This paradise is not for me

Perhaps I am not the best person to judge the cluster of skyscrapers along this magnificent stretch of beach. Firstly, I am not a surfer and secondly I generally shy away from all things artificial.

To top that, I visit Surfers Paradise on a slightly rainy day which means I cannot be seduced by the white beach sand and the sun on my skin, or even the humpback whales that pass by here between June and November every year.

Nevertheless, I have always wanted to see the Gold Coast and my travel companion, Jacqui, wants to take a walk down memory lane as she spent a few years living here in Surfers Paradise, serving ice cream and partying at the numerous bars and clubs along the streets.

I guess this could be a tourist’s dream. Beach as far as the eye can see, parties of note and an endless array of amusement parks, zoos and putt putt type entertainment. The only thing one may not find here while on holiday is some peace and quiet.

Well, that’s not entirely true, as the Hinterland close by is a scenic treat. It’s the perfect place to escape all the noise, peroxide and fluorescent lights for just a while.

For now we’re here to see Surfers Paradise though and after lunch at Toscani’s (exceptional sandwiches, not-so-great salads), we head for the shopping centre under the Hard Rock Café guitar.

Jacqui is taking us to “this really cool surf shop” and, admittedly, 'Between the Flags' is a brand that can only be found in the Gold Coast and therefore makes for a perfect memento. Even better is the fact that the brand raises money to support the lifesavers here. So while this laid back beach gear is truly unique, someone may just be alive because people buy it.

What else is cool about Surfers'?

There’s the Surf Club, says Jacqui, a café next to the beach where all the surfers and lifesavers hang out. From there it’s easy to stroll to the bars and clubs but it’s perhaps better to shower and dress up before heading for Melbas – the coolest night club here.

For a perfect view of the Gold Coast, there’s no better lookout spot than Q1, the world’s tallest residential tower. Spectacular. Still, I don’t really feel wowed by this place.

But - if I was a surfer looking for an unlimited supply of waves, alcohol and pretty babes, it would indeed be paradise for me.

Holding on like a koala

“What is that smell?” asks my travel companion as we enter the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. She wrinkles her nose.

“It’s the koalas,” answers another.

We’re at the world’s largest koala sanctuary just outside Brisbane in Australia and I am childishly excited to see koalas and kangaroos for the first time. The pungent animal smells don’t bother me too much, having spent a lot if time on farms in South Africa during my younger years.

First up on our left we spot the lorikeets. It’s impossible to miss these birds with the bright red, green, yellow and purple feathers. We stop and stare. They are exquisite.

As we continue along the path, the smell becomes really stinky and soon it’s clear why. There’s a gate that would lead us into the farm animal section of the park. My companions decide against entering as they cannot stand the smell. For me sheep and pigs are nothing new, so we keep walking until we find the kangaroos.

They move in the strangest way, these kangaroos, using their knees. It looks somewhat uncomfortable. The little baby pouch on the belly also doesn’t look like the easiest thing to have as the little ones go wild inside there. They play and dive in and out of there like it is one big game. I am sure the moms must get hurt sometimes, or at least suffer a few scratches.

I touch one of the babies that are walking around with its mom. Its hair is so very soft and it does this wiggly thing as I tickle its neck, almost like something a cat would do when purring. My heart melts – and I haven’t even seen the koalas.

So we keep walking and find the koalas sleeping with their arms around the eucalyptus branches like they are never going to let go. They look so peaceful and happy just holding on like that.

I envy them for that. While I am always restless they are happy to simply have a branch to hold and some leaves to eat when they wake. I later find out that they sleep for twenty hours per day and that it’s something in the eucalyptus leaves that keeps them so tranquil and happy.

Suddenly we are feeling as lazy as the koalas and its time to head back to our hotel. When I get there I hold onto my pillow. Perhaps one day I will also find my eucalyptus branch.