Mik's Random Adventures

CURRUMBIN

2012-12-26T17:17:00.004-08:00

Currumbin with its picturesque white beaches and sandy creek banks is one of my favourite places to visit. This superb destination have several well located cafes that offer fabulous ocean and creek views. Currumbin is a suburb on the Gold Coast, a one hour and 40 minutes drive from Brisbane southern suburbs. To get there, drive along the Pacific Motorway and exit at 93 or 95 to arrive at Currumbin.

Currumbin has several popular hot spots; the Currumbin Alley, the Sandy Bay, The Curumbin Rock , Wildlife Sanctuary and the Currumbin Rock Pools and Mt Cougal National Park located further down the creek.

The Bay is a cracking place for a little sunbathing and swimming. Children are easily entertained by the reasonable sized playground and shallow waters of the bay area. The park amenities include public toilets towards the edge of the lagoon, and contain changing rooms.

Looking towards the Gold Coast from the far north beach

Located on the northside of the lagoon is a fairly decent cafe providing outside seating for people to relax and enjoy the fresh ocean breeze and the scenery of the bay.

Around the bend of the bay is a delightful boardwalk that winds its way through the mangroves and the sandy creek bank.

High tide is when this boardwalk is at its most spectacular. Fish can be seen swimming in the clear water of the mangrove forest.

The boardwalk also has special built shelters for fishing enthusiasts. These shelters are also great places to rest and admire the placid creek and the surrounding wildlife activity.

Venture down the Currumbin Creek and you will find a place that hires out boats, canoes and kayaks for a few hours. Next to the boat hire store is a reasonably price cafe that is ideal for a quick bite and a nice coffee or a thick shake!

A popular swimming spot for locals and tourist is the Currumbin Valley Rock Pools.

The Rock Pool is located along Currumbin Creek Road at the intersection of Reynolds Road. If time permits travel further to the end of the road and you will find Mt Cougal National Park. Explore the old Saw Mill and the Currumbin Natural Rockslide.

The Currumbin Alley is a popular surf break often crowded throughout the day. Located at the mouth of the Currumbin Creek, it offers a great place for longboard surfing.

A PATHWAY SLIGHTLY HIDDEN

2012-08-22T16:20:00.002-07:00

In the suburb of Mt Ommaney, tucked away along the bank of the Brisbane River is the Mt Ommaney Bushland Reserve. The entrance is located at Summit Place, a short side street which has hardly any car parking.

The Mt Ommaney Bushland Reserve walkway starts it way winding through scrub land at the back of the local's properties then climbing over a hill to the view of the river.

The Mt Ommaney Bushland Reserve is relatively a short walk taking approximately 15 minutes one way.

A great track for a stroll, walking the dog and even jogging. Plenty of bird life activity to keep the keen photographer occupied.

Across the Brisbane River, cattle can be heard lowing in the distance. One could almost imagine being in the countryside.

Unfortunately the muddy river does not make the greatest picturesque views but nevertheless the walkway is quite peaceful.

JC TROTTER MEMORIAL PARK

2012-07-16T17:58:00.000-07:00

JC Trotter Memorial Park is located on the south east side of Brisbane. The park is accessible from Cherbon Street, off Mt Cotton Road, Burbank. The drive takes about 40 minutes from South Brisbane. Unfortunately, there are no bus services to the park.

The park has a sheltered shed equipped with an electric BBQ but strangely there are no public toilets.

The gates at the entrance of the park is open at 8am and close at 6pm. The car park is approximately 50 meters from the road entrance.

JC Trotter park is named after a European landowner in the area who donated 28 hectares of bushland in 1958 to help establish the core of the reserve.

JC Trotter Park is part of the Brisbane Koala Bushlands, a important eastern wildlife corridor that stretches its way to Daisy Hill Conservation Park. There are two walking trails in the park, both follow the banks of a water reserve lake that is part of Tingalpa Creek.

JC Trotter park consists mainly of eucalpyt forest with melaleuca or paperbarks trees growing amongst the bushland.
The paperbark trees are more common on the water's edge of Tingalpa Creek.

The paperbark tree was very useful for the Aboriginal people who used the bark as bandages, medicinal purposes, cradles, sleeping mats and wrapping food when cooking. It is also known that the paperbark tree is highly flammable because of the paper-thin bark.

The path I explored was the 2.5 km circuit Tingalpa Creek Trail. The trail offered many beautiful views along the creek. This part of Tingalpa Creek is a water reserve so swimming, fishing, or any water activity is not allowed.

The place is rather isolated and does not see many visitors during the week. On one occasion when a friend and I visited this park there were a couple of creepy people wondering around, so explore this park with a number of people by your side and not alone for your own safety. With camera in hand I had a strange guy following our movements when he stopped us and asked us what we were doing? I thought it was obvious so I answered 'taking photos'. "Of what" he responded. "The bush" I explained. When we thought he had gone he suddenly reappeared out of the bush and stopped next to us again while we were taking photos of a butterfly. We decided to head back quickly to the carpark.

Can you see the Goanna in the Paperbark Tree!

JC Trotter Memorial Park is a peaceful place to visit to venture and explore around the tracks to see natural Australian bushland. Sadly it is not recommended as a touristy place to visit but rather a quiet bush walk with a few friends and family.

This map gives a rough guide on the two bush trails. The black trail is the 2.5 km Tingalpa Creek Circuit. The white trail is the 7.5 km Venman Circuit that starts along the Tingalpa trail, go straight ahead after crossing the small bridge.

Coffee at Springfield Lakes

2012-07-11T00:33:00.001-07:00

Lakeside Cafe Springfield Lakes

On a random drive to Springfield Lakes with a friend, we stumbled across this peaceful cafe located on a lake's edge. A refreshing change from the overcrowded coffee places in Brisbane. Nowhere to be seen were the wannabes wearing their big sunglasses and pretending to listen to their mates while they scanned the public to see who actually noticed them.

The food and service was great. We didn't have to wait 30 minutes to be served plus another hour for the food, unlike some other 'famous' coffee chain in Brisbane. The service was rather quick and friendly. Check out Lakeside Cafe website for their latest updates and menu: http://www.facebook.com/lakesidecafespringfieldlakes

We instantly slipped into relax mode as we sat down at our table witnessing the view before us. We enjoyed sipping our coffee as we watch ducks swim past. A great place just to wind down from the everyday demands of life.

Springfield Lakes is a suburb of Ipswich and approximately a 40 minute drive from South Brisbane. Drive along Centenary Motorway to get there.

While the sun still blessed us with its presence we wandered around the pretty lake. I discovered later that there is a bigger lake just a little further down the road.

The lakeside is great for a leisurely walk but not really large enough to plan any big gatherings. There is a children playground located on the northern side but didn't see any BBQ areas.

Sitting on the rock edge observing the wildlife and serenity of the lake before heading back to Brisbane.

WIVENHOE DAM

2012-06-25T02:53:00.001-07:00

Sunday Drive To Lake Wivenhoe

The Wivenhoe Dam (or sometimes called Lake Wivenhoe) is the largest dam in the south east region of Queensland. The dam was completed in 1985.

I have lived in Brisbane for 14 years and had never made the effort to explore Lake Wivenhoe. The lake is very popular with the locals, so on a nice Sunday morning I packed up a picnic and invited a few friends to see for myself why people flock to Lake Wivenhoe.

The journey to the lake from Brisbane took about an hour and 15 minutes from the southern suburbs. There are many parks at Lake Wivenhoe so our group decided to stop at the park close to the spillway to visit the Information Center.

Wivenhoe Dam is popular for barbeques, boating, swimming in allocated areas, camping, canoeing, fishing, kayaking, picnicking, sailing, and walking.

On our visit, my friends enjoyed a well packed picnic with glass of white wine and settled in to absorb the tranquil surroundings. After a game of bocce (a mini version of outdoor bowls with different rules) our day was complete.

The Spillway Common (where we picnicked) is a rather large park with plenty of space for a friendly game of cricket, soccer, or rugby amongst mates.

Lake Wivenhoe have a few popular spots to visit, Cormorant Bay, Hamon Cove, Spillway Common and Captain Logan Camp.

On my next visit to Wivenhoe Dam, I am planning to explore Cormorant Bay after hearing of a restaurant that sits on the banks of Lake Wivenhoe. You will get to see great views from the veranda while enjoying your restaurant meal.

The trip to the lake was a success. My friends and I look forward to our return visit. To gather more information on Lake Wivenhoe follow this link:http://www.seqwater.com.au/public/virtual-tours/pdf/WivenhoeDam_Script_Sheet.pdf

NUDGEE BEACH

2012-06-23T16:47:00.001-07:00

Nudgee Beach is a small coastal suburb located next to the Brisbane Airport. This coastal community is surrounded by mangroves swamps and sandy beaches and two major creeks.

Nudgee Beach has a lot of history, in the past the area was used by the indigenous Turrbul people for hunting, fishing and gathering. Later in time Nudgee Beach became a popular camping site before the land developed into a small community. Today Nudgee Beach remains a peaceful place with people still fishing along the beaches and creek banks.

My purpose on this journey was to explore the Tabbil-Ban Dhagun Bushwalk that winds through the mangrove swamp and along the Nudgee Creek to the ocean.

The walkway was rather relaxing for a 40 minute stroll stopping on occasions to enjoy the bird life.

I would not recommend Nudgee Beach as a tourist destination but more of a place for bird watchers or a peaceful walk.

The view of Nudgee Creek towards the entrance of the ocean.

There is only one road going in and out of Nudgee Beach, so you don't want to miss the exit on the Gateway Highway.

Punjab Curry Club

2012-06-10T08:35:00.001-07:00

Eating out at Punjab Curry Club

A good holiday experience also involves finding a great place to dine. Very few restaurants come highly recommended as the Punjab Curry Club at Wellington Point.

This classy modern style restaurant offers one of the best Indian cuisine around Brisbane. Real Indian curries with a lot of depth in flavour . The service was just brilliant and the food was delicious.

Punjab Curry Club is a good choice to satisfy the hungries if you are out exploring Wellington Point. Bookings are essential before you arrive, you can find their location and menu on their webpage:Punjab Curry Club.

Wellington Point is a nice place to visit for the day with plenty of activities to do such as picnics, BBQ, fishing, boating, jet skiing, windsurfing, and sunbathing .To get there takes about 40 minutes from Brisbane City. Travel along Old Cleveland Rd from Ipswich Rd is the most direct path.

EXPLORING OXLEY CREEK COMMON

2011-11-28T22:44:00.001-08:00

Oxley Creek Common is a large natural wetland. The park borders Oxley Creek to one side and farmland on the other.

The park is accessed via Sherwood Road, Rocklea. Located approximately 14km from Brisbane City.

A place for large gatherings is possible with many decent size picnic areas.

Taking a peek inside the red shelter shed

Nice place to rest in the cool, away from the summer sun

I have a fascination with windmills they seem to add character to a place.

Which way to go

The park is popular for bird watching, but is known for canoeing, walking dogs, and jogging. In January 2011 the park was covered by several feet of muddy flood water and as a result was closed off to the public. The main park and walking trail have been restored but unfortunalety the Pelican Lagoon is still closed off to the public.

the stairs down to canoe platform

The Canoe platform area . If your are interested in canoeing along the creek, a map for a guide is available at this link; http://www.upstreampaddle.com/oxley.html

Walking the trail around the creek, looking into the farmland that borders the pathway.

Oxley Creek Common is a haven for birdlife. 180 known species have been recorded in the park in the past several years. The park even has its own Bird watching guide; The Birding Guide . A list of birds at the park can be found at this link;http://www.uq.edu.au/spatialecology/docs/Hughs_Bird_Files/OCC-AnnotatedList-February-2009.pdf

The walking trail goes close to the creek's bank

The view of the walkway.

found this plant growing in the grassy field near the edge of the pathway.

Cattle grazing, daring the heat in the middle of a hot summer day.

Another view of the creek bank.

I was lucky enough to get close to this dragonfly to take the photo.

Guys walking back from their water rafting adventure.

There is a remarkable large number of Butterfly's fluttering around the walking trail, however they are very hard to capture on camera. This photo took me almost an hour.

Butterfly in mid flight

WHALE WATCHING

2011-11-14T15:15:00.001-08:00

Last year while searching for things to do around Brisbane to entertain relations from overseas I stumbled upon Whale Watching. The adventure was a winner with our guess travellers and was reasonably priced. We booked The Aquatic Blue Charters and could not be happier with the service. The staff were very friendly and helpful, and safety was enforced at all times.

There website http://aquaticbluecharters.com.au/ if you would like to use the same service.

On our journey the Guide informed us that the Whales we were observing were actually Great Northern Humpback Whales migrating from Antarctica to the sub-tropical coastal waters of western and eastern Australia and Fiji to give birth and mate during winter and spring.

My flatmate waiting to get on the chartered boat in background

Humpbacks migrate an average of 2,500km from polar waters to their tropical breeding grounds, undertaking some of the longest migrations in the animal kingdom. Most humpbacks will have left the Queensland coast by the beginning of November.

The Gold Coast in the background

Popular spots for whale watching are, on the Australian east coast, Hervey Bay and Stradbroke Island in Queensland, Cape Byron and the Sapphire Coast in New South Wales, Point Hicks in Victoria, and Storm Bay in Tasmania.

Whales showing some fins.....

Finally a little closer to the boat....

In Australian waters it is illegal to drive a boat too close to the whales.

Photo from video footage of whale jumping out of the ocean

second photo of whale jumping

Dolphins swimming in front of boat

There are many great places to stay around Currumbin Sands for accommodation, if you are planning to book whale watching as part of your holiday adventure. I booked the Hotel 'Currumbin Sands On The Beach' and thoroughly enjoyed every moment of our stay. Bookings can be made at this website;http://www.currumbinsands.com.au/booking-request/

Bora Ring

2011-11-11T12:58:00.001-08:00

Bora Ring is a large circle of foot hardened earth surrounded by raised embankments. They were generally constructed in pairs (although some sites have three) . The Bora Ring site was an initiation ceremony of Indigenous Australians, where young boys are transformed into men.

Wights Mountain ( in the Samford Valley suburb ) has one of the best preserved Aboriginal Ceremonial Bora Grounds in our area. The Bora Grounds consisted of one large ring in which important tribal ceremonies were conducted, and a second secret ring where young initiates were taken to learn “mens business”. The two rings are connected by a sacred pathway approximately 400m long.

The Bora Grounds are surrounded by grazing country. I was only recently told about this place by a friend who took me on a tour around the area.

Photo of a Bora Ring. This is the only Bora Ring at the park you can get close to, the other ring is located on a farmers property and dared not climb through the fence to get there.

A better view of the Bora Ring

Bora Grounds have enormous history but unfortunately there was not much to see at the park. Expected to see ancient ornaments and tools but all seems lost through lack of preservation. A great lost to Australian culture and History.

The country side is beautiful and had to add this photo of the logs.

At the entrance looking in...

Grazing land on the other side of the road.

The road to the park...walking back to the car I decided to take this photo of a country road.

Found this cactus growing amongst the grass. I have not seen a cactus grow wild before in Australian Bushland so I became a little fascinated with the plant.

ROCKS RIVERSIDE PARK

2011-11-08T13:59:00.000-08:00

The Rocks Riverside Park was a former Queensland Cement Limited quarry. The park is built on a 26-hectare of reclaimed industrial land. Scattered throughout the park you will find public artworks and industrial debris such as remains of conveyor belts, crushing plant and wharf.

Map of park located at the entrance

In the south west of Brisbane at Seventeen Mile Rocks is the Rocks Riverside Park. This huge park has a wide range of features including a market garden, bushland range, river flat and dry eucalypt forest.

Man - made rock creek that flows into the Brisbane River

The Park was badly affected by the Queensland January 2011 floods and some areas of the park are currently closed for safety reasons. The Brisbane City Council have commenced restoring the park and work is expected to be completed by late 2011.

I was lucky on the day that hardly anyone was around and was undisturbed as I happily took photos. Best time to visit is Monday to Friday.

The Bird looks interested in what I am doing. So cute.

Standing on a bridge looking over the rock creek, you almost feel that you have ventured into Australian Bushland.

The view of the river from the parkland

The park borders the Brisbane River... a great place to sit and watch the life of the river.

Brisbane River is great for water activities

Throughout the park there are a number of industrial artifacts, but I am not sure what this is...maybe a kind of drill part.

The remains of the conveyor belt from the concrete quarry.

Close up ...Looks like part of a drill.

Interesting looking artifact

There are several shelter areas located throughout the part but perhaps this one is the nicest...lovely view of the river with great BBQ facilities.

A drill part perhaps!

Conveyor Belt going towards the wharf

Crusher Pavilion

Another view of the Conveyor Belt

Another garden to admire

Tree growing on a rock

Place to rest before walking the track up the mountain side...

birds flying above ....

Like this art work....Garden bed in shape of boat

There are birds everywhere in this park

looking towards the sport field located at the front of the park.

yet again another bird...

Bird In Jasmine Tree

Not really sure what berry this is.....was growing amongst the lillies

Looking out towards the entrance

more information on this park visit this link; http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/facilities-recreation/parks-gardens/parks-by-suburb/Flood-affected-community-parks/Riverside-Parks-Flood-Recovery/Rocks-Riverside-Park/index.htm

A detail map of the park then go to this link; http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/2010%20Library/2009%20PDF%20and%20Docs/6.Facilities%20and%20Recreation/6.3%20Parks%20and%20gardens/rocks_riverside_park_map_reduced.pdf

2011-11-05T16:50:00.000-07:00

Events Around Brisbane for November

Bush Tucker Expo

Costs: Free event

Where: Webb Hall, Redcliff Showground

Starts: 12 November 9:00am - 6:00pm

ends: 13 November 9:00am - 3:00pm

Details:http://www.aroundyou.com.au/events/bush-tucker-day-3#.TrW7Z7KCkSA

The Aboriginal Plant Trail

Costs: Free

Where: Brisbane Botanic Gardens

Starts: 5 November 8:00am - 5:00pm

ends: 30 November 5:00pm

Details: The trail is a self-guided walk in the oldest part of Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Mt Coot-tha. The trail is well signposted and provides explanations of traditional use by some Aboriginal people of plants for medicine, food, shelter and technologies.

Capalaba Regional Park

2011-11-05T08:12:00.000-07:00

Located off Pittwin Road, Capalaba on the south east corner of Brisbane.

Entrance to park looking towards children playground

This park is great for kids with a massive playground area to explore. The playground is almost a mini theme park with a flying fox, spacenet, liberty swing, double swings, sand pit, musical forest, water play area, and a adventure playground as well. A map of the playground is available from this link http://www.communities.qld.gov.au/resources/disability/community-involvement/all-abilities-playground/documents/capalaba-design-large.pdf

Entrance to children playground area


Pathway in children's playground

looking towards small lagoon

I will just sit here for awhile..

Swamp Hen

Duckies

White Galahs

Facilities include shelters, picnic area, electric BBQ, handicapped toilet, play equipment, fenced dog park, exercise apparatus, casual sport area and popular function area.

Plenty of spaces for a picnic

Small swamp area

First there was one

Then there was two

Exercise Apparatus

More plants

Certainly no tourist destination but a great place for the locals to go jogging, or take the dog for a walk, or just sit and relax beside the lagoon.

Elanora Park

2011-11-02T05:30:00.000-07:00

Elanora Park is located in Wynnum on the northern part of the coastline. Approx 30 minute drive from the Brisbane City. Great place to explore and adventure away from city life for a few hours.

From the entrance

Great place to sit and appreciate the bird lake

Pretty flowers amongst the grass plain

Bird Park

A friend found this teddy hanging in a tree and decided to take a photo

The bottom end of the Bird Lake

Another photo of bird park

Walkway through the mangroves

High tide along the mangroves boardwalk

looking out towards the bay

my view of the boardwalk

really worth the walk


And back to the start from the otherside of the carpark

Elanora park is well worth the visit. Map of this park can be found at the following link Elanora Park, or http://my247.com.au/brisbane/Elanora-Park.577423.

Wynnum Beach

2011-10-31T18:19:00.000-07:00

Wynnum is about a 25 minute drive from brisbane city.

Along Wynnum's coastline you will find the Wynnum Pier, the salt water Wading Pool, a Marina and several children playgrounds.

Seagulls on the watch

Looking out to sea

Beach front taken from pier

The Pier

The Marina

Enjoying the view

Wynnum is also popular for Fish and Chips with many places to choose from with great views of the ocean.


One of many art works on the pathway

Wynnum is also impressive with the amount of large playgrounds for the children to explore.

To find you way around Wynnum a map can be obtained from this link http://www.mapit.com.au/QLD/wynnum_map.htm

More on Wynnum and other places to visit then have a glance at Queensland tourismhttp://www.queenslandholidays.com.au/destinations/brisbane/places-to-visit/wynnum/index.cfm

CEDAR CREEK FALLS, SAMFORD

2011-10-25T05:49:00.000-07:00

Crossing Cedar Creek


still a way to go before we get to cedar falls

Pretty little creek

Arrive at Cedar Creek Falls

looking above at the tree cover

Disappointed with rock pool

Nice view looking down the creek

Small rock cave

interesting rock boulder


At peace with nature Cedar Creeks Falls is rather a small rock pool that the locals use for swimming to cool down from the summer heat. To get there involves climbing over a gate and walking through a private road. The trip was not worth the effort.

Berrinba Wetlands

2011-10-24T16:41:00.000-07:00


Entrance from carpark

parkland area

watching the ducks

don't go duckies...

island in the middle of lagoon

Another view of lagoon

hello birdy

the pathway around the wetlands

taking a look at the creek that flows into lagoon

time for another photo shot

another small creek

strange looking plant

another unusual plant

I would not recommend Berrinba Wetlands as a tourist destination, but a great place for a bbq or a family 'get together'. The park has extremely good walkways that is ideal for jogging and cycling.

The following link will give you a map of the Berrinba Wetlands
http://www.logan.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0016/2068/berrinbawetlandswalkways.pdf

AUSTRALIAN SWEET WINES

2011-10-23T02:40:00.000-07:00

Australia has a good range of desert wines if you have a bit of a sweet tooth.

The next time you are looking for a nice wine to enjoy, to top that perfect day travelling around, why not kick back and relax with one of these wines.

DE BORTOLI NOBLE ONE BOTRYTIS SEMILLON

DE BORTOLI NOBLE ONE BOTRYTIS SEMILLON is produced from the Riverina region in southern New South Wales.

a full description of the wine can be found here:

http://www.debortoli.com.au/our-wines/our-brands/noble-one/listing/view/noble-one-2007.html

Debortoli website:http://www.debortoli.com.au


Bella Donna Zibibbo

BELLA DONNA ZIBIBBO is a mildly sweet white sparkling wine produced by Victorian Alps Winery.

The experts say it has a green apple and nashi fruit aromas, with deliciously sweet flavours of ripe summer fruits.

For me this wine is perfect if looking for a nice sweet wine that is not too sickly sweet. Great on a hot Queensland's summer day.


better view of label....

The Bella Donna range also has a delicious rosa Zibibbo which is sweeter in taste.

More on Victorian Alps Winery can be found here:
http://www.victorianalpswinery.com.au

BROWN BROTHERS ORANGE MUSCAT & FLORA

This unique wine is one of my personal favourites. A very sweet wine with an orange and stone fruit flavour. Not for everyone but refreshing for those who enjoy exploring different and unusual products.

For more information on the Brown Brothers
range go to this webpage:
www.brownbrothers.com.au

GRANT BURGE MOSCATO FRIZZANTE is a delightful fizzy sweet white wine.

Produced from the grapes grown in the Barossa Valley of South Australia.
The wine is described as having an aroma of musk and melon with typical floral flavours.

Grant Burge winery have a

great range of dry wines as well. Try their cellar cut range they are very well priced are worth their value. More on Grant Burge Wines:
www.grantburgewines.com.au

WOLF BLASS VERAE

A light bodied sweet red wine. A red wine you need to chill first to appreciate its smooth unique berry flavours.

This wine is ideal to give as a gift, and will easily please most wine drinkers.

Take a look at www.wolfblass.com

for more about this wine and the

Wolf Blass full range.

LITTORE FAMILY WINES MOSCATO

This is a sweet wine from the south-eastern region of Australia.

Littore Family Wines official website:
www.littorewines.com.au

2008 BOTRYTIS SEMILLON RIVERINA

A remarkable cleanskin from 1st Choice liqour stores.

My taste buds tells me that this sweet wine has an apricot and also a dash of orange flavour.

Check your local 1st Choice store for this wine.

BANROCK STATION CRIMSON CABERNET

This is a sweet light red wine served chilled.

It has full red berry flavours.

The most impressive fact about this wine is that for each bottle sold, Banrock Station will make a contribution for environmental conservation.

Knowing that Banrock Station donates in support of causes like the preservation of waterways in Australia, makes it a more satisfying sip for every glass and every bottle I purchased.

ALL THE WINES MENTION IN THIS POST CAN BE FOUND IN 1ST CHOICE STORES EXCEPT FOR THE WOLF BLASS VERAE.

QDECK

2011-10-21T16:31:00.000-07:00

Q1 tower ( QDECK ) also refered to as skypoint is located in Surfers Paradise on the magnificent Gold Coast, Australia. Queensland's first observation deck.

Skypoint takes you to the highest point above the Gold Coast 235m into the sky and provides stunning 360 degree views from the beach to the hinterland.

The cost to enter is around $21 per person.


Ground Floor.

The Q1 Tower has one of the fastest lifts in the world.

Skypoint has a lounge and a fully licensed bar to enjoy a coffee, beer, cake or even a cocktail while soaking up the picturesque views.

more information can be found on Skypoint official website;Skypoint observation deck.

Karawatha Park

2011-10-19T16:10:00.000-07:00

The easy way to get there is by car. Takes about 35 minute drive from the city, going alone the south east freeway turning south on the gateway motorway.

Great place to explore to get an insight on what Australian bushland and wetlands look like. Very peaceful and beautiful place. There is a lovely park area near the lagoon to enjoy a picnic or to sit and absorb nature.

is there a troll under that bridge?

Enjoying the view

Hmmm how much further...

looking at the treetops

so peaceful..

lagoon

strange looking seed..

Paperbark tree

for a map of the park go to this link;http://www.karawatha.com/Images/karawathaMap.pdf will come in handy when walking around the park. Karawatha Park consists of a very large area with many small 'off the beaten' tracks so be careful not to get lost.

for more information on Karawatha Park follow this link:http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/2010%20Library/2009%20PDF%20and%20Docs/4.Environment%20and%20Waste/4.4%20Bushlands%20and%20waterways/bushlandandwaterways_bushlandareas_trackmaps_karrawatha.pdf