Out and about on the Gold Coast

A short drive on the Gold Coast, and some photographs from a moving car.

There are always tall buildings around somewhere.

The white sails of the Marina Mirage shopping centre in the background with yachts in front.  Very upmarket.  Great restaurants.   The Versace Hotel, with an indoor swimming pool surrounded by sand,  and used by the participants in 'Help, I am a celebratory. Get me out of here', is next to the marina.

The shorefront at Surfers Paradise, no longer a huge carpark, as in the 1960s.  We stopped at traffic lights, hence the photograph.

The fences and banners installed for Schoolies' Week, which starts this weekend.  An invasion of students who have finished school and who spend the week getting drunk and creating mayhem.  A huge force of police and voluntary organisations gather to try and alleviate some of the damage the students do, mostly to themselves.

The huge meat tray wins, porterhouse steaks and rump steaks, from the local tavern. The meat tray raffles, unique to Australia and New Zealand, I think, are an integral part of pubs and clubs. The amount of meat was impressive, especially to those of us who live in the UK. We ate the porterhouse steak last night and it was mouth wateringly delicious.

The local tavern, Merrimac Tavern, surrounded by large shady verandahs.

 I am not sure of the name of the tree in the photograph below, but the sun glinting on the many long seed pods hanging from the branches is very effective.  A sculptured tree.

The courtyard in the small Mudgeeraba shopping centre is full of small trees, covered in bromeliads and orchids.  We enjoy our coffee stop at the Mudgira Cafe, with excellent coffee and cakes, and great atmosphere in the centre courtyard.

 Another koala sculpture, at Mudgeeraba. I believe these koala structures are situated around the Gold Coast, all with different themes.  Mudgeeraba, still retains its old small settlement atmosphere.

Pizza time.  Nick made the most delicious thin based pizzas for dinner.

And finally, a photograph of my revamped hair.  I won't mention the cost, just mention foils to any hairdresser, and the dollar signs appear in the eyes.  But I am very happy with it, all the same.