The Sunshine State

Three days of sunshine! We’ve just been back from a trip to the Gold Coast, and getting away is a major good thing especially when we’re right smack in the middle of winter here in Melbourne. My sister is here for a 2-weeks holiday… and we thought it nice to go up north where it’s warmer and sunnier.

It was pretty good timing around which we organised the trip. School and Uni holidays were just over, therefore air fares were back to reasonable and we didn’t have to fight hordes of people for space in places we went to, knowing that Queensland is such a popular holiday location for those craving for kinder climate. So, drowsy but determined we took the earliest flight on Sunday morning (already in the airport at 5 bloody a.m.!) and our holiday began. There were four of us on this trip; four very excited young people for all out fun. We didn’t waste anytime and after dropping all our bags in the apartment we rented, drove directly to Movieworld. To me, the novelty of theme parks has long gone and even with this one I find quite mediocre. The rides, attractions, and shows were not too extraordinary and the park is of course not as big compared to the ones in America. Nevertheless, it was heap loads of fun being with three wacky and down to earth people. We repeatedly drenched ourselves from a log ride, which by far is one of the more exciting ones. I suppose we could always dry ourselves in some roller coaster.

Our second day was spent mostly in Surfers’ Paradise. It is very good how they have developed this area. From its name one would naturally deduce that it’s surfing heaven and beach-goers haven. It offers more than those things. There’s a huge portion of shopping arcades, shops and boutiques, restaurants and cafés, tourist information centres – all near or along the beach esplanade. There is something for everyone. Our whole day was spent leisurely strolling around, absorbing the most that we can of the place. The best part I would say is just lazing around in an almost empty (but not totally!) beach, unconcerned of time or the next activity. What’s more, while in a place called Victoria the temperature could be between 8 – 13 degrees, it was such a pleasure to be two hours away in Queensland, soaking up in sunshine that gives a tingle to the skin, a bit burning but not, the warmth lingering for longer than one would expect. No wonder it is called the Sunshine State… people still wear shorts in winter. The day was capped with an impulsive decision to drive up to Brisbane for a late night hot Italian chocolate; and man it was definitely worth the 1-hour drive up and 1-hour drive back! These kinds of spontaneities we relish much as most of us rarely find the luxury to do so in our everyday hustle and bustle.

Alas our third and last day… we started off with a big breakfast of whole grilled chicken and ribs! Il fresco eating, we welcomed not a few glances from people who probably thought us all mad to be stuffing ourselves with meat and more meat at 10 in the morning. Who cares? We don’t. The meal was lovely. Another day at the beach, but this time driving almost three hours up north to Noosa. The drive was as enjoyable as the destination; for we could see how flora changes from one place to another, notice the differences between those in Victoria and in Queensland. It seems that they are more lush and green in the sunshine state. The houses near the coast are also spectacular, evident that those with properties where the sea is visible are undoubtedly well-off. The beach was not as nice as Surfers’ Paradise, and I’d say it’s not at all comparable to Boracay in the Philippines. But this one was also a bit deserted and quiet; there were no shops along the beach selling food and trinkets, no people hassling you along the beach to go on a boat tour and such. It was a quiet place to read a book or watch the surfers. *wink*

For three days we were able to free our bodies from winter coats and our limbs from gloves and boots. Three full days of good company and lavish enjoyment, hopefully enough recharge for 1.5 more months of colder days back here in Victoria.