Treat the kids to a Magical Christmas on SkyPoint’s Observation Deck.
Treat the kids to a Magical Christmas on SkyPoint’s Observation Deck.
If you were a kid again, what would be the coolest combo of all time? Chocolate, ice-cream, and lollies would no doubt come in swinging, leaving parents cringing and the GC dental community rejoicing. But we reckon there’s a trio that would pip this at the post, and it has nothing to do with food, toys or devices (the shock!). We’re talking about Christmas, magic, and a hilarious helping of circus, a trifecta guaranteed to jingle every kiddo’s bell. And truth be told, #same. Not just because Peter Pan is our spirit animal, but because there is something universally captivating about the three, and especially enchanting for our mini-me’s.
Well SkyPoint at Q1 has come through with the goods, preparing to wow little (and not so little) audiences with Magical Christmas. The explosive half-hour show will delight with jaw-dropping juggling, levitation, amazing feats of balance, and mind-boggling stage illusions that will shock, stun, and amaze.
Renowned performers Jason Gray and Rhett Morrow will host this action-packed spectacle, and if you’re a GC parent, chances are you’ve seen these two local legends in action. Multiple times. Rhett is known and loved for his eccentricity, balloon wizardry, and mind-boggling magic tricks, ‘sleighing’ both here and abroad for over 15 years.
Magician extraordinaire Jason Gray is equally iconic in the performing space and fun fact, he even featured on Australia’s Got Talent. So between the two, expect the unexpected with more colour, energy, tricks, and Christmas-meets-the-big-tent inspired fun that you can poke a magic wand at!
Taking place twice daily at 12pm and 2pm on the SkyPoint Observation Deck, the awe-inspiring location alone is enough to score epic brownie points with your kiddos. If they haven’t already taken in the must-see views atop Australia’s tallest building, arrive early and treat them to an experience they’ll always remember. The endless stretch of golden sand and sparkly blue ocean, lush green hinterland, and sleek city skyline are next level (literally) spectacular when you’re 77 floors above the ground.
To warm-up pre-show and set the mood, expect to see two cheeky elves wandering around putting smiles on little dials. And once the show draws to a close, don’t go anywhere because there’s more excitement to come. Straight afterwards, the gents will stick around for another 30-minutes of interactive meet and greets #CueStarStruckSmallPeople! Only too happy to say gday to their army of pint-sized admirers, the kids will love getting up close and personal with these larger-than-life lads.
Now how do you book tickets we hear you say? There’s no need, as the show is free with an annual pass or normal entry ticket to SkyPoint Observation Deck #winning. Or, if you have a valid SkyPoint Rewards, Dreamworld Locals, or Value Annual Pass, it’s included in your annual pass ticket.
So, call your mum’s group and tell them their ‘presents’ is requested at the wand-erfully entertaining Magical Christmas.
For more information, go here.
Where: SkyPoint Observation Deck, Level 77, Q1, Surfers Paradise
When: 12pm & 2pm daily, Saturday 17th – Friday 23rd December
Words by Bianca Trathen.
STORY SPONSORED BY SKYPOINT
The ultimate triple threat has arrived In Surfers Paradise and it’s all kinds of fab, frantic and follow-worthy. Funlab, Australasia’s largest fun company provider, is giving us yet another reason to stay in our ‘hood these holidays for a dose (or three) of homegrown entertainment.
Get ready for three equally vivacious venues all under the one roof; Hijinx Hotel, Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq, and Holey Moley. And BTW, the latter isn’t an expression of speech to convey our excitement, but the actual name of one of these awesome new local attractions. All we can say is heavens to betsy, we are pumped (and yes, this time we are describing our enthusiasm).
Located under the supremely popular Cali Beach, Surfers Paradise, this epic entertainment precinct is a game-changer for fun-seekers. Occupying a whopping 3,279 sqm and holding 410 people collectively across the three venues, it’s set to become quite the power player on our glitter strip #biggerisbetter.
Let’s get down to the nitty gritty and unpack the hot new venue; Queensland’s first (and Australia’s second) Hijinx Hotel. But don’t be fooled because although you check in and are welcome to enjoy a beverage in the lobby or sip cocktails at the bar, you can’t actually sleep here. Instead, you’ll be entering a series of fantastical quick play immersive game rooms, perfect for a brain teaser, lotsa laughs and most importantly, instagrammable backdrops galore.
Each room gives a nod to nostalgia and is uniquely designed for between two and six players to work together and complete challenges in a four-minute window. Combining theatre and the wonder of a quirky New York hotel, its originality is only matched by its off-the-Richter fun factor.
Also well worth a look is the old-skool-cool Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq. A playground for the young and old, lose yourself (hey Eminem!) in rad traditional arcade games. If this isn’t your bag of popcorn, there are dodgem cars (eeee!), virtual reality, ten-pin bowling, and prizes-a-plenty. For the full sensory experience, head for the bar (duh) and order one of Archie’s crazy cocktails or shakes #cocktailsforthewin.
And last but by no means least, find us a human who doesn’t love a spot of putt putt. Boasting 18 holes of the craziest minigolf, Holey Moley has taken the experience to a new dimension with the addition of a bar! And not just any bar, the Caddyshack bar, an 80s and 90s themed watering hole and Chevy Chase, you defined our childhood. Tell your opponents to eat your shorts on the Simpsons Evergreen Terrace and take on the four new holes exclusive to the Surfers Paradise Holey Moley; Skate Park, I Scream, Birdie Hunter and Street Fight #KissMyPutt.
All three venues are perfect for any sort of celebration or soiree, catering to both big kids and actual kids. Hijinx Hotel is $25 per adult, Archie Brothers is $30 per adult and Holey Moley prices start at $14 per adult.
Where: 3197 Surfer Paradise Blvd, Elkhorn & Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
When: Open 7 days til late.
Words by Bianca Trathen.
It’s right under our nose, but sometimes we forget how many activities there are for the small, medium, and big kids (aka us) in good ‘ole Surfers Paradise. And we’re not just talking about the beach, but a myriad of other cool stuff to keep them entertained and whinge-free these school holidays.
Here are ten ideas to help fill the blanks in your school holiday schedule, with some old faves and a few newbies thrown in for good measure. The best part is not only will you score ‘cool mum’ kudos from the kids, but you’ll get a kick out of them too!
Timezone
I mean, does this place really need an introduction? We’ve all racked up many-an-hour at Timezone in days gone by, and your mini-me’s will love it as much as you did. Probably more, because it’s levelled up its epic-ness in recent times. With arcade games, bowling, mini bowling, mini golf, laser tag, and bumper cars, it’s actual kid heaven…with a touch of nostalgia for us.
Where: Paradise Centre, Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Holoverse
This new hi-tech entertainment centre using holograms which look oh-so-real will make you feel like you’re in a Star Wars flick! Pick hologram grass to feed a dinosaur, swim with life-sized holographic whales, compete against your kiddos in holographic sports, play holographic arcade games, and more! Special shoutout for their birthday party packages #theshizzle.
Where: Paradise Centre, Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Infinity
To infinity and beyond! Challenge their sense and ignite their imaginations with a unique and mind-blowing 30-minute journey into spectacular, interactive, futuristic maze-like worlds of wonder! This walk-through experience is choccas with unique special effects, emotive atmospheric sound fields, sensuous aromas, awesome tunes and amazing illusions. Suitable for kiddos aged 8 and above. Get an exclusive 15% off here.
Where: Chevron Renaissance Shopping Centre, G31/3240 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Ripley’s Believe it or Not
This iconic home-grown ‘odditorium’ – now with over 300 exhibits and artefacts – is out of this world! A highlight is the new state-of-the-art Ripley’s 7D Moving Theatre where you feel every twist and turn as you compete against your seatmates. Enjoy a Ripley’s LaseRace, find out just what happens to your body in space, make friends with a life-sized R2-D2™ and more. Click here for a special offer.
Where: Cavill Mall, Surfers Paradise
The Wax Museum
Fancy some famous people watching? There’s no better place than The Wax Museum, home to the largest collection of wax figures in the Southern Hemisphere. Super realistic replicas of celebs, nursery rhyme characters, scientists, explorers, villains, world leaders, and even the crown jewels await (#RIPQueenElizabethII)! For the big kids (if you’re game) check out The Chamber of Horrors (shriek!!). Fancy a discount voucher? You’re welcome.
Where: 56 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Quack’r Duck
Is there any such thing as a kid who doesn’t go loco when they spot the big duck cruising down Ferny Ave? Imagine if you actually took them on said duck #eeep. Check out the pristine beaches and landmarks by road, then experience the thrills as the duck splashes into the Broadwater! Admit it – you’ve always wanted to do it too…. Grab a special offer here.
Where: 7 Elkhorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Fox in a Box
Ever wanted to break out of prison (without actually going to prison)? Or break into a diamond-filled vault in a bank? Or perhaps work out how to open a mysterious chest and unlock its contents and the secret within? You can do all of this and more at Fox in a Box! The rooms are recommended for ages 10 and above, but everyone is welcome to play. Good times!
Where: Level 1/3173 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Padlock’d Escape Rooms
Boasting ten immersive rooms themed to perfection, a visit to Padlock’d Escape Rooms is a great way to ditch reality for a bit (an hour to be exact…) and put your mind to the test. You’ll have a blast and the kids will be tuckered out from all that clue finding, code cracking, and puzzle solving #missionaccomplished. Recommended for ages 10 and above but all ages welcome.
Where: 3177 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Eclipse Escape Rooms
With five diverse, highly immersive, and technologically advanced rooms with insane special effects, bespoke props, and unique storylines leading up to an unforgettable grand finale, what’s not to love? Puzzle solving is designed to be fun and rewarding, with different levels of difficulty available. Kids as young as five can join in the fun, plus babies in prams are welcome in some rooms #StartEmYoung!
Where: Level 1, Chevron Renaissance Shopping Centre, Surfers Paradise
Surfers Paradise River Cruises
Kids get as pumped about boat rides as we do, so why not jump on a morning, midday, afternoon, or sunset cruise with Surfers Paradise River Cruises! Friendly guides will point out landmarks and homes of the rich and famous around our glitter strip’s waterways, whilst you kick back with the kiddos enjoying complimentary snacks. And mum/dad – there’s a bar…. Cheers! Get 10% off your cruise here.
Where: 63 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Words by Bianca Trathen.
