Day 2. Morning at Hilton Surfers Paradise then lunch at Mermaid Beach and then to Novotel Surfers

After a good nights sleep we woke to a near perfect morning appreciating the beauty of the beach and the ocean and the roar of the surf.

The Hilton has been simply stunning with a superb room with excellent fit out and amenities. We had a leisurely breakfast in the Executive lounge, then another walk before time to pack and checkout at 12.30pm and then a salad lunch at Mermaid Beach after a 15 minute drive.

All in all just a fantastic first day and evening.

Jeanette out on the balcony at Hilton Surfers Paradise in the afternoon wind. Just special!!

So we checked ourselves out from Hilton then bought some lunch and drove our little Suzuki out to the spectacular Mermaid Beach some 10km from Surfers and enjoyed lunch sitting in a park area beside the surf beach.

It was a stunning afternoon and we had a little time before we returned to Surfers and checked into the Novotel Hotel where we have an Ocean view room.

The following photos are from lunch.

We are now standbg on our balco looking at the Hilton Surfers Paradise where we stayed last night.

Early morning on Surfers Paradise Beach , just perfect!

Stay at Novotel Gold Coast and then move to Coolangatta

We enjoyed our time at the Novotel hotel Surfers Paradise, where we use our Accor free night and spent the 2 days in the area exploring the Surfers Paradise shops and entertainment precinct. There were many people in the area and the nights were abuzz with younger people and the noise of the local Irish pub as well as many other restaurants.

Breakfast was in the Executive Lounge of the hotel where we enjoyed a Continental breakfast and an interesting assortment of items. It was really good

During the day we walked along the Boardwalk from Cavill Bvd through several cross roads, enjoyed a paddle in the water which was surprisingly warm.

Then enjoyed a morning coffee at one of the many cafes.

Lunch was a light meal of sandwiches and soft drink.

The weather has been sunny and bright with temperatures of 26 degrees and a light wind..

This has been a very enjoyable couple of days in good quality accommodation in a superb location on the Main Street at the Surfers Paradise main beach. There are many people about and unlike our visit last year the whole area is busy. Businesses are still suffering from significant staff shortages post the pandemic with almost no overseas workers on 457 Visas or students from overseas undertaking university courses. The whole entertainment and hospitality industries are doping it tough.

Transfer to Beachcomber Coolanagatta

A Drive to Coolangatta and then check in after lunch at Beachcomber International Resort (Griffith Street Coolangatta).

We awoke to a morning of drizzle on the Friday and wondered as to what the weather would hold for later today.

After breakfast and having showered Ken again went for a walk to the Beach area, then a quick coffee. Subsequently packed and took the large case and a couple of bags to the car, before returning to eventually check out at 11.15am.

The Novotel is a very good short stay hotel in a brilliant location. From checking out we exited the car park garage drove toward Pacific Fair shopping Centre, which we had visited on the prior morning. Then we continued on and it took us nearly an hour to drive along the Pacific Highway.

Eventually we arrive in Coolangatta where we wanted to have lunch at the Coolangatta Surf life Saving club, but it took us a while to find parking within the general area.

The Club was extremely busy with some 300 people for lunch and tables turned over 2-3 times between 12.15pm and 2.30pm.

The food was lovely and we had a celelbratory drink.

Then we drove to the Beachcomber International seeking to check in , although we were about an hour early.

Then were advised it would be about 30-45 minutes, then drove to Rainbow Bay where there was an International surf Carnival with many cars and people clogging all Car Parks. Whilst parked and watching the surf of 6-8 feet, we received an call from the Beachcomber advising that our room was ready.

Drove back parked in the underground car park ,took our cases and checked in.

Jeanette very pleased as our suite 8B was on the eight floor overlooking the Beach. We are in a 2 bedroom suite worth lounge and kitechen 2 bathrooms and laundry.

Whilst an older building it has been refurbished and is clean and tidy in a brilliant location.

KEN having just had a haircut at the Barbers here in coolangatta.