Leaving Hervey Bay and the rain gives way to sunshine as we head south to Noosa Heads, some 170klm down the coast.
Noosa Heads
This not only popular with local Queenslanders, but also those states further south. There are a number of headlands, lookouts, bays, and other features along the coastline. Homes and apartments stretching all the way back to the main freeway about 20klm to the west, are integrated amongst thick native bushland and forest.
Stayed outside Noosa, near Cooroy, as we wanted to stay closer to the freeway, rather than bring the van into Noosa, as we were not familiar with the local landscape and traffic flows.
Another reason we stayed near Noosa was that good friends Eddie and Rosemary are staying in an apartment on the beach for a week.
Great beach at Noosa, very popular for activities of all. Good surf. Lovely modern and busy life-saving club, where we a had a drink and meal with Ed and Rosemary.
Eddie & Rosemary & the view from the apartment.
Local vegetation and Noosa Beach
Had a wonderful time in Noosa. Thanks Ed & Rosemary
Gold Coast
Since leaving Hervey Bay, we experience the sunny weather we expect at this time of year in Queensland.
This was also a wonderful opportunity to catch up with goods friends Tony and his son Daniel. Both live up here
I worked with Tony in Melbourne when he joined our company from England in 1988. He came to Australia, with wife Sue, and children, Daniel and Claire. After 10 years they re-located to Gold Coast. Sadly, Sue passed away 3 years ago. Since then Tony met Angie. They recently bought a caravan, and is heading off around Australia, for an indefinite period. You will love it Tony and Angie.
Again we stayed in a caravan park near all the Worlds Amusement Parks, which are also located close to the freeway.
One thing we were not aware of was the Pacific Airshow on the Gold Coast. a joint venture between Australia and USA. Many places were heavily booked, and prices for our stay was $78 per night.
We joined Tony, Angie & Daniel for a meal and drinks at his local bowls club, in Helensvale. Tony is a bit of a celebrity at the club.
The next day we also caught up with friends, Alan and Sue. I played football with Alan in Melbourne in the 1970’s. Alan and Sue migrated from South Africa. They also relocated to the Gold Coast in the 1980’s.
Great to catch up. Thanks for a wonderful day.
Also caught up with Joan, who is on her annual holiday away from the Melbourne winter. Joan has a motor home, and was staying at the Main Beach Tourist Park. Joan who lost her husband Neville 2 years ago. Our children attended the same school together back home.
Joan showed us the local delights, Now for the airshow Joan.
Goose & Maverick US Top Gun
Great location for an airshow. No static displays. Have a swim in the warm ocean waters of Queensland and wait for the show.
The Pacific Airshow Gold Coast, an aviation extravaganza, made its debut in 2023, bringing the successful Pacific Airshow formula from Huntington Beach, California, to the shores of Surfers Paradise. It quickly established itself as Australia’s largest airshow, attracting over 250,000 spectators. The airshow features a blend of civilian and military aviators, showcasing cutting-edge aircraft and aerobatic displays.
F22, F35, C5 Galaxy, F18A Super Hornet and much more
Gold Coast in the 1960,s and same spot today on the right
Great walking the golden sands in bare feet on the waters edge.
UK crack parachute team, Red Devils, put on a great display of precision skydiving
F35 and also F22 in a simulated refuel exercise. The Raptors from Hawaii, are the USA most important fighter, and is not exported to any other country.
