Down Under Update-002

We jumped in the car and headed down the coast line 25 minutes to find a Greenlake-feeling neighborhood called Burleigh Heads. I spotted a post card at a shop with a very different view of the city and it was shot here, so we went to check it out. There is a killer walking path with exercise equipment running parallel with the ocean. Tons of joggers, families, and dog walking filled the path - it felt like home and it felt comfortable. Surfers Paradise is very busy and very touristy, this was our first time feeling how locals feel and seeing life happen as it does. We instantly felt comfy here and would make it our home in a second. At the end of the trail, the elevation started to grow onto this hillside. On top there were amazing distance views of Surfers Paradise skyline and also a National Park area with hiking trails! We look forward to exploring this on another evening. Right before the hill starts, there is an amazing surf spot where the local 'surfies' filled the water waiting for breaks. It really was quit a view watching them with the city far in the distance. Honestly, one of the more beautiful parks I have been too.

We got a tip we could do some bush walking (hiking) at Tamborine Mt which was an hour from Surfers. A brochure showed there was a brewery, distillery, lodging and shopping to also check out. This was also my first time driving the car, the windy rally-like banks was quite a way to learn. The uphill climb was an effort for the Camry, but it sure was amazing. The rainforest was dense and the road was just sliced out of it. We stopped at this hokey motel close to the top of the ascent and were surprised with the view it had waiting for us. We looked into a forest valley and right at the horizon line you could see Surfers Paradise parallel with the water. The grounds of the hotel were pretty amazing complete with an outdoor drinking space and acres of garden to explore. With an update, that hotel would be a destination.

On our search for some form of trailhead, we found one of the areas that the brochure told us about. Our first stop was at Tamborine Winery where we managed to get hammered at 11am after the worlds longest and heaviest tastings ever. Well, they got us for a case so jokes on us, right? So, we were in no shape for hiking so we checked out the other shops and finished off sight seeing at the MT Brewery. (Why not?) I was stoked to finally get a craft beer and selected a sampler. I would say 2-4 were good and are pint (schooner) worthy. On our way down the mountain we made stops at a touristy (got us again!) Canopy Walk place where they had bridges high in the air and you could walk in the rain forrest at canopy height. Great concept, but it should have been much longer. Essentially, we walked short trails on ground level to see a river then went up to walk the plank into the canopy. Meh.

Over the weekend there was a Navy Australian Surf Rowers League competition on our beach. We checked out a few races on our walk to Main Beach. It was cool to watch these 7 man teams row over big waves, but once they got past the breakers it wasn't as fun to watch. This is Australia - if it is in water, there will be athletes. Main beach was an upscale hood where the fine dining can be had around Surfers. Finally, some culinary to experience that is to Seattle standards. We will report on the outcome when we give it a go.