Frommer's Australia from $50 a Day 13th Edition - To Parent Directory

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CHAPTER 6 . QUEENSLAND & THE GREAT BARRIER REEF
Tips Indy Madness!
When the Gold Coast Indy car race takes over the town for 4 days in October,
hotel rates skyrocket and most hostelries demand a minimum stay of 3
or 4 nights. Don’t leave accommodations bookings to the last minute! Contact
the Gold Coast Tourism Bureau (& 07/5538 4419; fax 07/5570 3259) to
find out the exact dates.
Coast boomed in the 1970s, so it’s apartment complexes, not hotels, that have
the best ocean views. The Gold Coast Booking Centre is a centralized booking
service that offers great deals at more than 1,200 apartments in Surfers Paradise
and Broadbeach. Book via www.gcbc.com.au or & 1300/553 800.
Enderley Gardens Just a block from the beach, and centered around a large
lagoon-style pool, this older-style apartment block is a short walk from the Cavill
Mall. Units are spacious, and all have balconies. They are simply but neatly
furnished with a large kitchen and laundry facilities. Like many apartments on
the Gold Coast, these are not air-conditioned, but the sea breeze is a good substitute.
There are two barbecue areas, and the low-rise (four-story) block makes
this a good choice for families or older people.
38 Enderley Ave., Surfers Paradise, QLD 4217. & 07/5570 1511. Fax 07/5592 3878. www.enderleygardens.
com.au. 86 units. High season A$149 (US$97) double 1-bedroom apt;A$198 (US$129) double 2-bedroom apt.
Low season A$109 (US$71) 1-bedroom apt; A$138 (US$90) 2-bedroom apt. Extra person A$20 (US$13).
Weekly rates and discounts on stays of 3 nights or more available. AE, DC, MC, V. Amenities: Large outdoor
pool (heated in winter); half-court tennis; Jacuzzi; sauna; children’s playground and wading pool; tour desk;
babysitting; secure undercover parking. In room: TV, kitchen, iron.
Equinox Resort Value Kids This clean, well-maintained older-style apartment
block is just across the road from the beach and a short walk from Cavill Mall.
You can choose between a studio with a balcony and basic tea-and-coffeemaking
facilities, or forego the balcony for a full kitchen in a suite. Or you can join
a studio and suite together for a 2-bedroom apartment that has it all. Some of
the studios have air-conditioning, and they are ideal for up to three people. It’s
good value for location, price, and comfort.
3458 Main Beach Parade, Surfers Paradise, QLD 4217. & 07/5538 3288. Fax 07/5538 6862. www.
equinoxresort.com.au. 90 units. High season A$148 (US$96) studio; A$169 (US$110) suite; A$249 (US$162)
2-bedroom apt. Low season A$109 (US$71) studio or suite;A$138 (US$90) 2-bedroom apt. Extra person A$20
(US$13). Minimum 4-night stay during Indy, 5 nights at Christmas. MC, V. Free underground security parking.
Amenities: Outdoor pool (heated in winter); 2 tennis half-courts; squash court; gym; Jacuzzi; sauna; children’s
playground; game room; tour desk; babysitting. In room: TV, kitchen, fridge, hair dryer, iron.
WHERE TO DINE
The Gold Coast is full to the rafters with cheap restaurants, especially in and
around Cavill Mall. Look for discount coupons in the free tourist guides available
in hotel lobbies and information booths. Many stylish restaurants and cafes,
most reasonably priced, are springing up around Surf Parade and Victoria
Avenue at Broadbeach, as well as in the nearby Oasis shopping mall. A coffee
and an Italian-style gourmet sandwich by the water won’t cost the earth at the
stylish Marina Mirage shopping center opposite the Sheraton on Sea World
Drive at Main Beach, nor at one of the hip Tedder Avenue cafes in Main Beach.
Billy T. Bones on the Beachfront Café Bar & Grill STEAK/PASTA/
SEAFOOD Write down your order at one of the timber dining tables, hand it