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Published: October 19th 2006
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Well we’re rapidly running out of time in Brisbane (only a few weeks of work left) and have been trying to fill our weekends with fun-filled activities before we continue on our travels.
Since our last instalment I’ve (SF) managed to escape the wife for an evening and have a boys night out at an A League football match of our adopted team - Queensland Roar - at Suncorp Stadium. The league’s only in it’s second season and the locals (who prefer playing with funny shaped balls) are still finding it hard to appreciate “the beautiful game” so the impressive stadium which holds 55,000 was only about a third full. The Roar have made a good start to the season though and this, coupled with a convincing 5 - 0 drubbing of NZ Knights, should raise the interest levels somewhat, and the fact that they sell beer (or wine for the ladies!) in the ground should be reason enough for anyone to go!
The following day was “Valley Fiesta” - a free music event in the entertainment district of the city - which had an outdoor stage with bands playing all day and most of the pubs in the
area had live music on so we just wandered around on a mini pub crawl and did some shopping in between to escape the rain (yes that’s right rain - get over it!)
PS don’t have any photos of the above but thought we’d share it with you anyway!
The following weekend we hired a car and headed off to explore Mooloolaba and The Sunshine Coast north of Brisbane. It was a nice little place - more relaxed than Surfers Paradise - with great beaches, but our knack for bad timing struck again as upon our arrival we discovered it was the start of school holidays and all the accommodation was booked up! Thankfully, after a bit of searching and a hefty adjustment to our budget, we got a great little apartment across the road from the beach with a view of the ocean and a spa in the living room!!!! After all that excitement we spent the rest of the day chilling out on the beach in preparation for our visit to Australia Zoo on the Sunday. It had only been a few weeks since the tragic death of Steve “Crocodile Hunter” Irwin but it was business
as usual at the zoo where countless pictures of him and replays of his best TV moments ensured he still had a larger than life presence. The zoo itself was great and we spent 7 hours wandering around and taking in the various croc shows and getting up close to some of Australia’s most recognisable furry friends!
The following weekend we hit the road again (in Peters Ute this time!) and headed back up the coast for lunch and a stroll in Mooloolaba before venturing inland to the Blackall Mountain Range. Here we were treated to great views of the Glasshouse Mountains on one side and views back to the coast on the other. Our first stop was at a little winery in the hills where Heather sampled the local firewater and I popped over to a little tourist info place (in the middle of nowhere) to be greeted by the “local” guide who happened to be from Aberdeen (and used to stay in Elgin!!). Despite being in Australia for 40 years he still had his Aberdeen accent (poor chap) but was very helpful and gave us some tips on where to go for the best views. Our drive
also took us to the quaint little towns of Maleny, Montville and Mapleton (all the M’s) where the celtic influence (Scottish and Irish not the football team) was plain to see in the various themed tearooms and craft shops. Found a great pub with a big balcony and stunning views back to the coast where we stopped for a well earned tipple to enjoy the last of the afternoon sun before heading back to the city.
Another week, another football match as the Socceroos were in town for a friendly against Paraguay at the Suncorp Stadium. It was their first game back in Australia after their impressive showing at The World Cup so the stadium was packed to the rafters which helped create a good atmosphere. We got to the ground early and went for a lovely Thai meal at a restaurant nearby before taking our seats. Unfortunately the game ended 1 - 1 but it was still a good night out and we headed to the pubs at Caxton Street, just outside the ground, after the game for a nightcap (or two).
Having been in Queensland since we arrived in Australia we finally make our first trip
over the border into New South Wales en route for a weekend in Byron Bay. It’s a great little town with lots of surf shops and “alternative” lifestyle activities but rather than embracing our spiritual sides we thought bugger that and headed to the local dive shop for some long overdue underwater action. After getting our gear sorted out we head to the beach where our mode of transport out to the dive site - an inflatable rib - was being manoeuvred into the water.
We clamber onboard and hang on for our lives as our little boat powers through the waves (or vice-versa) in a manner which would have been better suited to one of the theme parks further up the coast. To give you an idea we had both taken seasick tablets but they were in danger of sleeping with the fishes (along with our breakfast and lunch too!). Thankfully the dive site - Julian Rocks - is only about 2km from the beach so we quickly got kitted up (no mean feat in a boat that you think is going to capsize!) and escape to the relative calm under the waves. Saw some cool stuff
whilst down there including a huge Loggerhead turtle, several Wobbegong sharks, a baby Lionfish and various other delights that our German guide had a knack of finding. Having given the option of swimming back to shore some thought we instead hop back on board for the ride home which is thankfully smoother than the way out and spend the rest of the day on the beach before heading out for a slap-up meal at night (once we had our appetites back)!
The following day we went back to the beach where the dive boat had left from to climb an observation deck built on the rocks. This was further up the coast from the main beach and was almost deserted, but gave great views of the bay with Mount Warning in the background. From here we drove up to Cape Byron lighthouse where we were treated to amazing views in both directions and found ourselves at the most easterly point of the Australian mainland. Tried to spot some whales and dolphins from the cliffs but the seas were a bit choppy - although Heather thinks(!) she saw one - before heading back to Brissy via the Tweed Valley and
Tambourine Mountains tourist drives for some more great views of the surprisingly diverse Aussie countryside! Phew - hard work this enjoying yourself lark!
PS In amongst all that we also had a good night out with cousin Gill and co. while they were passing through Brissy!
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Daniel
non-member comment
WAs that Croc able to get teeth round your stomach!!
Hi you two Glad you are bloging again. Once again very jealous of all your great travelling. Your blog speak is really good and think you both should go into editing news papers!! Glad you having a great time and Simom what a poor Croc to try and get its teeth around the stomach of yours!!Good you got a few footie matces in and you Madam Heather less of the wine and drinking!! OH No I've turned into your Mother LOL Daniel