Only two short hours away and Surfers Paradise could not be more different from Byron Bay. The endless stretch of white sand is surrounded by sky scrapping hotels, shopping malls, and night clubs. It's more of a tourist destination than a backpackers paradise. We stayed at the Surfers Paradise Backpackers Resort, which was again a motel style hostel, this time equipped with a tennis court as well.
We indulged in the nightlife a few times over the week but mostly we laid low and hung out with our lovely british roomates. Other than lying on the beach, as usual, we took a trip out to one of the many theme parks that Surfers is famous for. Wet'N Wild is a giant water park with huge slides, a wave pool and even a rollercoaster. We spent the entire day there and managed to go on every slide once, mainly because of the massive school group that was there, but also because there was so many things to do.
We also walked to a park called Cascade gardens and spent a day taking pictures and wandering around. The gardens are famous for all of the bats that sleep in the trees during the day. When the air began to smell like guano we figured that we had found them. Looking up we could see nearly a thousand of the creatures hanging out upside down in the foliage.
We found so many jellyfish washed up all over the beach. Stepping on them was unavoidable and an overal lifechanging experience. They have the strangest texture.
After a week in paradise its time to move on. Brisbane is next on the list but who knows for how long!
Dear Eva:
ReplyDeleteHappy Easter! Thinking about you and wondering how you will celebrate. I wonder if the Easter bunny visits or maybe it is the Easter koala! We are really enjoying your wonderful photos and fantastic writing. I loved the photo of the bats "hanging out". I was surprised that they would be visible during the day. The one of the jelly fish was also very neat. It sure sounds like Australians know how to have fun with all the parks, etc. I was also impressed at the number of art galleries you have visited. Have you seen a lot of work by local artists? We are so happy for you and that you are having so many unforgettable experiences. Take care of yourself and keep those amazing photos and writings coming. Love you lots, Auntie Carol & Uncle Gianfranco
Hi Hon,
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to keep up with your adventure from afar. You write a good read and the snaps are great. Hope the trip to Brisbane went without a snag and that you find tons of interesting things (other than jellyfish) to trip over.
Luv ya
Pops
Thanks for the Easter wishes! It definitely wasn't the same as a home cooked meal but I'll write about what Sabrina and I ended up doing instead. I would have called to chat with all of you but it worked out to be about 4 am over here!
ReplyDeletexoxo