Cruising Sovereign Island and Ephraim Island (Gold Coast)

Remember Paradise Point where we had fish and chips one chilly night? This Gold Coast suburb has twin islands connected to Paradise Point by their bridges - Sovereign Island and Ephraim Island. While not exactly a tourist destination, Girlie decided to drive me to both islands. Though they both have 24-hour manned security, she luckily has access. In fact, she's been in these areas when answering her medical out calls. And I was privileged to be accompanying her for a zippy cruise across the islands. We decided not to get off the car for practical reasons - thus you have to pardon the reflections from the wind shield.  

Sovereign Island doesn't have what we would regularly call houses, but "mansions", and is considered a very affluent community with a population of almost 20,000.

Most homes have private moorings. The cheapest doesn't slide below $2 million while others are even said to value $20 million. In the real estate world, properties in these islands are among the most luxurious thus its nickname "Treasure Island".

The waters in the area are mild because South Stradbroke Island, lying on the eastern coast, serves as a protective barrier against the tides of the Pacific. The Broadwater surrounding the island is a playground for those who love their water sport. I was in awe of the sophisticated landscaping, the graceful palms rising above the mansions, and the ultra modern architectural design of each property.

Aerial view of the posh community of Sovereign Island. This photo only courtesy of http://www.sovereignislands.com/.

Ephraim Island was once filled with mangroves and a considerable part of the land was underwater. This was developed into a prime property, just a few notches below the luxury of the neighboring Sovereign Island north of Ephraim. With just barely 10 hectares, the property is shaped like an inverted "e".

Ephraim has a marina, 12 buildings, 30 beach houses, a restaurant and a restaurant. Security is likewise tight. In fact, we had limited access to the area.

The southern tip has preserved mangroves and a salt mudland. From the mainland's Esplanade, we turned left to the 400 meter (1,300 feet) bridge connecting Ephraim to Paradise Point.

Cruising Ephraim Island is faster than Sovereign because security is closer to the edge of the bridge. Moving further on would require permission which was unnecessary since we felt there wasn't much to do - or see. So we just turned around thereafter. I felt though that I've caught a glimpse of Australia's more privileged communities.

This is the Eye in the Sky!

Getting back to the mainland.

Ephraim Island. This photo courtesy of www.qwep.com.au.

Going through Labrador's Musgrove Avenue.

Sovereign and Ephraim Islands connect to Paradise Point by bridges. 

Broadwater Parkland's The Rockpools and Visitors Centre - Southport, Gold Coast

In the vicinity of the parklands is another feature designed for children of all ages, a water playground for children that's relatively safer than swimming pools or the beaches called The Rockpools. The beaches in the coast have waves unfit for leisurely swimming, thus it's a considerable thought that something like the Rocklands was conceived, especially for the kids.

The aforementioned pool is shallow so most children can frolic from the pop jets that squirt water. I thought it would have been better if there was an adequate puddle for it to merit being called a "pool". The creek bed is supposed to simulate coastal tides with automatic "filling up" and "emptying times". Weird creatures dot the pool, like a half cat-half fish. There are sand bars with red-and-blue nets; wooden walkways beside gardens, and even a BMX circuit.

A lifeguard constantly watches and roams the enclosure. Rockpools close every Tuesday mornings for maintenance.

The Parkland's Visitors Centre is nearby. Wifi service is free around the park from 7 AM to 5 PM, but you have to secure the password from the office which was close during my visit. Beautiful floral shrubs provide ornament to the surroundings.

The Broadwater, which is salt water, provides more idyllic vistas, like a paragliding tourist, jet-skiers, and the touring yachts.

Later that day, I was back to where I first started my exploration - at the colorful trampoline called "The Jumping Pillow" where children could jump away until they're blue. Somersaults, like footwear, however, aren't allowed.

This is the Eye in the Sky!

A catfish perhaps?

Odd creature

The Parkland's Visitors Centre.

The Jumping Pillow