The kids have taken themselves off to explore and I am happily reading up about this lovely property.
The sparkling white is a delight!
Months ago I purchased one of those 50% off on-line deals for lunch here. The expiry date for the voucher long came and went but the winery still obliged and honoured the voucher. Feeling very grateful and happy today is lovely.
They normally have a lunch time special; 2 courses for $35 or 3 courses for $45. Accompanying the specials menu (yummy soup, pork belly, and calamari for entree today, Chicken rolled in proscioto/parmesan , barramundi or vegetarian rissotto) and delicious desserts.
It’s a glorious winter’s day and it’s school holidays on the Gold Coast.
I’m up on Mt Tamborine which is about a 45 minute drive from central Gold Coast. There are a few ways to the summit and the ridge along the top is scattered with vineyards, restaurants, coffee houses, walks, a sky walk and the part where my daughter is going, Thunderbird park.
I drop her off to do the tree top challenge and I head off to a vineyard to do some work.
My friend owns Cedar Creek Wineries and their sparkling white is fantastic. Unfortunately they are booked out for lunch so I head next door to Mason Wineries.
I am pleasantly surprised!
Run by a worldly couple Dylan and Suraya, the vineyard has a happy feel.
A favourite local escape is to Couran Cove on South Stradbroke Island off the Gold Coast.
Fresh prawns Couran Cove
Self contained apartments that are cool and offer all the necessaries (fridge, hot top, bath etc) with great views. Ramada Hotel Chain managed the property for awhile but I am not too sure who owns it now.
Sometimes I take the children, other times I go alone. Today was a short day trip.
A few hours on the island can feel like a substantial time. I catch the 930am ferry over and by 10.20am have set up pool side.
There are lots of things to do and the resort welcomes day trippers.
View from the pool
As a day tripper you can moor your boat at the marina and use the facilities.
There’s an easy walk (approx 45 minutes) to the other of the resort bringing you to the open sea.
The beach is beautiful and usually deserted.
If you bring children they can play in the adventure playground, ride bikes, run across the duck board walk, stand up paddle, kayak in the safe moat and play in the pool.
The pool in the middle of the resort is BIG. I love it for doing laps, for cooling off or playing with the kids. What I really like is the laid back Aussie atmosphere and chance to sip a cocktail pool side. It FEELs like holidays should feel.
Today I set up my temporary office and dive into some blogs and admin.
There is Australian wildlife every where. Milling around on the grass areas such as wallabies and kangaroos. Kookaburras, butcher birds and magpies. Very occasionally you will see a goanna runing across the sand.
It’s very cool, user friendly and relaxing.
The Thai Beef salad at Couran Cove
Today I ate the Thai Beef Salad, which was really delicious and appropriately priced.
