Appel Park

Appel Park is a park between the Nerang River and Ferny Avenue. It is a great place to jog and take a walk. It is next to Vibe Hotel and near Chevron Renaissance and Cavill Avenue. It is quiet and ideal if you want to spend some time relaxing or clearing your mind.

Appel Park is a fun and free way to enjoy the flora and fauna in Surfers Paradise. The park is home to some exotic birds, including a bird species which is large and has long, black beaks. The birds pass their time like humans by walking around and enjoying the space. Do not to disturb the animals, though.

There are fun acquatic activities to sign up for at Appel Park. One of those activities is Jet Boat Extreme, which is an exciting jet boat trip around the river. Do note that you need to purchase tickets in order to experience the ride.

For meditation enthusiasts, Appel Park is a calming place to meditate and the ambiance is fantastic because of its greenery, the animals and the river. It is an inspiring place to do yoga, tai chi or just read a book.

An interesting feature of Appel Park are the tall, wooden-like art statues. It gives some contemporary character to the park.

 

 

Being opposite the Surfers Paradise bus stop, Appel Park is a nice place to admire while waiting for the bus.

Vibe Hotel is the brown and yellowish building to the left

View from the bus stop

Twin Towns

Coolangatta is Queensland's border to New South Wales. Coolangatta, Queensland and Tweed Heads, New South Wales, are 'Twin Towns'. Many locals (both from Queensland and New South Wales) cross the border to do business and go shopping. The coolest part is that New South Wales is currently an hour ahead of Queensland, as it observes daylight saving time. It is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the New Years day countdown twice, as Tweed Heads celebrates it an hour ahead of Coolangatta, Gold Coast. It is wonderful to stand at the border of the two states, especially at this time of the year.

The Queensland - New South Wales border.

Deck the Halls in Surfers Paradise: Surfers Paradise Beach

The Surfers Paradise Beach had some summer Christmas buzz. At its entrance, the iconic Surfers Paradise Arch had a star on top, just like the ones on top of Christmas trees. Next to both sides of the arch were two giant Christmas presents, with Santa standing next to each one of them.

The star on Surfers Paradise, like a Christmas tree.

 

The giant present.

Ho Ho Ho!

Dashing through the waves...

The beautiful Surfers Paradise Beach.

Surfers Paradise is indeed a unique and fun place to celebrate Christmas and enjoy the summer break.

If you missed out on Surfers Paradise's Christmas festivities, do make plans to visit Surfers Paradise during Christmas next year!

Deck the Halls in Surfers Paradise: Cavill Avenue

Sun, sand, surf and Santa. That was this year’s theme for Christmas in Surfers Paradise. There were statues of Santa Claus here and there in Cavill Avenue, and it seemed like Father Christmas was enjoying summer himself, dressed in his own version of beachwear. The street lights were decorated with what seems like rescue floats, in the colours red and white, wishing everyone Merry Christmas.

Santa and his surfboard.

Ho Ho Ho!

 

Santa’s “sledge” was at Cavill Avenue too. To be precise, he had a boat full of presents, and cool surfing kangaroos as his Aussie and aquatic version of reindeers.

Spreading the joy and festivities.

Cavill Avenue is the place to be during Christmas. Merry Christmas!

Circle on Cavill

Circle on Cavill is one part of the main Surfers Paradise shopping areas. It is home to shops and cafes.

Circle on Cavill's entrance

Inside the shopping area

One of the cafes

The large screen is one of the main features. It airs the local Gold Coast Channel 9 news in the evening.

Woolworths supermarket is also located at Circle on Cavill. This Woolworths outlet is large and there is a variety of items to choose from.