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 - Gallery Walk

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.   It is a amazing how quickly concrete city and dense population changes to lush verdant in so few kilometres.  For today's Sunday Drive we have chosen to take you to  'Gallery Walk' and the Mount Tamborine Brewery.


This Sunday Drive offers a huge mix of things to do: wine, beer and/or cheese tasting; hunting out weird wonderful souvenirs; a quiet coffee; dukkah tasting; browsing antique, jewelry, clothing and bric-a-brac stores; a long list for individual indulgences.  Scattered along the street are fairy, fudge, ice cream, book, and celtic stores; even places where you can get readings done.  There's just so much to see and do.


See the link on the right for directions.  Basically, you head north towards Brisbane and take exit 57 from the highway.  Directions are clearly posted.

When you arrive, you will be greeted by an avenue of treats. Shopfronts declaring all manner of tempting invitations to enter.  Parking is plentiful.  The hard part is knowing where to look first.



Scenery along the way

Gallery Walk

Architecture and goodies

Trees make a beautiful backdrop

As you wander through the scenery, you will find that several hours pass quickly.  Once inside you will be greeted by friendly local staff.  They are helpful, smiling and willing to stop and talk to you.  If you need information, just ask. You will be offered tastes, smells, instructions, history.  It all adds to the experience.  We asked one of the jewelry stores if we could photograph some of the items in the shop; all handmade with some spectacular settings and colors.



One of the fabulous diplays



Spectacular, hand-crafted  jewelry pieces



Champion dukkah sampler

Champion beer sampler

All that rummaging and foraging can make you hungry.  All tastes are catered for.  We walked to the end of the street to the Mount Tamborine Brewery which houses a cheese factory and a restaurant.  Lyn tried a bit of dukkah along the way.



Just a few of the tasty local cheeses

We had a feed and returned to the walk.  Just easy browsing.  What a fabulous way to spend a day.  A quick drive back down the mountain to the Gold Coast for a well-earned nanna nap.

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.