Just returned from validation trip to Queensland
 

Hi All

Just returned from week in Gold coast and a week in sunshine coast.

We all absolutely loved it, didn't want to come home at all.

We spent a week in Turtle Beech resort nr Mermaid beech (absolutely fab resort - expecially for family's - would recommend it).

We then went on to mooloolaba (Mirage - Alexandra Headland - a stroll to Mooloolaba) This was a lovely hotel, not as family orientated as the first place though, I would say more suitable for couples, but lovely. Moolooba great for everyone I would say and great central place to visit the Zoo etc.

Australia is so beautiful, laid back and top marks for friendliness.

Loved it....

Zoo is out of this world, I just wish Steve could have still been there.

I must say that the weather was a little unexpected my first week though, worst weather since 1972 apparantly. I really felt for those living in new south wales.

You lucky people already living out there.

Tracey

Re: Just returned from validation trip to Queensland
 

Hi Tracy
glad you enjoyed it.. We live about 10 mins from turtle beach resort.. and are very happy to call Australia home. It's definitely lived up to and exceeded our expectations..Good luck with the move when it happens..:thumbsup:

Re: Just returned from validation trip to Queensland
 

Hi Tracey

We may be looking to validate next year around about April time. Want to do similar to what you did - probably a week at Gold Coast, Week at Sunshine.

Can you tell me the Turtle resort that you mentioned - is it quite near theme parks. We have two boys and would want to take them to the parks - also did you hire a car whilst there - how was that? Was it easy enough finding way around etc.

We'd want to visit Brisbane also whilst there

Thanks very much:)

Re: Just returned from validation trip to Queensland
 

Hi

Sorry to jump on the thread but if you are interested in Turtle Beach request a brochure from Mercury Direct, we validated 4 years ago, flew with Japan Airlines and stayed at Diamond Sands which is right next door to Turtle Beach. (we found it to be very competitively priced) Fab area to stay and not that far from Theme Parks, our boys were 7 and 4 when we went and we all loved it.

HTH

Louise

Re: Just returned from validation trip to Queensland
 

Thanks Louise

Will try and get that brochure

Amanda:):)

Re: Just returned from validation trip to Queensland
 

Hi Tracey,
back in the UK for 12 months and will be due a validation trip within the next 2 years can you tell me what was involved?

Re: Just returned from validation trip to Queensland
 

Hi Tracey,

we did almost exactly the same thing with our validation having been done in March.......we opted for self catering and hired a house though to have even more flexibility......Is'nt Mooloolaba just beautiful and friendly not to mention wonderful for the kids....our are 14,12 and almost 6(boys)and they thoroughly enjoyed it.Unfortunately we are stuck in South Africa still trying to sell up but will go back asap as we bought a house in Sippy Downs:thumbup:

Re: Just returned from validation trip to Queensland
 

Hi

Sands turtle beech resort is very central.

It's close to Surfers, Broad beech & mermaid beech.

It's 40 mins drive to wet n wild, dream world and white water world. The kids loved these.

Coolangatta is about 20 mins drive (oposite direction) from turtle beech.

www.sandsresorts.com.au

It is very central and nice secure & very friendly accomodation.

My only thing to mention to watch is the crossings (you do not get as long to cross as in England).

Re car hire, we sorted ours out through e-bookers at the same time as flight. Worked out about £350.00 for the fortnight then an extra £80.00 once returned for airport pickup.

We found the traffic signals a little different to here, but roads very straight forward to find your way around. W eonly got confused once, and that was coming of the highway to a service station.

If you go sunshine coast, Australia Zoo is a must. It is fabulous. It was half an hour drive from where we were in Mooloolaba. That was a free bus. Out of this world.

Hope you have a great trip, we did.

Tracey

Re: Just returned from validation trip to Queensland
 

Yes Mooloolaba is beautiful and very friendly. Hope you sell up in South Africa quickly and get to your new house is Sippy Downs. Good luck. :fingerscrossed:

Re: Just returned from validation trip to Queensland
 

Hi,

Are you still waiting for your Visa??? What visa are you applying for??

Once we got our visa (175). We sent passports and confirmation letter to Australia house to get visa put in to passports. we had a date on it that we had to go to Australia by to validate (just to get passport stamped) and the customs have you on their records as visiting. The initial entry date is within 12 months. We now have another 4 years to move permanently. That's it basically. I don't know if other visa's are different though sorry.

Good luck.

Tracey