Coolangatta - the Southern Gold Coast

Light House at Byron Bay

We've been delighted to stay in this magical Australian region called the Tweed.   It's spring here and we've been surprised to see some Florida-type foliage, i.e., the purple Jackaranda trees blooming.  Millions of years ago an ancient "shield" volcano,  erupted and as a result, a huge caldera formed that is the largest in the southern hemisphere.  In the center is Mt. Warning, which can be seen from just about anywhere in the area.  There is a flat fertile region of land where sugarcane is the major crop along with other fruits and vegetables.  Then, there are amazing rainforests that are World Heritage sites.  To top that off, there are tracks of highlands radiating out to give breathtaking views along with magnificent beaches with white sand.

We're so glad that the Friendship Force had a second home stay arranged for us in this magnificent area that is not always known to tourists.  The week has flown by with activities arranged for us daily. 

The Southern Gold Coast extends south from Coolangatta on the Queensland border beyond Byron Bay, the most eastern point in Australia. Helen drove us down where we visited a famous lighthouse and trecked down a gorgeous beachside trail with breathtaking views.  Yesterday, the highlight was a visit to Flaeys Fauna Park with lunch at the Currumbin Surf Club that overlooked the beach. 

It's interesting to see how important surfing and live guarding/saving is to the Australians.  They really stress safe water activities to their children and we saw many school groups having classes along the beach.  All the children have summer uniforms consisting of shorts and shirts with colors of their schools - and they are issued hats which must be worn in the sunshine. 

We were also surprised at how many people enjoy the sport of lawn bowling.  We were told that it is quite different from the Italian game of bocci ball.   There are lots of lawn bowling centers around with fancy clubs attached to them.  Everyone seems to be having a super time!

Tomorrow, we are scheduled for a boat trip on the Tweed River.  Never a dull moment for us!