Family Vacation to Gold Coast - Day 4, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Park and Robina Town Centre

As we realised that the kids truly enjoyed themselves at Paradise Country, we decide to include a visit to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Park where the kids can look forward to more wildlife animals in Australia.

We gotten the tickets at the reception in Bel Air and off we went to another wildlife park adventure.

We decided to have our breakfast at the cafe there. This lil darling spotted this frog and requested to have her photo taken.

At the entrance. The kids love to take photos especially during holiday.

We can get up close and personal with the koala by paying a fee to have our photo taken with them. If I can remembered correctly, the fees range from AUD15 to AUD40 with different photo sizes and items such as key rings, postcards and magnets included.

My hubs was pretty 'lucky' as the koala decided to poo on his hand after the photo taking. Hahaha! A pity we were not able to buy lottery there.

Photo taking with koala bear. The kids love it!

My girl simply loves the koala bears!

It took us a while to pull them away from the koala exhibit before we can move on.

The sleepy koala bears. They are almost everywhere in the park.

Being a tourist, we had the park guide with us and we realised that the park is huge! Well, we have absolutely no idea where to head to so we hopped on the tram ride for a tour around the park before we decide further.

While waiting for the tram to move off. Smile! We are on a holiday!

Not forgetting the kids with their grandma. The usual cheeky monkey faces.

Another tram on the track returning to the main station

The tram brought us round the park and we sat through the entire journey before we decided on our first stop. I wanted to visit the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital and let my kids learn about more about caring for animals.

There is no queue system at this station and everyone just hop onto wherever there is vacancy.

This is a huge iguana that is being cared for in the hospital. The kids were terrified of it though.

We chanced upon a koala bear on the operating table. From what we gathered from the rest of the surrounding visitors, it seems that the koala is having a difficult labour. The vet were very tactful in handling her though.

There is a corner for visitors especially kids to experience how they can care for the wildlife animals. Janelle was trying to bandage the koala bear's arm as she said the arm is injured.

The tram also rode past the Kangaroos enclosure where they are free to roam. Visitors can choose to alight at this station to pet the kangaroos, feed them and take photos. We had the experience of kangaroos being too full for feed in Paradise Country so we decided not to get any feed for them. True enough, we saw many feed on the floor and the kangaroos were not interested at all. In fact, most of them were taking their nap and getting lazy.

One of the recommended activties is to catch Air Asia Free Flight Bird Show hence we went on a leisurely walk to the show as the weather is good and we can view other animals along the way.

Meet Tasmania devil bear! They look very different from the Warner Bros Taz.

While waiting for the show to start, there is photo opportunity with the baby croc. I was cheated by my girl as she said she wanted my company to take photos with the baby croc and she promised me that she will hold the head (cos her mummy is scared!). When it was our turn, she changed her mind and volunteered her mummy to hold the head and she will hold the tail instead. Anyway it was an experience as I would never thought of getting my photo taken with the croc if it was not for my girl. Check out the little boy's curiosity of the croc!

The bird show was pretty interesting as it is unlike the bird show in Jurong Bird Park. We got to learn more about the birds especially in the wildlife environment. But I guess the kids are just simply not into birds as they were pretty restless throughout the show.

They were more interested in playing among themselves when the show was ongoing

Now, who say that owls only come out when it's dark?

Even the pelicans make a guest appearance during the show

Check out the vulture in the air! We were able to have a photo opportunity with the vulture after the show but I was still lil fearful of getting too close to it. Too bad we were not able to take photo using our own camera.

The park is really huge and we were not able to cover the entire place with 2 kids in tow. By the time the bird show was over, it was almost time to leave the park as it was nearing to the closing time, that is 5.30pm. Hence we took a leisure walk back to the park entrance to pick up our photos and gotten some souvenirs before we say goodbye to the wildlife park.

We knew that Robina Town Centre is one of the biggest fashion malls in Gold Coast and they are open till 9pm on thursday! Thus we decided to visit the mall for some retail therapy.

The mall is really big! My mum in law was getting sick of western food and craved for Chinese cuisine so we went to try Yum Cha in Robina Town Centre. The food was not bad but the taste is still the best in Singapore.

After which, we walked around the mall and ended up shopping in Kmart till the mall closed. The prices are more reasonable in Kmart and we gotten alot of clothings and books for the kids.

We returned to the apartments and prep the kids for bed before my hubs and I headed out to Jupiters Casino which is located near Bel Air. It was boring! Nothing interesting and the atmosphere is dull.

Conversations with the boy

At 2 years and 5 months old, this little cheeky boy has been saying the darnest things. We have been engaging in very interesting conversations lately.

Incident 1 - At KKH when he was running a high fever and there were blood in his phlegm.
Him: Mummy, I don't want to see doctor. I am not sick. Mummy, you sick? (Tell me if I should laugh or cry...)

Incident 2 - He refused to go school and I was trying to find out from him why.
Him: I don't want to go school
Me: Why do you not want to go school?
Him: Because I am sick (I couldn't believe he said that!)
Me: No, you are not sick. So you have to go school.
Him: No I don't want to go school. I want to stay at home.
Me: Why do you want to stay at home?
Him: Because I want to be with ah ma (grandmother). *Sounds so sweet huh
Me: No, you have to tell me why you do not like school? You don't like your teachers?
Him: No (Now I'm getting somewhere finally)
Me: Which teacher do you not like?
Him: Zhang Lao Shi (now we all know why)
Me: Why you don't like Zhang Lao Shi?
Him: Because she beat me.
Me: Beat you where?
Him: My buttocks.

Well, I did ask the teacher but she denied. Hmmm... how am I going to resolve this? Now my boy has phobia of school and simply refused to attend school :(

Family Vacation to Gold Coast, Day 3 - Seaworld and Surfer Paradise Night Market

The kids woke up excited! I told them that we are going to find sea animals and DORA! Yes, though I am not so sure about the link between Dora the Explorer and SeaWorld, it is always a joy for kids to see their familiar favourite character.

The park open at 9.30am and we reached there 10minutes after it was open (cos the GPS nearly led us the wrong way!). There was already a queue forming when we reached there. As we have gotten a 6-month season pass through an online promotion which offer better rates and gave us access to the 3 Worlds ie Seaworld, Movieworld and Wet N Wild, we have to join the queue to exchange for our season pass.

Welcome to SeaWorld! It has been a decade since I was there with my parents and siblings

While queuing to change our season pass at SeaWorld entrance

I guess they have thousands of sea gulls in SeaWorld as they were everywhere in the park and they are not shy to snatch food from the visitors. I was playing hide and seek with one of them when I was enjoying my churros!

Our first stop! It was one of the must-watch performances for my kids. 

 

We were in time for the Meet N Greet with Dora! See how delighted Janelle was!

The boy need a while to warm up though as he clammed up when I brought him near to Dora. But yet he was very enthusiastic in waving goodbye to Dora before we left.

As we were early and there was another 30 minutes before the performance starts, the kids couldn't resist the kids' rides at the Kiddy world located next to the Dora's performance area.

First ride of the day. The kids sat inside the cabin while the parent or guardian was supposed to sit on the open seat. Spot the kids inside the cabin.

This is one of their favourite rides as they went on it at least twice.

 

There is a lever that the kid can pull so that we can fly up high. And my boy can do it by himself. Guess he wouldn't miss out on anything when it comes to play and fun.

See how engrossed the kids were during the Dora performance

Dora's Best Friend Adventure. The kids simply loved it!

I spotted this rainbow ice-cream during Dora's performance as a little kid was savouring it. Hence I simply had to get it after the show though it was still very early at 11am. Yes, I allowed the kids to have ice-cream early in the morning before lunch. Well, we were on vacation and there are no rules during a vacation right? It's all about experience and having fun!

Up close and personal with the beautiful dolphins

This girl was just so happy in the park that she started skipping and hopping in her stride and singing at the same time. I loved to watch her skip away as this meant that she was enjoying herself thoroughly.

Next was the SpongeBob ParadePants. The parade was spectacular and amazing with the extravagant floats, stunning water displays and thematic boats. Another parade not to be missed!

We also visited the Shark Bay to see the magnificent sharks, sting rays and other tropical fishes.

Another show that must not be missed, Imagine!

These dolphins are simply intelligent and amazing. We really have to protect and save the dolphins from being endangered.

Another ride that Janelle loved! The ride move up slowly and drop down in a slow pace. Jayven wanted to go on the ride too but he did not reach the minimum height limit. She went on this ride again before we left the park.

Happy shoppers!

We also brought the kids to Penguin Encounter and Polar Bears Shore so that the kids can learn more about the different animals.

The park is relatively big and it was challenging to cover every area and catch every performance with 2 kids in tow hence we decided to skip some animal enclosures and shows. The park closes early at 5.30pm and we left the park at 5.15pm before the skies turn dark.

We did research beforehand and knew that there is a night market at Surfers Paradise every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday night. It took us a while to find the place as we were trying to google for the nearest car park to the market and we walked quite a distance to reach there. 

Finally! We reached the night market after a good 20 minutes walk

There are alot of stalls selling fashion and accessories, art pieces, handicrafts, beauty products and house wares. Nonetheless, the prices ain't exactly cheap considering that it is a night market. Not really for bargain hunters but more for treasure hunters and great for after-dinner walks.

The temperature was much colder at night but it felt good to walk along the beachfront with the cool breeze. We liked the place and decided to visit the beach again another day before we left.

It was the first night in Gold Coast where we gotten back to our apartment later than 9pm and everyone was exhausted after a long day out.

My sweet little girl

I have been travelling to and fro KL for the past week and hardly had time for the kids. Had an event yesterday and was planning to bring my firstborn to participate in Me & Mini Me run but couldn't work out. And she was really upset upon realizing that the event was over and she did not get to participate.

This 'sensitive deeply attached to mummy' girl requested for my time and asked me not to go work. But I have to travel to KL again (I am here now) and told her I have to be away for the next 3 days. She insisted that she want to send me to the airport and make me promise that I will wake her up before leaving for airport.

This morning when I woke up at 4.30am, she followed suit. I guess she must have been a light sleeper so that she can catch me before I left the house. This sweet girl just wanted to travel to airport with me and was behaving well throughout the journey.

Then just when I alighted from the car, she burst out into tears and refused to let me go. I felt so bad, really so so guilty.

My sweet little girl, mummy loves you and will spend more time with you whenever I can. Thank you for being such a sweet lovely girl.

Family Vacation to Australia, Day 2 - Paradise Country and Harbour Town Outlet Shopping

Rise and Shine to the lovely climate and scenery!

Good morning Gold Coast!

We spotted a pretty lorikeet at the balcony and happened to take a snapshot of it taking flight

All ready for Day 2. It was cold and sunny. We could hardly open our eyes and the floor tiles was icy.

We decided to have our breakfast at the cafe in Bel Air before we head to our first destination. The prices for the food are pretty steep. The servings seem pretty big hence we ordered 2 meals to share along with drinks.

Both of them chilling out at the sofa in the cafe

The kids with their latte

She really looks like she need a latte. Haha

After breakfast, it is time to visit the farm animals and the koalas and kangaroos that the kids have been anticipating. However, the GPS directed us to MovieWorld instead. Luckily we saw the directional sign to Paradise Country when we exit from the motorway and we went with our instinct. It was a pretty long drive in to the car park and we had to walk for another approximately 10 minutes before we finally arrive.

We have purchased the tickets online back in Singapore along as we prefer not to spend time queuing for the tickets and there are usually good rates for online purchases.
 

This is the entrance from the car park

Our first family shot

We walked for another 10 minutes before we reach. The cool climate helped to keep us cool.

We missed the billy tea presentation but we were in time for another show. I didn't even realised that I was carrying my boy's bag. Such a glam mummy!

While waiting for the whip-crackling show

 

A group shot with the cow after the cow-milking presentation

The dog was busy sniffing Jayven. Spot how glum his face was

Free to roam. And the little boy want to feel the sheep.

They were trying to feel the sheeps along with other kids. Yes, they managed to feel them eventually

Next, we proceeded to the sheep shearing show. The kids had a good time watching the show.
After which, we had our lunch before we explored the place farther. We did some shopping at the visitors center and proceeded to the farmyard and the koala and kangaroo enclosure to get up close and personal with the animals.

The kangaroos are free to roam and we can buy food to feed them at AUD1 per pack. But the kangaroos were not interested in the food. Guess all were very well fed for the day so we returned the food pack to the vendor when we left. The kids loved the animals. I liked their little courage to touch and feel the different animals.

Guess who he spotted?

The kids love the cuddly koala bears in the enclosure.

The kids enjoyed feeding the lambs at the farmyard

The farmyard is a very interesting place for the kids to learn more about the farm animals especially on their youngs. Piglets, chicks and lambs can be found in the farmyard and the kids got to feed the lambs which they thoroughly enjoyed seeing them nibbling on the food from their hands.

The little ones had a great time in Paradise Country and kept telling us that they loved the animals there. The place closes at 1pm and we left for our second destination, Harbour Town Outlet Shopping.

I did research earlier and I knew that the place is huge. However, we only had a few hours left to shop as the place closes at 5.30pm. First thing to do when we reach there was to visit the Tourism Lounge as they will give tourists a free club card for further discounts from participating outlets. The lounge also offer complimentary refreshments for the tourists. However, we realised that there are not many participating outlets for the further discount with the club card.

In fact, we didn't get anything much from the outlet shopping at all. The prices in most stores ain't exactly that attractive considering that it is an outlet shopping centre.

Spot the different shoes on Janelle? She was whining that it was too cold for her as the jeans were too short to keep her feet warm. That shows how fast she is growing, She wore the same jeans in last September in Japan and it kept her warm. Anyway, we had to buy a pair of boots to keep her feet warm and there was sale going on at Pumpkin Patch. That pair of boots only cost AUD10. But anyway the boots came apart on the last day of our trip. So much for good value huh.

Most stores started closing at 5pm and soon the skies turned dark at 5.30pm. We decided to have our dinner at one of the restaurants as my hubs spotted fish & chips which he has been craving since he reached Australia.

The place that we had our dinner at Harbour Town. At least dining places are still open at 5.30pm

The restaurant is kid-friendly as they have kids menu and colouring to occupy the kids while waiting for food to be served

Yummy clam chowder with lots of seafood

One of their recommended dishes. Cannot remember the dish name though but it was yums

Fish & Chips from the kids menu. Quite a big serving for kids

The fish & chips for adult portion. It tastes different from the kids' version though. I prefer the fish from the kids menu.

As expected, the bill came up to almost AUD100 for the dinner. Food was not bad though could be better. Their service was commendable as the staff were friendly and patient.

It was another early night back to our apartment as most places closes early. We showered the kids and gotten them ready for bed. My hubs and I then decided to check out the convenience shop near Bel Air, only to realise that they are also closing soon at 11pm, which left us with 10mins to shop.

It was freezing cold by then but it felt good to be enjoying the cold breeze which we could never experience in Singapore.