Gold Coast to Brisbane cruise

If you are keen for a relaxing day on the water at low cost, this trip is just for you. There is no input required, except to kick back and soak up the magnificent scenery along the intricate waterways between the Gold Coast and Brisbane (you can do the trip in reverse if you wish). The trip we took was cruise from Coast to Brisbane with coach return in the afternoon. Morning and afternoon snack, and lunch provided. We had been meaning to do this trip for years and will definitely do it again; it was just such a nice day. This is the boat we went on.



Boat Cruise between Gold Coast and Brisbane

There were 70+ people on board but there was no sign of any crowding, as you can see from these pics. Some chose to sit under cover inside for the whole trip, others wandered in and out.



Two undercover decks

Outdoor undercover area



This cruise (click here for details) has been in operation for nearly 30 years. The crew really know their way around these waterways. Interesting features are pointed out along the way; commentary not intruding on conversation. Morning and afternoon tea is served as well as an excellent barbeque lunch.
You travel between two large cities, through the World Heritage listed Moreton Bay Marine Park  and see high rise, huge waterside homes, camping and mooring sites along the water's edge, sea birds and ... Oh yes, and the occasional dolphin or dugong.

The route meaders between islands that lie between North and South Stradbroke Islands and the mainland; passing well known island such as Peel, Russell, St Helena (former jail), Lamb, Goat :) and dozens more. You do get a detailed map showing many geographic features.

We had lunch outside to keep enjoying the view. It was fabulous.




Lunch with view and pleasant conversation

Safe mooring















The boat was peacefully quiet as it glided along. We said next time we'll bring a hammock and really get into the relax mode. The cruise took about 6 hours. We were never bored.
Once in Brisbane, the coach was waiting to bring us back to the Gold Coast.
This was an excellent venture for a Sunday Drive.

If you have a day spare, do yourself a favour and book this cruise.


Have a great day on your next Sunday Drive

Day of fun. Council sponsored free activities.

 

Sand sculpting anyone?

The Gold Coast has a list of activities too big to detail. From free to super exotic and expensive. Today we share the fun we had at a free activity sponsored by the City Council as part of its popular Active and Healthy Program. This program has fantastic activities throughout the year, right across the Gold Coast. For the latest program of events, go here. You will find something to suit all tastes and all ages.

We had a fabulous day out. If you have kids, this event is for you. There was free facepainting, gymnastics, classes on painting, knitting and sculpting, drum classes to make loads of rhythmic noise, plus more. Who wouldn't want to go? Even the big kids had fun watching all manner of performance, set around a peaceful lake next to the Nerang River, right in the heart of the Gold Coast.

This site is a must for all





 

Crowd spoilt for choice of what to do, what to see

Scrunch a balloon into your favorite animal

Bash a drum rhythm and relax

Painting multi-colored anything

 

Aerial daring

With such a fun filled afternoon on offer where just about everything was free, how could you not have a great time? Kids' time filled. Adults relax. I spent some time sitting under a tree with coffee in hand just watching the day go by. Snoring blissfully.


Painting by the Nerang river

 

Chill with a drink and bite to eat. Relaxing music

Events like this are run all over the Gold Coast. This one is annual, as are some of the others. Most are run weekly or monthly. If you are a visitor or local, it is well worth checking out the website to see what is on around your area. This event was in the centre of the Gold Coast, accessible easily by bus or car.

Have fun

Gold Coast - Brunswick Heads

Today Sunday Drive will take you on a trip down into northern New South Wales and the small, laid-back town of Brunswick Heads. Here you can go fishing, surfing, swim in a protected inlet, hire a canoe for a paddle on the river, have lunch at the local hotel, or get some take away and sit on the edge of the river to munch away while the kids play in the playground.

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.



Brunswick Hotel. Great atmosphere here.



Looking towards the riverside playground. Shops on right.

There are two bridges across the river.  One is footbridge only and runs to path down to surf club.  The other takes cars too.  It is on the northern end of the park.  People often fish from these bridges. 



View north from the footbridge. Park and playground on left. Beach to right.



View across river from park. Sheltered inlet just behind cars on far bank.

The river is shallow, especially at low tide.  At the beach end of the bridge in the background, you can find a sheltered inlet.  This is particularly good if it is windy on the beach or if the surf is too big for the kids.



Sheltered inlet, away from surf at Brunswick Heads.



Brunswick Heads surf beach. Patrol and flagged area in distance.

There is lots to do here.  You and the kids can spend time in the water with an easy break for lunch.  It is a relatively short drive down to Brunswick Heads and offers a beach environment different from that on the Gold Coast.

Well worth the drive down.

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