We departed to Gold Coast after breakfast. Australians are helpful generally, when we reached Central Station a staff came to us and asked if we need help. But on the way to railway station, I met an incident which made me quite sulky. A "lady" in rush (a "he") pulling a luggage like we do, walked pass and asked me the direction to Central Station. I told her, straight down the road and it is on the left at the junction. When I was about to tell her that we are going to the same direction, she approached another pedestrian. The guy pointed the shortcut. As she walked to the direction, she turned back and said "See? You got me a wrong go." Such an ungrateful person? Anyway, there's a saying "一种米, 养百种人" meaning it takes all kinds of people to make a world. So I don't have to put it into heart.
This is the platform for Gold Coast line. The TV screen shows the stops of the train. We stopped at Helensvale station, then took a bus to Gold Coast University Hospital / Griffith University Station. From there, we took tram to Florida Gardens Station. Download the light rail map here.
In Gold Coast, we stayed at Comfort Inn & Suites Mari Court. Very near to Florida Gardens Station. And there is a bus stop nearby which you can take the direct bus to theme parks. Two nights AUD 279 for two bedrooms apartment, inclusive of 10% VAT. I like their service and facilities. The apartment is fully equipped, hairdryer, washing machine, drying machine, dishwasher, oven, microwave, kettle, toaster, iron board, etc. Even provides free WiFi. But aircond/heater is only available in living room.
Our bedrooms.. Though the furnitures look a bit run-down but the mattress still quite comfortable to sleep on.
After hotel check-in, we took tram to Southport station followed by bus 704 to Harbour Town. Harbour Town is the shopping centre that comprises brand direct outlets and clearance stores. Check out the available brand outlets here. Beside brand outlets, you can do grocery at here too. Convenient to us as we bought our dinner from Woolworths too.
The first time I saw the yellow french beans..
After shopping at Harbour Town, we went to Surfers Paradise. Planned to visit the famous beachfront markets. It's interesting to know that there's weekend night market in Gold Coast. For more information of Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets, visit their Facebook page.
We passed by this Spanish Doughnuts, bought one stick to try it out. Quite good actually.
Cavill Avenue, very happening area. Shops here open in the evening too, another good place to shop. We bought our omega fish oil at the pharmacy in the mall.
Beachfront Market is just in front of us.
Different performers take turn to play on stage.
The night view of the Surfers Paradise beach.
Two rolls of stalls available. I bought soaps, 3 bars for AUD10. Regret that I didn't buy more. The soaps smell damn good. If you visit Beachfront Markets, I would highly recommend you to get it.
Cold night, we bought a cup of hot mocha from Zarraffa's Coffee.
I like the drum performance by this group. Spent sometime there enjoying the rhythm.
Waiting for the tram at Cavill Avenue Station.
Back to our apartment, these are what I bought. The cup noodles for breakfast tomorrow. My limited edition of Coca-Cola. My favourite button mushrooms. The whole roasted chicken costs less than AUD10.
Microwaved the food packs and cooked the soup with button mushrooms, these were our dinner. As the apartment doesn't provide salt, rice, pepper and cooking oil, we only can get the food that doesn't require any of those.
