The Gold Coast

We spent 2 full days (3 nights) on the Gold Coast.

The Rainforest:

On our first day, we actually went inland (to "The Hinterland", as they say in Australia) to do some rainforest hiking. First, we went to Purlingbrook Falls.

To go to another vista of the falls, we had to walk through this area above the falls where water was flowing over the walkway… Why didn’t you take off your shoes and walk barefoot through? you ask. Glad we didn’t do that - - this group of people there who did just that, they were pulling leeches off their feet – eek.

Next, we went to our favorite lookout, called “The Best of all Lookout” – and yes, some Antarctic beech trees.

This is the huge root system of a few Antarctic trees… somehow, the trees prove that Antarctica and Australia used to be one land mass.

And here’s the view of the valley from the Best of All Lookout:

Next we went to see “Natural Bridge” another hike through lush green rainforest. The natural bridge actually consists of a waterfall that has carved away a cave both in between the archway, and the hole under the archway. Hard to describe, and a picture is worthd 1,000 words, so here is 4,000 words to help -

The drive back to the coast was very green as well:

The Coast:

On our second day, we explored different beaches along the Gold coast. Overall, the area is much more built-up and has a more touristy (and less idyllic) feel than many of the other beaches we visited – we called it Miami. Along with the high-rises, it does also have beautiful white, serene beaches as well as crashing waves on rocks. Here are some highlights: