Checking into the Sea World Resort is a little bit like walking into a Holidays With Kids magazine, which is a bit disconcerting if you're not particularly 'child friendly'. My visit is mid week, well spaced between school holiday periods, yet there are a surprising number of families with children of all sizes wandering about the newly refurbished foyer. I feel a bit of an impostor as I’m here, childless, with my partner (who it could be said uncharitably, can throw the odd ‘five year old’ tantrum if the beer isn’t cold enough).  But it quickly becomes evident why this is such a popular resort for families.  Even without the exciting theme park next door, Sea World Resort is well geared to entertain even the most world weary five year old without leaving the hotel grounds.

I am in a Superior Garden Wing room, which in this low-rise 4.5 star hotel is on the top floor, and looks pleasingly into mature trees that elicit bird song in the morning. All wings are surrounded by lush gardens with internal rainforest atriums creating attractive walkways. Being a family friendly hotel, most rooms can comfortably sleep four people in either two double or queen beds.  All rooms have access to Broadband Internet, Sony Playstations and the latest release in-house movies on the large flat screen TV.

As part of the resort’s 2007 multi million-dollar refurbishment, the most obvious addition is the brand new WaterPlay aqua playground adjacent to the lagoon pool overlooking the Broadwater.  Modelled on the Buccaneer Bay area at Wet’n’Wild Water World, this is an enticingly interactive, and wet, children’s play centre.  Constructed of colourful towers, slides and ramps, there are scores of spray nozzles, jets and water guns, all easily operated by the smallest hands.  Towering above the enormous suspended turtle is a giant water-filled tipping bucket that creates a crashing cascade of water onto giggling, delighted children every few minutes.

Though it’s not unusual to see adults joining the kids beneath the bucket as the bell rings to indicate an imminent drenching, I opt for the temptations of Sea World and hop onto the monorail that stops just metres from the hotel lobby.  But first the day begins with a guided walk on the new ‘Meet the Dolphins and Seal Tour’ with Kate, one of Sea Worlds guides.  Kate takes us through the Shark Bay underwater viewing area where we get up close and personal with massive Leopard and Bronze Whaler Sharks, rays and countless fish.  Though one youngster in our group does attempt the impossible, furiously counting out loud as fish swim quickly past him.

Further on, Malcolm the fur seal (so named because he was rescued from Fraser Island!) proves to be a veteran performer as we take turns at throwing him a fish then moving into position for a gentle pat and a pose for the photographer.  Never taking his beautiful big brown eyes off the bucket of fish on his trainers hip, Malcolm dutifully waves, poses and preens on demand, even departing the viewing area upended in a fur seal handstand, ‘walking’ on his flippers.

Moving past the penguin pool into the main auditorium, we are greeted with cheeky grins from the six bottlenose dolphins that will later perform for the adoring crowds.  They follow us in the shallows, as Kate positions us in small groups so that we each have the opportunity to meet and feed a dolphin.  I’m introduced to Gemma as she swallows just one of many fish that make up the 15kg of fish she will consume today.  It’s hard not be mesmerised by these beguiling creatures, and this close encounter creates anticipation for the first Dolphin Show later on this morning.

The enticing thing about Sea World though, is that while much of the entertainment is aimed at the young, there is equally as many attractions that will appeal to an older crowd.  Polar bears are fascinating to watch as they lumber around the rocks of their enclosure, but seem to take on the elegance of a dancer when viewed underwater through their glass sided pool. A Dugong called Pig has a heartbreaking story of post birth separation from his mother before finding his Sea World home. Then, when you do want to speed things up a little, rides are conveniently clustered into light (Cookie Monster Carousel), medium (Bermuda Triangle) and heavy (Corkscrew Roller Coaster) styles to cater for all ages and levels of thrill seeking.

After a day of emotion charged adrenaline, with our wearily fatigued feet, we’re comforted knowing that the Sea World Resort and a comfy bed is just a short monorail ride away.  But we can’t go past the big oversized lounges of the Lobby Lounge Bar, and we throw ourselves down to enjoy a welcome cold beer.  As the early dusk settles we watch busloads of thrill seekers return from day trips, recognising in the plod of jaded adult footsteps and tired grumbling of exhausted kiddies, that they’ve also made the most of their Gold Coast adventure.