Hot Air and Horse Shows...
Trip Start
Jun 03, 2010
1
5
8
Trip End
Jun 13, 2010
Surfers Paradise, Queensland, Australia
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
We drifted across the farmlands of the hinterland region scattering mobs of kangaroos as we passed over them, locals came out on their porches to wave to us and take pictures, a special experience. More importantly, the gently and stable nature of ballooning helped Daniel and Jeanne to overcome their fear of heights!
After landing in a field the Hot Air team found their way to us with the bus and truck and we all helped pack up the massive balloon while horses and cattle watched on.
It was then time for Breakfast so we transferred to the O'Reilly family vineyard and were met with champagne on arrival, a very civilized ending to the morning.
Before heading back down towards the coast we stopped in at the Tamborine rainforest Skywalk at Tamborine Mountain. Another chance for Daniel and Jeanne to challenge their fear of heights as the walk followed the rainforest canopy sometimes 30 metres above the ground!
This afternoon we were treated to drinks on QDeck on the top floor of the Q1 Resort & Spa. The QDeck is on the 77th floor and provides stunning views up and down the coast and back towards the Gold Coast hinterland. On a clear day you can see up to 80klms, from Brisbane right down to Byron Bay! Structurally it is the 25th tallest building in the world, but it is the tallest residential building. The super fast lift takes just 43seconds to shoot you to the 77th floor!
For dinner this evening the group headed out to see a show. The Australian Outback Spectacular focuses on the history of the outback including the Australian light horse regiment of WWI. It features some exciting horsemanship, and we all enjoyed a three course meal in our cowboy hats, a very Australian night out on the Gold Coast!
