EXPLORING GOLD COAST

After our wonderful and peaceful ride this morning in the hot air balloon there was more to see of Gold Coast.

There is a scenic viewpoint on the top of one of the highest points in the area, overlooking the valley below. As we came to the area, para-gliders and cliff jumpers were prepping their launches. With so many pilots in tow, you can image the interest from our group. The main instructor took the time to explain the thermals, winds and distances they are able to travel – it was quite impressive. Of course we couldn’t leave the area without seeing a launch!

After the scenic viewpoint, we made our way to the Sky Walk, an 8 year old pathway that winds through the rain forest canopy and ground levels. You heard me right, rain forest! Amid the regular forest that lines these mountains is a rain forest, probably one of the driest in the world, but with all the same fauna and interesting wildlife you can expect in other rain forests around the world.

We built up an appetite after walking the canopy and enjoyed a wine tasting at Heritage Wines before lunch. The whole building has a unique history. It was actually an old church from down town Gold Coast that the owners moved to the mountain top for scenic views. Every part of the building had a unique story – chairs from a cruise ship, beams from a casino, a bar from a bank – all from Gold Coast!


An afternoon nap was in store for all of us after our 4:00am departure this morning so it was back to the Palazzo Versace for some down time. 











always time for a little facetime back home

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