Have I got something to float your boat.
Here is a sneak beak at the fabulous Aquaduck mobile that should definitely get your tail feathers shaking with excitement.
On our recent trip to the Gold Coast, we cheerfully chose to avoid the big theme parks. Call me a fun stopper, but the kids have no idea they are there, nor are they both tall enough to be able to ride everything. Also, sorry (not sorry), but I’m a big sook and it’s my worst nightmare.
I still wanted to find something fun and fabulous to help make our holiday memorable, and I fortunately stumbled upon this quirky idea. Picture a duck truck, that drives about Surfers Paradise and then splashes down into the water.
Yes. You read that right. One vehicle; two modes of transport. It was so much fun!!! Located right in the heart of Surfers, it is super easy to find (36 Cavill Avenue) and the tours start from 10am and run through till 5.30pm. Booking online is incredibly easy, though you can buy tickets from the street front reception. (But booking is best if you wish to get a particular time. These trips fill up fast!).
We boarded the duck and sat back comfortably for the ride. The Skipper and his assistant provide a fabulous commentary as you bob along the road on the giant wheels of the Aquaduck. I personally love the fact that the kids are contained safely whilst being entertained (and the adults can relax). Occasionally, the Aquaduck itself would add its own little side commentary, and these little jokes quacked the kids up.
It was such a fantastic way to take in the sights of places such as the Marina Mirage and the Palazzo Versace, and it really helped to give me some geographical and historical perspective of Surfers Paradise as a first time visitor.
How amazing is this view?!
(My hot tip is to try to nab the bench seat that faces out to the right of the driver. This gives you a gorgeous view of the ocean as you roll down The Esplanade).
And then the big moment as we slowly and safely rolled down into the water. I will admit to holding my breath as we became water bound but the kids were simply speechless; and believe me, that takes some doing! It was so peaceful cruising the calm waterways and I fantasised about the houses that I might one day live in, including the mansion with its own helipad!
The kids were madly keeping their eyes peeled for dolphins (no joy on our trip) and once we were afloat, we were able to move around more freely and take a ridiculous amount of photos. The absolute highlight was the fact that the kids were both given a chance to drive the boat! Every child on board got a turn at being Skipper and my children thought they were personally pretty incredible. They were then given their own Captain Aquaduck certificates as a momento.
The tour went for just over an hour and is a great alternative to the traditional type tours that most major towns offer. This was a part of our holiday that the kids have been quacking about ever since!
So quack that whip and get over to check out AQUADUCK GOLD COAST.
And please…no one mention Dreamworld around my kids, OK?
See more at www.aquaduck.com.au
If you are keen to see another of our family destination reviews, check out our trip to Sovereign Hill.