Simon Holt heads to Sea World Resort and Water Park on the GOLD COAST.
THE SETTING
The Spit has become a popular getaway for Queenslanders. Main Beach has surf, and the Sea World Resort and Water Park backs conveniently on to the calm side of the inlet. Being attached to a theme park is a distinct advantage, particularly for families.
THE SPACE
Sea World has undergone an upgrade of its rooms, and remains a family favourite. Inside the resort, there's a water park for children and a free-form pool with a SpongeBob SquarePants theme. There's also a well-kept modern gym, day spa, and a children's club. Most people are there to explore what the Sea World theme park has to offer, but one bonus of staying in a resort environment is the ability to put the feet up at the end of a long day, soaking up some piano music in the lounge.
THE KIT
The resort has been given a multi-million-dollar facelift. Timber-style floors give it a tropical feel, which always goes down well on a holiday. Family rooms have two queen-size beds, and there's a small balcony. Bathrooms are basic, with a basin and toilet, and a shower over the bath. Management says these are next on the renovation list.
COMFORT FACTOR
In the room, there's everything you'd want: desk, cupboard, drawers, a large TV and couch.
FOOD
The expectation levels of teppanyaki are usually similar to a theatre restaurant: it's all about the performance, and the food is a bonus. Hatsuhana Japanese Restaurant at Sea World Resort is different. Manager Hideyo Yonezawa and his team have developed a grill menu, which takes the Japanese barbecue to a new level. Sure, there are sill theatrics - the utensil-twirling, food-catching, tall-flaming moves still abound. But the food is the focus, as you'll see from the careful preparation of sauces, and the outstanding finale of pancake dessert, chocolate sauce, fresh cream and banana flambeed in cinnamon. Shoreline Restaurant is a buffet option and is popular with families. There is a large range of breakfast options, including freshly cooked omelettes, fruit and the normal hot-food fare.
WORTH STEPPING OUT FOR
Warner Brothers Theme Parks has Sea World, Movie World and Wet 'n' Wild in its portfolio. If you're visiting the resort, it's well worth grabbing a VIP pass which stretches across all three parks. In Queensland summers, visitors are grateful for the water park access, and there are always new attractions. At Sea World, it's the Storm ride, a flume-rollercoaster combination. And while baby polar bear Henry is on the larger side of cute these days, he remains playful in the water.
THE VERDICT
Family holidays can be expensive. But if visitors do their homework beforehand, a visit to the Sea World Resort can be cost-effective, particularly if it includes theme park entry. And you won't be skimping on luxuries; it's been in the resort owner's interest to ensure rooms and surrounds remain modern, and competitive with all that the Gold Coast has on offer. And no need to get the children prepared for the theme park road trip. It's right next door.
HOW TO GET THERE
From Brisbane, it's a casual 60-minute drive down the highway. Take the Southport exit and follow the signs. Sea World is towards the far end of The Spit, and the hotel entrance is past the theme park on the left.
ESSENTIALS
Sea World Resort and Water Park, Sea World Drive, Main Beach, Gold Coast. Rooms start at about $119 a night, but locals say stay-play packages can be almost the same price as theme park entry tickets alone, so keep an eye out for package deals. Rates typically start at $199 a stay including unlimited entry for two people, but prices can rise towards $300 on weekends. There are also better rates outside school holidays. Avoid the queues of people with resort-only access, and dodge the crowds lining up for the resort-exclusive entry into the first dolphin training session. Phone 1300 139 677, see seaworldresort.com.au.
The writer was a guest of Sea World Resort.
