Mt Tamborine

Today we drove up to Mt Tamborine, high up in the hills behind the Gold Coast.  A beauiful trip up through the lush rainforests of the hinterland.

But first a photograph together of the intrepid three, Nola, Jackie and June, who arrived in Australia in July 1965. An innocent threesome then, keen to travel and try much more interesting pastures than in New Zealand.  And here we are, all together on the Gold Coast.  June and Jackie live here, but for me, an annual pilgrimage. 

When we visited the Gold Coast in 1965, there was not much here - a two story pub called the Surfers Paradise Hotel, and some small holiday houses.  Things have  changed but of course not us - always young at heart.

After a short drive of about 30 km, some on a freeway and some on a steep curving road up through rainforest, we arrived in Mt Tamborine.   North Tamborine, that is, with a wide street and interesting buildings on either side. However, when we drove around afterwards we found Mt Tamborine to be a large settlement, with many houses and shops, and plenty of walks.   I think we did quite a few of the walks in the past, way back in the 1980s.  A beautiful area.

A stop for coffee, and a chance to talk to these two characters first.   Very cute.

A very relaxing garden in which to drink coffee,

with a toilet hidden amongst the trees at the back of the garden.

The German Clock shop.  A little out of character.  Where am I?

An old world building.

A cutsie building.  I bought a scarf to beat all scarves here, doubles as a short cardigan and a scarf with a budding flower (the sleeves doubled up).  It has rabbit fur sewn on it.   I will never again suffer from a cold neck.  Just you all wait and see.  But do not ask the price!

Mole hills?  Pimple mole hills?  No these are small ant hills.  Still just as ruinous of a lawn as mole hills.

On the way down we stopped at the Eagle Heights Pub for a drink and a view over the Gold Coast.   Lemon, lime and bitters for me, by the way.

The view was amazing, all the Gold Coast was visible, but visibility not good for photographs.  And threatening clouds all around us.  No rain though, thank goodness.

Today is our last full day on the Gold Coast, amd tomorrow evening we set forth to travel to Kuala Lumpur.  A cup of coffee at the Q Centre, a swim and then off we go, on our way home.   Sad to leave but will be good to see our home and family and friends in the UK.