It’s that time of year again when the Christmas spirit is rising, the lights and the decorations are up and Christmas get togethers are in full swing – well, at least if you’re in an area which allows COVID-safe get togethers and you allow for social distancing. If you’re a parent of little ones, it might also be a time when you’re kept busy thinking up interesting overnight scenarios for visiting elfin scouts from the North Pole.
If that doesn’t make any sense to you, here’s a bit of an explanation for the non-parents of little ones or the uninitiated.
This quite recent social pre-Christmas social phenomenon started a few years back with a book (Elf on the Shelf). It’s all about special envoy elves who have been sent from the North Pole to homes where small and trusting children reside pre-Christmas on behalf of the big man in red to keep a check on who’s being naughty or nice and report back.
While they’re there, the elves can create a little bit of overnight mischief. Some fairly robust senses of humour and marvellous imaginations. The kids think it’s absolutely hysterical to wake up each morning to discover what prank they’ve played the previous night while they slept peacefully.
I love it! I particularly love that as a grandparent I’m not responsible for coming up with the ideas of what the elf should get up to overnight, and having to get out of bed at 3am when you suddenly remember you haven’t placed the elf in a new and interesting situation. My daughter is one of those. Just one more thing to add to the burden of parenting young children, some would cry.
But it is very funny, and the kids are delighted in the antics of the elf. And hopefully it keeps them on their toes and perhaps encourages a little more good behaviour.
Here’s a couple of examples of what Ben Elf has been up to lately in Canberra. It’s probably a good thing that no one spies on the elves to check their behaviour because they can sometimes be quite naughty themselves.
If there’s an elf near you, don’t forget the cardinal rule – they’re not to be touched. That takes away their magic.
Have you got any little Christmas elves in your life? What does he or she get up to?
With a 57 kilometre stretch of spectacular beaches, it’s easy to think of the Gold Coast primarily in terms of sun and sand.
But beyond the beaches is a world of coastal chic, fine food and an array of opportunities for indulgence, perfect for a girls’ getaway or romantic interlude.
There’s a fair bit of coast to cover from Coolangatta through to the northern tips and from water activities to designer-inspired high teas, so here are our tips on some of the best the central Gold Coast has to offer.
Eat and drink
Paddock Bakery
Behind a picket fence in a back street in the Miami ‘burbs lies a local secret. The quaint timber cottage (actually now two) and shaded courtyard is actually home to a humming cafe and bakery.
Pumping out breads, baked goodies and cronuts galore in full view, the much-awarded Paddock Bakery has a menu with a cornucopia of choices hot and cold.Look out for the milkshakes with a difference, house-pressed fresh juices or toasties on tap, and perhaps take home some dried flowers or a cactus.
The long lines outside attest that Commune Cafe, part of a hub of enterprises on the main road just out of Burleigh, is the place to be for breakfast or lunch.
With an array of tantalising home-cooked goodies and cakes, Commune also serves up a great selection of all-day eats with good vibes, with a focus on carefully and ethically sourced produce. Acai bowls and superfood smoothies abound. Don’t miss their pancakes, served with a sprinkling of fruits and a bit of a twist—literally.
Right next door, Light Years‘ (feature image) modern Asian diner and bar attracts the night time crowds and those on a girls’ night out, serving a variety of fresh, vibrant plates to share with Asian flavours on tap. Think bao buns, slaws and fragrant curries. Wash them down with a creative cocktail from the bar. Settle in for the night as the lights dim and the soundtrack kicks in.
If you’re serious about food, sophisticated restaurant Labart is a must-do. Previously heading up top restaurants in Sydney, Chef Alex, together with wife Karla, is shaking up the Burleigh dining scene with fine modern Australian dining with a touch of French around the edges.
Ethically sourced produce is key to their offerings, currently a set menu which changes with the season and availability. The wine menu features biodynamic and natural wines from unique producers. Sublime food, brilliant service.
Bustling Jimmy Wah‘s in downtown Burleigh delivers quality Vietnamese treats full of vibrant and piquant flavours, without the burn.
Under the smiling image of Jimmy Wah himself—of Good Morning Vietnam movie fame—the light timbered interiors whisper Scandinavia but the punchy fresh fare shouts pure Asia, presented with flair with a talented young chef at the helm.
The zesty cocktails will elevate the meals but don’t ignore the excellent wine list, the pride of owner Michelle.
A street back from the beach in Broadbeach, sleek and modern Miss Moneypenny‘s is all about great food with exquisite presentation and sometimes a bit of theatre.
Go it alone, tuck into shared plates or look out for their varying menu specials. The drinks are important here so leave room for a killer cocktail, or two. There’s even a bottomless lunch for the committed.
Relaxed and casual, Osteria del Mare pizzeria and restaurant is just about as authentically Italian as you can get. If the dinky-di accent of owner and chef Andrea doesn’t convince you, the real-deal pizzas cooked on stone and fresh-each-day homemade pastas will tip you over. Splash out on a whole bottle of the excellent Nero D’Avola to get into the Italian spirit.
When you want a bar and live music combined with a multitude of food choices, Miami Marketta has you sorted. A covered street-food marketplace with culinary offerings from all over the globe, it has a glam bar and a pumping vibe. The converted laneway even has little boutiques featuring local jewellery and fashion designers for those who like a bit of shopping with their meals.
For those unfamiliar with the stretch and variety of the Gold Coast, it can be a little confusing to gauge the (long) lay of the land.
Accommodation choices abound on the Gold Coast, so work out what sort of activities you want to do and where they are before deciding on accommodation. The good news is Queensland is reopening for visitors and deals abound.
Bujerum Apartments on Burleigh
Bujerum Apartments via @Bujerum Apartments via Instagram
When proximity to the beach is key, it doesn’t get any better than the lovely, light-filled Bujerum Apartments directly opposite Burleigh Beach, metres from the sand, minutes to the heart of town and just a hop, skip and jump to the national park.
An original two-storey establishment revamped with coastal style, this boutique complex offers two-bedroom self-catering apartments or one whopper three-bedroom one added on top. Views for days.
With a handful of spots in suburban Burleigh Heads and Mermaid Beach, The Halliday luxury homes away from home will have you living like a local in laid back luxury: whites, linens and naturals, spa-like bathrooms and special homey touches.
If travelling with a mob, choose between villas or a house to sleep up to six. Location is key, so you won’t have to venture far from home for great food and the sand.
Accommodation options at Burleigh Heads or Mermaid Beach | thehalliday.com.au
Palazzo Versace
One of only two Versace hotels in the world, Palazzo Versace is a haven of luxury and lavish Italian design washed down with superlative service.
Next door to Marina Mirage, it’s only minutes from the heart of Surfers Paradise if you want to hit the bright lights, or stay in and relax by the spectacular pool and lux surrounds and enjoy the five-star cuisine on offer. Oh, and there’s a spa.
Nothing says holidays like spa time. With branches dotted throughout the Gold Coast, Endota Spa allows you to step into their lightly scented melodic space and out of your daily grind for a little pampering and me-time. With a full spa menu of massages, facials and treatments on offer, the only difficulty is choosing your indulgence.
If you can’t bear to leave your mates, Greenhouse the Bathhouse—a modern boutique bathhouse and spa and rejuvenation space just outside Burleigh—offers communal and unisex spaces for soaking, steaming, plunging and relaxing, with optional massages if you choose. Take it with kombucha or even bubbles, but leave your phone and judgement behind.
Don your heels and glad rags and head to waterfront Palazzo Versace for an afternoon of indulgence and a delicious high tea, with or without some sparkling bubbles. Soak in the opulence and splendour of vibrant designer furnishings in an afternoon of sweet and savoury delights. Don’t forget to admire the remarkable chandelier adorning the foyer, originally destined for the home of the great designer himself.
It’s a thrill to witness a whale up close and personal and the best way to ensure a sighting is from a whale watching cruise where the experience of the vessel’s captain is on your side.
Sea World Cruises offer 2.5-hour sailings from May to November though prime migration season is June to October as the whales head north to breed or back to the Antarctic for a good feed with their little ones on board. You may spot some dolphins, sharks or turtles as well.
The only way to get to the Goldie from Canberra at the time of writing is by air, so you’ll need some transport to get around and explore while you’re there.
Gypsy-Rose the Kombi
For a truly unique ride around town, a beautifully restored sky blue 1972 Kombi by the name of Gypsy-Rose can be your carriage.
She comes with her own chauffeur, the delightful Brigid, who can organise an airport pick up or tailor a bespoke tour for groups of up to four (or three and a dog!) to see some of the highlights of the area and make recommendations on what to see and what not to miss. Photoshoot, anyone?
Take in the water views as you cruise on the hop on hop off Hopo Gold Coast Ferry. Travelling between places like Surfers, HOTA Home of the Arts and Marina Mirage, the ferries are a scenic and rather relaxed way to get around.There’s even some fascinating commentary on what you’re passing. Single trip tickets or day passes available. Look out for the house with the helipad.
With all that holiday eating and drinking, a bit of exercise may be in order and an electric bike ride is the perfect way to get active— without any real effort!E-bikes are available for hire by the hour or longer and the wide paths sweeping along the coast are perfect for a long, safe cruisey ride to take in the views.
If you’re prepared to get up VERY early, a float in a hot pink hot air balloon with GoBallooning will provide a Gold Coast sunrise like no other. The effervescent Murray and his team figure they’re in the business of making memories, not just piloting balloons, though fortunately they take the flying part very seriously. At the end you may even get to venture inside the balloon, help fold it up or perhaps breakfast at the Sheraton Mirage.
What’s a getaway without a little retail therapy? On the Goldie, options abound from big centres to markets and little surprises in suburban spots and industrial areas.
Just a wander from the beach in Burleigh is village-style James Street, where all sorts of boutiques and independent traders offer a plethora of homewares, organic skincare, boho creations and even fashions for little people.
Also in Burleigh, on the first and third Sundays of the month the school oval transforms into The Village Markets, a boutique designer market where local creatives and designers display their wares, with food trucks and live music on the side.
For something a little more upmarket with lots of linen or things with sparkle, with things for him as well as her, Marina Mirage has the goods.
Dedicated shoppers can head to Harbour Town outlet centre around 10 kilometres from Surfers to hunt out bargains from your favourite brand. There’s even a free shuttle from Broadbeach and Surfers though it’s currently suspended (COVID!)
Design lovers will also be sated by the recently redeveloped Pacific Fair, which houses the major department stores and brands on tap.
Originally published on HerCanberra on 29 October 2020
Photos @BoomingOn unless otherwise marked. The author was a guest of Destination Gold Coast.
This year has been one hell of a ride, and not in a good way. Between fires, plague and pestilence, as well as extraordinary political maelstrom, it could easily be described as a ‘dog’s breakfast’: that is, a right, royal mess.
It has, however, provided an incredible amount of fodder for the pens of Australian cartoonists (and no doubt of those the world over). It seems entirely reasonable then that this year’s annual exhibition of the best of Australian political cartoons, launched last Friday at the Museum of Australian Democracy (MOAD), bears that canine reference: Behind the Lines 2020: A Dog’s Breakfast.
I admire cartoonists greatly. Firstly their ability to draw, but also their ability to cut through a thick forest of complicated issues and emotions and deliver a succinct gut-punch with an image or two and a few deft words. Well, often much more than that (First Dog on the Moon—I’m looking at you) but you get the idea. As a lover of words who often struggles with verbosity, I admire that latter quality greatly, and as someone with no artistic ability, I admire the former quality even more.
From the video of Cathy Wilcox illustrating how to depict doggie emotions
The exhibition features 104 cartoon from 36 artists, which this year includes digital work as well. So little can tell so much. It takes us back through the crazy year that was revisiting some of the horrors and messes that befell us, and perhaps helps us make sense of it. Or perhaps not. It references:
a country on fire while the PM was MIA and the effects of climate change knocking very loudly, though some politicians and media worked hard to play that down;
politicians behaving very badly
and political corruption (sports rorts anyone?);
COVID shutdowns, working from home and struggles with mental health;
Cathy Wilcox, Today’s Anxiety Level, The Sydney Morning Herald//The Age, 5 August 2020
culture clashes;
Fiona Katauskas, Eureka Street, 28 July 2020
strange social phenomenons;
and so much more.
The works so often cut straight though to the heart of the matters, as distressing and infuriating that may be at times, and present us with the bald truth. They often expose the worst in us, particularly politicians no matter which side of the house they’re on, but thankfully also occasionally bring out the best in us: resilience among the mayhem.
The dog’s breakfast exhibition is cleverly curated into a number of themes, reinforced with some complementary doggy phrases and images and lots of poochy puns – digging for bones, what the pup, let off the leash. You get the picture.
The exhibition reminds me of a teacher from many decades ago, ahead of her times, who brought cartoons into class depicting the controversies and atrocities surrounding the Indonesian annexing of Timor and the killing of the Balibo Five in 1975. I didn’t fully understand then the powerful role those cartoonists were playing at a time when much was swept under the carpet and the importance of free speech and the role of journalism. In a year where attempts to restrict shut down or sideline investigations, stifle questions and prevent access to information have been rife, the freedom of expression displayed by cartoonists, along with their journalist colleagues, has never been more important.
Simon Kneebone, Australian Socialist, 1 March 2020
This year’s gong went to Sydney cartoonist, Cathy Wilcox (her second), a Sydney-based cartoonist for The Sydney Morning Herald and The MelbourneAge. Her work is brilliant: so much in so little. As Daryl Karp, Director of MOAD described at the launch, through her cartoons Cathy captured the momentous events of the year as seen by ordinary Australians.
The cartoon selected as best in house was so insightful, so emotive, so close to the painful bone that it didn’t even run in all papers across Australia. In Victoria, the heart of the disaster, it would have been just too much.
Dr Karl was there at the launch (no, I’m not going to attempt his last name – you know who I’m talking about) to try to make sense of the some of the science underpinning some of the happenings of the year. He provided a raft of interesting titbits from his bulging store of fascinating facts though I’m still not convinced anything can properly explain the toilet paper hoarding effect. And you do have to admire a man who co-ordinates his joyful shirts with his socks.
If you live in Canberra, get yourself to this exhibition for a perusal of 2020 and its various disasters and political freefall in pictorial precis. If you don’t live here, consider a trip just to check it out, or perhaps take a peek online. You don’t even have to hurry—it’s on for a whole year.
2020 has certainly been a doozy of a year, but we have to hang on to optimism for the next one. As Cathy Wilcox wrote on the book I just had to purchase containing the entire collection of cartoons from the exhibition, ‘Next year’s going to be great.’
It seemed like such a great idea in the planning. How about we escape for a couple of nights away, just me, my daughter and her three little children for a bit of down time away from life’s responsibilities. Something really laid back and easy so there’d be no stress and somewhere fairly close to home so there wouldn’t be much driving.
Have a relaxing weekend, they said!
To be honest, I think it might have actually been me that said that.
We found accommodation that was perfect for our needs: the large upstairs of someone’s house down near the coast. Not particularly salubrious but it also came with five separate bedrooms for spreading out, a kitchenette and a portacot, and – most importantly for the kids – a massive library with thousands of books, and most of them for children. New books, old books, classics from my childhood, classics from their childhoods. It even included a complete set of National Geographics dating from the ’60s and a set of Childcraft encyclopedias. I could have lost myself for days among them, if only I’d had the chance. It even came with a little cane table and chairs complete with teas sets all ready for tiny little tea parties. Perfect!
Outside was just as exciting. A low-hanging tree swing, an encircling timber verandah with kids tractors to ride around it on, a rocking horse, and a huge backyard, neatly mowed and complete with cricket bats and stumps perfect for backyard cricket, a complete revelation for Master 4 who’d never held a cricket bat before. And there was more excitement on the animal front: visits from a friendly cat, a flock of sheep in the next paddock and early morning visits from wandering kangaroos. Plus, it was not too far from the beach for a day of sun and sand. A kids’ paradise really.
In short, it had everything that could possibly make little kids happy for an entire weekend, or at least a full day. You’d think with all that going on, everyone would be deliriously happy.
But you’d be wrong.
Well, to be fair, they were deliriously happy at many times, but not necessarily all at the same time. With three, there’s a good chance that one will be over tired, over excited, or grumpy or hungry at any one given moment, maybe even two at the same time. Either that or injured, perhaps from skidding wildly down the walkway at the coast lookout that’s paved with industrial strength gravel, a little bit like a cheese grater on steroids that’s clearly designed to shred small children’s knees and leave permanent scars, or perhaps from taking terrifying leaps from tables onto fences or perhaps onto soaring monkey bars at the park, and missing completely.
Aah yes, what it’s like to take a holiday with a pack of small children came flooding back to me within hours of leaving home, after we’d been through 27 different car games and adjudicated twelve fights. I’d actually forgotten how thoroughly exhausting little people can be for long periods, and just how much food they can consume in a three hour car trip, and how much of it misses their mouths and lands in the car instead, and just how resistant a two year old can be to going to sleep, even at 10 pm.
I’m a pretty hands-on grandma and I see these kids nearly every day, with many a day out and sleepovers galore. But I’m telling you, this was intense! I love these little people with all my might, but dear God – they’re exhausting, and that was after less than 48 hours uninterrupted time in their company.
Normally when I’m away on a little trip I’m all about reporting back on the best cafes, sights to see, things to do. Sorry – not this time. Too much juggling going on. I can tell you the beach at Tathra was lovely, the hotel overlooking the coast at the top of the hill an excellent place for dinner with kids, and that you need to take extreme caution on that razor sharp coastal walkway.
When I arrived home at the end of the weekend, I was completely shattered. Done in. Exhausted. I thought I’d have a quick snooze on the couch at 7 pm to liven myself up for the evening but instead I gave in and slept for a solid 13 hours instead, and then snoozed for another hour when I woke up. And there is not the least bit of exaggeration in that statement. Not one bit. Why can’t kids sleep like that, I ask you?
I immediately had immense sympathies for the mother who didn’t get that same respite on her return but instead got another three days home alone with them while Dad was away on business. And yes, of course we helped – it would be cruel not to.
And guess what? Number 4 is due early next year, which will tip the odds even further in their favour.
I now have renewed respect for all parents of small people and I’d like to remind each and every one of them out there with little ones – you’re doing a great job.
I’m sitting in a gorgeous white timber cottage perched at the bottom of a sprawling garden flushed with spring in the midst of the Southern Highlands. I have coffee at my fingertips, tiny fairy lights draped not far from my head, it’s pattering rain outside and there’s not a soul around. As Joan Armatrading sang several decades ago, it’s just me, myself, I—and I’m in seventh heaven.
It’s been a busy few months of being on the road and in other people’s places. We made a mad dash up north just before the Queensland borders were due to shut in early August (for the second time) to make sure we’d be there in time to greet the newest grandbub and provide some support for the one giving birth and the toddler in tow. We made the border crossing (by a couple of hours) after a long inland trek, and then came a long wait. As it turned out, the borders opened again for flying visitors just prior to the main event, but we weren’t to know that at the time. It meant though we had an unexpectedly long visit in the Sunshine State.
Firsty, it was a time to really get to know the little blond one. There were many long walks and excursions, and trying out as many parks in Brisbane as possible. At each one, we had to start with a picnic with the carefully packed lunchbox and picnic rug. Sometimes we would have three picnics on one visit. This is a child who is very committed to food and a routine.
There was a lot of time to explore Brisbane, usually with a little one in tow, and most of the activities were daytime ones. I’ve been trying to keep up on social media but there are more tales to tell of places to go and things to see.
We took the chance to wander a little north and spend a couple of weeks in Sunshine Beach, located just minutes from Noosa. A delightful spot indeed and time to wander and take many photos. I even read a book, a rare feat for me these days. And yes – there was much eating of great food. Had we known the bub would be a late arrival, we would have stayed longer.
All of this took place with the most marvellous display of weather. As a Canberran, let me attest to the glory of a Queensland winter and early spring. While I adore my hometown and her great beauty, even in winter, it was rather nice to escape that little icy/snow episode that befell the capital in August and lounge in the norther winter sun instead, interrupted as it was by many grandparent duties. This should become an annual pilgrimage.
The baby arrived safely, and she is a delight. Perfection really. Of course, all grandparents say that, and they’re probably all right. Here she is in her newborn glory if you want proof.
Not long after, we headed south and took a break on the Gold Coast, rediscovering areas I explored long ago as a teen. This visit was far more fancy than the one I had during school days, with much less beach-going and sunbaking, and I have much to share. Given my predisposition to good food, recommendations of great places to eat will feature highly.
It’s been a strange time, moving around carefully (and traceably) but freely while others in Australia—and indeed the rest of the world—are so restricted and doing it tough. It’s been good to be able to support businesses as we go but there are many signs that things are far from normal and difficult. The abundance of empty business premises and closed cafes and restaurants attest to the turmoil and tragedy that confronts so many. And that was in Queensland.
And then, I will be home in my own bed, in my own house, in my hometown, and that will be lovely. No doubt there will be many visits from other little people who’ve missed us dearly, and a sleepover with lots of grandchildren, and that will be lovely too.
It’s National Op Shop Week in Australia, and for anyone with an interest in retail therapy, community works or reducing waste, this is a week well worth celebrating.
The week, from 28 September to 4 October, is all about raising awareness about shopping at op shops and the great things it does for our community, environment and budget.
In recent years, shopping at Op Shops—charity stores, thrift shops, call them what you will—has become the new black of shopping. No longer is it an a place where just those struggling with life’s demands went to shop. While op shops certainly still support those doing it tough, they do a whole lot more besides. Nowadays, picking up a bargain at an op shop is quite on trend, for all sorts of reasons, and even some of the celebrities we see on tele choose to dress from their op shop finds.
I have to say I’ve been a big fan of op shopping for many years and have picked up some brilliant finds over the years. Not just scouting for things to wear for dress ups, but there’s some serious high fashion to be found with a little practice and patience. One of my faves is a ivory lace jacket I snapped up for $18 and recently wore to a wedding. And just days ago I picked up a fab pair of classic black pants, as new Vera Wang, for $8. Winning!
But of course it’s not all about the great items you can find at bargain prices. These stores are doing a great service for the community and the stores fund a range of good works, like domestic violence refuges, homelessness services, migrant and refuge assistance, food vans and food vouchers, drug and alcohol counselling and disaster relief.
On top of that, the proliferation of op shops means that a hell of a lot of material otherwise destined for landfill is being recycled and reused—and that’s a hugely important thing to do in these days of wanton resource overload.
As Craig Ruecassel, creator of ABC’s War on Waste and supporter of Op Shop Week says, “As we discovered in the War on Waste, clothes are a huge part of our waste stream. Donating clothes to op shops means they can be re-sold and that money goes to great causes.”
The retail shopping that keeps on giving!
If shopping at op shops isn’t your thing, fear not – there are other ways you can get involved.
Declutter – You can take the opportunity to do a spring wardrobe or garage clean out and donate items to your local store. Be mindful though—they don’t want rubbish, and anything they have to take to landfill themselves costs them money, which could otherwise have gone to providing services. If you have electrical items or furniture, you might have to check first with local stores as different places have different rules in play about what they accept. During these days of COVID-19, some other restrictions may be in place as well.
2. Volunteer – It’s a great way of keeping busy and being useful and it’s also a good way for young people to get some brownie points and retail experience. Some stores have really elevated their visual displays so there’s some opportunities to learn some merchandising skills as well.
But if it is your thing and you need some tips on how to get the most out of your op shopping, I’ve got you covered:
Happy decluttering, op shopping or volunteering – the choice is yours!
Are you an Op Shop fan? What are your best finds?
My find from two weeks ago – $5 gummies, along with a whole bag of books for $6. I chose about 10 pristine interesting ones but there was heaps of room left.
It’s 20 years since the 2000 Olympic Games were held in Sydney. It was the year Australia put on a great big party and invited the world, even though we ended up doing most of the partying ourselves.
I was seriously excited for those games. I’m not generally a great sports fan but this wasn’t just sports: this was a world event, and in 2000 it was playing out in our own backyard. History in the making.
The opening ceremony was the big ticket item. So big you had to go in a lottery draw to win the chance to buy a ticket. I desperately wanted to go but didn’t manage a win. Instead I counted down the days until it was on and watched every second of it live and pretended I was there. I bought the CD soon after and sang along madly with John and Olivia and Nicky and Tina and Vanessa too, although I could never get anywhere near those ear-piercing screams she emitted at the end of her song fit to burst an eardrum.
It was a spectacular opening and everything we hoped it would be, from our favourite singers, extraordinary visuals, our history summarised in dance and symbols, and horses galore galloping to the rousing strains of The Man from Snowy River. Well apart from those four excruciatingly long minutes when the lighted cauldron failed to lift as it should, and left Cathy Freeman standing in front of the world expectantly, a flaming torch held aloft in her hand and a torrent of panicked expletives in her ear, waiting for something to happen. What a remarkably calm performance she put on, slowly turning around at one point as if it was orchestrated. We watched with bated breathe and white knuckles hoping something would happen and thankfully finally it did as the back up plan kicked into gear, luckily just seconds before all the gas ran out entirely and we were shamed before the entire world. We all breathed a big sigh of relief and cheered some more. How proud we were to be Australian.
This was possibly a once in a lifetime event and we were super keen to go along and be part of the event as a young family. We travelled up to Sydney to attend the modern pentathlon event. I didn’t even know what a modern pentathlon was before we went, but it was excellent value and suited our budget and seemed to have our name written on it. In case you’re wondering, it consists of five events: fencing, shooting, swimming, horse riding (show jumping) and (3 kilometre) long distance running. That meant it kept us busy for the whole day following the competitors around the different events and venues.
As it turned out the Australian guy didn’t do all that well (Robert McGregor was his name, I had to look that up) and he came 20th out of 24th, but as he bowed out of contention for a decent placing he ‘handed ‘over the crowd to his Italian competitor instead so we all started barracking madly for him instead.
I can’t remember who won. I do remember though how friendly everyone was and how much fun we had. The crowds were huge, a solid seething mass making its way down Olympic Parade at Homebush, but no one was in a hurry and no one pushed or shoved. Everyone was just happy to be there and that’s what made it so extraordinary. (It was also extraordinary that the ever-smiling volunteers didn’t disappear entirely under their massive, multi-coloured vollie-outfits.)
In fact, the mood for the day was set on the way there. With an 11 and 13 year old in tow, we were wandering along a main road heading towards the bus stop to catch the designated Olympics bus. We saw it coming and had a bit of a vain attempt at running up the hill towards the stop but gave it up as a lost cause and resumed our walking pace. As we got to the top of the hill, lo and behold, the bus driver had seen us (the kids and backpacks must have made it obvious where we were headed) and was waiting for us! How could that be? Bus drivers in Sydney don’t wait for you! So we picked up our pace and boarded the bus, and then the other passengers cheered. Welcome to Sydney 2000!
That night we ventured into the city of Sydney and joined thousands of others watching the games from huge screens in Martin Place and other venues dotted across the city. It was just one big party. On the train home, we got into conversation with other passengers about the events, everyone excited and animated. It was a city transformed – people talking to each other and interacting like never before. It was like the whole city was on happy pills.
There’s so much great stuff to recall from those games, including the great tally of wins and medals of course, from expected places and unexpected ones, and other cherished moments as well, like Eric the Eel from Equatorial Guinea struggling through his heat of the 100 metre freestyle, barely able keep his head above water at the end but with the whole stadium going crazy and the whole of Australia urging him on. We witnessed the making of Ian Thorpe, the revelations of beach volleyball, that wild high jumper and our adopted Russian pole vaulter, and the straight-shooting Simon Fairweather of gold medal archery fame (who incidentally came around for dinner at our house some months later, the then partner of a girl my hubbie used to work with, when we discussed how the bow makes a permanent dint in archers’ noses!). And of course we celebrated Cathy Freeman’s legendary win in her green space suit in the 400 metres in a moment forever etched into our collective memories.
And to top it all off each evening, we got to spend two hours with Roy and HG on The Dream, and listen to their hilarious gymnastics commentary which traversed and sometimes confused the rest of the world and introduced new words into Australian lexicon, like battered sav and hello boys, and a fat-arsed wombat became just as famous as a mascot for the games as Matilda the ‘roo was and perhaps more beloved.
It’s very different this year, which should be an Olympic year. It must be incredibly disappointing for all those athletes who were training for this year’s event and who had their dreams snatched from them. Hopefully they’ll have another chance to make another games and reach those dreams.
Thanks for the memories, Sydney 2000 – you were bloody great. In fact, in the inimitable words of Juan Antonio Samaranch, you were the greatest games ever.
What about you? Did you go? What did you get to see?
Often a break on the Sunshine Coast means sand and sun and long days on the beach and Noosa tends to feature strongly. But if you venture just a little further afield and a little bit inland, there are some little gems to discover including historic Cooroy.
Cooroy is a small heritage village in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, an easy 20 minute drive from Noosa. Starting life in the 1860s on the back of the tall timber stands in the region, the village grew as the railway reached town thirty years later and supported the local forestry and dairying industries. It once housed two sawmills and a butter factory, but nowadays plays host to an internationally acclaimed library and national body art festival instead. Of course, not this year folks, thanks to Rona.
A walk around town with a historic walking trail map in hand (available from the library or local tourist offices) will reveal a lot about the town’s past days. Don’t miss the railway station, the post office and the timber drying kiln, all heritage listed. If you want to delve a little deeper, drop in to nearby Pomona to visit the Noosa Shire history museum. It was founded by the Cooroora Historical Society in 1985 mainly as a means to preserve what was rapidly disappearing of the past and is open Tuesday to Thursday and Saturday from 10am to 3pm.
The forestry and industries of days of old may have disappeared but Cooroy is reinventing itself with a little bit of cool. It even has its very own app which introduces you to the business around town and all the latest events and happenings. Just type in Cooroy into your App Store on your Iphone (everyone’s got one of those, right?).
Parts of Cooroy’s history have been reimagined. The Butter Factory, operating from 1915 to 1975, now serves as a vibrant arts centre with regular exhibitions, events and workshops where you can release your inner artist. We were fortunate to luck the Maleny Cream @ the Butter Factory exhibition featuring ceramics, sculptures, paintings and drawings by a range of talented artists. If you’re in the area, you’ll have be quick to get a look as it’s only on until 8 September. The whimsical little creations made from childhood treasures were delightful. Baby boomers – keep your eyes out for the old cuisinnaire rods that appear in a couple of the pieces.
If you’re looking for the newer cool side of town, you must drop into the local library, awarded as one of the six coolest libraries in the world. The world! Built in 2009, this innovative building cut into the ground boasts a grassed roof that doubles as an ampitheatre, complete with a little garden and its own supply of frill necked lizards out the back. Apart from books and cutting edge technology, it also features a terrific little shopfront selling the wares of local artists and groups as well as a cafe and various community spaces including workshop area which runs a series of workshops on various topics. It even has its own robot called Dewey.
There’s a plethora of cafes and places to eat in the village. In fact, the local librarian told me there’s actually a choice of 30 from whence to get your caffeine fix. The hotel is a hub of activity with a string of events and live music gigs. It’s not the original hotel; sadly the grand old timber one burnt down which seemed to be the fate of a lot of buildings around the area.
If you venture a little further out you’ll find The Shed at Cooroy, a cute cafe doubling as a vintage and retro shop where old is becoming the new chic and you may end up taking home more than you intended. Just around the corner is Hinter auctions which has just started regular auctions of old and interesting stuff.
Fairly new kid on the block is Copperhead microbrewery, a small bespoke brewery of warm timbers and cool stone which produces a number of unique brews including its ‘experimental batches’ or EBs. It doesn’t wholesale anywhere so you have to try them onsite. It’s a brewery which pays just as much attention to the food as they do to their ever changing array of beers. As a non-beer drinker, I turned instead to the gin collection and discovered a blood orange gin by Nosferatu. I might even have added a bottle of that to my own collection the very next day.
We didn’t even get to venture to the nearby hinterland villages of Ponoma and Kenilworth, or get to visit Lake Macdonald or the nearby Noosa Botanic Gardens. Next time.
We’re leaving winter behind for another year. I do love living in a place like Canberra with four distinct seasons, each with their benefits, and each year I relish the gorgeous photographic scenes winter affords me in Canberra.
I have to say though that I don’t always relish the cold temps that come with it, and by the end of August I’m ready for some more warmth and long days in the sun.
Because I didn’t have a car for six weeks of the two months of winter in Canberra I had, my opportunities to go out exploring on a crisp icy morning or days when the fog lingered as much as I’d have liked, but here’s a few scenes from when I did manage an outing.
So long winter with your icy morns, bare branches and soft hues.
Now I’m ready for spring.
What about you? What’s your favourite season? Do you like winter?
The last couple of weeks have been a little unexpected. I’d planned to be at home in Canberra all August to see out winter with a long to-do list to hand, but suddenly the borders to Queensland were going to close (you know, that COVID thing) and all in a rush we found ourselves racing off north to beat it.
There was a reason for the mad rush: the next grandbaby is due to arrive in September and we’re the planned support carers. It meant if we didn’t go then (ie, way earlier than planned), we mightn’t get in at all for the birth and may not even be able to meet bubs for six months or more the way things are going with this wretched virus.
So off we went on a loong drive north and made it through on the last evening.
Then we were suddenly staying in someone else’s house nearly a whole month earlier than planned. A two month stay is a long one so thoughts of a little pre-baby getaway were quickly hatched.
Hello Sunshine Coast!
In particular, hello Sunshine Beach. For those unacquainted with this gem of a place, it’s a little beachside village just ten minutes from Noosa Heads and all the other Noosa-somethings. With a lovely collection of shops, restaurants, cafes and its own surf club, it’s big enough but not too big at all, and of course, it has beaches and trails through the national park for days. It’s considered low season at the moment as we’re still in winter, but let me tell you – winter in Queensland is a pretty terrific sort of thing. I thought it was particularly terrific on the day Canberra shivered through a little bit of sleet and snow and I wandered barefoot on the sand.
There’s a lot to see and do and eat and explore around this neck of the woods, especially if you’re intent on doing it at a very relaxed pace. There’ll be some posts coming soon on some of my favourite finds to assist those who may be visiting soon.
But in the meantime, here’s a little pictorial summary of some of the highlights.
We booked for a week. We stayed for two. We’re planning to come back, and we might even have been having a little peek at real estate. It’s been a pretty nice stay.
BoomingOn 