The day starts early (about 6am) with swimming practice, not
for us but the local children of Byron in the open air pool next to out
campsite. Consequently, we’re packed up and on the road by 8am. We’re driving
northwards again, this time heading for the sunshine coast past Brisbane, but
first as we enter Queensland we decide to visit the Gold coast or more
specifically, Surfers Paradise. The drive along the “beachside” tests both Glad
and Dave, it’s not enjoyable. The high rise buildings tower over us and the
re-routing due to road works tests us all. I had this romantic idea of a lovely
breakfast in a quaint beachside cafe, how wrong I was, we couldn’t find a café
let alone park near one! We give up, Surfers Paradise may be the stuff of
dreams for some but not for us. I settle for a subway breakfast somewhere north
of the Gold Coast on an industrial estate, not quite what I’d hoped for but by
the time we ate it very acceptable.
Gertie the sat nav continues to guide us northwards and
Glad, with a few, engine light hiccups valiantly follows the directions. We’re
now in the outskirts of Brisbane and having told Gertie to avoid toll roads,
she does an excellent job however, Dave and Glad don’t appreciate the
convoluted journey she’s weaving. Finally, we reach the other side of Brisbane
and are on the wide open roads of Queensland heading for Coolum, our final stop
for camping in Australia. We’re worried it won’t be as good as all the others
after having such good luck all along the way. We’re delighted to find that the
final stop is in a lovely Australian seaside town, right next to the beach. Our
pitch is huge but with direct beach access and no neighbours, may be they think
us Brits will contaminate everyone! The temperature here is 35 degrees and very
humid, we’re very sweaty blobs after setting up, a swim in the ocean soon sorts
that out. The beach again is huge, with soft white sand that squeaks as you
walk over it and a gentle sea breeze to fan us.
For the evening I’ve set my heart on a Thai meal at Si
Suphan, just a two minute walk away. The restaurant is nearly full and the take
away trade is booming – always a good sign. Again this is a BYO so I’m
dispatched to the nearest bottle shop to do the honours, fortunately just next
door and no brown paper bag this time. The meal is divine, Nasi Goreng for Dave
(a firm favourite from our honeymoon) and Szechuan beef with steamed vegetables
for me an afterwards a visit to the Bowls Club to listen to live music. An
interesting experience, just like entering an up-market working men’s club in
the UK. The music was of the same calibre, we didn’t stay too long, after all
it was an early start today….
 |
| Jan on Coolum Beach |
No comments:
Post a Comment