Brisbane to Urunga - Another road challenge - not really

Leaving Brisbane on Sunday means the traffic is lighter – great. It also means no rum samples at the closed distillery in Beenleigh. Rocky Point Sugar Mill was shut down too, except for maintenance people.Let's get back on the other side of the M1. Thats good- found a Mickey D's and a fuel pump. Now to the Tamborine National Park. There are several falls and many walking tracks here. We picked out a couple, headed to Cedar Creek Falls. These falls are more of a series of short falls. A short walk down to the creek at bottom of the falls and you have young people frolicking, swimming and sliding into a pool. We drove over to the Knoll National Park for a longer 2.4 km rounder down to Cameron Falls. They were okay, the rainforest and overlooks on the track were spectacular. After a lunch at Cedar Creek Cellars we made it back over to Nerang on the M1. Drove on downcoast to Coolangatta-Tweed Heads area, driving around a bit before going over to John & Julies at Bilambil Heights.



One leg of the Cedar Creek Falls


Diving & Swimming at Cedar Creek Falls Pool at bottom.


Sliding & just having fun. This is neat.


Looking South from top of Knoll Natl. Park


Deep in the track to Cameron Falls.


Let the light shine upon (or near) fallen trees.


A view from the Cameron Falls overlook.


Cameron Falls. It is more spectacular after a rain.


Monday West – Tuesday Beach –
Wednesday South 3 great days with
the ' Bilambilians '


Monday we went thru Murwillumbah, had morning tea there, at a sidewalk cafe, then north, climbing to the Numinbah Gate at state line, on to 'Natural Bridge' section of Springbrook National Park. We took a l hr, about 1 km rounder that takes you through the forest, across Cave Creek and into an arched cave to witness the waterfall plunging from above. Very unique – Very outstanding. Back to the top and go north to Pine Creek rd, then south onto the Springbrook Plateau (abt. 3000 ft elev.) We stopped at an old school information center walking to a canyon overlook. Now for a short drive out to 'Best of All Lookout' as the weather turns to a light drizzle. This becomes a 30 min. wet walk to see fog. (this probably would have been an exceptional lookout towards Mt Warning and valleys of NSW). Later we go into Tweed Heads West for a good dinner at Jamisons Restaurant. We return to John & Julie's and enjoy the evening in their company.



View near at top, near Numinbah Gate.


John & Julie with Numinbah Gate in background.
Top of range - dividing line between NSW & QLD.


Approaching 'Natural Bridge Falls'.


At entrance to cave creek and Falls.


Falls from inside the Cave.


Julie, Babe & Butch inside cave at Falls.


Just one of the unique trees in forest.


Looking out from near Canyon overlook.


A picture of the Fog. Priceless. the Flashback was great.


Tuesday is relaxation day, from downtown we walk out towards Kirra beach, have morning tea, walk back past Coolangatta beach to Greenmount beach and on up to Danger Point. We did the city mall, then to the Seagulls Club for drinks and play the Pokies. We stopped at John & Julies friends Lynn & Tony's for and afternoon tea. Back to John & Julies for fine dinner, enjoyed the views from their neat veranda along with great conservation.

Beach Shots near Coolangatta - Tweed Heads as we walked
along the beach & up to Danger Point.


















Danger Point Lighthouse.

Not all beach scenes are water. crazy trees abound.

John & Julies Has:


A Great View.

The Boss.


and is a very neat place.


On the road again Wednesday, with John driving we head south to Fingal Head, where we walked up to the lighthouse. Very scenic from here - to the north (Tweed Heads & Coolangatta) or – to the south (towards Kingscliff). On down to Kingscliff for coffee. Drive a little to Cabrita Beach, walkabout, visit with Julie's friends at the Pharmacie and did a lunch at the Beach Bar Cabrita – burgers & beer. Stopped for fuel at Hastings Point, then did another beach walk (no name) just 150 meters from the highway. Finished the drive going towards Brunswick Heads and taking pics of Byron Bay from an overlook. We returned to John & Julies, later we went over to Lynn & Tony's for pool, suds & wine at the 'Upper Seagulls Club'.



Fingal Head with view of Cook Island.


Fingal Head Lighthouse.


Neat looking rocks.


Back towards Tweed and Coolangatta.


Babe, Julie and John enjoy great views from a high point.


North towards Hastings Point.


A view towards Byron Bay.

Beachcomers. Thats all I need to say.


Thursday is drive to Urunga day. We left John & Julie's and had lunch at the 'Big Prawn' in Ballina.We did another stop in Woolgoola for a coffee break and to see the 'Guru Nanak Sikh Gurudwara', an Indian Temple. We even drove past the 'Big Banana', not even a pic. This was an enjoyable drive, traffic was light till Coffs Harbour. On to Pauline & Colin's arriving in time for snacks about beer-thirty. Later some very good grilled chicken. Then sat on the patio, enjoying the evening, chatting and talking about the kids. Too bad they were not here to defend themselves.



The 'Big Prawn' in Ballina.


'Guru Nanak Sikh Gurudwara' an Indian Temple.
in Woolgoola.

Brisbane II - Doing the City with Ellie – South Bank, City Cat, Maritime Museum

Ellie did a holiday Friday and met us at the Brunswick Station. We bought day passes and boarded the train to the south bank area. We walked along the river, seeing the Beach, a Nepalese Pagoda and neat parkways along the south bank of the river.


Archway along the walkway on the South Bank.

The Nepal Peace Pagoda and South Bank Parklands

The Beach at the Parklands, the Brisbane River & the CBD.

Walk thru a bamboo garden with Babe & Ellie.

A great view of the CBD from South Bank.

Stop for a coffee – and an Ibis will join you.

Butch, Ellie and another good view of the Brisbane river.

We caught the City Cat Ferry to the Botanic Gardens. Walked around a bit and ate at the concession in the park. Went back to the ferry and took it all the way thru the rejuvenated industrial area just past Hamilton to Bretts Wharf and back to Eagle St dock. We roamed thru the CBD, in and out of stores, till we found a shop at the Queen St. mall, bought a couple of gifts, then back to the motel.

Preparing to leave South Bank, heading downstream, towards the Story Bridge.


Looking back as we sped away from one of the ferry docks.


Beyond the last ferry dock it is the still a vital Industrial Area. A lot of
the old industrial areas have a been converted to residential & commercial.


Returning upstream, we pass one of the 'City Cat' hi-speed ferries. They are a great ride.

Restaurants & businesses near the Eagle st. dock.

We got the car, and with Ellie as co-pilot, we drove up to Mt. Coot-Tha. This is a great overlook of the City and its environs. We ate dinner at the 'Kuta Cafe' on the premises. After eating, took a couple of more pics and drove around Toowong and Indooroopilly eventually taking Ellie home, then returning to the motel for the evening.



An overcast day is not a problem as the sun highlights the CBD.


Another shot - Close up.


One more -more distant.


We just had to do this before we ate.


At dusk - llights are starting to appear.


Throw a tree in to ad to the ambiance.

Saturday we continued our CBD walkabout. After de-training we ambled down Creek St. to see St. Andrews Church, Anzac Square, the Shrine, thru the Post Office to St. Stephens Cathedral. After going by McArthurs Chambers, we headed down Elizabeth & Queen sts., continuing thru the Queens Gardens and crossed the Victoria Bridge to South Bank. We met Ellie and had morning tea at Malones nearby.



Just off Central Station is Shrine of Remembrance Memorial in Anzac Square.


The Queen with a bottle tree to commemorate the Queensland Light Horse Regiments.


Post Office Square with the Post Office and Museum across the street.


St. Stephens Church in CBD.


I just knew Brisbane had to have one somewhere.


We walked on down to the Maritime Museum, a very interesting place. Actually we spent more time there than anticipated, as we toured the HMAS Diamantina a frigate of WW II fame.



HMAS DIAMANTINA - a River Class Frigate.


Permanently in dry dock on the Brisbane.


A proud deck, not forgotten.


With anti-aircraft guns, she was ready.


From another time. It could cause some damage.


Fire at will, Gridley - This time we'll do more than bend it.


Little be it known. The Kingdom of Lower Strahlvonia at one time had a navy of its own. We were quite proud of our crew and ships. Here is a little bit about it.


LSN DEMENTIA



Dementia at its finest - Our Fleet.

Admiral Ayellie at the helm.


Matey Bubbles takes her turn at the helm.


Ensign Gridley. -the reason our navy was decommissioned.

Then we crossed the Goodwill foot bridge, walked up George St past the Old Government House, Queensland University of Technology, the Parliament House, the Queensland Club, the Mansions and the Harris Terrace that was built in 1867.

Ok one more: CBD & North Quay dock on the Brisbane, this time
from the footbridge going to the South Bank.


The Mansions, built in 1889, they were topnotch stone and brick
three story terraces in their day.


We ate pizza at Milano Cafe on the Queens St. Mall. After bidding farewell to Ellie, we walked around downtown going towards the Eagle St. ferry dock. We decided to eat a little early and found the 'Pig n Whistle' on Eagle St. an English Pub. Had a real good meal in a relaxed atmosphere. We worked our way back to the motel all uphill. Enjoyed a couple of suds for the last time on the deck in front of the motel.

A special thanks to Ellie for making our Brisbane stay a memorable one.