Small But Beautiful Part 2

Kind Squares Photo Challenge #23 ~ Queensland: One of a Kind

Destination: Burleigh Head National Park Rainforest Circuit

The Rainforest Circuit starts where the Ocean View Circuit ends, immediately beginning its ascent up the headland. It’s not long before the track is surrounded by littoral rainforest, a particular type which only grows by the ocean.

Along the way there are glimpses of those majestic Norfolk Pines at John Laws Park and the white sandy beach at Burleigh Heads.

At Jebbribillum Lookout the view expands, revealing the northern areas of the Gold Coast all the way to Surfers Paradise. 

After the lookout the track heads inland through the rainforest, where more of those hexagonal basalt columns lie half hidden by vegetation.

There’s a second opportunity to see the ocean at Tumgun Lookout. This time the view is southwards, past Palm Beach to Currumbin, Kirra and Coolangatta on the Queensland/New South Wales border.

The Rainforest Circuit does not go to the summit of the headland, 88 metres above sea level. The risk of rock falls means the highest part of the park is not open to the public. 

Instead the path heads gently downwards, rejoining the Ocean View Circuit at Tallebudgera Creek, the perfect spot to complete your walk with a quiet lunchtime picnic.  

This month I’m joining in every day with Becky’s October Kind Square Photo Challenge over at The Life of B. The rules are simple: most photos must be square and fit the theme word “kind”. Look for #kindasquare

A Passion for Waves

Kind Squares Photo Challenge #22 ~ Queensland: One of a Kind

Destination: Burleigh Heads

The Ocean View Circuit around Burleigh Headland ends at John Laws Park in the Gold Coast suburb of Burleigh Heads. Popular with both locals and visitors, the park is filled with 450 Norfolk Pines, some planted more than 80 years ago. They provide welcome shade for those who want to sit, relaxing and enjoying the beautiful outlook or watching surfers in the water below. 

Surfing has long been part of the beach culture at Burleigh Heads. The waters off the headland have attracted surfers for decades and the world’s first professional surfing competition, the Stubby Surf Classic, was held here in 1977. 

Even the picnic tables in the park celebrate Australia’s passion for surfing.

This month I’m joining in every day with Becky’s October Kind Square Photo Challenge over at The Life of B. The rules are simple: most photos must be square and fit the theme word “kind”. Look for #kindasquare

Small But Beautiful Part 1

Kind Squares Photo Challenge #21 ~ Queensland: One of a Kind

Destination: Burleigh Head National Park Ocean View Circuit 

Even though Burleigh Head National Park is one of Australia’s smallest at just 27 hectares, it dominates the coastal vista. Rising 88 metres above the Coral Sea and covered with dense rainforest, the headland separates the beachside suburbs of Burleigh Heads and Palm Beach.

The ocean view circuit begins on the southern side of the park. The walking track skirts around the base of the headland, beginning with rainforest on one side and Tallebudgera Creek on the other before rounding the bend to the ocean side.

Unusual six sided basalt columns, remnants of volcanic activity 23 million years ago, lie in scattered piles beside the path. 

Groves of pandanus palms laden with ripening fruit grow on the protected edges of the creek,

while further around only the hardiest vegetation lives on the exposed rocky shore.

More of those hexagonal columns, created when molten lava from those long ago eruptions cooled very slowly, jut out of the hillside above. 

Around the last bend in the track, the northern suburbs of Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach come into view. 

This month I’m joining in every day with Becky’s October Kind Square Photo Challenge over at The Life of B. The rules are simple: most photos must be square and fit the theme word “kind”. Look for #kindasquare

Also joining Jo’s Monday Walks

Calm Waters

Kind Squares Photo Challenge #19 ~ Queensland: One of a Kind

Destination: Tallebudgera Creek, Gold Coast

The protected waters of Tallebudgera Creek have long been a favourite of Gold Coast holiday makers. Originating in the hinterland at Springbrook, the creek flows down the mountain range and through the Tallebudgera Valley for 25 kilometres before joining the Coral Sea between Burleigh Headland and Palm Beach. 

Tallebudgera is one of those places families return to year after year and many south eastern Queenslanders have fond memories of their first school camp beside the creek.

The sandy beach is perfect for picnics and the calm water is a haven for swimmers. It’s no surprise that the creek is popular with fishermen too – the name Tallebudgera means “good fishing” in the local indigenous language. 

This month I’m joining in every day with Becky’s October Kind Square Photo Challenge over at The Life of B. The rules are simple: most photos must be square and fit the theme word “kind”. Look for #kindasquare

Catching a Wave

Kind Squares Photo Challenge #18 ~ Queensland: One of a Kind

Destination: Burleigh Heads

Surfers take every opportunity to enjoy the sea and the sunshine at Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast.

This month I’m joining in every day with Becky’s October Kind Square Photo Challenge over at The Life of B. The rules are simple: most photos must be square and fit the theme word “kind”. Look for #kindasquare.

Carnival Time

Kind Squares Photo Challenge #1 ~ Queensland: One of a Kind

Destination: Toowoomba

Every year in the last week of September the Queensland city of Toowoomba celebrates the Carnival of Flowers although, like many community events this year, it’s been a little different. For the 51st Carnival, there was no grand floral parade down the main street or lavish food and wine festival in the park and many of the regular exhibitions featuring local arts and crafts were deferred until next year.

But for most visitors at Carnival time, the decorated floats and local produce are an added bonus. The beautiful gardens in full bloom are what they come to see and the heritage listed botanic gardens at Queens Park are the main attraction.

To achieve the stunning floral display, the city council gardening team starts work in April, planting up to 40,000 seedlings and 5,000 bulbs. Their efforts come to fruition in September when gardens overflow with colour, and this year has been no exception.

So if in the future you’re planning to come to Toowoomba, make sure you come at Carnival time – it’s the best time of year to visit.

This month I’m joining in every day with Becky’s October Kind Square Photo Challenge over at The Life of B. The rules are simple: most photos must be square and fit the theme word “kind”. Look for #kindasquare

See previous Carnivals here and here.

End of Day

Square Perspectives Photo Challenge ~ Australian Landscapes #23

Destination: Bulcock Beach, Caloundra, Sunshine Coast, Queensland

Life at the beach doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. In the middle of summer the evening air is balmy and the water is the perfect temperature.

As the eastern sky takes on a rosy sunset glow, friends and families gather for beach-side picnics.

In the west the sun sinks towards the horizon, laying down a gilt trail across the calm waters of Pumicestone Passage.

This is my favourite time of day at the beach.

 

While our travel plans are on hold I’m joining in every day with Becky’s July Square Perspectives Photo Challenge over at The Life of B. The rules are simple: photos must be square and fit the theme of perspective. My posts represent the definition of perspective as a vista – seeing something over distance or time.

The Seat of Power

Square Perspectives Photo Challenge ~ Australian Landscapes #18

Destination: Canberra, Australian Capital Territory

Parliament House, meeting place of Australia’s Federal Parliament

Main Entrance

Main Foyer

Internal Courtyard

House of Representatives

Senate

Australia’s Coat of Arms

 

While our travel plans are on hold I’m joining in every day with Becky’s July Square Perspectives Photo Challenge over at The Life of B. The rules are simple: photos must be square and fit the theme of perspective. My posts represent the definition of perspective as a vista – seeing something over distance or time.

Always Remembered

Square Perspectives Photo Challenge ~ Australian Landscapes #17

Destination: Canberra, Australian Capital Territory

In October and November 2018, the grounds of the Australian War Memorial in Canberra were transformed in a spectacular commemoration of the centenary of the end of World War One.

62,000 handcrafted poppies, created and donated by people from all around the world, spread across the lawns of the memorial in a sea of red.

Each unique poppy represented an Australian who died in the service of their country during the Great War.

At a time when Australia’s population was fewer than five million, a loss of 62,000 was immense.

Lest We Forget

 

While our travel plans are on hold I’m joining in every day with Becky’s July Square Perspectives Photo Challenge over at The Life of B. The rules are simple: photos must be square and fit the theme of perspective. My posts represent the definition of perspective as a vista – seeing something over distance or time.

Risen From the Ashes

Square Perspectives Photo Challenge ~ Australian Landscapes #16

Destination: Mount Stromlo Observatory, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory

On 18th January 2003 a firestorm raged through Canberra’s outer suburbs, destroying 470 homes and more than 70% of the ACT’s parks and farmland. One of the greatest losses occurred on Mount Stromlo where the Observatory, home of the Australian National University’s Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics, was located. Five historic telescopes were destroyed along with several buildings including the research facilities. Only the visitors’ centre and cafe were left untouched.

Today little remains of the damage caused by the fire’s fury. The original dome still stands although it is no longer used.

The lost buildings have been replaced and the astronomers and scientists continue their valuable work, which is explained in displays at the visitors’ centre. Looking out over the city and its surrounds from the deck at the cafe, it’s hard to imagine the devastation caused by the fires on that January day.

 

 

While our travel plans are on hold I’m joining in every day with Becky’s July Square Perspectives Photo Challenge over at The Life of B. The rules are simple: photos must be square and fit the theme of perspective. My posts represent the definition of perspective as a vista – seeing something over distance or time.