Gary Ablett reveals his favourite holiday destinations, from PNG to Torquay

DESPITE loving Gold Coast life, Gary Ablett says he still prefers to chill out on Victoria’s best-loved surf beach.

Gary Ablett at Jan Juc, Torquay, during his Geelong days.

TWELVE years on and showing no sign of slowing, few will contest that Gary Ablett is the best in the game.

Ablett, who made his professional debut for Geelong in 2002, is now sinking his teeth into his fourth season as the skipper of the Gold Coast Suns and boy, does he have some bite.

When he’s not training or on the field at Metricon Stadium, Ablett says he loves nothing more than making the most of the Gold Coast’s healthy lifestyle.

What do you like to do on the Gold Coast when you’re not training?

GA: Whenever I have any spare time I generally head to a cafe with friends. I love my organic food and Mandela Organic Arts Cafe at Mermaid Beach is awesome.

When I first moved up my brother took me to the Gold Coast hinterland. It’s so quiet and picturesque and only a short drive from the coastline.

It’s become a regular thing, we’ll drive to the Currumbin Rock Pools or go for a hike up Mt Warning. Of course I spend a fair bit of time at the beach – I really enjoy the healthy lifestyle on the Gold Coast.

Where was your last holiday?

GA: The last holiday I went on was a working holiday in November before we started pre-season training. My brother Nathan, good friend Michael Paynter and I went to Papua New Guinea. We spent our break working with the Gateway Children’s Fund.

Michael’s father is involved in the charity, which is committed to improving the lives of PNG’s poorest children and I really enjoyed the experience.

Despite living on the Gold Coast, Gary Ablett’s favourite beach is still Torquay in Victoria. Picture: Theo Fakos

Where’s your favourite place to play away games?

GA: I love playing in Melbourne, especially if we’re playing at the MCG. I get to catch up with and play in front of so many friends and family.

Where to next?

GA: I’m tipping I will be heading away at the end of the season with my girlfriend Jordan. She will more than likely be calling the shots on where we’ll be going, but I’ll throw a couple of suggestions in, too.

Do you collect souvenirs to remember your travels?

GA: I’m not big on collecting too many souvenirs. I’m more likely to collect jerseys from my favourite sporting teams, which I often wear, especially around the club.

Favourite place to travel in Australia?

GA: I grew up in Victoria and spent heaps of time down the surf coast as a kid so I love to go back down to Torquay and relax by the beach.

Overseas?

GA: It would have to be the United States. I love my American sport and try and get over there as often as possible. We have had a few training camps in Arizona but unfortunately those camps are made of a heap of training and not enough sightseeing if you ask me (laughs).

Gary Ablett’s Gold Coast Suns take on the Western Bulldogs at Metricon Stadium on the Gold Coast on Sunday, May 25. This is the Gold Coast Suns’ annual Family Day with tickets starting at $25 for adults, $8 for juniors and $58 for families.

Visit goldcoastfc.com.au for details.

“Like” Escape.com.au on Facebook

Follow @Escape_team on Twitter