasionally Asian flavours come together to create a delectable meal, one you will remember for a while. Come hungry and try the signature Seafood Platter for two. If you’re not ravenous, the chargrilled barramundi or braised lamb shoulder is scrumptious too.
- Entry to Gold Coast’s iconic theme parks
You can’t visit the Gold Coast without visiting its iconic theme parks. They offer the perfect excuse to have some much-needed fun with friends, family, or your partner. Tickets to Dreamworld and WhiteWater World are included in this experience, so we would suggest keeping one entire day for this. Make sure you’re amongst the first to enter Dream World (gates open at 10 am). Scream your lungs out on the crazy roller coasters (The Claw is a specially fun one!), feast on snacks, witness a parade or two, and enjoy the excitement in the air. Dreamworld makes for a fun day out. If you’re a water baby at heart, then head over to the adjoining Whitewater World for the rest of the day. There are dozens of fun rides here – just change into your swimwear and get ready to be splashed with copious amounts of water. Don’t leave without trying the Pipeline Plunge or the crazy Super Tubes Hydro Coaster. One thing’s for sure – you’ll be tired and happy at the end of this day.
Make sure you wear comfortable clothes and shoes. And don’t forget to carry your swimwear and sunscreen for the adventure.
- A visit to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
You can’t come to Australia and leave without seeing kangaroos right? Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is the perfect place to witness kangaroos and koalas in their habitats. The sprawling sanctuary is a magnet for kids, so we would definitely recommend it if you are travelling with your family. Kids can feed baby kangaroos, watch koalas, and even get photos with them.
It can take quite a few hours to explore the sanctuary. But if you’re not too tired by the end of it, we would recommend stopping at Burleigh Heads Beach or even Currumbin beach on your way back to the hotel. The beach offers stunning views of Surfers Paradise and is the perfect place to spend a relaxed afternoon around Currumbin.
- Take a surfing lesson or chill at a secluded beach
It isn’t called the Gold Coast for nothing! The area is home to dozens of powdery beaches. You could enrol yourself for a surfing lesson at Surfers Paradise that is included in your Hilton Honors Experience. And if surfing isn’t your cup of tea, and you just want to relax at the beach or read a book by the water, then we’d suggest heading to one of the many secluded beaches in the area. Tallebudgera Creek, Snapper Rocks, and Greenmount Beach are just a couple of options.
Wrap up the laid-back day by heading to the bustling Miami Marketta. This little food market is inspired by Asian food markets. A number of stalls, boasting of fresh food made from premium ingredients, can be found at close quarters. You’ll find everything from falafel rolls and briskets to pizzas and stews here. But the best part is the live music, which keeps the vibe upbeat. Ideal for a Friday night, Miami Marketta is a wee gem in the area.
- Drive the Pacific Highway
If you’d like to extend your holiday, then Surfers Paradise is also the ideal starting point for an iconic drive along the Pacific Highway to Sydney. This is famed to be one of the prettiest roads in the world and makes for a great little road trip. Rent a car in Gold Coast and start driving towards Sydney, before flying out from Sydney. There are a number of stunning stops along the way including Byron Bay, Coffs Harbour, and Port Macquarie but it’s the feeling of driving along the water that we enjoyed the most. You could spend anywhere from 2-6 days on this road trip, depending on the time you have on hand. Do note that this drive is not a part of the Hilton Honors Experience.
That’s it – those were the highlights of our visit to Gold Coast. This is a Hilton Honors experience ideal for those who love the sun, sea, and the great outdoors. If you want to see some other Hilton Honors Experiences we’ve enjoyed before you start the process of bidding for your favourite ones, you can see them right here.
Disclaimer: We have been Hilton Honors members for over 11 years now, much before we had a website or social media was even a thing! But this year we got the chance to work with them for the first time as digital ambassadors. We are so proud of this association with a program we’ve loved using so much during the last decade! You can read our detailed Disclaimer Policy here
Your photos are so beautiful. Really wish to have a life like you. good luck
You guys! Have been following you for almost a year now, love your content. Keep sharing more and more stories!
Loads of love!
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Thank you Jessika 🙂
Hi Savi ! Wonderful post ! And the way you have elaborated your experience is remarkable. The view from the room is heavenly bliss! Keep up the good work!
Thank you so much Cordelia 🙂
WOW!! This hotel really looks amazing! I would love to have the money to pay for it, although I think the price is worth it, the scenery you can appreciate, the rooms look super comfortable and besides this great pool part!
Absolutely Alex – love this part of Queensland 🙂