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. 

Paradise Point's Park Grounds and the Perfect Fish and Chips - Queensland Visits

From Mount Tamborine, we headed towards the coast, crossing bridges until we reached Paradise Point. These Australians know how to pick out names. Of course I was waiting to be swept off my feet, but the suburb by the waters was more austere than its descriptive name.

Lying on the northern end of the Broadwater, with the Coomera River flowing lackadaisically, the suburb was breezy in the evening. Beautifully lit trees stood like proud taxonomic specimen.

Nearby were bridges linking Paradise Point to Sovereign Island's posh mansions and Ephraim Island's condo dwellings. Paradise Point is likewise an upscale residential suburb, although the surrounding park fronting the esplanade doesn't seem to indicate this.

We were there for dinner - and "Fish in the Park" was our shop of destination. I'm sure it was my request. I have missed England's Fish and Chips. We each had one, peppered with rock salt. London would spice their fish and chips with salt and vinegar, not rock salt aka "halite", the mineral form of sodium chloride or table salt. Why we're partaking mineral salt on our food is beyond me, but it sure added "zing" to our battered cod. And the serving of chips could feed a community in Burkina Faso.

The Esplanade is a row of shops with very few customers at sun down. Either that or we visited on the wrong night. Right across the shops is a nondescript park with lit trees, barbecue spots and picnic areas. That night, there was chill as though winter beckoned. But, in mid-November, summer was upon Australia.

This is the Eye in the Sky!

Fish in the Park for that mouth watering Fish and Chips.

Fish and chips, lemon and a dash of rock salt at $13.50. That's PhP560 without the drink! Australia isn't cheap.

The Esplanade

The jetty . At the background is Ephraim island's residences.

The bridge to Ephraim Island.

They light their trees when many major roads aren't even lit in Manila. Go figure.

The jetty overlooking Sovereign Island (left) and Ephraim Island (right). This photo only care of Gert Stobbe's flickr.

The electric fan in my room. This design is seldom found in the Philippines. I think I've recently seen one in Cebu.