The first thing on my mind when my parents told me we were going to Queensland for Christmas: new sets of trainers and sharks, and I did just that. I was only starting to get serious in this fitness business and knowing that I can still go to gym (I am a platinum member of Fitness First which allows me to use their gym facilities around the world) excites me even more.
I discovered there were two Fitness First gym closest to where I am staying. So I asked for my gym pass and board the plane to Queensland. My hotel was just a mere 15 minutes away from the airport, and 5 minutes away from the Wildlife park. It only took us 10 minutes to reach Surfer's Paradise by car so I must say, my mom did a good job booking the apartment hotel we stayed in. Sadly for me, my gym was nowhere near where I stay. See I stayed in Palm Beach, the gym, both of them were in Mermaid Waters.
I did however discovered that the gyms in Queensland are like 7-Eleven,There's one on every block; and they were all fully equipped and in top condition as well. Australia to me is the fittest country I've ever been to (not to mention A LOT of stud, although I was more interested in their handsome sharks more than human) Everybody runs along Surfers Paradise and Mermaid street. From outside I can barely see anyone in the gym but I'm assuming not many will visit during Christmas.
If you work or study in Oz, then investing in gym is probably the best thing you can do. I have found out that monthly fees ranges somewhere around $30 to $60. I pay MYR223 a month for my membership back home. The one thing I find different is that almost all the gym has tanning services, where as I guess we don't really need it in Malaysia. It'll be too weird to know that Asians tan. Yes, and most of the gym are open 24-7 so no excuses!
Now I know most people on vacation wouldn't bother about signing up for a gym since you're only going to be around for a short period, but yet still want to keep up with your fitness. My suggestion, walk. I must say it is safe to walk or jog around,in fact everybody does it and there's so many things to see. Take a walk along Palm Beach all the way to Mermaid Water and maybe stop for drinks before continuing to Surfer's Paradise. And of course, what is Australia without surfing. The benefit of walking around, you'll actually discover there are quite a number of surfing schools nearby. I do however advice, to always put on sun lotion.
As for food, I must say, if there is one country that would have their food so close to Malaysia, that would be Australia. They even have Mamaks, everywhere. For those of you who aren't familiar, Mamak is practically the restaurant everyone goes to, usually ran by Indians or Indians muslim, they serve Indian food like Chapati and Tosai and the tea is to die for.
For those of you who are more concerned about healthy eating like I am, you'll find it comfortable in Aussie. I mean the whole town run on the fitness concept. You can even find vegetarian burgers in their Wonderland (which for a second convinced me that I should be a vegetarian). Most cafes offer Fruits and Yoghurt and all the different kinds of yummy, healthy salad you could think of.
Oh and if you love shopping, stay for boxing day. It is absolutely crazy. I got two dresses for $10 and of course I had to buy a new pair of workout bra, I will never get it for cheap back in Malaysia. Plus, neon colors are big there so if you're having a hard time looking, you know where to go.
I've listed a few places to go to that are no more than 20 minutes drive away but of course I have to let you know about my 2 hour trip to Towoomba to see my campus (I was a student of Southern Queensland, and I regretted being an off-campus student. They had Zen Garden and a free 24hour gym) and also the drive to Byron Bay, to obviously stalk on Parkway Drive. (Me and my lil bro are big fans, my bro more enthusiast than I am) Get this, we actually drove to the drummer's house, screamed for about 15 minutes until they heard us, let us in (well I stayed in the car) and lil bro got a drumstick that broad used in one of his gig.So if you're a big fan of Parkway Drive, I suggest you drive to Byron Bay, it's beautiful there and don't look for the Parkway Drive sign, they've been stolen a couple of times nobody bothered to put it back up.
Places to go: The Wax Museum, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Dreamworld, Sea World Gold Coast. Surfer's Paradise Beachfront Market, All the beaches.
Tips: Get the tourist guide book from the airport, Really useful as there's different activities going on in Gold Coast every month.
If you're traveling alone or with no kids, rent a bicycle instead of a car.
Explore, It's safe there. There's cameras along the beach.
If you go during christmas, find the Australian santa(hint: wearing board shorts and probably be carrying a surfboard)
