What to do and where to stay while visiting Hong Kong
With less than 48 hours in a city filled with mega stalls, boat rides, Michelin-star restaurants and breathtaking statues, we test drive the Gold Coast’s newest direct destination.
Gold Coast
Don't miss out on the headlines from Gold Coast. Followed categories will be added to My News.
With less than 48 hours in a city filled with mega stalls, boat rides, Michelin-star restaurants and breathtaking statues, I knew I had a full weekend ahead of me.
On Saturday, Hong Kong Airlines relaunched their direct flights from Hong Kong to the Gold Coast.
After six years of no direct flights from Hong Kong to Australia, the relaunch ignited the hunger for Gold Coasters to make the nine-hour trip to witness Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations.
I was lucky enough to jump on board the inaugural flight and had 48 hours to experience the vibrant culture in Hong Kong for the first time.
Within the first 24 hours, I floated over to Lantau Island on the Ngong Ping 360’s cable car, strolled over to The Big Buddha, was drenched in knowledge at the Po Lin Monastery and visited fishermen’s homes at the Tai O fishing village.
And that was just during the day.
While the sun set, I made my way over to the centre of town and was mesmerised by the city coming to life, as it transformed into Hong Kong’s very own Glitter Strip.
I was treated to delicious modernised Shanghai dishes at The Merchant, a restaurant located on level 45 of the Landmark hotel, with sweeping views of Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour.
On day two in the city I explored Old Town Central, battling what felt like Piccadilly Circus before it opened up to streets lined with heritage buildings, vibrant markets and trendy eateries.
Fun fact: One of these streets, Hollywood Rd, was built in 1844 and is one of Hong Kong’s oldest paved roads, recently being named as the world’s second coolest street by Time Out Magazine.
A highlight of the trip was my 75-minute afternoon cruise where I sailed to one of Hong Kong’s secret fishing villages, Lei Yue Mun.
For the foodie fanatics, Sham Shui Po is the place for you, with streets upon streets filled with dim sims, Michelin-recommended noodles and local snacks.
A Hong Kong Tourism Board spokesman said these very delights – which to be fair are around every corner of Hong Kong – are a “major draw” for people visiting the city.
“It’s a city of fascinating contrasts where acclaimed international art shows take place, ancient traditions and modern architecture blend seamlessly and where lunch at an unassuming outdoor dai pai dong can be followed by dinner at a three-Michelin-starred French restaurant,” they said.
“Within 30 minutes you can go from hiking on an outlying island to taking in the stunning skyline with a rooftop sundowner in Central.”
WHERE TO VISIT AND WHAT TO DO IN HONG KONG
– Stay at Park Lane
– Eat at SKYE Roofbar & Brasserie
– Eat at The Merchants at Landmark
– Ride on Ngong Ping 360 cable car
– Visit Tai O fishing village
– Visit The Big Buddha
– Visit Po Lin Monastery
– Explore Old Town Central (Pottinger St, Central Market, Hollywood Rd, Tai Kwun)
– Book the Aqua Luna ride to Lei Yue Mun
– Explore Sham Shui Po
----
Hong Kong Airlines will fly direct from Gold Coast to Hong Kong three times a week until February 15, on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
Prices for return fares begin from $1,281 for weekdays and $1,311 for weekends.
The writer was a guest of Hong Kong Airlines and Hong Kong Tourism Board.
Why Gold Coast international airport can compete with Brisbane
A Gold Coast couple who have been travelling to Hong Kong every year for 18 years say the return of direct flights is proof the city’s international terminal has what it takes.
On Saturday, Hong Kong Airlines landed on Australian soil for the first time in six years, relaunching their route from the Gold Coast to Hong Kong.
I was lucky enough to snag a business class seat on the inaugural nine-hour flight from Gold Coast to Hong Kong and can confirm it went off without a hitch.
While on-board, I spoke with Jame and Leanne Lewis who said they jumped on the first flight out of the city to go on their annual trip to the popular Asian metropolis.
“It is such a nuisance going to Brisbane to fly,” Mr Lewis said.
“Between the train and the timing of flights, Brisbane is not easy.
“With the works on the trains right now, they sometimes throw you off and put you on a bus.
“We saw this and thought we would give it a go.
“We live 10 minutes from the Gold Coast Airport and flying back into the Gold Coast is great.”
Despite the recent struggles plaguing the Gold Coast’s international terminal, Mr Lewis said the departure was “great” and ran smoothly.
For me, it was my first experience in an international business class seat and I’m worried I will never be able to go back.
My seat went completely horizontal, had a massage setting and that was me realising money can really buy happiness … or sleep.
After I situated myself in the seat I was treated to a hot towel and the chance to choose from a lunch and snack menu.
Being a vegetarian I am normally a bit sceptical of plane food (isn’t everyone), but this was definitely on another level.
I had a delicious mushroom gnocchi dish, alongside seasonal fruit and a steaming bread roll.
Lifting off from the Gold Coast will always be one of my favourite sights, but landing in Hong Kong to the city of lights surrounding the famous Victoria Harbour was a close second.
On Monday, I began my trek home, excited to fly another nine hours in the pointy end with my Hong Kong Airlines slippers.
After a busy, overwhelming and amazing 48 hours in Hong Kong, I slept about eight and a half hours of the flight, only waking up for my French toast breakfast.
We all know landing at an international airport is usually followed by long lines, customs and waiting for baggage.
In record time, I was out and in my uber within 20 minutes of disembarking from the plane. Something I would like to experience every time I go on holidays.
All in all, this route has definitely reinforced that the Gold Coast international airport really does have what it takes to compete with Brisbane.
And Hong Kong Airlines has cemented itself as one of my most comfortable and luxurious flights to date.
----
Hong Kong Airlines will fly direct from Gold Coast to Hong Kong three times a week until February 15, on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
Prices for return fares begin from $1,281 for weekdays and $1,311 for weekends.
The writer was a guest of Hong Kong Airlines and Hong Kong Tourism Board.
More Coverage
Originally published as What to do and where to stay while visiting Hong Kong
On-duty policeman fighting for life after horror car crash
A police officer is in a critical condition after a horror collision with a truck southwest of Brisbane on Friday afternoon.
Biscoff shake, pretzel smashed avo: New cafe a local hit
It may be hidden in the suburbs, but it hasn’t taken diners long to unearth a new secret garden style cafe on the Gold Coast. Check out the menu.
Shocking video: Moment after car crashes into fast-food chain
Emergency services have rushed to the scene of a Gold Coast crash where a car has smashed into a popular fast-food eatery.
Investigations continue after huge blaze at Gold Coast home
Police and fire investigators have provided an update after three vehicles were destroyed in an inferno at a Gold Coast home. SEE THE VIDEO.
Tobacconist destroyed by blaze on the Gold Coast
A crime scene has been declared after a tobacconist went up in flames on the Gold Coast.
Field of Dreams: Gold Coast Touch’s remarkable 50th birthday
Gold Coast Touch is about to celebrate 50 years. Its base is on prime Southport development space. Here’s what the future holds.