Gold Coast - Tamborine - Tea & Niceties

For a special treat.  A short drive from the Gold Coast up to Tamborine has several pleasures.  Firstly the cooler air and roads lined with grassland which changes to rainforest as you get higher.  The country and mountain feel hits you early in the journey; you start to wind down soon after you leave the denseness of the Gold Coast coastal strip.  There are many interesting and exciting destinations that you could drive to on Tamborine.  For this Sunday Drive we have chosen 'Tea & Niceties'.  Find directions using the link on the right.  Basically, you head north towards Brisbane and take exit 57 from the highway.


We are taking you to 'Tea & Niceties' because it is a destination that can be enjoyed rain or shine.  Today it is rainy as I invite you along for High Tea.  Are you going stir crazy looking at four walls because it is raining, yet again?  Well this Sunday Drive will be just the right thing for you.  Take your wife, boyfriend, best group of buddies, or a special treat for granny.  You will be treated to High Tea at its finest.  Settings are elegant, service awesome.  You are barely aware of other patrons, such is the enjoyment.




Really makes you feel special

A beautiful setting. Leisure and pleasure



I was intrigued by the sugar cubes. Just that final caring touch.

How yum does this look?

It is easy to meander through a carefree couple of hours over tea, coffee and many temptations.  You may BYO if you want alcohol with your dining.  Settings are based on two people sharing. 
Bookings are essential. Thursday to Sunday sittings  phone: 07 5545 3645


You will return relaxed, knowing a bit more about your companion(s) after sharing such fineries and peaceful conversation over this meticulously planned experience.  Have a great day.

What a fun way to spend an afternoon

Gold Coast - Bangalow Markets

This is a fun trip with interest for all the family. The Bangalow Markets hold surprises and curiousities for everyone. The markets are held on the fourth Sunday of each month. It opens early and slows down around mid afternoon local time.

From the Gold Coast, this is an easy drive through some rolling open countryside. By going south on the Pacific Motorway (M1) which is quick to access, running along the western edge of the Gold Coast, you quickly leave the dense view of concrete and enter some open, green vistas and rolling hills, backed by an ancient volcanic rim. The trip is along dual highway for almost the entire journey.



Some of the scenery along the way

On the left soon after you go over the Queensland-NSW border, there is large service station for a quick toilet or food break. There are many sidetracks you could take but keep going south, turning left at the Bangalow turnoff which is about 6 km south of the Byron Bay turnoff. From here Bangalow is about 1 km. You won't be disappointed. This is a large market placed in a picturesque village where you can explore both market and shops. There is ample parking in the showground right next to the market for just $2; well worth it. There are few parks in the street. Just go down the hill of the main street and you will easily find the entrance to the showground on the left.




Bangalow Markets and Village

'Volunteer' assistants for the street entertainer

Once inside the markets you will be drawn in all directions, wanting to more closely inspect the contents of the stalls; there are a lot of them. Find an usual souvenir as a reminder of your trip; taste a variety of foods; pick up an unusual piece of clothing to match the hippie feel of the day; watch the buskers who create a marvellous backdrop; pick up artwork. The stalls are shaded by some grand trees. Don't forget that the village adjacent to the market is equally fascinating. Cottages and red brick buildings line the street. They contain all manner of goods. It is a pleasure to cruise shop to shop. Stop for a drink or snack, even a beer at the Bangalow Hotel. I doubt you can resist the smells, feels, looks, and sounds of this whole scene. A buzz of a day out.

Gold Coast - Pottsville - Hastings Point - Kingscliff

From the Gold Coast, this is an easy drive through some rolling open countryside. By going south on the Pacific Motorway (M1) which is quick to access, running along the western edge of the Gold Coast, you quickly leave the dense view of concrete and enter some open, green vistas backed by an ancient volcanic rim. The trip is along dual highway for almost the entire journey.

On the left soon after you go over the Queensland-NSW border, there is large service station for a quick toilet or food break. There are many sidetracks you could take but keep going south, turning left at the Pottsville Hastings Point turnoff and you will find Pottsville only a short distance away. You won't be disappointed. If you time your drive for the first or third Sunday of the month, you can have a wander through the Pottsville Markets. If dad and the kids get bored get them a drink and send them across the road to the playground while you browse in peace. The markets start early and wind down at lunch time.

Take the 3 km drive down to Hastings Point where there is a terrific inlet for safe swimming, if you have youngsters, and a short stroll gets you to a surf beach for the older kids. This is a fantastic spot to spend a few hours. There is a barbecue, shelters and a toilet block. The general store is one of those that sells absolutely everything: takeaway, groceries, postal services, alcohol, magazines, bait. The reason for the extensive service is that the store is adjacent to a caravan park. If you do not feel like a swim, you can drive or take the short (about 200 m) stroll up to the headland where there is a wonderful view along the coast, north and south. There are always people fishing from the rocky headland, shores of the river or off the bridge.



General store that sells all you could need, even a beach ball

From the headland looking north

The quiet inlet for calm swimming. Barbecue area to left.

After a relaxing hour or two at Hastings, head north towards Kingscliff. This, too, is only a short distance away. Kingscliff is a larger town that runs along the beachfront with caravan park, hotel, coffee and food outlets. So you could stop here instead of, or as well as, Hastings. Just another relaxing spot on the way. From here it is a pleasant drive back to the Gold Coast. Kids, if with you, should be nice and warn out. If you are just with friend(s) you will have had a great day away.