Life's a beach on Australia's Gold Coast
Nov 26 2009 by Steve Murphy, Birmingham Post
Wannabe surf star Steve Murphy discovers paradise and falls in love with Australia’s Gold Coast
The sticky cocktail of sweat, salt and sand meant I could hardly see a thing.
I tried to wipe my face with the back of my hand but that just smeared more sunscreen into my already stinging eyes.
The more I squinted and the closer she got, the more perfect she looked. She was approaching quickly and confidently, and she was amazing. Yep, this was the one. All morning I’d been flirting with others but this time it was going to be different. It was now or never.
I turned away, checked for anyone else then made my move. For a brief moment I thought this had a chance of going the distance, but sadly not. I tried to hang on, to keep us together, but it was soon all over.
I’d been swept off my feet then dumped in public, all in full view of my pals on the beach.
She was gone, but now I saw her for what she was. Luckily it didn’t take long for my head to be turned by a new set of younger, fresh waves forming on the horizon full of potential and hope.
This was paradise. Surfer’s Paradise on Australia’s Gold Coast and I was loving it.
I started my visit to Queensland in Brisbane – a laid-back city with lush, tropical gardens, lots of open space and a spectacular inner city beach.
Located on the South Bank, this man-made oasis overlooks the river and has a pool with lifeguards and a sandy beach to soak up the rays.
It’s the perfect place to chill for an hour, before dodging the power walkers on Brisbane’s winding paths leading to the city’s wonderful art galleries and museums.
A forward thinking, easy-going city, Brisbane is at times eerily quiet. It’s also incredibly clean, very easy to get around and combines a small town welcome in a big city package. I was sad to leave, but the surf was calling and with the Gold Coast only two hours’ drive away it was time to head for the mountains.
My journey to the coast took me up through the Hinterland on to Tambourine Mountain, where I stopped for a stroll around the Rainforest Skywalk – an elevated walkway which gives a spectacular bird’s eye view over the tree tops. After a spot of terrific Bush tucker in the neighbouring Songbird Restaurant it was time to take off for the bright lights, refreshed and ready for action.
Surfer’s Paradise is brash and bold and its first impression is of ‘party central’. Strips of bars, bikini-clad hen parties and chanting packs of party animals bounce from pub to pub. It’s a giddy mix of Las Vegas meets Surf City, complete with its own Elvis impersonator.
Looking like a mini Manhattan dragged across the ocean, towering apartment blocks and hotels flank the shore. Venture outside the resort centre though and things change quickly. Surf shorts and shouting give way to suits and sophistication. Only a few minutes’ away is the ultimate designer hotel – the Palazzo Versace.
