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Good Value Brisbane City Hotels

August 28, 2016 by David Herd

Abby On Roma

Good Value Brisbane City Hotels

 Good Value Brisbane City Hotels starting with Abby On Roma which is directly opposite Roma St railway station. The coffee shop you see on the ground floor does an excellent breakfast. Use THIS LINK for an excellent room rate.

The header on this post shows two of the hotels I will mention later, The Park Regis and Meriton serviced apartments. For excellent room rates just book through the highlighted links.

 Ibis Styles

Good Value Brisbane City Hotels

Located at 40 Elizabeth Street in the heart of the city. Nice rooms and friendly staff, good shopping arcade next door where you will fine Coles supermarket & Target. Book through THIS LINK for a very good room rate.

Park Regis North Quay

Good Value Brisbane City Hotels

Very nice rooms with an incredible view. About an 8 minute walk to Queen St Mall. My only complaint was the very poor internet service, they give you a miserly 250 meg per day. Book through THIS LINK for an excellent room rate.

 Good Value Brisbane City Hotels here is view from Park Regis.

Good Value Brisbane City Hotels

One of the best river & city views from my room on the 7th floor.

Park Regis pool & Infinity Tower incorporating  Meriton hotel & serviced apartments.

Good Value Brisbane City Hotels

As you can see the Meriton Infinity tower is a spectacular building.

Riverside Hotel Southbank

Good Value Brisbane City Hotels

Just across the road from South Bank and the convention centre. Book through THIS LINK for a discounted rate.

Meriton hotel & serviced apartments aka Infinity Tower

Good Value Brisbane City Hotels

A huge 81 floors with 549 apartments with stunning views of Brisbane and beyond. For a great discounted room rate at the Meriton hotel there just use THIS LINK to book.

Thanks for visiting my Good Value Brisbane City Hotels photo blog.

Each month my posts receive 75,000 visits which I certainly appreciate.

Please check out some of the most popular below, and thank you for visiting.

 

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1g Duck

Holiday Inn

bbc35e6d-80db-4e1c-8f51-83dd84f16520

Fabulous views, excellent restaurants & a very good room rate if you book through THIS LINK.

The building in the middle is the Holiday Inn, on the left is the Amari Hotel which is another very good five star hotel. Use THIS LINK to book for a very good room rate.

Check out these great photo blogs.

 

Counter only started June 16 2020.

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Brisbane Inner City Restaurants

August 27, 2016 by David Herd

Harajuku Gyoza

Brisbane Inner City Restaurants

Brisbane Inner City Restaurants

Brisbane Inner City Restaurants I visited in August 2016 included Harajuku Gyoza at 141 Queen St. The service was good and the Gyoza excellent. There are two other branches, one in South Bank the other in Fortitude Valley.

Busy chef at work

Brisbane Inner City Restaurants

The Gyoza was as good as I have experienced in Japan.

Little Singapore is adjacent to Harajuku Gyoza

Brisbane Inner City Restaurants

TripAdvisor rating is 502 out of 3,180 Brisbane restaurants.

Vapiano 191 Albert St Queen Street Mall

Brisbane Inner City Restaurants

Also opposite Harajuku Gyoza and I could not believe the queue waiting for a table. I didn’t eat there myself but if the queue is any indication the food must be good. 🙂

Comuna Cantina

Brisbane Inner City Restaurants

Mexican restaurant in the same complex as the above at 175 Albert St.

Comuna

Brisbane Inner City Restaurants

 Latin, Mexican & South American dishes , dine in or takeaway.

Chez Nous opposite Roma St station

Brisbane Inner City Restaurants

Very busy for breakfast, good coffee and quick service. For an excellent room rate at Abby on Roma just book through THIS LINK.

Pony Dining Eagle Street Pier

Brisbane Inner City Restaurants

Great location and some good reviews, however I thought the food was over rated & expensive.

Pony Dining

Brisbane Inner City Restaurants

Ambience & service was fine but I’m guessing I ordered the wrong dishes.

Not my cup of tea. 🙂

Brisbane Inner City Restaurants

I’m positive I won’t return, there are too many other choices in the area that I need to try.

Brisbane Inner City Restaurants

Brisbane Inner City Restaurants

As you can see there are many restaurant choices on Brisbane Riverside, follow THIS LINK for more suggestions.

 Jimmy’s on the Mall

Brisbane Inner City Restaurants

One of Brisbane’s most popular restaurant bars & probably the best “people watching” spot in the city.

 Lots of choices in Queen St Mall

Brisbane Inner City Restaurants

Sidewalk cafes & restaurants offering all types of food are everywhere on Queen St Mall.

 Pig & Whistle

Brisbane Inner City Restaurants

There are six of these popular drinking spots in Brisbane. Based on a British Pub with live sports screens, follow THIS LINK for the locations.

Finally make sure you visit the Regatta Hotel

Brisbane Inner City Restaurants

The Boathouse at the Regatta is an excellent restaurant with very good aged beef & an interesting wine list.

Thanks for visiting my Brisbane Inner City Restaurants photo blog, before you leave please check out my City Cat blog.

                         Here are some other Brisbane photo blogs to check out.

            City Cat cruise                        Hotels                               Restaurants    

       

A-One hotel on Beach Road

Seven deadly Songkran days

For a great room rate at the A-One hotel opposite the beach just book through THIS LINK.               

 

 Soi Cowboy                  Nana Plaza                    Patpong

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d0c59ff5-7f2b-41b5-9312-4556d4a62037          f5e9441a-4154-44e0-a362-18b662d40b48          2a2b79ea-bc5f-46e3-8448-2e71658eff14 
               Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you book
                  through these links below.  Book now & pay later.
Free Cancellation. 
Bangkok Hotels                    Pattaya Hotels
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 That’s all folks

1g Duck

 

Fabulous views, excellent restaurants & a very good room rate if you book through THIS LINK.

The building in the middle is the Holiday Inn, on the left is the Amari Hotel which is another very good five star hotel. Use THIS LINK to book for a very good room rate.

Australian adventures

  • Melbourne

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 2 photos

Brisbane City River Cruise

August 26, 2016 by David Herd

South Bank Wharf

Brisbane City River Cruise

Brisbane City River Cruise

 Brisbane City River Cruise started for me at the South Bank Wharf and took me on a 45 minute cruise almost to the Gateway Bridge and back. This post will highlight many of the wonderful Brisbane buildings along the river.

 Treasury Casino

Brisbane City River Cruise

Overlooking the river is the Treasury Casino where they will be very happy to relieve you of your hard earned cash. 🙂

What a monster

Brisbane City River Cruise

I believe this huge skyscraper will house most government offices when completed. That’s the Victoria Bridge in the foreground.

South Bank Ferris wheel

Brisbane City River Cruise

 Not as large as London or Tokyo but it does look nice at night. 🙂

Another look at the Monster

Brisbane City River Cruise

A very impressive building.

Executive Building

Brisbane City Cat River Cruise Called the Government’s new Executive Building it towers over Brisbane river.

Riverside buildings

Brisbane City River Cruise

This is the heart of the Brisbane business centre.

Huge towers dominate the skyline

Brisbane City River Cruise

The city cat stops right here for the workers to commute from home.

City Cat arriving

Brisbane City River Cruise

What a great way to get around Brisbane, my 1.5 hour trip only cost me around $3.

The famous Story Bridge

Brisbane City River Cruise

 The Story Bridge first opened in 1940, & is named after prominent public servant, John Douglas Story.

Beautiful old paddle steamer

Brisbane City River Cruise

 Kookaburra Queen paddle wheelers are famous for their dinner cruises.

 Luxury living

Brisbane City River Cruise

What more could you want than a waterfront penthouse and this fabulous ship tied up in front?

Beautiful old ferry wharf

Brisbane City River Cruise

So nice to see these beautiful old structures preserved.

Bretts Wharf

Brisbane City River Cruise

Hundreds of modern (and expensive) condos are sprouting adjacent to the ferry stops, what a great way to commute to the city rather than fighting the road traffic.

Bretts Wharf up close

Brisbane City River Cruise

The city cats are smooth, comfortable and fast.

City Cat

Brisbane City River Cruise

A great way to see the sights of Brisbane.

Brisbane City River Cruise

Brisbane City Cat River Cruise You can also sit outside at the bow and the stern.

Enjoy the fresh air and the wind in your face

Brisbane City River Cruise

The perfect spot to take photos of this wonderful city.

The Gateway Bridge

Brisbane City River Cruise

Construction on the Gateway Bridge commenced on 5 June 1980. It was officially opened on 11 January 1986.

Brisbane River

Brisbane City River Cruise

As you can see the river meanders through the suburbs and almost circles the city.

CityHopper is free

Brisbane City River Cruise

The CityHopper lets you travel the Brisbane river for free, the ferries run every 30 minutes between 6am and midnight, seven days a week. The ferry travels along the Brisbane River, to North Quay, South Bank 3, Maritime Museum, Thornton Street, Eagle Street Pier, Holman Street, Dockside and Sydney Street terminals.

Simply hop on and hop off and enjoy all the Brisbane River and city sights.

 I leave the City Cat after a terrific 90 minute cruise.

Brisbane City River Cruise

You can take the City Cat in both directions from the city, a nice idea would be to head in the direction of Toowong and disembark at the fabulous Regatta Hotel, a great place for lunch, dinner or a few drinks. Follow THIS LINK to see this iconic hotel.

Brisbane City River Cruise

Brisbane City River Cruise

This city is just getting better & better, it’s now August 2016 and the number of cranes on the skyline indicate a building boom.

Thanks for visiting my Brisbane City River Cruise photo blog.  For a discounted hotel rate at the Park Regis Hotel which is in a terrific location just book through THIS LINK.

                             Here are some more posts to check out
 

           

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          Mostar                           Dubrobnik                            Split

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                 Saigon                            Zagreb                          Vung tau

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That’s all folks

1g Duck

Holiday Inn

bbc35e6d-80db-4e1c-8f51-83dd84f16520

Fabulous views, excellent restaurants & a very good room rate if you book through THIS LINK.

The building in the middle is the Holiday Inn, on the left is the Amari Hotel which is another very good five star hotel. Use THIS LINK to book for a very good room rate.

Check out these great photo blogs.

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 3 photos

Regatta Hotel Brisbane Landmark

August 25, 2016 by David Herd

Wonderful Brisbane Hotel

Regatta Hotel Brisbane Landmark

Regatta Hotel Brisbane Landmark

 Regatta Hotel Brisbane Landmark has been around for a long time. The original hotel was built there in 1874, as a single story wooden building. Located by the river and classified by the National Trust it has been flooded out quite a few times over the years. The above photo shows the rear view of the hotel and highlights the ornate cast iron lacing which adorn the entire building.

1992 Jaguar sovereign.

Regatta Hotel Brisbane Landmark

My great old friend Steve Rado picked me up at the Park Regis Hotel where I was staying and drove me to the Regatta Hotel in his immaculate Jaguar which he recently purchased for $1300.

The Park Regis is in an excellent location, for a great room rate just book through THIS LINK.

What a fit out

Regatta Hotel Brisbane Landmark

Certainly one of the best fit outs I have ever seen at an Australian Hotel.

Designed by a genius

Regatta Hotel Brisbane Landmark

If you are not impressed by the decor here then pubs are obviously not your thing. 🙂

 A surprise around every corner

Regatta Hotel Brisbane Landmark

There are lots of nooks & crannies to eat and drink at this fabulous hotel.

Flood levels

Regatta Hotel Brisbane Landmark

Outside they have marked flood levels and the years they happened. The recent level of the 2011 flood was around the bottom of this photo.

Sidewalk dining

Regatta Hotel Brisbane Landmark

The Regatta even have a place where the smokers can continue with their disgusting habit.  You guessed it, I’m a reformed smoker. 🙂

Lovely table settings

Regatta Hotel Brisbane Landmark

They certainly have many dining options for parties of any size.

Outdoor bar

Regatta Hotel Brisbane Landmark

So many choices of where to eat and drink and such little time. 🙂

If you cant find a place that suits you at the Regatta Hotel Brisbane Landmark, you are just not trying. 🙂

Lunch at the Boatshed

Regatta Hotel Brisbane Landmark

Quite a spectacular room with very good food and wine.

Aged beef

Regatta Hotel Brisbane Landmark

If it’s a good steak you are looking for, this is the place. Seeing the aged beef on display gave me a flashback to Gallagher’s Steakhouse in New York City, follow THIS LINK to see what I mean.

Open kitchen

Regatta Hotel Brisbane Landmark

The food was excellent, we both had steaks washed down with a Margaret River red.

Regatta Hotel Brisbane Landmark

Regatta Hotel Brisbane Landmark

Follow THIS LINK for the Boatshed menu.

City view from opposite Regatta Hotel

Regatta Hotel Brisbane Landmark

In the middle of the photo behind the William Jolly bridge is the Park Regis hotel. The rooms are excellent and so is the cost if you use THIS LINK to book. I had a room with a great view for $109 aud per night, but you must use THIS LINK to get this price. 🙂

Farewell from the Regatta Hotel

Regatta Hotel Brisbane Landmark

Thanks for visiting my Regatta Hotel Brisbane Landmark photo blog. It was the perfect place to catch up with my old friend Steve Rado and reminisce about our life in Adelaide in the 70s.

                                 Here are some other Brisbane photo blogs to check out.             

A-One hotel on Beach Road

Seven deadly Songkran days

For a great room rate at the A-One hotel opposite the beach just book through THIS LINK.               

 

 Soi Cowboy                  Nana Plaza                    Patpong

 Soi Cowboy (5)           e1274c0c-cf4d-4406-b5dc-d9e8071e382e            8993ef02-ccf3-46a7-8b6d-fc11af9d93ad

 
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    Bangkok Bars                         Tokyo                      Cape Town Safari
d0c59ff5-7f2b-41b5-9312-4556d4a62037          f5e9441a-4154-44e0-a362-18b662d40b48          2a2b79ea-bc5f-46e3-8448-2e71658eff14 
               Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you book
                  through these links below.  Book now & pay later.
Free Cancellation. 
Bangkok Hotels                    Pattaya Hotels
d0c59ff5-7f2b-41b5-9312-4556d4a62037          b1c99886-3940-4dda-b350-44c5e5c77e41
 
 That’s all folks

1g Duck

 

Fabulous views, excellent restaurants & a very good room rate if you book through THIS LINK.

The building in the middle is the Holiday Inn, on the left is the Amari Hotel which is another very good five star hotel. Use THIS LINK to book for a very good room rate.

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Australian seafood

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 2 photos

Brisbane-Bangkok-Thai-flight-Cancelled

August 25, 2016
by David Herd
Comments Off on Bangkok Thai flight Cancelled

Bangkok Thai flight Cancelled

Brisbane airport railway station Bangkok Thai flight Cancelled  Bangkok Thai flight Cancelled, I have flown thousands of times throughout my life and this was the first time I ever experienced a cancelled flight. As Newton would say “For every action, … Continue reading

Surfers Paradise sentimental journey

August 20, 2016 by David Herd

This is not a travel blog just my personal photo collection from the Gold Coast in Australia in August 2016.

Sorrento Sam

Surfers Paradise sentimental journey

Surfers Paradise sentimental journey

 Surfers Paradise sentimental journey took me back to where I lived for 25 years before moving to Thailand in October 2011. I stayed at Sorrento with my old friend Tony Murphy and his lovely wife Nikki, plus Sam the 3rd member of their family.

Murphy’s birthday

Surfers Paradise sentimental journey

Morning coffee at The Island cafe is a tradition with this group of friends, and today August 11 2016 just happened to be Tony’s 74th birthday.

Dangerous with a knife in his hand. 🙂

Surfers Paradise sentimental journey

Don’t do it Tony, don’t do it. 🙂

Very good coffee made b Jazz. 🙂

Surfers Paradise sentimental journey

I must say the coffee at the Island Cafe is absolutely fantastic. I couldn’t help noticing the price of the small quiche compared to a similar one in Thailand that I regularly buy. Here it is $15.90 and at Big C in Pattaya $1.85.

 Surfers Paradise from the racetrack

Surfers Paradise sentimental journey

Close to Tony’s home in Sorrento is the Gold Coast race track, here is the view of downtown Surfers Paradise.

 Two things I miss living in Thailand

Surfers Paradise sentimental journey

Fresh ocean prawns and avocado at Isle of Capri is a perfect meal for me. Sure you can get both items in Thailand but certainly not is the same class as Queensland.

Other things I miss

Surfers Paradise sentimental journey

A few good friends who can’t be replaced or forgotten. In fact catching up with them was my main reason for this trip. Above is my great mate Ross Kennedy leading me astray once again.

Lunch at Chevron Island

Surfers Paradise sentimental journey 

  Surfers Paradise sentimental journey

On the left is Bryan Dart, on the right Phil Thomson

 Greg “Noodles” Craig 

Surfers Paradise sentimental journey

Great to catch up with these guys.

Surfers Paradise sentimental journey

Surfers Paradise sentimental journey

Just crossed the Southport bridge and about to turn left to buy some fresh prawns from the trawlers.

For a discounted rate at the Q1 hotel or any others just book through THIS LINK.

The trawlers at the spit

Surfers Paradise sentimental journey

In my opinion they offer the best, freshest, tastiest prawns in the world.

World’s best prawns

Surfers Paradise sentimental journey

Freshly caught about 25 kms off the Queensland coast.

NZ Lamb shank from Aldi

Surfers Paradise sentimental journey

Terrific Lamb shank from Aldi, these were a regular treat for me when I lived on the gold Coast.

 Interesting things in the Murphy’s garden

Surfers Paradise sentimental journey

A Roman statue perhaps.

Murphy’s huge cock

Surfers Paradise sentimental journey

As you can clearly see this is one huge cock. 🙂

Murphy’s TV room

Surfers Paradise sentimental journey

An interesting room at sunset.

Donna Turner

Surfers Paradise sentimental journey

Caught up with an old friend Donna Turner on Chevron Island.

Thanks for visiting my Surfers Paradise sentimental journey photo blog.

For a great hotel room rate (with free cancellation) just book through THIS LINK.

          Checkout some more of my terrific blogs on the links below.

           

 Istanbul                                 Budapest                        London

Fascinating Istanbul Asia Meets EuropeHungarian Parliament Building (2)The Walkie Talkie (5)   

          Mostar                           Dubrobnik                            Split

                     43638e36-5da5-4162-98e3-635e2c149837IMG_7425Split Ancient Croatian Coastal city                    

                 Saigon                            Zagreb                          Vung tau

Ho Chi Minh City South VietnamMain Square (3)Vung Tau statue (6)

Bangkok Hotels                    Pattaya Hotels
 
9a1fec74-4461-46cd-8663-97f5893c8f6e (1)

That’s all folks

1g Duck

Holiday Inn

bbc35e6d-80db-4e1c-8f51-83dd84f16520

Fabulous views, excellent restaurants & a very good room rate if you book through THIS LINK.

The building in the middle is the Holiday Inn, on the left is the Amari Hotel which is another very good five star hotel. Use THIS LINK to book for a very good room rate.

Australian adventures

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 2 photos

Chevron Island Surfers Paradise

August 18, 2016 by David Herd

Thomas Drive

Chevron Island Surfers Paradise

Chevron Island Surfers Paradise

 Chevron Island Surfers Paradise is located between Surfers Paradise and Bundall, a nice village with a very good choice of restaurants and coffee shops. My 2 nieces Laura & Elyssa pictured in the header of this blog is at probably my favourite eating spot, Frank’s seafood which is a traditional fish & chip shop.

Chevron Island Surfers Paradise

Chevron Island Surfers Paradise

Cafe Alfons is a nice cafe for coffee or breakfast.

Bacon, eggs avocado.

Chevron Island Surfers Paradise

Throw in a flat white or latte and cost comes to $21.

Hairdresser, R/E agent & Happy Dragon Massage.

Chevron Island Surfers Paradise

Have a haircut, buy a house then go upstairs for a soothing massage. 🙂

Tribeca is a hot new restaurant on Chevron Island

Chevron Island Surfers Paradise

Excellent food and very good service, run by Brandon & Shannon Pollard.

Sadly this venue closed in 2019.

Western end

Chevron Island Surfers Paradise

Three more restaurants including one of 4 Thai restaurants on the island.

Good Thai food

Chevron Island Surfers Paradise

 This is the restaurant you see in the previous shot, It was 2011 & I’m with my brother Warren & a girl from Ray White who’s name I can’t recall. 🙂

Fu Manchu

Chevron Island Surfers Paradise

Had lunch at this upmarket new two story restaurant, nice decor and good service but I have mixed feelings about the food.

Mixed reaction

Chevron Island Surfers Paradise   Chevron Island Surfers Paradise

The wontons on the left were not to my liking, fried does not suit me, however the chicken skewers on the right were quite good. Overall the dishes on the menu seem a little expensive, of course I only tried two so it is rather hard to give a reasonable opinion. The Spanish waitress was delightful. 🙂

Espresso Bonsai

Chevron Island Surfers Paradise

A nice little cafe with very good coffee.

Fabulous hot rod

Chevron Island Surfers Paradise

On Chevron for a promotion.

Colour coded outfits

Chevron Island Surfers Paradise

And terrific smiles. 🙂

CHEVRON ISLAND SEAFOOD

Chevron Island Surfers Paradise

My friend Frank operates this excellent fish and chip shop where I have been enjoying fresh seafood for years. Oysters, hamburgers and great prawns are also available. Grab a bottle of wine and a table on the footpath then enjoy the passing Chevron Island eye candy.

Adjacent to the traffic lights

Chevron Island Surfers Paradise

Say hello to Frank and Warren.

 Chevron Island Surfers Paradise

Chevron Island Surfers Paradise

 More seafood from Frank’s.

Feast at Franks.

Chevron Island Surfers Paradise

Here are my friends enjoying one of Franks feasts, phone 5592 0027 to reserve a table. From left to right is Steve Bates, Nikki Murphy, Tony Murphy, Nick Partridge, Sharon Delmundo and Anne Lacy.

Sadly in March 2017 Anne lost her long battle with cancer & passed away, RIP.

You bump into the nicest people at Franks.

Chevron Island Surfers Paradise

Here is my friend Donna at Chevron Island Seafood.

For a great hotel room rate (with free cancellation) just book through THIS LINK.

Looking east on Thomas Drive

Chevron Island Surfers Paradise

The Surfers skyline is rather spectacular.

From the corporate centre

Chevron Island Surfers Paradise

Chevron Island a few years ago was all low rise, a couple of multi story buildings have popped up recently, this shot however was taken around 2003.

Chevron Island Surfers Paradise photo blog

Chevron Island Surfers Paradise

Farewell from Chevron Island Surfers Paradise , here I am with my old friend Bryan Dart who totally upset me when he told me he had lost 8 kilo since I saw him 18 months ago. The problem is I think that’s how much I have put on. 🙂

Running of the bikes

Chevron Island Surfers Paradise

An article I wrote in the Gold Coast Bulletin.


          Checkout some more of my terrific blogs on the links below.

         

 Istanbul                                 Budapest                        London

Fascinating Istanbul Asia Meets Europe        Hungarian Parliament Building (2)         The Walkie Talkie (5)  

          Mostar                           Dubrobnik                            Split

                     43638e36-5da5-4162-98e3-635e2c149837     IMG_7425   Split Ancient Croatian Coastal city                    

                 Saigon                            Zagreb                          Vung tau

Ho Chi Minh City South Vietnam  Main Square (3)  Vung Tau statue (6)

Bangkok Hotels                    Pattaya Hotels
 
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That’s all folks

1g Duck

Holiday Inn

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Fabulous views, excellent restaurants & a very good room rate if you book through THIS LINK.

The building in the middle is the Holiday Inn, on the left is the Amari Hotel which is another very good five star hotel. Use THIS LINK to book for a very good room rate.

Check out these great posts

  • French village Breil Sur Roya

Counter only started February 16 2020.

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Tall buildings Surfers Paradise

August 17, 2016 by David Herd

Nerang River

Tall buildings Surfers Paradise

Tall buildings Surfers Paradise

Tall buildings Surfers Paradise where I lived for 25 years before moving to Thailand in October 2011. Personally I preferred the city in the 70s & 80s before the explosion of modern high rise hotels and apartments. Having said all that, it is quite a spectacular part of Australia.

Old motel for sale

Tall buildings Surfers Paradise

I’m surprised this prime property adjacent to the Chevron Island bridge was not developed years ago.

Chevron Renaissance

Tall buildings Surfers Paradise

One of three towers offering apartments and hotel rooms.

The Chevron Renaissance

Blue Sky tall buildings Surfers Paradise

Quite a spectacular skyline in the heart of Surfers Paradise. Book HERE for a discount.

Q1 and 50 Cavil Avenue

Tall buildings Surfers Paradise

Two more well known Surfers Paradise buildings.

The beach

Tall buildings Surfers Paradise

The beach stretches for miles, this view is looking south.

Lifeguard

Tall buildings Surfers Paradise

These lifeguards do a great job protecting the public.

Surfers Paradise Australia

Blue Sky tall buildings Surfers Paradise

Tall buildings Surfers Paradise

Apartments occupy two of the 3 towers with the 3rd a hotel.

Surfers Paradise Hilton

Tall buildings Surfers Paradise

The Hilton offers great views overlooking the beach, book HERE for a good discount.

Orchard Avenue night clubs

Tall buildings Surfers Paradise

Here are three popular night clubs in the heart of Surfers Paradise.

Looking south at Q1

Blue Sky tall buildings Surfers Paradise

Q1 is an 80 story tower with an observation deck on the top floor. For a great discount book through THIS LINK.

Looking north

Tall buildings Surfers Paradise

Featuring Soul tower with Peppers Hotel. Book through THIS LINK for a terrific room rate.

Soul, Blue Sky tall buildings Surfers Paradise

Tall buildings Surfers Paradise

A magnificent 77 level tower with views of the beautiful Surfers paradise beach.

Looking south along Orchard Avenue

Blue Sky tall buildings Surfers Paradise

Orchard Avenue is Surfer Paradise’s main late night entertainment street. Be careful after midnight. 🙂

Gold Coast light rail

Tall buildings Surfers Paradise

Transport has greatly improved since the introduction of the light rail system.

Light rail map

Tall buildings Surfers Paradise

Current and future routes, stage 2 will link up with the heavy rail system at Helensvale to make travelling to Brisbane much easier.

Q1 80 story tower

Tall buildings Surfers Paradise

Probably the most iconic Gold Coast building.

Skyline view from the racecourse

Surfers Paradise skyline

Surfers Paradise

Blue Sky tall buildings Surfers Paradise

My home for 25 glorious years, this city provides me with so many wonderful memories.

Melbas on the Park

Blue Sky tall buildings Surfers Paradise

Finally drinks with good friends Phil Thomson and Greg Craig at Melbas. Thanks for visiting my Blue Sky tall buildings Surfers Paradise photo blog, before you go check out my Isle Of Capri and Bundall blogs.


 

   

 Istanbul                                 Budapest                        London

Fascinating Istanbul Asia Meets EuropeHungarian Parliament Building (2)The Walkie Talkie (5)   

          Mostar                           Dubrobnik                            Split

                     43638e36-5da5-4162-98e3-635e2c149837IMG_7425Split Ancient Croatian Coastal city                    

                 Saigon                            Zagreb                          Vung tau

Ho Chi Minh City South VietnamMain Square (3)Vung Tau statue (6)

Bangkok Hotels                    Pattaya Hotels
d0c59ff5-7f2b-41b5-9312-4556d4a62037b1c99886-3940-4dda-b350-44c5e5c77e41
 
Pattaya live webcam
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That’s all folks

1g Duck

Holiday Inn

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Fabulous views, excellent restaurants & a very good room rate if you book through THIS LINK.

Here are some of my most popular posts.

Pattaya live webcam

Beautiful Brazilian beach babes

Copacabana beautiful beach babes

Nana Plaza Bangkok sex sin sleaze

Sexy Cherry Bar babes Pattaya Thailand

Tim Bristow Iron-Bar Freddy Tropical Joe

Atlantic Bar North Pattaya

Sexy Soi Cowboy Bangkok 

Beautiful Budapest

Australian seafood


Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 3 photos

Bundall Shops Brothels Racecourse

August 15, 2016 by David Herd

Upton Street Bundall

Bundall Shops Brothels Racecourse

Bundall Shops Brothels Racecourse

Bundall Shops Brothels Racecourse, it has it all. This was where I lived for 21 years until October 2011. The north end of Upton Street was residential with some luxurious waterfront homes including mine, while the southern end is full of shops, offices & factories.

Bundall Shops Brothels Racecourse

Bundall Shops Brothels Racecourse

90% of anything and everything I needed to purchase over the years I could find in Upton St.

The Corporate Centre

Bundall Shops Brothels Racecourse

Around the corner in Bundall Road is the iconic Corporate Centre.

Bundall Road near Crombie Avenue

Bundall Shops Brothels Racecourse

A couple of the Bundall Road prestige office buildings.

McLauchlan & Partners

Bundall Shops Brothels Racecourse

A financial planning company at 80-82 Upton St, Bundall, I knew Alex many years ago in the late 8os when his office was in Southport. I remember him as a keen golfer who enjoyed a beer.

The Good Guys

Bundall Shops Brothels Racecourse

Another huge Queensland discount electrical store.

Adult toy shop

Bundall Homes Shops Brothels Racecourse

Here is where you can buy all those adult toys & accessories to put some buzz back into your sex life.

Right across the road

Bundall Homes Shops Brothels Racecourse

For those lonely guys here is Silks one of the local brothels, as I said earlier Upton Street Bundall has everything you could possibly need. 🙂

For all you need to know about the local hookers just follow THIS LINK.

Here’s a map

Bundall Shops Brothels Racecourse

So you guys won’t get lost. 🙂

OK, back to reality

Bundall Shops Brothels Racecourse

This is one of about 3 major lighting stores on Upton Street Bundall.

The race track

Bundall Shops Brothels Racecourse

Upton St also butts onto the Southport race track which used to be the only track in Australia to host a meeting every Saturday.

I’m there for nearly every Melbourne cup or Magic Millions event.

Bundall Shops Brothels Racecourse

 Watching the the ladies slowly deteriorate as the day draws to a close. 🙂

See what I mean.

Bundall Shops Brothels Racecourse

 Some of them really jump into the booze. 🙂

Surfers Paradise view from the racetrack.

Surfers Paradise skyline

Bundall Shops Brothels Racecourse Masters Hardware

Bundall Shops Brothels Racecourse

This huge store is quite amazing, sadly however they are currently in the hands of receivers.

Here is an important tip for you

Bundall Shops Brothels Racecourse

Dr Paul Ferguson is an excellent skin cancer doctor who has been treating me for many years. He is very busy so you need to book a fair way ahead.

The adjacent suburb is Isle of Capri, to find out more just follow THIS LINK.

106 Upton Street

Bundall Shops Brothels Racecourse

This was my home for 21 fabulous years, I designed and had it built in 1990, added a 2nd story in 2004, which turned out to be a mistake as it made it much harder to sell. However sell it did in October 2011 and one week later I moved to Thailand.

This is an awful looking house 

Bundall Shops Brothels Racecourse

Being built 4 doors from my old home in July 2018.

The lake near where I used to live.

Bundall Shops Brothels Racecourse

My house was just out of the photo to the right.

For a great hotel room rate (with free cancellation) just book through THIS LINK.

                            Here are some more posts to check out 

         

 Istanbul                                 Budapest                        London

Fascinating Istanbul Asia Meets EuropeHungarian Parliament Building (2)The Walkie Talkie (5)   

          Mostar                           Dubrobnik                            Split

                     43638e36-5da5-4162-98e3-635e2c149837IMG_7425Split Ancient Croatian Coastal city                    

                 Saigon                            Zagreb                          Vung tau

Ho Chi Minh City South VietnamMain Square (3)Vung Tau statue (6)

Bangkok Hotels                    Pattaya Hotels
 
9a1fec74-4461-46cd-8663-97f5893c8f6e (1)

That’s all folks

1g Duck

Holiday Inn

bbc35e6d-80db-4e1c-8f51-83dd84f16520

Fabulous views, excellent restaurants & a very good room rate if you book through THIS LINK.

The building in the middle is the Holiday Inn, on the left is the Amari Hotel which is another very good five star hotel. Use THIS LINK to book for a very good room rate.

Check out these great photo blogs.

 

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 3 photos

Gold Coast life 1999

July 31, 2016 by David Herd

Enjoying the last year of the 90s, please note, this is not part of my Travel Blog. It’s part of my personal online photo albums.

Gold Coast life 1999

Gold Coast life 1999

Gold Coast life 1999 was not too different from previous years except for the fact I was no longer working. In 1998 I decided to take a year off work and travel, little did I realise I would never go back to full time work again.

I have often wondered if I made the right decision to retire and travel the world. On one hand had I continued to work for another 6 or 7 years I obviously would have been far better off financially, however on the flip side I can never replace the wonderful years of travel I enjoyed during those years.  Consequently looking back in 2016 I’m very happy with the decision I made. Take a look at my travel record for 1999 below. 🙂

An incredible year for travel

Gold Coast life 1999

 The photo above was taken in Koh Samui with Francesca & Barbara from Florence. In 1999 I had three trips to Thailand, February, August & December, my first trip to Rio for Carnival in February was part of an around the world adventure with my friend Larry Krausz. Another fabulous 2 month around the world trip in November included Los Angeles, Las Vegas Miami, Mexico City, Bolivia, Brazil, (Rio, Iguazu falls & Salvador) Paris & Thailand.

Kathy was a regular visitor

Gold Coast life 1999

A simple phone call would result in an hour or so of passion, priceless. 🙂

A little more of Kathy

Gold Coast life 1999

Without a doubt Kathy had one of the hottest bodies I have ever seen. 🙂

 Lots of parties lots of girls, Narrelle, Simone & Kushler.

Gold Coast life 1999

All through the 90s and beyond the parties never stopped.

Myoung-sook a nice Korean lady

Gold Coast life 1999

Myoung and I spent some time together in 1999.

Sometimes she would stay for breakfast. 🙂

Gold Coast life 1999She was a very keen golfer.

she was quite a keen golfer.

Lorrie & Leonie

Gold Coast life 1999

I took Lorrie & Leonie boating, they were two Canadians visiting the Gold Coast.

Dinner at Ashmore Steak & Seafood

Gold Coast life 1999

This popular restaurant always ensured you never left hungry.

 Narrelle, Jack Delanty and Larry Krausz NYE 1998

Gold Coast life 1999

The celebrations were at Sylvester’s on Chevron Island.

Sadly out mate Larry suffered a major stroke in October 2016 & passed away January 2017, RIP.

Lollipops at Sylvester’s

Gold Coast life 1999

Evelyn & Tina love sucking Chuppa Chups. 🙂

For a great room rate on the Gold Coast just book through THIS LINK.

Natasha & Alex

Gold Coast life 1999

New Years Eve 1998 and the girls are feeling no pain. 🙂

My favourite songs from 1999.

Nindie at Marina Mirage

Gold Coast life 1999

Nindie had a restaurant called Isobar at the Marina Mirage.

 My best friend Ziggy

Gold Coast life 1999

My beautiful Doberman waiting for me to dock at the jetty.

Rick Felsing from Sydney

Gold Coast life 1999

Tucking into freshly caught mud crabs washed down with a Margaret white.

Dinner & red wine with beautiful Akiko

Gold Coast life 1999

Beautiful Akiko is one of the most gorgeous Japanese girls I have ever met.

Great company

Gold Coast life 1999

Perhaps THE MOST GORGEOUS. 🙂

Talking about gorgeous meet Aurora

Gold Coast life 1999

In my opinion the most gorgeous Melbas girl ever.

Melbas on the Park

Gold Coast life 1999

Surfers Paradise most iconic bar ever.

Mother’s day 1999

Gold Coast life 1999

My beautiful mother Iris Joyce Herd, my brother Ian & his wife Sandra, Adam one of their sons & Myoung my Korean girlfriend.

 Rossco, one of the happiest guys I know.

Gold Coast life 1999

I count Ross Kennedy as one of my best friends, we had so many great times together. Certainly one of our most memorable adventures was our road trip trip to Melbourne in 1996, to check it out just follow THIS LINK.

Thinking back to my 25 years on the Gold Coast there were just so many highlights, I’m really very happy to be able to re-live them through my FiveStarVagabond photo blog.

Through all those years I remember having a hand full of good friends and many many acquaintances. Due to my reasonably abrasive personality there were also many people that couldn’t stand me. My message to them is quite simple, see below.

A message for the knockers

Gold Coast life 1999

Having said all that let’s get back to 1999. 🙂

Jimmy Bell & the smokers

Gold Coast life 1999

Another Sunday session at my Upton St home, Jim “HO HO” Bell rented a room at my home for 17 years.

For a great room rate on the Gold Coast just book through THIS LINK.

Emily used to be a meter maid

Gold Coast life 1999

And yes the silly tattoo is a temporary one from Thailand. 🙂

Ray Shultz & Phil “Swifty” Gregory

Gold Coast life 1999

Swifty actually wound up marrying Emily and produced a couple of fine sons. I owe thanks to Ray for introducing me to Kathy who you saw at the start of this post.

Farewell Colleen

Gold Coast life 1999

Colleen was leaving Saks bar & restaurant, owners Duncan McGuiness & Steve are wishing her well.

Phil Thomson, another great friend.

Gold Coast life 1999

Phil has always been a Porsche lover, these days in 2016 he has a Boxter sitting in the garage.

 Talking about cars, here are my beauties

Playboy photo shoot 1998

It was a very difficult decision to decide which one to drive. 🙂

Ziggy & my boat

Gold Coast life 1999

You had to have all the toys & props to stand out on the Gold Coast, to be honest 50% of the people I met were fairly shallow individuals & easily impressed. Then again the same probably applies to other Australian cities as well. 🙂

Main Beach blondes

Gold Coast life 1999

Catie, Marina & Kylie were waitresses at a popular Main Beach cafe.

Mike Wood, Greg Craig and Dave Allen.

Gold Coast life 1999

A few drinks at Melbas in as we did so many times over the years, it was simply Gold Coast life 1999.

Sweet Myumi

Gold Coast life 1999

Well that’s all folks from Myumi & I, thanks for visiting my Gold Coast life 1999 photo blog. It’s now February 2018 & I”m living in Thailand, and I get a huge kick from re-living some of these incredible years through my photo blogs. I just can’t believe what a fortunate life I have had. 🙂


Here are some more posts on my wild wicked ways. :) 

 

         Life 2015                     Family history                   Life 1982

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  Adelaide 1972                 Iron Bar Freddy               Sydney 2006

417091_10150704751043594_62315468_n          Susies home Newport 1 (1)        April24FreewayHotel-33 (1)

Thailand 2008                Gold Coast Babes               World trip 2003

Fun in Pattaya-116         92bfa275-a122-4078-9970-1e24188a5917        CopacabanabeachNov2003-124

             Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you book
                  through these links below.  Book now & pay later.
Free Cancellation. 
                              Bangkok Hotels                    Pattaya Hotels
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 That’s all folks
Surfers Paradise Party Animals
 
Pattaya live webcam 
 
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A-One hotel on Beach Road

Seven deadly Songkran days

For a great room rate at the A-One hotel opposite the beach just book through THIS LINK.               

 

 Soi Cowboy                  Nana Plaza                    Patpong

 Soi Cowboy (5)           e1274c0c-cf4d-4406-b5dc-d9e8071e382e            8993ef02-ccf3-46a7-8b6d-fc11af9d93ad

 


Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 2 photos