Surprisingly impressive. From begging to end. Our day, as usual, started early in the morning. Not that it mattered because everything was going to open around 9 am. However, we got it all planned.
Before even having breakfast, we headed out to Rainbow Bay. We read that the place gets really crowded and its fast. It was a weekend so we figured it was going to be even worse. We were right. We almost didn’t find any parking around. It was free, but the challenge was finding one!
After going around in circles, we were lucky enough to get one close. The beach was a few steps away and the weather was pretty comfortable. Once there, we noticed the reason of why its gets extremely crowded.
The beach was already filled with surfers that want to have the best waves before all tourists come and invade. Understandable, and definitely worth watching!
Definitely, very fun. We spend a few hours just enjoying the indescribable views and seeing how the playful surfers challenged the force of nature. When we knew breakfast was being served at our hotel, we headed back.
We were hoping for the best. We had been running around the past days and were exhausted. Unfortunately, the meal was not great. Basically, we had to fish for any food that was stored at the fridge. Just a toast, sliced fruit and yogurt.
The worse part is that the hotel owner got angry because we went into the tiny room he had available for breakfast with a little sand in our shoes. He made us take them off and then took them away without even telling us! How inconsiderate. We were at a beach town! OMG! Please DO NOT not consider staying at Tweed Harbour Motor Inn. Ugh!
We had no time to waste. We had a 40 minute drive to the city and we wanted to get there as soon as we could. We packed, ate and left fast!
On the way we had to stop to see the famous Cougal Cascades: an easy 1.6 kilometers walking track. We got to the parking and suddenly started to freak out. There was a big sign warning tourists about leaving valuables inside the cars. Apparently, there are thieves that like to be around.
Ok, we were going to be careful and fast. The weather was still cool enough so the hike was easy. People were just starting to arrive, so there was not a big crowd. It took us about 20 minutes to the end and this is what we got to see.
The Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk was next on our list. We arrived at lunch time, so again felt like our lucky day. We had plenty of fun going around their hanging bridges and contemplating the magnificent landscape.
The place was getting hotter, but fortunately the place stays pretty fresh. After all, we were surrounded by tall trees that did not allow straight sunlight to come in. Just from time to time, we could hit a few rays. How green, what a magical place!
After lunch, our next destination was going to be the Skypoint Observation Deck. We really wanted to get the best views of the modern city. What a wise decision, the place doesn’t disappoint.
360 Degrees of magnificent views all the way around. We did get the $27 entry that allowed us to get to the top. However, we regretted not getting the $39 option that included dining-in (really just a $20 voucher). After all we were actually arriving there around lunch time. Why didn’t we think about it? Well, sounds like a scam.
To be honest, most of the people there were eating and they all look like yummy meals -pizzas, sandwiches (probably the less expensive stuff). However, we did miss that experience!
We enjoyed the views all the way around. Went in circles at least five times. I definitely loved the place and the good vibes. What a majestic city! I definitely didn’t see that coming. Wow!
Immediately after, we headed to The Spit Gold Coast: a city lookout point. We might as well do that! We both loved the views. We drove for 21 minutes, encountered a flood in the middle of the road, went around it, and reached our final destination. All within 25 minutes. Not bad at all!
Well, it turns out that the walk to the viewpoint is about 15 minutes away from the parking lot. The day was very hot and we were exhausted already. We can do it!
We took it nice and easy. We enjoyed the easy walk and got to the lookout with no problem and no people around. Just one couple or two. The view of the ocean was magnificent. Lots of angry waves hitting the rocks and at the horizon a view of the marvelous city.
The best was saved for last. We were finally going to visit the Gloworm Caves. Their tours last 30 minutes and run daily from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, at a maximum capacity of 20 people. It was only $14 per adult.
We got there with plenty of time and actually we were allowed to jump into an earlier tour. For this one, we could not take pictures or even talk. Is was all about protecting the glowworms and we did understood.
At the beginning, the guide walked us your through the caves. She explained the formation, care and history behind them. Even told a few jokes about their shapes. But where were the glowworms?
Well, it turns out that going through the cave was going to be the longest part. The place was good though. Not as chill as I thought. Then, we were going to be taking a boat. Yay! The time had come.
Indeed, we jumped into the boat at quiet as we could. From there on, was pure bliss. As soon as there was no light around, stars appeared as if we were staring at the night sky. I couldn’t stop staring. I think my breathe even stopped. Again, and again: WOW!
We made a few turns around inside a very small cave and all of the sudden the whole experience was gone! How sad! I guess we should have paid to take the tour not to one, but to the two caves.
How would we have known? Peace of advice: this experience is majestic and its unique in the area. You might as well try to do them all!
Sweet and bitter taste. But how wonderful is nature!
Wookitu 