Located in Redbank Plains area near Ipswich this place is famous for bush walking, horse riding and mountain biking. I went there a couple of weeks ago with my Meet-up group members. There are plenty of short treks, from several hundred meters to kilometre, but in my opinion, the 6 km trek is probably the best worth doing. Quite a steep ascend leads to the top of the hill with a small picnic spot and the main landmark of this area - White Rock. About 14 meters high, the rock has an unusual yellowish-whitish colour and looks impressive.
On the Park's website I learnt that this place has a great significance for Indigenous peoples living in this area, especially for women, and its name means "a dog" in their language. The whole trip took us 3-4 hours - we did 6 km walk and all small ones. Though the distance was quite short for me, I really enjoyed the hike and a company of lovely people I travelled with.
Read my review on WeekendNotes: http://www.weekendnotes.com/white-rock-conservation-park/
Surfing at the Spit
One sunny day I got up and thought: "Hmmm, I have been living in Australia for 6 months already and never tried surfing, what a shame". After googling the relevant info, I picked up one surf school in the Gold Coast which does surf lessons in the Spit for affordable price. I have already heard from my friends-surfers that this place is good for beginners."Well, at least it is not a Surfers Paradise, where there are so many potential victims and gazers", I thought and gave a call these guys. Luckily they had a place available that day for me and booked me in. So, after a couple of hours here I am, in the rush-shirt, with a foam beginner's surfboard on the beach. After a short briefing on the beach, we, a group of 6, went to the water. First couple of times my body could not understand what it had to do, but when the instructor came and helped me to catch my first wave - it was amazing. What I realised, it is all about the timing - you have to predict when the wave comes and jump onto the board and start paddling right before it comes and covers you. This two hour lesson went so fast. The arms and legs were sore, I have got some scratches from the sand, sun burnt face (water washes sunscreen off in a minute) and red from ocean water eyes. BUT! I was so happy that I managed to stand up and "surf" towards the beach. When you catch a wave, feel its power and control it - it is the best feeling ever.
P.S. I think I became addicted to it, now saving money for my first surfboard.
P.P.S. Sorry, no pictures for this post.
P.P.P.S. Check out my article http://www.weekendnotes.com/surfing-at-the-spit/
