The area has an interesting service called the Surfer's Paradise Meter maids. These maids, dressed in gold bikinis, were first called to duty in 1965 in protest to the city's introduction of parking meters. These bikini clad women would top up the expired meters. While meter topping was illegal, the city didn't enforce the bylaw as the publicity the meter maids garnered was tremendous. Today, the modern parking meters don't require the top up. In spite of this, the meter maids can still be seen roaming the main drag. It seems Sex sells. LOL.
The beach itself is considered one of the best in Australia, which is saying a lot considering how many beaches this country has. If you are keen to see the area from above, take the elevator to the top of Q1, the world's fifth highest building. There you can see all that the Gold Coast has to offer from observation deck .......or better yet...... stop for lunch. Bring money as the food and the view are not free. For the really adventurous, there is a outdoor climb which will take you to the pinnacle of the building some 270 metres in the sky. I don't like heights so the the boat cruise works great for me.
There is one time of year that would be best to leave Surfers off your travel calendar. It is late November/early December. Unless of course you are a "Schoolie". Much like our spring break, this time of the year is reserved for end of school rite of passage otherwise known as partying. Been there done that....besides I prefer our current brand of spring break, aka retired!!! One very long Friday night!
If you are looking for a modern, clean, big city experience, than look no further than Brisbane. Australia's third largest and second fastest growing city, offers a great contrast of things to visit. In the central business district, found mostly in a strong u shaped elbow of the Brisbane river, you can shop, eat and explore the area on foot. Many of the oldest buildings can be found in this space. Among them, the Old Windmill in Wickham park. This 1820 era building constructed by convicts, served as a grain mill and punishment tool for its builders. The mill was not actually powered by wind.... those convicts who earned punishment were the power that turned the wheel. Talk about working for your daily bread! The structure also had a hand in the early development of TV. The very first broadcasts of TV in the southern hemisphere were sent from the top of this tower...way back in 1934. Long before TV was readily available. The transmissions continued until the end of WWII.
A modern city, split in half by the Brisbane river. The south bank is a must visit. The cultural centre of Brisbane. anchored by the Gallery of Modern Art, this area includes the Opera house, Ballet, Symphony, the Centre for Performing arts and many theatre groups. 10 bridges connect the south bank with the city's other venues, ferries run up and down the river as part of the transit system and 27 km of cycle and pedestrian paths circle the river on both sides.
Brisbane hosts one of the most eccentric race: The cockroaches racing championship...how bizarre!
The south bank residents even have a man made beach to enjoy on a sunny day. Overall, the environment feels small town and inviting, no small feat for a large cosmopolitan centre. We enjoyed our time here and look forward to a return visit.
Driving in Australia makes you realize how huge the properties are in this country. The largest property owned is larger than the country of Belgium! Talking about "big", there is a golf course that covers 850 miles.....largest in the world.....I wonder if I could play this one day!
I got to play a few times at the Twin Heads near our hotel and plan to upgrade to more exotic courses next time!
Our last excursion was the Australia Zoo. What a display of all the unique animals of Australia coupled with numerous shows for all tastes. 5 hours to see it and we could have spent more time!
Lots to learn.......kangaroo and Emu can't walk backwards, Wallabies (smaller kangaroo) roaming in opium crops in the old days would get high and run around, building circles in the crops (must have been interpreted as aliens landing on earth).......wombats have poop in a square shape! A kangaroo is 1 cm long at birth! There is more camels in Australia than in Saudi Arabia! Camels are a pest in the centre of Australia...they were imported way back for transport and ended up roaming free all over.....they break fences, look for food, looting farms and stores. Australian are selling tons of them to Saudis for meat but it's still a huge problem. Koala population has dropped by 15% due to clamadya epidemic. The zoo is a fabulous place to get a picture hugging a Koala...very unique souvenir!
Our stay down under is coming to a close. We have explored the spectacular natural environments, the amazing beaches, big cities, small local communities and are left with the wonderful feeling that we are home. Australia feels a lot like being in Canada. The people are friendly and considerate, multiculturalism exists here, lots of open space. Basically, Canada with better weather! We will be back next year.
G'Day Mate.
Be well
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