the Kingdom of Lower Strahlvonia: Brisbane to Urunga - Another road challenge

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.