Australia, New Zealand & the South Pacific - Christmas 2009 in Surfers Paradise (Christmas lunch options?)

Hi,

Was wondering if anyone here could provide any advice for a Christmas meal/lunch in surfers paradise, on the gold coast in Australia for this year. Its actually going to be our first Christmas away from home (The UK) - before its been roast turkey, cold and rain each year!

My wife and I are staying at the Marriott (Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa) over Christmas and they are offering a tasty sounding seafood buffet lunch for AUD$195 per person. If there is nothing better I'd probably be tempted to go for it, however, thought I'd get people's views on whether there were better alternatives? We're mid-twenties, no kids and do drink, we're travelling as a couple and don't know anyone else that will be around there at the time.

My ideal meal would be for an organised BBQ on the beach or similar, but with a table/chairs to sit and eat at - seafood would be almost mandatory. Money isn't too much of an issue, but I do have some concept of value still!

I'm thinking the choices are;
1 - Cruise lunch (Not a fan of this so much unless it was pretty high class and tasty)

2 - Marriott Seafood buffet

+ves; Good food, get some Marriott points, easy as its at our hotel, unlimited booze
-ves; Seems to be more a family event, not the cheapest, might be a bit boring (more older people I'm guessing)


3 - Our own disposable BBQ on the beach

+ves; For ~AUD$400 I'm sure we could get a pretty good spread..
-ves; Wasteful (Would have to buy everything, BBQ, utensils etc), not being that lazy, difficulty of shopping for food on Christmas day? (We'd have no fridge to keep it in), don't know how busy the beach would be?


4 - Somewhere else? Conrad Jupiters was recommended on one tripadvisor post but the menus seem to be a similar idea to the Marriott (just a bit cheaper and a few more restaurants). Are there any organised BBQs, parties or places doing a nice meal?

We will have a car (to pick up items if needed) - but I've no intention of driving anywhere for the meal (aka I would like to be able to drink) - we don't mind public transport, walking or taxis though.

Can anyone recommend anywhere, offer any thoughts on the above, or have any other places I should consider?

FYI: After Christmas we're going to spend a week driving to Sydney so we will probably do a BBQ on the beach one night during this trip, including sleeping on the beach, so we'll do the homemade BBQ a little later in the week (for the second time?) :D

Thanks in advance for any thoughts,

All hotel rooms in Australia have fridges in the rooms. You may hve to get some space made by removing some of the mini-bar.

Coin operated electric BBQs are also available in many places. You just need enough coins and something to clean it off.

I'd suggest contacting the concierge at your hotel to query what's available in the area.

Audrey

The Yacht Club is pretty good. But if you want to try something really different, rent a little boat and take it up the Broadwater to South Stradbroke Island and have a picnic.

hi - did the christmas day lunch at marriott a couple of years ago - absolutely packed, lots of kids, noise and action. Food was very good (but you will queue for it).

So it depends what you are in the mood for - sunny, hot , quiet outdoor lunch or noisy, packed indoor (air con) lunch...

as far as hotel fridges - yes you will be able to buy wine etc and pack in a couple of bottles, not sure how much steak, cheese, sausages you will fit in though!

Maybe worthwhile checking if coles (supermarket) in Surfers is open on christmas day - then you could shop in the morning and not need the fridge..

have fun!

Thanks for your tips, especially your personal experience mumof2sydney! I'll have a bit of a ponder and not book anything yet - I guess that I'm not so keen on the idea of too many kids or queuing for Christmas lunch, but, how to avoid it and have a nice time... :)

Had a look at the coles website and nothing about holiday opening hours - guess we might find out when we get there if it is open or not and perhaps make our minds up then.

You should be able to get the mini-bar cleared before you arrive.

Just call the hotel in advance. If they object, tell them your Mrs is a recovering alcoholic (and make sure the Mrs isn't within earshot!).

Having said that, the Mini-bar is indeed usually mini. Serviced Apartments usually have full size fridges.


Evan :->

Had a look at the coles website and nothing about holiday opening hours - guess we might find out when we get there if it is open or not and perhaps make our minds up then.

Coles and Woolworths will be closed on Xmas Day (by law), but may be open till late (guessing around 10pm) on Xmas Eve. Smaller corner shops may or may not open (their choice). Petrol stations with limited groceries will be open.


As for Conrad Jupiters, from what I've heard, if you want to avoid kids, try Zen, Andiamo or Charters Towers (no guarantees, but kids tend to be at the other restaurants there).


Evan :->

Any of the big hotel lunches will be fantastic. Try also Sheraton Mirage and Palazzo Versace and see what they have on.

I wouldn't personally recommend a BBQ - ALL of the beach coin operated bbqs will be exceptionally busy - and then what do you do if it rains ? Wouldn't be the first time it's rained in Christmas day on the gold coast from personal experience. Let someone else do the work !

+1 for the Palazzo Versace. Book early though.

For evening entertainment, Melbas and Shooters have allways done a orphans christmas party... Usually good fun.

There are a couple of restaurants located on Burleigh Beach that I always frequent when on the Gold Coast, and what better way to spend Christmas than with an ocean view!

I had a quick look on their websites and can't see anything about Christmas as yet, but I would definitely recommend any of the places below...and you only have to move a few feet on to the sand for a game of rounders after lunch! :)

http://www.oskars.com.au/home.htm

http://www.mermaidsonburleigh.com/

http://www.bookmein.com.au/book/restaurants/Seafire-72751/