We thought we had scored tickets to the Indy cars today, but this all fell through after a phone call. So we decided to leave Olive with Granny and Grandpa, and treat ourselves to the movies at Coolangatta. We saw ‘Burn After Reading’ by the Coen brothers, which we thoroughly enjoyed despite the negative comments we read online. A win-win situation, as Granny loved her one on one time with Olive, and we enjoyed the rare time with just the two of us.

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Today we visited the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, which was literally next door to our apartment, so we didn’t have to walk far to get there. After seeing the birds of prey show, the snake show, feeding the lorikeets, taking a train ride and seeing many other animals, we decided to go home for some lunch. We wanted to return in the afternoon, but it started to bucket with rain as we entered unit, so Pam and Clare did some shopping instead, and we enjoyed the afternoon in the apartment spending time together. Pam’s sister Gwen who lives a short walk away on the other side of the lake, came over in the evening and cooked up a wonderful seafood dinner. Yummm!

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We hurriedly said goodbye to the Crisps as we needed to be at the airport by 7.30am to pick up Rob’s mum and dad. We took them to Breakfast at a café at the local shopping centre – on Gwen’s (Pam’s sister) recommendation. To fill in time before checking in the apartment, we walked along the beach, and then had a drink at the Currumbin Surf Club. Just before lunch we moved into the resort, took a swim in pool and spa and enjoyed a nice afternoon of catching up. We arranged to have an early dinner at the Surf Club with Rob’s cousin Lisa and her partner Peter. This was a good spot, as it sat over the beach, with 180 degree views of the lightning show that hit in the evening. The rain prevented us walking home, so Pete was kind enough to give us all a lift.

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We said goodbye to our fabulous hosts after a very enjoyable week long stay with friends. From the Brisbane coast we drove up to Mt Tamborine, in the hinterland behind the Gold Coast. We walked to Cedar Creek Falls, enjoyed some cheese tasting, followed by lunch at the Botanical gardens. It is a lot cooler up here in the mountains, and it rained just as we started off to explore the gardens. Instead we drove to a lookout, with views inland over the rolling hills. We then took turns exploring the shops along the charming but touristy ‘Gallery Walk’ while Olive slept in the car. We stayed the night among the trees at Cedar Creek caravan and camping. You could tell it was the weekend as there were lots of other family groups arriving.

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It was a very active day for Olive. She joined Will at Play Gym in the morning, and had fun jumping around on all the equipment. When they got back, they continued running around the front yard with the balls for ages. After a sleep for both, which luckily coincides, we then took them down to the park for a run around the playground before having fish and chips. This was our last supper with Mel, Ash and Will. 

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Clare and Mel went shopping for some ‘big town’ things. We also did some housekeeping of the van cleaning and sorting for when Rob’s parents get here. A quiet day all round to catch up and have a break. Olive and Will are still having fun. They are getting used to each other a bit and have even started hugging.

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We took the train from Wynnum to Brisbane city, about a 45 minute trip. In town we picked up a walking tour of the city highlights. First stop was City Hall, taking an old fashioned lift up the clock tower, passing behind the large clock as it struck 10am. We passed a few old churches and other buildings. Up in the backstreets of Spring Hill we saw some old wooden Queenslander houses and cottages. Nearby was also the Windmill, also called the Tower of Torture as it once used convict labour to turn the windmill. Our final stop was at the Cultural Centre, which included the excellent Museum of Modern Art, Art Gallery and Brisbane Museum. The highlight of this area was the fans of Michael Jackson Video installation.

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