Gold Coast: Surfer's Paradise & The Island Hotel

I feel so blessed to have been able to travel to different cities in Australia this summer. I've already been to Sydney a few years before, and last month we were able to visit Brisbane and Gold Coast. We also just arrived from Cairns last week, so it was definitely an adventure filled summer for us.

I'd have to say though that out of all the places we visited, the kids loved Gold Coast the most. The Gold Coast is renowned for its white sand beaches as well as its famous theme parks, like Movie World and Sea World which we were able to visit.

A day at Sta. Elena Fun Farm

One of my daughter's BFFs celebrated her birthday at Sta. Elena Fun Farm last month and I was really excited about it since I've never been here before! My daughter's field trip was actually held here 3 years ago but I had just given birth to my youngest that time, so it was hubby who accompanied her. They had such a great time and the pictures looked awesome, but we somehow never got around to planning a visit. So now, finally, we were able to go as a family (and for free lol!) ;p

Another school year, another kid enters big school

I can't believe summer is officially over for us and it's now the start of another year in the big school. My son is entering Grade 1 while my daughter is now in Grade 2.

Our updated picture frame wall gallery

I first put up these photo frames back in 2012 when we only had two kids. I've been meaning to change and add photos ever since we had Skyler and finally I've gotten around to doing it.

Here was one side of the wall before:

7 Things To Do in Brisbane, Australia

 Our flight in and out of Australia was through Brisbane. However based on research and recommendations, there seemed to be more family friendly activies in Gold Coast which was just an hour's drive away. Gold Coast is home to a lot of theme parks and we actually went to Movie World and Sea World during our stay there.

There are still a lot of things to see and do in Brisbane though. Brisbane is actually a very modern, vibrant city and what I really appreciated was how nice and friendly the people were. From the Uber drivers who kept offering us candy and water, to random people on the street who would insist to take our family photos. :)

Anyway, here are 7 fun things you can do in Brisbane, Australia:

Sea World in Gold Coast, Australia

When I saw that there was a Sea World in Gold Coast, it was definitely on the top of my list for the theme parks I wanted to visit in Australia. I love seeing marine life and I got even more excited when I saw that this Sea World had a Nickeolodeon Land which my kids would surely enjoy.

Smart Parenting feature

Check out Smart Parenting online where I was featured as one of 4 Pinay Moms who Share Useful Tips for Their Pre-Birthday Shoots.

I already posted about my daughter's 7th birthday shoot before, so you can click HERE to see more photos from that day by Mhel Mesa Photography. And if you want to read the whole article, head on over to SmartParenting.com.ph. :)