19 Feb A Road Trip to Surfers Paradise and Back
I fondly look back on all of the travel we did towing our various caravans (2011-2023), but I’m also a fan of road trips with overnight stays at friend’s places or motels/hotels. This trip to Surfers Paradise was made in our recently acquired 2018 Mazda CX-5, with overnight stays at Black Head and Port Macquarie, plus short stops for food, fuel and driver rests. We made a similar trip to Surfers Paradise in July 2023.
Note: all photos taken with my iPhone, as my Sony A7III camera was being repaired.
January 2026
Thursday 22nd departure from Sydney for a one night stay in Black Head.
Friday 23rd Arrival at Surfers Paradise around 3pm. Our accommodation was at Sun City Resort, Corner of Gold Coast Hwy and Ocean Street. This is an older building with very distinct decor in the style of the Aztecs. We shared an apartment on the 10th floor with Kristy (Maggie’s 3rd daughter), her husband Kennedy and daughter Kimberley.
Monday 26th January we departed Surfers Paradise for Port Macquarie, where we stayed one night at Ibis Styles Hotel/Motel.
Port Macquarie was a penal colony from 1821 to 1847. This Court House (below) was built in 1869, after the closure of the penal colony.
Tuesday 27th January departed Port Macquarie for Black Head
We stayed the night at Patrick’s Palace
Wed 28th January departed Black Head for Home.
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Thanks for viewing and following this trip itinerary. I hope you enjoyed it.
Until next time, stay safe and well.
Gregory J Flint
Posted at 19:21h, 19 FebruaryGreat travel log! Makes me feel like getting in the car and taking off!
Alistair Dewar Photography
Posted at 07:03h, 20 FebruaryThanks for your comment Greg. I’m happy to have motivated you to want to go there.
John Weedon
Posted at 20:30h, 19 FebruaryThanks Al for the memories. The Court House at Port was the location for me being inducted/commissioned as a JP many years ago. As a principal of a small school it was expected that in rural area the place to find a JP was at the local school. Many good memories.
Linda and I are going great with lots of time spent with grandkids etc. Last two days have been swimming carnivals with 7 grandkids and very exhausting for everyone. Next week it’s no difference with zone carnivals across Years 11 to Year 1.
Thanks again for your skill with a camera bring back many good memories.
John Weedon
Alistair Dewar Photography
Posted at 07:07h, 20 FebruaryThanks for your response John. It is amazing what a photograph can do to arouse feelings from the past. And I’m pleased to know you and your family members are going well.
Heidi Pauly
Posted at 08:17h, 25 FebruaryGreat photos Alistair😍
Alistair Dewar Photography
Posted at 12:18h, 25 FebruaryThanks for your comment Heidi. It’s nice to know you like this set of photos