My Aussie Adventure ~ Day 5

Today will be our last day at Gold Coast. We had been planning from yesterday that we  will go to the beach in the morning, walk around a bit, take some memorable shots before proceeding to Carrara Markets, which is known as one of Queensland's biggest permanent markets.

Sadly our morning was marred by the rain, so we decided to take a walk, and it was quite a distance too as we wanted to take a few photos of the Clock Hotel, one of the landmarks in Gold Coast with a history.  As Mr Peter our guide explained, this hotel was built by a Singaporean woman at a cost of $16 million, only to sell it off later at a loss for $10 million for reasons he did not explain why.  It now holds a 3 level bar, a bistro and a gaming centre. What is unique about this hotel is that at precisely every hour, we can hear its musical chime and see minature figurines move around just above the clock.

As the rain got heavier we decided to go on back to the hotel to dry ourselves while waiting for the rain to stop....but it did not.  Not wanting to waste our day and as soon as the rain eased down a little, we decided to head out Carrara Markets after enquiring how to get there from the hotel concierge counter.  We were informed that there is a special courtesy bus service for hotel & resort visitors which would only cost $1.00 for pick-up & return from the market..(isn't it great!).  If not we have to fork out the normal fare of $5.00 for a one-way trip.  The pick-up point at just right out front of the Hard Rock Cafe..just a stone throw away.  So 'armed' with just an umbrella, we set out on our very own 'adventure'.

The bus ride was pleasant as the driver explained the routes to us and the return pick-up time from the markets back to our destination.  The bus ride took less than 45 mins.  It began to rain heavily again as we arrived at the Carrara Markets.  The markets consists of 5 acres of indoor & outdoor stalls.  Places to eat, bargains from fruits, veggies, plants, arts & crafts,  jewellery, hardware, fabrics, pottery & much more.  We still braved the rain to see the outdoor stalls but as the rain got heavier we decided to return to the hotel by the 1.45pm bus as the last bus back is at 2.45pm.  If we were to miss the last bus, then we would have to find our own way back.

Stone fruits & fresh cherries are sold at a good bargain..and yes they tastes as good as they look =)

From various types of sausages to all kinds of cheese

These are Didgeridoo ~ a native musical instrument

Minature Didgeridoos on sale

Beautifully crafted local handicraft

And of course ~ The Boomerang

Stalls at the outdoor market

Taken while waiting for the bus to arrive

On our return, we dropped or shopping items off at our hotel & still undeterred by the rain, with umbrellas & all, the four of us strode on to the beach nearby which is just less than a 10mins walk from our hotel ..... just to get a few shots at the beach.  Well..if not, how can we say we have been to Surfers Paradise if we did not go to the beach !!  It was still raining & windy and yet we manage to hold on to our umbrella & take a few shots (actually only 3 to be exact)...lol.

Then we decided to go to Coles Supermarket, one of the biggest chainstores in Queensland, to see what we could get for dinner & also to do a bit of shopping as today will be our last day at Gold Coast.

All you can eat @ Pancake Paradise

Some sights outside our hotel ~ from top left Quack'rDuck, a vehicle that can travel from land to water, St.John Church, Watermark Hotel & a Gold Coast Cab.

Some breathtaking sights from our hotel window.

Breakfast at The Waves Restaurant @ Watermark Hotel

Our tea time with delicious scones from Coles Supermarket

Dinner was instant noodles & roasted chicken from Coles Supermarket

Dessert ~ stone fruits from Carrara Markets

After our dinner, we did our packing and watched a little bit of television.  My other half was tired out and was soon snoring away.  As for myself, I found myself wide awake, as I gazed out the window, looking at the rain falling down onto the streets far below, a feeling of sadness came over me....how time flies, I wonder....as today is our last day at Gold Coast.