As evening draws in and a cool breeze ruffles the surface of the lake, the birds that make this lake their home make their way to safe havens for the night. I spent a few hours emersed in nature in the hinterland behind the Sunshine Coast and ended up here on the edge of the Baroon Pocket Dam as the night began to close in.
South of Rockhampton in Queensland, Australia, the road divides an endless sea of grassy plains and rolling hills. Big sky’s and endless horizons are a constant feature that draws travellers from all over the world. Leaving the main roads to follow the lesser travelled byways opens up opportunities to see the real country.
After a few weeks of full on preparation for the Commonwealth Games, my workload has diminished a little and last night I took a stroll through Broadbeach precinct. It was a tad after 9PM and there were surprisingly few folk out and about given we are in the midst of one of the larger sporting carnivals in the world this year.
The streets had the look that cities get when the crowds have returned to their homes and all that’s left are the cleaners; those nocturnal souls who rejuvenate the sidewalks and parks at the end of day. The blowers that inflated the blow up castle were now silent, and it now spread across the ground like some invasive slim often seen in sci fi movies.
The beach, now deserted, had transformed into a tapestry of texture where thousands of feet had churned through it during the day.
Coffee bars still plied their trade while groups of spectators sat watching one of the giant screens, scattered across the city, to see Australia pick up a trifector at the swimming.
Looking up at the tall apartment buildings, one got the feeling that, despite the enormity of the event, there were many vacancies as the lighted rooms were far out numbered by those which shed no glow.
Wandering the streets, I came across several stages that have been erected to provide spot entertainment for the crowds that have been expected. I stopped a moment to watch a troop of performers.
One feature of these games, and a sad indictment on the state of our world today, is the level of detail that has been put towards public safety. Almost everywhere you will see security or police officers, often just standing about, ready to act should there be any reason. Any place where public will gather is shielded with concrete bolards sheathed in colourful covers, preventing any vehicle attacks.
Following the herd, I made my way back to the tram station and so on to Broadbeach South where the line ends. From here I decided that a walk back to my apartment would do me some good. A pleasant night for a stroll.
If you have spent time at the games, what was your experience?
Please leave a comment if you had a great time or what were your grips?
Known the world over for it’s racy nightlife and amazing beaches, Surfers Paradise has become something of an icon of what is Australia. It is also a place where lessons can be learned. Town planning has allowed massively high towers to be build right along the foreshore. Beautiful they may be, yet they destroy the ambience in the afternoon as their massive bulk casts long shadows across the beach.
