Coff's Harbour to Brisbane

Started off fairly early after a drug-free and therefore slightly disturbed night, bidding a willing farewell to the CH Novotel. Unfortunately the local zoo, on our route north, closed a while ago so no koalas today. I just *have* to see a koala. Apart from the exciting appearance of a roo just before Grafton, the drive up to the Clarence valley was fast and uneventful. Gum trees gave way to ranch land, and then, near the Clarence itself, sugar cane and houses on stilts. We decided to take a detour to Yamba, at the river mouth, for an early lunch. Yamba was a lovely but slightly strange place. Lots of he by now almost boring perfect beaches, a lighthouse and a tidy town centre with a very American feel to it. As usual, seemingly uncontrolled but very tasteful development along the road into the town and the sea shore. Had a sandwich at the Caper Berry Cafe, and then sent a duty post card to work.

After lunch, back to the Pacific Highway as far as the big smoke Ballina (home of the Big Prawn!) where we turned off onto the coast road to Byron Bay via Lennox Head. Took a walk along the completely unspoiled 7-mile beach, and saw my first Australian jellyfish on the sand. Prodded at them with a stone, carefully as they were probably deadly poisonous. Everything is around here, they say. Got my feet wet though. Water temperature:balmy.




Stopped again slightly farther along at Cape Byron (named by Captain Cook after one of the famous Byron's predecessors, apparently) where we parked up to walk to the lighthouse. Due to a slight error in navigation which I put down to inadequate local signage, Dad and I had an unexpectedly long and steep walk through some interesting coastal rain forest. We then, having firmly fixed the position of the lighthouse, drove to it. Australia's most easterly point has absolutely stunning views over Byron Bay and the hills beyond. Stayed long enough to have a mango and macadamia gelato, during the consumption of which we saw a humpback whale breach off shore.

Hit the road again northwards, with development increasing gradually towards the Queensland border. We left the main road again at Tweed Heads to drive through Coolangatta and Surfers' Paradise on the Gold Coast. Dad was last here over 50 years ago, when his ship was in Brisbane and he took a trip on a day off. Apparently he flew back from Coolangatta in a Viscount and was the only passenger, attended to be three stewardesses. He confessed to enjoying the experience. Anyway, the only thing to be said about the Gold Coast is that it is like Shagaluf of somewhere equally awful, but on a massive scale. We thought we'd never get out. Endless ribbon development and high rise apartments. Not classy. Not classy at all.

Finally the schlep round Brisbane to the delightful Novotel at the airport, form where we have an early flight to Cairns tomorrow.

Location:Brisbane airport Novotel