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Water Fun

Wake View Cafe

Northern friends, your wake park now comes with a side of smashed avo.

You may or may not be aware that Oxenford is home to the Coast’s coolest adventure activity – the Gold Coast Wake Park for everyone from beginners to pros.

That’s right northern suburb friends, you get to strap on a wakeboard and cruise around a circuit complete with jumps and an overhead cable system that acts as a perfectly balanced boat in the sky. Not a fan of adventure sports but quite partial to tasty eats? You’re in luck. Your wake park now comes with a side of smashed avo.

Daniel Watkins and the crew at Gold Coast Wake Park recently opened the Wake View Café on the premises so you can indulge in a delicious, housemade meal while watching other people put their bodies on the line in the name of a good time.

They’re offering all your favourite foods from brekky onwards including Acai bowls, smashed avocado and of course bacon and eggs but lunchtime is really where it’s at.

Treat yo’self to a chicken and haloumi salad (because haloumi is life) and wash it down with a frosty beer (for balance y’all) and if you’re appetite allows for such things, add some loaded fries – with pulled pork, bacon and cheese.

The Wicked Wings are a firm favourite and come in three delicious flavours including crumbed, teriyaki and hot and spicy.

Maybe grab yourself some pulled pork sliders while you’re at it and wash it all down with an icy cold Chardonnay.

The café overlooks the entire wake park and we bet by the end of your meal you’ll be keen on hitting the water yourself.

Don’t forget you need to wait at least half an hour after eating before getting in the water though. Or so Mum used to say.

Is that to avoid sinking? Asking for a friend.

BRB, eating.

LOCATION: Gold Coast Wake Park, 34 Maudsland Rd, Oxenford
HOURS: Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm and Saturday and Sunday 8.30am to 5pm

Words by Kirra Smith.

Gold Coast Watersports

Picture this: the wind in your hair, the sun on your back and a huge smile from ear to ear – all while you’re flying through the air on the back of jet ski.

If that sounds like your idea of a good time, Gold Coast Watersports have you covered.

Jet ski tours are a popular option and involve an instructor leading a group through the Broadwater, past South Stradbroke Island and into the mangroves.

It’s a scenic, speedy and exhilarating adventure tour that sees you weaving around islands and over boat wakes as fast as your little heart desires.

There is certainly some airtime and the occasional spray in the face with a stream of water, if you’re lucky a dolphin or two and plenty of laughs as you get the hang of the beast beneath you.

Gold Coast Watersports offer plenty of other activities too. Parasailing – similar to parachuting but behind a boat – is a favourite as is the reasonably new Fly Boarding which involves water shooting out of a boot-shaped board propelling you out of and through the water.

They say it’s similar to both flying like a bird and swimming like a dolphin.

There’s also jet boating, which as the name suggests, involves driving at high speeds and the equivalent of burnouts in a boat.

Each activity is the perfect way to experience the adventurous nature of the Gold Coast with the added bonus of an adrenaline rush or two.

In case you’re wondering, the instructors have over 20 years of experience with a variety of watersports so you’re in good hands.

Go get wet it’s practically a rite of passage.

HOURS: 8am to 5pm daily.
ADDRESS: Sea World Resort, Sea World Drive, Main Beach (at the back of Seaworld Resort).

Words and photos by Kirra Smith.

Walkin On Water

9 breathtaking waterfalls around the Gold Coast

Curtis Falls waterfall in Tamborine Mountain, Hinterland (image suppled by Destination Gold Coast)
Curtis Falls waterfall in Tamborine Mountain, Hinterland (image suppled by Destination Gold Coast)

When it comes to impressing visiting family and friends, is there any better way than going on an adventure and chasing a waterfall — or two? Because beyond epic beaches, and one of the world’s most renowned surfing reserves, we also have world heritage listed rainforests and breathtaking surrounds literally right on our doorstep. And the best part about these fantastic places and mind-blowing natural spectacles is they are entirely free!

So we highly recommend you clear your schedule, pack your swimmers and embark on a fun-filled sojourn into the green behind the gold in search of large pieces of falling water. Set your phone to silent and let the serenity feed your soul.

Here are a few of our favourites, all within an hour or so from the Gold Coast.

Beechmont
Lip Falls
38.7km from Surfers Paradise
Just a 50-minute drive from Surfers Paradise and nestled amongst the Denham Scenic Reserve are the Beechmont rock pools — or Lip Falls as the locals call them. Once you park your car (on Doncaster Road), it’ll only take half an hour to make your way down to the falls. Be aware; these walking paths are steep and narrow and right next to deep gorges.
Where: 45-57 Doncaster Dr, Beechmont

Elabana Falls, Lamington National Park (image supplied)
Elabana Falls, Lamington National Park (image supplied)

Mt Tamborine
Cedar Creek Falls
44km from Surfers Paradise
Cedar Creek Falls are one of the better-known waterfalls on Mt Tamborine and a popular destination for locals and tourists alike (be warned – it can get quite busy). Your best bet is to explore the area via the Cedar Creek Circuit (3.2km), which will take you along all the cascades and rock pools.
Where: Cedar Creek Falls Rd, Tamborine Mountain – To get there, take Tamborine Mountain Road until you get to Cedar Creek Falls Road, just past the information map stopping bay on the left. From there, it’s only a short drive down a narrow road and across a small creek before coming to the Cedar Creek Falls section and the car park at its entrance.

Curtis Falls
39.2km from Surfers Paradise
It’s a short, beautiful walk through the rain-drenched Eucalyptus forest to the magical Curtis Falls. You’ll wander past towering trees and through a canopy of ferns, down to this miniature and photogenic waterfall. There are lots of cute creatures to spot along the way too, keep an eye for resident platypuses and wallabies. The walk should only talk half an hour or less to get down to the falls, but you will likely want to stay awhile and soak up the peacefulness. It’s just a 1.1km round trip, so you can knock it over in the early morning then stop for a spot of morning tea at the Curtis Falls Cafe.
Where: 16 Eagle Heights Rd, North Tamborine – Get there via Eagle Heights Road and park right at the entrance to the walk.

Natural Bridge, Springbrook National Park (image supplied)
Natural Bridge, Springbrook National Park (image supplied)

Lamington National Park
Elabana Falls
67.4 km from Surfers Paradise
Elabana Falls are certainly a hidden gem located amongst Lamington National Park close to O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat (a great spot to grab a bite to eat after your waterfall adventure). Park your car at O’Reilly’s and make your way through the rainforest, past Picnic Rock and further downhill for another 400 metres until you reach the cascading falls. Make sure you refresh yourself with a snack or sit down before embarking on your way back up; it gets pretty steep!
Where: Lamington National Park Rd, Canungra

Springbrook National Park
Natural Bridge
47 km from Surfers Paradise
As you probably know, Natural Bridge is a heavenly cave-like rock formation at Springbrook National Park that is home to glow worms and a colony of tiny bent-wing bats – it’s also one of the most photographed spots on the Gold Coast. Start the short one-kilometre rainforest walk clockwise to the Natural Bridge rock arch to get down to the action.
Where: Nerang-Murwillumbah Rd, Springbrook – It’s super easy to find; just follow Nerang-Murwillumbah Road until you get to the car park signage at Bakers Road.

Purling Brook Falls, Springbrook (image supplied by Destination Gold Coast)
Purling Brook Falls, Springbrook (image supplied by Destination Gold Coast)

Twin Falls
40.6km from Surfers Paradise
Start your 4km journey through the sub-tropical rainforest from the Tallabana picnic area or Canyon lookout in an anticlockwise direction. You’ll reach a small bridge, flowing water and immense rock formations after a couple of minutes (perfect for an Insta snap). Keep hiking down the track until you come across two rushing waterfalls. At the base of Twin Falls — after a worthy hike — you’ll find a large rock pool perfect for a rewarding swim!
Where: Canyon Pde, Springbrook

Purling Brook Falls (image supplied by Destination Gold Coast)
Purling Brook Falls (image supplied by Destination Gold Coast)

Purling Brook Falls
37km from Surfers Paradise
The Purling Brook Falls are immense, towering at over 100 meters in height and are naturally best visited after rainfall. Start your 2 hour hike clockwise along a scenic and elevated path into a subtropical gorge to view the amazing falls from below. Venture further down the track until you reach waterholes that are great for swimming. When you have had enough, prepare for a steady climb up through the rainforest, which will bring you back to the picnic area.
Where: 63 Gwongorella Parade, Springbrook

Minyon Falls lookout in Nightcap National Park. (Photo credit: Jimmy Malecki)
Minyon Falls lookout in Nightcap National Park. (Photo credit: Jimmy Malecki)

Northern NSW
Minyon Falls
113km from Surfers Paradise
Yes, we know the following two locations aren’t on the Gold Coast, they aren’t even in Queensland, but it will take you a short drive along what is probably the most breathtaking scenic drive, until you reach Nightcap National Park in Northern NSW. Make sure you come prepared because getting to Minyon Falls can be quite the journey (well worth it, though). We recommend you start with Minyon Falls Lookout, providing you with outstanding views before adventuring further downstream towards the base of the falls.
Where: Nightcap National Park, Newton Dr, Nightcap 

Killen Falls
108 km from Surfers Paradise
Killen Falls are undoubtedly one of the most epic waterfalls to dive into with its large swimming hole and rock pools. The rock has been eroded significantly behind the waterfall, forming an impressive cave. Ever wanted to take a waterfall shower? Well, at Killen Falls, that’s not a problem as you can swim across the pool and climb up the rocks just to sit right underneath the falling water.
Where: Killen Falls Dr, Tintenbar – Killen Falls are super easy to find, just minutes off the Pacific Highway near Byron Bay.

Twin Falls, Springbrook (Image from Destination Gold Coast)
Twin Falls, Springbrook (Image from Destination Gold Coast)

But it’s important to remember, whilst it’s tempting (and refreshing) to go for a swim in the rock pools and lagoons, it’s prohibited in some, so please adhere to any safety signs and be 100% sure it’s safe to swim before diving in. Also, be sure to pack closed-in shoes, plenty of water, mozzie repellent and sunscreen (the sun will still get you between the canopy).

Last but not least, take nothing but photographs and leave nothing but footprints behind!

Words by Alex Mitcheson.

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