Saturday, September 12, 2009

Gold Coast Attractions - A Natural Wonderland

By Damian Papworth

It never ceases to amaze me, how easy it can be to forget what a paradise Australia's Gold Coast really is. Sometimes, while I'm running my surfboard rental company and having a great time doing it, it slips my mind. Then there are times like a recent weekend, when I reminded myself that we are so lucky to live this amazing lifestyle on the Gold Coast and have the millions of visiting tourists every year to enjoy it with us.

I've been doing some added reflection recently because I learned I was going to be a father for the first time in my life. When my wife told me I immediately knew it was a great moment for us, even though it wasn't exactly planned. Needless to say, we realized it would take a lot of diligent planning and sacrifice to be a good position when the baby comes in September. So we've really been at it, trying to notch down credit card balances, stocking up on baby clothes, toys and all the other things you realize you need. We certainly haven't had much time (or desire) to go out too often.

On the weekend in question, it was a holiday weekend in Queensland, leaving everyone with not just Saturday and Sunday off, but a free Monday as well. Some great friends from Sydney decided to head up and together we made it a night out, just like old times. First it was dinner at Broadbeach in one of the excellent restaurants there. Afterwards, it was on to Surfers Paradise, one of the renowned watering holes that makes nights on the Gold Coast so fun. For a while I had forgotten the good times, but they quickly came rushing back to me.

After catching a few extra hours of sleep on Saturday morning, we climbed into the car and made our way to the hinterland of the Gold Coast. Only an hour away by car, it's a wonder we don't make trips like this one more often. Amidst the mountains and breathtaking views, you have the opportunity to visit and sample great wines (though my wife didn't have the chance this time). Everyone can enjoy the quiet retreats however, which my wife certainly did. Now we could approach the work week with a clear head.

If you are going to visit the Gold Coast, be sure to leave some time to visit the hinterland, one of the real treasures of the area. The Gold Coast in Queensland has so much to offer and the hinterland is one of its finest spots.

On Monday, we headed home via a circuitous route, leaving time for some lunch and also to do some fishing. With the river's mouth and ocean not far off, we cast out our lines from the banks into the estuaries.

While we had no fish to show for it, we felt lucky that such a relaxing detour from our daily lives was available with such a short drive. Plenty of fishermen were lining the beach a few meters off and we watched them try their luck in the ocean. Some little boats were making their way through the estuary, gently rolling along. The commercial boats out in search of real haul could be seen, too, reminding us of the many possibilities for anyone who loves to fish.

Driving back to town, I couldn't help but think what a terrific lifestyle is available on the Gold Coast. Queensland features such a dizzying array of ways to enjoy nature. You can enjoy the typical tourist attractions as well, since there are the legendary theme parks to try out, but the spectacular opportunity to experience nature firsthand is what sets the area apart and brings back tourists on a regular basis.

If you're going to come back again, forget about the elegant cocktail bars for a little bit and give yourself the opportunity to soak up some of the world's most stunning bits of nature. You'll be happy you did.

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