Dirty Uncle Des does the Gold Coast

10:30 AEST Thu Feb 24 2011

It seems there are one or two cynical Getaway viewers out there. Our presenters are sometimes asked if places they visit go the extra yards because they know we are filming. It was food for thought for Jules Lund, so he went undercover, which is not an easy task for a very tall and very recognisable man.

With the help of a very good mask, Jules transformed himself into elderly "Uncle Des" and mingled with unsuspecting passengers on an Aquaduck Safari on Queensland's Gold Coast. The only people in on the fun were the owner and manager. Ana Smith, the guide, had no idea she was a sting target.

"Uncle Des" played it to the hilt — stumbling, feigning poor eyesight, hearing and memory, and being most uncomplimentary about the food.

Ana was the perfect and caring guide but admitted later that at times it was difficult not to laugh at some of Des' antics.

Aquaduck is a wonderful way to experience the Gold Coast from land and water without leaving your seat. Safaris start in the heart of Surfers Paradise, taking in the famous beaches and hotels before driving right into the Broadwater. From there it goes under a bridge and past impressive mansions along the manmade canals.

Children are allowed to have a drive and receive an official Aquaduck Licence Certificate. Of course, Uncle Des wanted to have a go!

It's a fun and exciting thing to do — but make sure you check out other passengers.

Related video: Uncle Des Melbourne outtakes: too risque for TV!

Uncle Des' Melbourne shopping tour

and

Insider's Guide to Gold Coast

Location

Queensland's Gold Coast.

Cost

Aquaduck Safaris one-hour tours are $35 for adults, $26 for children and $95 for a family of two adults and two children. Tours depart every hour throughout the day. Children are issued with a Duck Licence Certificate.

Virgin Blue has one-way flights to the Gold Coast from:

Sydney $79
Melbourne $109
Adelaide $149
Perth $249

There are limited seats, which may not be available at peak times or on all flights. Fares quoted are one-way booked on the internet. An extra $15 will be charged for phone bookings. A credit card surcharge of an additional $2 per person per one-way flight is applicable. Fares are correct at February 24, 2011, and are subject to change.

Prices correct at February 24, 2011.

For further information

Virgin Blue
Ph: 136 789
www.virginblue.com.au

Gold Coast Aquaduck
7A Orchid Avenue
Surfers Paradise, Queensland 4217
Ph: (07) 5539 0222
www.aquaduck.com.au
aquaduck@optusnet.com.au

User comments

For all of those negative comments please...... I was on that Aqua duck and my children and I had a great time. No one was offended and it just goes to show how some people do tolerate and respect others. Uncle Des made us laugh and he also can teach us that difference is accepted. Everyone on board gave him a chance to be himself. Goes to show all those negative people it is your perception that the elderly were ridiculed. No one was harmed or upset . People stop laugh and take it easy no need to turn harmless fun into an issue. Uncle Des thanks

What utter crap. I am a travel agent and when I travel as soon as any tour guide or hotel or airline knows im a travel agent I am treated ten times better - people will lift their head to speak to me when i walk into reception, I always get an upgrade in a hotel, I get better service and smiles from the hostesses on EVERY flight, sometimes special food and upgrades - they change my bookings for free. If they dont know I am a travel agent I do not get these things. Next time youre in a hotel and receive bad service or someone is rude, as you leave say "Thank you, Im a travel agent, I was actually here on assignment - can you spell your name for me please?" .. and watch their faces and the free offers come into your email account.

OMG.Uncle Des was the best.To those viewers who are offended , no one is forcing you to watch it , change your channel.As far as Getway getting back to the core purpose of their show , well I can say first hand that on the particular day Uncle Des paid a visit to the duck in Gold Coast , the purpose was to test and assess the tour guides showing off our beautiful country.And I gotta say , that Ana(our tour guide for the day) passed with flying colours.She was accomodating and patient and always mindful of all the other guests on the duck.So to those viewers who are disappointed , don't watch.But seriously , relax and have a laugh as that was the only intention of the day , it was not portayed as offensive or degrasding to elderley on the day. I am so glad I was fortunate enough to be on the duck that day , it was a highlight of our family holiday. Love you Jules and Getaway , keep Des coming

After returning to watch getaway from a lengthy break from the show, it appears it has sunk to such new lows that I wont be returning as a viewer. "Jules" is a disgrace, seriously this guy should be walked, the editor should be walked, what disgusting television. Agree with Kathy of Sydney, is there someone in the executive ranks of this channel forgetting that seniors and retirees are probably the ones seeking a show to give them ideas of where to travel, and what things to do there. To have a *** like "Jules" in a costume portraying them as mindless fools who eat cat food, well seriously...... Channel 9 its time to realise that the lowest common denominator may need educating, not being shown another bad example of anti social etiquette. I've now switched back to SBS for some decent programming and travel shows. Me as a viewer... Gaaaawn!

Why why why would you want to spoil an informative and widely loved show like Getaway by introducing such a disturbing segment as Uncle Des?? Get back to your core purpose, report factually and thoroughly on the travel destinations and options available, and leave the attempted humour sit-com rubbish alone please. I, and most people I know, are not impressed!! And what happened to the hour long show, now we're getting half the quantity and dissapointing quality. Tsk Tsk....

What a trend setter! Skating with a Big Stick is so 2010. Jules (as himself) should try longboarding with a Kahuna Big Stick. They rent them out on St Kilda Beach. Its a lot of fun. The Big Stick is used to pushed you along the street on the skate board similar to a ski pole on skiis or paddle on a SUP board. Getaway should check it out. Perfect for locals and visitor to get around, especially along the beach front paths.

What a disgusting and denigrating piece of television I had the misfortune to watch tonight. How sad and disturbing it is that it is considered amusing to belittle elderly citizens and perpetuate every stereotype- failing eyesight and hearing, confusion,lack of social conventions...the list goes on in order to get some cheap laughs. I often wonder why the elderly are considered fair game with comedians but other groups are strictly off limits. Would Jules Lund have worn a burka and imitated a Muslim woman or perhaps acquired a spray tan and impersonated an Aborigine? He wouldn't dare because both he and the producers would be terrified of the furore it would cause. How will we ever teach the young to respect older people when we have this rubbish served up? Very disappointed Getaway and Channel Nine.

Ohhhh please...I was one of the bewildered travellers on the day Uncle Des boarded the Aquaduck and he was just fabulous.He in no way was offensive as there were numerous kids on board and I am sure if any of the parents were offended , they certainly would of reeled Uncle Des in.It was all done in good jest and fun and I really am so glad that I was fortunate enough to be a part of such a fantastic hoax.Good on you Jules.Getaway and Channel Nine.You gave me & my kids a fantastic holiday story and pics to bring home.xo

Comment to the editor or who ever gave the green light to such a confronting and disturbing segment as I just saw on Getaway. When did it become ok to mock and belittle our elderly, let alone the distress on the faces of the unwilling and unaware patrons of the ride where Jules decided to sit on a mother who's child was obviously confused as to what to do. He goes on to insinuate the elderly eat cat food, and we watch while distressed onlooker are unsure what to say or do to help! I think this is just inflametory and hideous TV and I hope who ever is responsible realises most careing, compassionate travellers are not happy with this kind of "lowbrow muck" shame on you channel 9.