Mother's Day presents for travelling mums

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This was published 7 years ago

Mother's Day presents for travelling mums

By Tracey Spicer
Instead of chocolates, take your  mum on the Tower of Terror II at Dreamworld - the world's fourth tallest roller-coaster.

Instead of chocolates, take your mum on the Tower of Terror II at Dreamworld - the world's fourth tallest roller-coaster.Credit: Getty Images

My thighs are wobbling, high above the Broadwater.

To motorists on the Gold Coast Highway, it appears a woman – flesh flapping wildly – is flying.

But it's jet-boarding, the latest adventure craze.

Taj and I each wear big boots, attached to a jet-ski by a hose, shooting out streams of water.

This is my present for Mother's Day. No massage or facial or champagne for this little black duck. Instead, I asked for an adventurous weekend away.

A survey by Wotif.com reveals almost one in four mums hope someone will plan a trip for them this weekend: the Gold Coast is Australians' favourite family holiday spot.

With wotif.com/holidays, you can get flights, accommodation, and car hire as part of a package.

Our first stop is Dreamworld, with its aptly named Tower of Terror II: the world's fourth tallest roller-coaster.

This is the best of the "Worlds", because of the diversity of activities.

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The Indigenous staff at Dreamworld Corroboree teach the kids about story-telling, fire-making, and traditional weapons, including how to throw a spear. This is the highlight of the entire theme park for Taj and Grace.

But my favourite ride is Mick Doohan's Motocoaster, on life-size replicas of 500cc bikes. (Yes, I am a bogan…)

If rides aren't your thing, head to the SkyPoint observation deck in Surfers Paradise, for a 360-degree view of this sea of skyscrapers. It's the perfect spot for brunch or lunch.

Next door is Q1 Resort & Spa, with its ultra-modern, self-contained apartments, and Longboards Laidback Eatery & Bar, which serves parmesan truffle fries. (The latter may explain the jelly-wobbling during the jet-boarding…)

This is the home of the PHAT Bastard Burger challenge: scoff the 1.8 kilogram monster, plus fries, in half an hour to win a $150 voucher. This is definitely the place to take hungry teens.

Back at Jetpack Adventures, I begin to twist my body towards Taj, who is similarly suspended.

Briefly, we hold hands in mid-air. It is a magical moment.

"Hey mum, you're really brave. Cool!" Grace calls from the shore.

"Yeah, I totally rock at this!" I holler, before coming crashing down.

Normally on Mother's Day, I crave time away from the kids (dreadful, I know.)

After the obligatory breakfast in bed, I want to curl up and go back to sleep.

But a short break is the best of both worlds: pampering plus partying.

And adventurous activities are a novel way of bonding.

According to Wotif.com, those who've been surprised by a weekend away for Mother's Day enjoy the room service (17 per cent), spa treatments (21 per cent) and not having to cook (41 per cent).

But for most (72 per cent), the most enjoyable experience is spending quality time together.

So, think outside the chocolate box on Mother's Day.

It might be time to drop hints for next year.

Tracey Spicer and family travelled to the Gold Coast with assistance from Wotif.com.

tracey.spicer@fairfaxmedia.com.au

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