The Gold Coast is a fantastic place to visit in summer as there’s always plenty to see and do.
So fly in, grab your rental car at Gold Coast airport, and get on the road to see these top four summer sights!
1. Traverse O’Reilly’s Tree Top Walk
Constructed from a series of nine suspension bridges, O’Reilly’s Tree Top Walk is an 180-metre long walkway through the rainforest. Built in 1987, it was the first of its kind in Australia. A variety of bird species can be spotted on the walk – the best time to do so is in the early morning or the late afternoon.
The majority of the walkway is 15 metres above the ground and there are two observation decks, accessible by ladder. The highest one’s a vertigo-inducing 30 metres above ground!
Like the best things in life, the walk is free (there is a donation box) and has no age or height restrictions. You can find it in the Lamington National Park.
2. Go whale watching
Get a peep at one of nature’s most majestic creatures by going whale watching with Whales in Paradise. While there are a number of different companies offering cruises, Whales in Paradise is the only one that leaves from central Surfers Paradise – perfect for people staying in the middle of the Gold Coast.
Their vessels are purpose built for whale watching, with water-level decks that let you get as close as possible without getting wet.
If you’re worried that you won’t see a whale, don’t be! The company has a 100 per cent daily sighting record. They’re so confident that you’ll get to see a whale that they offer a free return cruise if you don’t.
3. Visit the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Boasting the titles of both the world’s first and largest koala sanctuary, Lone Pine gives visitors the chance to see and interact with 100 different species of koala. The sanctuary has been going for 90 years now, and in 2015 received an induction to the TripAdvisor Hall of Fame for five consecutive years of excellence.
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The highlight of the sanctuary has to be the chance to hold a koala. But they’re not the only animal to be found – there are opportunities to hand-feed kangaroos and wild lorikeets too.
You can find the sanctuary 12km southwest from Brisbane’s city centre.
4. Take part in watersports at GC Wake Park
Having a go at waterskiing, wakeboarding or knee boarding usually requires that one of your mates has a boat – not at GC Wake Park! Featuring a full size cable, the park allows for eight riders at a time to be pulled along on their weapon of choice.
Scattered throughout the course are eight obstacles, but be warned, they are only for more experienced riders to have a crack at.
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There’s also a smaller cable that’s operated manually by an expert team member, called System 2.0. It travels back and forth, following the same line and is designed specifically for those first learning to wakeboard.
You don’t need to worry about having your own gear (apart from your togs) – basic equipment is supplied along with your ticket.
Summer might be a few months away, but that doesn’t mean you can’t start planning for it now. Get ahead of the curve and organise your car hire on the Gold Coast today with East Coast Car Rentals.