The canal developments and marinas
by tiabunna
Actually, it’s interesting that there is a section of the Gold Coast which is largely free of the high-rise blight. It’s at the northern end, beyond Southport and off to the side of Moreton Bay and the Coomera River. Here the style is decidedly upmarket, with expensive houses and units of no more than two floors clustered around various canal developments and marinas (though there now seem to be extensive canal developments inland from the main tourist areas for much of the Coast) . The wedding we attended was alongside a marina in exactly one of these areas.
The development of these marina areas was initiated by some of the most ‘colourful’, shall we say, land developers back in the 1980s, when they gained the name The white shoe brigade because their favoured footwear was a pair of white boating shoes. Any environmental impact of their activities was quite irrelevant! In any case, this part of the Coast is now quiet, non-touristy and upmarket. It’s interesting though, that in a boat dealers’ office there were a considerable number of boats on the market – a sign of the new financial times we face globally?
So to the bottom line. Should you have the time to divert yourself from the theme parks the entertainment industry would like you to visit, or from the National Parks I have suggested you visit, a detour to the canal developments will give you a different perspective of the Coast.
Go surfing
by tiabunna
The south coast of Queensland is a great place to go surfing. It’s close enough to the tropics to have warm water and, for most of the year, the weather is far from cold. Sure, the waves may not be as large as some areas down on Australia’s south coast, but those areas are only for owners of wetsuits! Here a pair of boardshorts will suffice.
Maybe you’re unsure how to go about surfing? Classes are available, so that’s no excuse.
Of course, there is surfing and there is surfing. Often it is now equated with riding on a surfboard and while I wouldn’t argue with that, unless you hire one it’s unlikely you’ll have one with you if you flew in. The other alternative is body surfing – somewhat overlooked these days, but very enjoyable and requiring nothing more than you. The system is to wait for a suitable wave, swim like mad as it reaches you, then tuck your chin down while slightly hunching your shoulders and putting your arms to your sides. All being well you’re now rocketing toward the beach … And, if not? Well, the results shouldn’t cause any damage unless you picked a ‘dumper’ to ride!
So to the photos. Start with some lessons, as in the main photo, go out and get some practice as in photo 2 and, who knows, you may find yourself in a surfing competition like the surfer in photo 3!
Australia Fair
by grantravel
Australia Fair is my favourite shopping centre to go to. Is has most of the same shops that Pac Fair has got, but in a more convenient and compact centre. It is also the only fully enclosed and air-conditioned shopping centre with plenty of undercover car parks available.
It also has its own cinema complex, plenty of fast food restaurants and cafes'.
3 Course Aussie BBQ
by robertgaz about Australian Outback Spectacular
You will be grandly treated with a mouthwatering 3 course Aussie BBQ meal while enjoying the sight and sounds of the Australian Outback Spectacular show.
The first course is a tasty fresh Queensland Salad served with tangy mango dressing.
The main course is a barbequed tenderloin beef steak with rich gravy, seasoned with Kakadu plum sauce and served with beans carrots and mashed spuds with baked Australian Damper.
Desert is a traditional baked pavlova with Queensland berries and fresh cream and billy tea in a tin mug.
Beer, wine and soft drinks are served with a smile by busy jilleroos and jackeroos throughout the show.
Fair dinkum bonza tucker.
I apologise for the quality of some of the photos but for the safety of the riders and horses, all video cameras and flash photography can't be used at any time. The entire meal was superb but what was especially impressive was that some 1,000 meals were served almost at the same time.
Hard working jilleroos and jackeroos walk in carrying 10 meals each at a time to feed their hungry waiting guests.
The beef comes from grain fed cattle so vegetarians are well catered for ;~)
Pacific fair, harbour town, Australia Fair
by Shonne
The shopping was great! Pacific fair, harbour town, Australia Fair and the carrara Markets were awesome.
The best has to be Harbour town, its an outlet mall,. There are loads of shops, and places to eat. You can spend the entire day there. We caught the bus in the morning and then again back to Surfers
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Some you can even get inside!
Broadbeach on the Gold Coast
People on beach
Toscani's
