Kristen Parisi is a student at Manhattanville College and an ISA Featured Photo Blogger. She is currently studying abroad with ISA in Gold Coast, Australia.
If you’re a beach bum, but also a city lover, then the Gold Coast, Australia is the perfect place for you. With the beaches, restaurants, shopping centres, and attractions all so close to each other, you’ll never have to travel further than a short walk or bus ride. Malls like Surfer’s Paradise and Pacific Fair, pop up markets on Broadbeach or Burleigh Heads, and surfing competitions at Snapper’s Rock, will keep you entertained throughout your whole stay! But, this beautiful place offers more exhilarating things to do other than shop and eat.
Make sure to check out the beautiful waterfalls, mountains, and hikes the Gold Coast likes to hide in its “bush.” There’s numerous spots and magnificent views that are only short drives away from the Coast’s main attractions. The picture above at Lip Falls was only a 40-minute drive inland and cheap car hires are available everywhere!
The picture above was a little further to get to, but worth every minute. It took about an hour from Surfer’s Paradise, but even the drive was an experience itself. We drove through curvy roads in an exquisite forest most of the way and were occasionally surprised by incredible mountain views from the road. This secluded place even has a water fall that you can jump into and cool down from if you wish. And if you have some time after this, there’s even a small town road about 20 minutes away where you can sit at a café or look through chill shops!
Food, drinks, and souvenirs can be bought anywhere, but how often do you get to spend your morning at a hidden waterfall or an afternoon hiking through a forest? Serenity and tranquility is not a feeling most people experience on a daily basis anymore, but that’s exactly what these places will bring to you. Shopping, eating, and partying is exciting, but the thrill you feel from visiting these remote areas is something you’ll never forget. Sights and experiences like these are rare so take the excursion and make sure you don’t miss out on these memorable adventures.
The world awaits…discover it.