The Adventures of Eloise and Abbey: Gold Coast

We made a last minute decision to join Aunty Ann and Lochie for some mummy and Eloise time on the Gold Coast. Sorry, Abbey but you were just a little too young to come along on this trip :-(

We stayed at the Surfers Paradise Marriot, mainly because of their salt water pool where you could snorkel amongst their fish. Unfortunately though there were not many colourful marine fish left as most of them died when the pool filled up with too much fresh water during the Brisbane floods earlier this year.

Eloise parading by the salt water pool

Fish feeding at the Marriot salt water pool

On Friday before the big weekend crowds we ventured out to Sea World which was only about a 5 minute cab ride from our hotel. However, despite it being Friday there were still plenty of people there ! We managed to take in the Sea Lion show and the Dolphin Show, pat some star fish and sea slugs and go on some rides.

Posing with Cooke Monster & Elmo and not sure who the orange creature is !

The Calypos when down a treat as it was thirsty work waiting for the sea lion show to start.

The playful dolphins who were always keen to greet you

There was also an incredible underwater viewing gallery and it would have to be one of the worlds largest aquariums, there were so many fish, stingrays and marine fish, it was like looking into Nemo's world ! Eloise and I were both so mesmerised that we spent a long time just sitting and watching the underwater world go by.

The amazing underwater gallery

Whilst Eloise enjoyed the shows and marine life, she was also just as excited about the rides (if not more!). And she does not seem to have any fear of heights or sudden drops! Her favourite rides would have to be Big Bird Bounce and Vikings Revenge Flume Ride.

Cable car ride

Eloise looking a little apprehensive on her first 'scary' ride alone

The Big Bird Bounce was a real hit with Eloise and she went on it another 6 more times !

Cooling off with Lochie in the water play area

Eloise convinced Lochie to also have a go on the Big Bird Bounce

This trip has confirmed that Eloise has no fear of heights at all. Without hesitation she scaled this rope bridge that was at the Castaway Bay section at Seaworld. Whilst mum cautiously and rather reluctantly walked across the bridge that would have been about 2 to 3 storeys high, Eloise ran across it. It was a great play structure and would put any indoor play centre to shame ! There were so many climbing equipment and ropes that Lochie said that it looked like a place for monkeys !

Walking the 'tight rope' was not a problem for Eloise

We were really spoilt at the Marriot as we had access to their club lounge, so every morning there was a splendid breakfast spread of fresh fruit, cereals, pastries, bread and you could also have the egg special from "Chef".

The fridge was well stocked with juices and cold water and throughout the day there was always fresh bread and fruit and from 5pm to 7pm it was canape hour with lots of canapes to choose from and some a very welcomed selection of champagne and wines. The canapes were so varied and abundant that it also doubled as dinner when we were too tired to head out.

Eloise and Lochie enjoying their breakfast

The breakfast fridge filled with fruits, yoghurt, bircher muesli, deli meats & cheese

The fruits were perfect for us to pack as snacks for the day

Smoked salmon

Scrambled eggs with truffle oil

The views from the 27th floor club lounge was spectacular with views out to the oceane and the pool/marina area.

Ocean view from the 27th floor

View of the hotel pool and river from the 27th floor

Within a 5 minute walk from our hotel was the famous and beautiful Gold Coast beaches.

"Hi Daddy & Abbey Love Eloise & Mummy" - our postcard to Daddy & Abbey

We also managed to catch up with Aunty Lai Kion, Alex and Alex's girls - Ava & Stella. The three girls spent all day in the pool.

L to R: Ava (5), Eloise (4) & Stella (3)

Girls showering off after a day in the pool

After a hard day play at the pool, we were very lucky to have been taken to dinner by Aunty Lai Kion. She took us to the Teppenyaki restaurant at the Marriot and it was a great place to take kids as they were thoroughly entertained by the chef.

Waiting patiently for dinner at the Teppanyaki restaurant

Eloise and Ava

We also spent a day at Wet n Wild, there were quite a few rides that the kids were still too short for but there were enough to keep them occupied. Eloise loved the wave pool, going in the donut around Calypso Beach and Mammoth Falls.