Highlights in and around Brisbane

Our time in Brisbane felt far longer than the week and a half we spent loitering around. This blog post is going to focus on some of the objectively beautiful places we’ve explored, setting aside the subjectively beautiful experiences in between – family catch ups and celebrations, a wild Halloween party, a foray back into indoor soccer, and lots of bike rides.

• Jacaranda season – such a treat for the eyes (and a danger to the bike tyres)

• Binna Burra and Gold Coast Hinterland – it was so nice to get back to Binna Burra. It’s open for walks and camping; the Lodge will take a bit more time. The rainforest provides sweet relief from the summer heat. The photos are from the region near Killarney Glen.

• Mt Tambourine – we camped nearby as Dan was planning a flight in the morning, but the conditions weren’t quite right. His consolation prize was the road-ringed but otherwise outstanding Curtis Falls track hike.

• Beerwah – again, one of Dan’s planned flights thwarted by wind direction, but allowed him to take this stunning footage.

• The Scenic Rim Trail – this is a new Great Walk between Thornton and Cunningham’s Gap. Katie, Dan and I did the first 8.5km (in and out) from the Thornton side and now can’t wait to explore the rest on a multi-day hike sometime. On our steep stretch, there were rewarding views of the valley throughout.

We thought that we’d be in Brisbane for another week, but (as usual) our plans change rapidly. A spot became available at Fly Manilla (NSW, near Tamworth) for me to learn paragliding, and we can squeeze in the 9 day course before rendezvousing with the sailboat up north. So we’re southbound! We’ve had an easy driving day and a stunning afternoon at Lennox Heads, soaking up the views of the oceans and headlands, the committed swarms of surfers, and marvelling at the bright, manicured green grass.

Dan’s doing a lousy job at staying incognito while watching the State of Origin in enemy territory. I don’t think we’re making any friends (especially while Queensland is winning).

VREPS

[Lennox Heads]