Mum's Aussie Adventure Days 16 - 18

Friday 20th March 2015

Although we were awake quite early we had a lazy start involving lots of reading before walking into the city.  Previously I'd been to a glorious exhibition at the Musuem of Brisbane that I knew Mum would love so we passed through King George Square, posing with the cheery kangaroos, and into the grand City Hall which houses the musuem.
 

The Costumes from the Golden Age of Hollywood exhibition (more info here) was just as enjoyable the second time round as this time I took the time to watch some wonderful singing and dacning from the film excerpts.  Once we were finished, we browsed Dymocks bookstore and bought lunch from a delicious bagel shop on Adelaide Street.  They were generously filled and in a shady spot of King George Square we got in a bit of a mess trying to polish them off!  Mum and I unashamedly have a sweet tooth so we finished our lunch with tea and cake at the Shingle Inn - an oldy worldy tea shop inside City Hall where we had very decadent chocolate cake with ice cream.
 

After a rest at the hostel, which included more reading and snoozing, we walked down to the Southbank, hoping that the car wouldn't get a ticket because of the parking restrictions imposed because of the match at the local stadium.  When we arrived at the southbank we stumbled across (or rather were faced with!) a chatity run where everyone was wearing budgie smugglers - it was quite a hilarious sight!
 

Once we'd cheered the participants on their way, we continued to the carft markets where I treated myself to a couple of new tshirts.  I'd managed to book ourselves into the recommended restaurant which was closed on Sunday so when we where finished at the markets, we crossed the bridge into the city and found our way to Verve. 
 

Again, Mum wondered where on earth I had taken her as we entered a strange building and headed down some stone steps into the basement. The restaurant was buzzing with diners, even at our 6:30pm timeslot and we enjoyed a delious Italian meal but were once again stuffed!
 

Luckily we had a bit of a walk through the city back to the hostel to let our dinner digest and there were various entertainers and novel sculptures to enjoy en route.
 

Saturday 21st March 2015

 

Crikey!  With a limited number of full days left in Brisbane, we used today to visit Australia Zoo.  I took advantage of having a passenger in the car and caught a shot of the sign showing Steve Irwin Way as we left the Bruce Highway towards the zoo.

 

When we arrived we marched straight to the Crocosseum for the Wildlife Warriors show - in my opinion the best part of the day, especially when the birds swoop overhead and still as stunning as the other visits.
 

 

I think half of the visitors had the same idea as us, grabbing lunch after the show so we had a rather long wait for our food.  Wandering around admiring the animals, we gobsmackingly passed a wobat on a lead having a walk!  We stroked kangaroos and took a trip to the newly opened Bindi's Island where we saw boa constrictors and limurs (dissapointingly they weren't singing I like to move it, move it!)

 

Our timing couldn't have been better because as we drove out of the zoo, it began to rain, including lightening.  On the way back to Brisbane we stopped in to see the Byrnes where everyone was pleased to see us.  We caught up on our news for around an hour before heading back to the city.  The drive wasn't the most pleasant - dark raining and lightening so we didn't fancy going back out for tea so instead had toast and Tim Tams!
 

Sunday 22nd March 2015

Driving out of Brisbane today was easy peasy and straight onto the M1, this time heading south.  We stopped at Coolangatta which was just over halfway to Byron Bay and as we pulled onto the sea front street we sae a large camouflaged koala statue.  After a short drive down the main road along the front we found an interesting looking market so found a parking spot where we had initially driven.  On our way to the market, we found a whole selection of decorated koala sculptures, each with a different theme, similar to the Wenlock and Mandaville statues which were in London during the Olympics.
 

Looking back over the ocean we could pick out the tall buildings of Surfers Paradise.  As you can see, the weather wasn't fantastic and we just managed to browse the market stalls before diving into Grill'd for lunch and avoiding the rain.

Back on the highway we drove through some very heavy showers and there was heavy rain when we arrived at Byron Bay.  We checked into the Beachcomber which wasn't as fancy as our apartment in Noosa and parked underneath.  Concerned it was going to rain further, we drove round to the beach front and had dinner at Miss Margaritas.  Now, I'd been raving about how this was the bes place I'd been in Australia and although it was nice, it wasn't as good as I'd remembered!  The evening was finished off with some card games and ciders back at the apartment.

Yeah, I'm a thrill seeker, but crikey, education's the most important thing. - Steve Irwin

Mum's Aussie Adventure Days 13 - 15

Tuesday 17th March 2015

This morning we were up, checked out and ready for our next stop which would eventually be Noosa.  However, there were a few places en route that I was keen to show Mum.  When we decided to rent a car I'd said that out of Brisbane I'd be fine but I was nervous about city centre driving.  Up to this point (and as I discovered from here on in) I was fine but there was one particularly hairy hill start as we left the city behind us that I really wasn't keen on!  After this we took the M3 and the M1 north, turning off at the Burpengary exit.  I gave Mum a tour around Narangba, showing her all of the places I used while I was living up there.

Next stop was Mooloolaba and after morning tea we took a walk to the spit along the sheltered boardwalk.  Paddling in the sea, we walked back to the car and contimured driving to Noosa.
 

An extremely warm welcome greeted us at Le Mer aprtments, Sunshine Beach, and this began a very relaxing couple of days.  After we'd settled into our seaview apartment, we drove to Noosaville where we were reminded that it was St Patricks Day with a couple of aptly dressed groups (all in green!) that had gathered for barbeques with the setting sun as their back drop.  We wandered along the river, finding this rather comical pelican, before heading to Noosa Heads to catch the sunset ourselves.  Unfortunately we'd tried to fit too much in and missed the best of the sunset but promised ourselves to allow more time tomorrow.
 

For dinner, we enjoyed the patio space at the local Surf Club, although it was a bit tricky to find in the dark and Mum later provided the entertainment on our way home, giggling like a school girl after a glass of wine!
 

Wednesday 18th March 2015

Mum was awake early so when I got up I found her enjoying the sun on the balcony but she was soon complaining it was too hot, even at 9am!  The sea was very enticing so we went down for a swim, only to find that the waves were HUGE, so we didn't make it much past our thighs!  After we were dry, we wandered round the typical, but classy, seaside shops along Hastings Street and enjoyed a 'picky' lunch back on our balcony where we stayed for quite a while, reading and playing cards.

Aware that we wanted to enjoy the sunset this evening, we returned to Noosa Heads, parked near the National Park and absorbed the beautiful views, including surfers, paracenders, and a windsurder, as we walked into the park itself.  Returning to the car, we stopped reasonably high and ended up waiting around an hour while the sun set.
 

Back at the apartment, I couldn't resist catching the Neighbours 30th Anniversay episode - when in Aus and all that!!
 

Thursday 19th March 2015

Sadly, this was our last day in Noosa so after we checked out, we explored Noosa Marnia and its lovely shops.  On our return journey to Brisbane we stopped at Redcliffe to walk along the promenade past the lagoon, retelling stories of when I brought the Byrne children here and stopping for lunch in a cafe. 
 

Part of the reason for stopping here was to share Beegees Way where we digested all of the interesting and amusing information panels before returing along the front to the car.
 

Back at the Brisbane City YHA we found that the booking we thought we'd made for a car parking space wasn't on the system so we had to find a spot on the road.  Luckily there was a layby out the back with a spare spot just for us.  I felt shattered so after traipsing around the local restaurants and not finding anything we fancied, we settled for beans on toast back at the hostel - a backpacker speciality or what?!?!

You can never cross the ocean unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore.
 

Mum's Aussie Adventure Days 10 - 12

Saturday 14th March 2015

After Facetiming Dad and then Sharon, we took the free shuttle bus up George Street to Circular Quay and walked to The Rocks where the large weekly craft markets where held.  At the entrance there was a stall selling miniature cupcakes which I couldn't resist and we spent a fair while meandering amongst the sellers wares. 

We stopped in a courtyard cafe for pastries before heading to Martin Place where we caight the train to Bondi Junction. From here we took the bus to Bondi Beach - which had been our plan yesterday had the rain not interfered. 

I'd been keen to complete the coastal walk from Bondi to Bronte for some time but it's difficult to motivate yourself when it's just yourself to please but I also knew that Mum would enjoy the scenery and it was a good reason to spend some time at Bondi.  Arriving in the late morning we spent some time mooching around and sitting in the shade.  We decided that it would be a good idea to start the walk with full bellies so found a fish and chip restaurant.  Even in Australia there's something satifying about eating fish and chips beside the sea - even if the Aussies don't do 'proper' chips!  So with plenty of energy we set off from Bondi along a coastal path.

Within a few minutes we past the Bondi Icebergs Swimming Club.  These outdoor pools fill me with wonder every time I see them - there's something about getting back to nature, with the security of the pool walls, swimming in an outdoor pool which is filled with sea water.  This one, today, was particularly fascinating because the waves were crashing over the ocean side of the pool.  From time to time, the people swimming lengths in that side of the pool were momentarily buried beneath the powerful, frothing waves.

The route we followed, although not steep, was filled with enchanting natural features which both intruded into the pathway and we set out towards the sea.  What I'm impressed with here is the choice that is given to the general public without the intrution of health and safety regulations.  In certain areas there were safety railings but with small, thoughtfully positioned gaps which allowed the public to admire the view, knowing that due care and attention dhould be paid in that area.  At one particular spot I did chuckle because a small group had chosen an amusing spot to sunbathe!
 

At the time, I was surprised how busy the track was, with many people walking and jogging and it wasn't until we'd almost completed the walk that it dawned on me that it was the weekend!

At Tamarama Bay we did have to decend to beach level and rise again along the beach, but the the view down to the sand showed the varied use of the beach.  It also occured to me how many lifeguards must be on duty in Sydney alone and I wondered whether they were paid or volunteers.
 

Arriving at Bronte we found a bench to rest and we were both amused by a chap trying to get a small inflatable dingy out to sea - without much luck! The vessel tossed and turned and filled with water and I don't think he managed to make it past the tall waves!

Back at the apartment I had a nap and a shower and felt a bit peculiar - I hoped it wasn't sunstroke but it didn't amount to anything.  During the evening we oohed and aahed at the Darling Harbour fireworks and it still amazes me that this spectacle is produced weekly and is free for onlookers.
 

Before bed we packed ready to fly to Brisbane and played cards.
 

Sunday 15th March 2015

When Mum and I were planning her trip, we decieded to book flights to and from Brisbane around lunchtime to allow us time to check out and make our way to the airport.  It wasn't until we carried out this plan that we found that we checked out at 9:30am and had time to kill before we needed check in.  Luckily we were ready half an hour before the official check out time which allowed us to visit the Chinese Garden of Friendship before taking the train to the airport.

Midway around the garden, a mother duck with her ducklings appeared and while we stood in the middle of the bridge they cautiously hovered at one end.  As soon as we moved off the other end of the bridge, they enthusiastically waddled over.  Then came the saga of them getting into the water.  The mother duck confidently launched herself off a large rock but when the ducklings followed her they found that they were too high from the water and created a fearful huddle.  Then the mother came back and showed them a natural slide for them to slip into the water.  I photographed how this played out over around 8 or 10 shots and thought they would create a great starting point for some Literacy storywriting lessons. Initially I'd thought a KS1 block but could even be adapted for KS2 - a simple story which could draw out language skills.
 

Last time I came, I was certain I hadn't managed to find all of the horoscope signs but this time, taking a few alternative routes, I managed to find all 12 metallic animals.
 

Of course we couldn't miss out on morning tea and with a little time before we left for the airport, we stopped at the Guillyan cafe and I have to say I wasn't overly impressed - I'm definitely a Max Brenner fan!
 

A train, a plane and a shuttle car transported us from Sydney CBD to Brisbane and after completing the paperwork I navigated our way to the YHA.  Mid journey I exclaimed "Oh my word, we're on the Superman roads!" - I'd previously nicknamed the futuristic (but also daunting) looking roads that swung in and out of the city and over the river!  After circling the block a couple of times to find a parking spot we checked into the hostel and I think Mum was pleasantly surprised. 

As it was Mother's Day in the UK, I wanted to treat Mum to a delicious meal but unfortunately the restaurant I had in mind didn't open on Sundays(?!).  The closure went in our favour though because instead we went to Jimmy's on the Mall which delivered delicious food and was open air.  En route to the restaurant we passed through King George Square where there was a big Bollywood type event on and returning to the hostel we passed the treasury building.
 

Monday 16th March 2015

We were up at a reasonable time after an early night and were ready forLone Pine Koala Santuary Day!!  And my collection of koala photographs grew even further!  During our visit we also saw a variety of birds, playtuses, tasmanian devils, wombats, dingoes, cassowaries, kangaroos and emus.
 

I was keen for Mum to cuddle a koala however, even though she was close to changing her mind, she decided to let me have the honour once again and to pat Orinoko instead.
 

We ate lunch surrounded by koalasa and found my favourite koala photo EVER!  Just chilling dude!
 

These lizards were roaming throughout the wildlife park and at one point I did let out a little squeal as I turned around and almost stepped on one!
 

Towards the end of the visit we went into the kangaroo enclose and had a little pat.
 

I think this one definitely needs a caption - something to do with yoga perhaps!
 

During the day we also listened to a wildlife talk and a koala talk.

After we'd driven back to the hostel we still had a reasonable amount of time before dinnertime so we walked beside the river to the lagoon where we read and dozed on the sand bego wandering round Stanley Street to decide on a restaurant to eat in.  We chose a Mexican outlet before walking back to the hostel and falling asleep really early!
 

A society is defined not only by what it creates but what it refuses to destroy. - John Sawhill