THORNLANDS local Graham Robbins, 85, is proving age is no barrier to adventure as he launches a personal quest to conquer the Gold Coast’s biggest thrill rides, with his equally game 58-year-old daughter riding beside him.
The idea first surfaced five years ago when Graham joked that a TV network should sponsor him on a nationwide rollercoaster tour to mark his 80th birthday.
“The family have always done something for my major birthdays,” he said.
“We were sitting around one night and someone said: ‘What the hell are we gonna do this time?’ So, I came up with the idea of the roller coasters.”
The tour never happened, but recently, his daughter decided it was time to make good on the old plan.
“She went and bought two season tickets for Sea World and the other park,” Graham said.
She said, ‘All right, we’re starting.’
“So, we started.”
Their first outing last month saw them tackle Sea World’s Vortex twice, Storm Coaster three times, plus the Trident and Jet Rescue.
The Leviathan was closed, but they plan to return once school holidays end to finally ride it before heading to Movie World for the next round of challenges.
For Graham, the thrill ride mission fits neatly into a lifetime of seeking out experiences beyond the ordinary.
“For most people getting onto my age, it’s a little bit out of the ordinary,” he said.
Sharing the adventure with his daughter adds a deeper meaning.
“We’re a pretty close family,” he said.
“I’ve got three daughters and six grandkids.
“We have frequent get-togethers, parties, picnics … it’s just another one of those things we do together.”
Graham retired at 56 and spent years travelling with his wife, visiting 42 countries and regularly flying to the US to see family.
Now, from his quiet corner in the Thornlands, he’s embracing a new chapter, and he’s clear that the ride list isn’t finished.
“I’ve been there, I’ve done that,” he said.
“But I’m not done yet.”
