1. Tackle Dreamworld’s newest ride
Shockwave – open just in time for the winter holidays. Definitely not one for the faint-hearted, Shockwave will propel you at more than 50kph down a 63 metre long wave-like track that plunges and climbs, all while circling at 12 revolutions per minute at up to 2.5Gs. And you won’t have to wait all day to get your thrills thanks to a new virtual queuing system. Q4U uses a small handheld device that enables you to make ride reservations one at a time from anywhere in the park. It means that you can enjoy other rides, catch a show, shop or dine all while knowing that the Q4U system is holding your "virtual" spot in the queue! www.dreamworld.com.au
2. Walk on water with Aussie Waterballs.
Located at Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, Aussie Waterballs is an inflatable waterball amusement ride operating on a small man-made lake. Riders enter a clear plastic inflatable ball, which is filled with air, are zipped up and released onto the water, allowing the person to walk/run/roll/float on water within a “bubble” for up to 8 minutes. At a cost of $10 per person for up to 8 minutes per ride, it’s an inexpensive and fun way to break up a day at the shops. Anyone five years or older and weighing less than 90 kilograms can participate. Phone (07) 5526 2113 or email
3. Find your balance and take an Eco-Tourism Certified Segway ride through Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.
After you get the hang of steering, each Segway Safari covers Currumbin's extensive Forest Walk, taking in wildlife displays and experiences along the way. The tours can be taken by anyone over 10 years old, over 45kg and under 120kg, in morning, noon or afternoon sessions which can be booked at the Visitor Services desk or online. For safety reasons tour participants aged between 10-17 years old need to be accompanied with paid parent or guardian. www.currumbin-sanctuary.org.au
4. Forget the slides for a second and check out the two newest attractions at Wet ‘n’ Wild.
Guaranteed to get your heart racing, the new ZipLine stretches 200 metres across Wet ‘n’ Wild flying over the Wave Pool as you approach the landing pad. With three lines to ride on, the attraction provides families with a high-flying challenge experience. Or for those a little more daring, SkyCoaster will have you strapped into a harness attached to a massive cable, before being raised more than 53 metres off the ground. At the pulling of the ripcord, riders plummet face first towards the ground, catapulting towards the Giant Wave Pool on a suspended cable at up to 100km/h. www.wetnwilld.myfun.com.au
5. Get a bird’s eye view of the Gold Coast from the safety and comfort of fully enclosed, air conditioned capsules, when you take a ride on the Wheel of Surfers Paradise. Day or night, enjoy the magic of the Gold Coast and pin point key landmarks from 60 metres above the ground. Plus kids can take a ride on the Tea Cup Ride for free! www.wosp.com.au
6. Go fossicking for thudereggs at Thunderbird Park, on Mount Tamborine! Your entry fees include an informative explanation on thundereggs, how to find them, a mine safety talk, as well as the use of a pick and bucket to collect your treasures. Everyone gets to take home all the thundereggs that fit inside the rim of their buckets and will receive a souvenir miner’s permit as a memento. www.thunderbirdpark.com
7. Tackle three fun and challenging courses at King Tutt's Putt Putt, in Surfers Paradise. Try the Ancient Egypt course set amongst the mummies and become acquainted with Cleopatra. Enter King Tutankhamun's 'glow in the dark' tombs if you dare, but beware of his loyal cobra. Come face to face with prehistoric dinosaurs and King Kong on the Jurassic course. And putt amongst the tropical gardens in Tutt’s Challenge, but beware of the giant Croc lying in wait as you play! www.kingtuttsputtputt.com.au
8. If nail-biting rides are not your thing, check out the adorable Penguin Encounter at Sea World. It’s a slice of Antarctica on the Gold Coast, with up to 5 tonne of snow being created daily, plus icy rock formations and a crystal clear pool for the penguins to explore! The stunning exhibit is home to the world's second largest penguin species, the King penguin which stands almost one metre tall, as well as the agile Gentoo penguin with its distinctive bright red bill and long tail. Witness the agility and grace of these incredible penguins from spacious elevated and underwater viewing areas. www.seaworldresort.myfun.com.au
9. Learn as you paddle on a Balunjali Interpretive Kayak Tour.
Travel the beautiful Gold Coast waterways to Wavebreak and South Stradbroke Islands. Balunjali (meaning "mangrove tree" in the Goodjing burra language) guides will awaken your senses to the nature that surrounds you as you encounter local wildlife in its own habitat - dolphins, reptiles and native birds and participate in a traditional mock hunt for the beautiful Golden Swamp Wallaby unique to South Stradbroke Island. Get connected with a hands-on ancient Aboriginal ceremony and discover local Aboriginal cultural history and traditions such as bush tucker and survival as it has been done for over 50,000 years. The half day tour includes an Aussie billy tea breakfast (or afternoon tea). Children aged 8-14 must be accompanied by an adult.
www.balunjali.com/online
10. Hang around until July 23 and catch Bulls on the Beach - a traditional country rodeo on the Gold Coast.
For one night only watch some of the nation’s top and most daring bull riders compete for their title. The bareback bucking bronc riding will add further thrills to the evening. The jumping castles and animals for the kiddies and the mechanical bull and Stockman's Bar for those a little bolder make this a perfect fun-filled event for all the family. www.bullsonthebeach.com
Booking your holiday or excursion
For more information or to book your holiday or school excursion contact Amee Burnicle at Travel Managers, not only will she find the best deals for you, her service is excellent and she really looks after her clients! Phone 1300 136 430.
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