The houses fronting the lake are prime properties. Each has his own jetty, and a smattering of swimming pools here and there. I crossed the deserted road and came into a small parcel of children’s playground. Right beside it was the lake, placid and inviting. Not long after, Girlie and I were ready to scour Gold Coast in all its sun-kissed splendor.
This was the anticipated morning ride. The GPS of the red VW was working overtime, its voice blaring imposingly from the speakers. Outside, the wind was mild and I couldn't help but notice the distinct amount of unoccupied space stretching through the landscape. Australia seems to have an infinite supply of unused, unoccupied land. After all, it’s the 6th largest country in the world where land mass is concerned. It has a bounty that has made it the world’s 12th largest economy. So it’s no wonder that the country has a program that seeks to populate the hinterlands with productive foreigners willing to migrate to the country, but they do so by sort of “throwing” these migrants “into the wild”.
Deserted playground |
Oystercove Promenade, Helensvale |
Lakeside homes |
The road to Surfer's Paradise. |
In what's Australia's version of the American "Spring Break", "schoolies" flood Surfer's Paradise to have fun. |
Our first stop was a residential highrise called Q1, short for “Queensland Number One”, the world’s 5th tallest residential building. The Marina Torch in Dubai takes the top spot.
Located in Gold Coast’s commercial epicenter of Surfer’s Paradise (a suburb), the Q1 rises amongst high-rise apartment buildings and a long stretch of white sandy beach popular with surfers and holiday makers.
With a height of 1,058 feet (322.5 meters), Q1's architectural form is
inspired by an “olympic torch” and its name is derived from a 1920’s Olympic sculling (rowing) team.
Tourists can
enjoy the breath-taking 360 degree view of the Surfer’s Paradise and the Gold Coast at the SkyPoint aka QDeck, the building’s observation deck located 750 feet (230 meters) off the ground, at the pinnacle of Q1. It sits between 77th and 78th
floors, and is not for the faint hearted.
My jaw dropped when I saw the sprawling view from north to east, and south to west. It was also the perfect weather to view the city with. It’s in moments like these that you are rendered speechless because a specific description escapes your vocabulary.
This is also a moment of sheer intimidation and amazement. Where do you place your existence in the presence of such beauty? Man has augmented divine creation. The bluest ocean beckons to the east while the white strip of beach stretches from north to south.
The deck felt safe because it’s enclosed by a sturdy roof that doesn't
show the infinite sky, but the glass partition that covers Q1 inspired
shivers. Each side had descriptive signboards detailing what’s seen on your
viewing window. I had to pretend I wasn't scared, but my heart was pounding. I have
actually developed a minor degree of acrophobia, the morbid fear of heights, that
wasn't there when I was younger. Yet this affliction has never stopped me from
pursuing altitude from different places; not in Australia, that’s for sure.
Opening hours – Sunday to Thursday: 7AM - 9PM, Friday and Saturday: 7
AM to Late (18+from 8 PM), Last admission is 30 minutes prior to close.
Admission prices: Adult: A$21, Children (5 to 14): $12.50, Family (2 adults + 2
children): $54.
For more information and updated rates, check out this link: http://www.skypoint.com.au/Buy-Tickets/Buy-Tickets.aspx?tileid=634326826508500865
This is the Eye in the Sky!
SkyPoint Observation Deck |
The northern view of Surfer's Paradise |
The south and inner southwest side. |
The northwestern side. |
Be not afraid... |
2 comments:
Picturesque & Captivating !
@ Ramakrishnan:
A bit scary too.:)
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