When I think of Gold Coast one of the first thought about the place I have is surfers. Crystal clear and relatively warm ocean and great waves all along the coast make it a perfect spot for beginners and advanced surf-boarders (I know…). I did not get to experience any of that myself unfortunately due to time limits, but wish I had. It would have made great memories I am sure but at least I got to see other people enjoying it in one of the most beautiful landscapes.
This time apart from a bit of GC CC (Gold Coast City Centre 🙂 ) I will share some photo memories from rather stunning Coolangatta (southern suburbs of GC) as well as neighboring Hinze Dame and amazing Byron Bay with its absolutely chillout! approach.
The city offers a lot of attractions for kids and grown up’s, but I have a feeling Australians don’t really like the city that much. Well, it’s not really a feeling – this is first hand opinions from a few Aussies. It might be because the place gets really crowded in the season and full of teenagers (GC is really popular among young people for various reasons). If you do not want to stay in the city it’s still handy to flight into and head off south towards Byron Bay if that’s more appealing to you (mind you that one will also get busy during summer holidays). But like I said there is something charming about the city itself that made me like it so much. And there is even a tram line going up and down the coast. Pretty neat 🙂
Q1, the tallest building in Gold Coast, and Australia and entirely Southern Hemisphere! 322m tall (taller than the Eiffel Tower in Paris). Held a crown of the tallest residential building in the World until 2011. There is an observation deck that you can access (ticketed).
This one on the other hand is not that massive. It’s disturbingly narrow. I am not sure I would feel too safe living it a stick like that!
You never know who is watching when you take pictures! Oh lordy…
If the city is too busy for you, there is an amazing spot you can watch it from the distance. And trust me – the views from across the water is magnificent. You get to see the whole panorama of the city stretching for miles. Coolangatta is right on the border with New South Wales. It actually took me by surprise and in a very positive way. Judge for yourself!
Surfing does indeed looks like a lot of fun! I am not too sure about Great Whites in the area, but I have already enforced (and touched!) a wild one in South Africa I am not worries (just kidding… they would scare the sh** out of me!). Anyway it’s something I will try one day!
Anyway so Gold Coast is a nice view, but what if we turned around…
It’s quite something, ain’t it! I suspect the waves were too strong for a casual swim – especially with the rocks by the beach. A truly beautiful place. So is there anywhere that can match it? Of course there is! Byron Bay 🙂
The town itself is very cute and easy going. A good place for a relaxing a coffee or an ice cream. Although when it comes to the latter, why not have an ice cream with a view?
Cape Byron Lighthouse is the most easterly point in Australia and an eye candy to look at. It still operates helping ships to navigate in the area. Once with a live-in operator it is now fully automated. I think it’s absolutely essential to take a ride (or walk) up the hill not only to see the lighthouse up close, but also to see the ocean and the bay from above. It really is astonishing! But let’s get down to Byron Bay beach level and take a walk. It is beautiful from above but no less beautiful from the ground level!
The ocean is so inviting and very gentle for your feet too! Absolutely soft and pure sand. If you are in the area make sure you pay Byron Bay a visit.
A bonus – Hinze Dam. It’s not the biggest nor the most spectacular, but a nice walk along the dam. It’s funny how the countryside changes and it felt more like Canada than Australia! Check out for yourself.
Hope you enjoyed this wee feed from Gold Coast and Byron Bay. There is so much more to do in the area so if the above makes you want to come, be sure you will be very glad once you did!
Thanks,
Adrian
The Tramping Man 