This is not a travel blog, it is part of my personal photo history. It seemed like Groundhog day. ๐
Surfers Paradise Party Animals
Surfers Paradise Party Animals, 1992 was just another year of fun & games on the beautiful Gold Coast. I was certainly among the main party hosts, I had a great home for entertaining & I loved have lots of beautiful girls around.
Some of the usual suspects.
Naturally when there were pretty girls around the competition between the guys was fierce. ๐
A rose between two thorns, I don’t think so. ๐
I guess there is no need to say I was enjoying life to the max.
Occasionally some of the girls would relax in the spa.
Naturally I always had my camera ready.
These girls loved nature
And Dr Evil was always there with the camera. ๐
Roslyn & Jill looking good
I remember spending some “quality time” with both these lovely ladies.
Jill & Sharon
Another “daily double” I’m happy to say, (that just means I bonked them both. ๐ )we saw a show that night at Jupiters casino, I think it was Barry Humphries.
Andre Buzek dentist extraordinaire, (I don’t think so)
Sadly my great mate lost his life soon after in a car crash in Cuba.
Girl of the year Kelly Davis
I was lucky enough to spend a few months on & off with this lovely lady.
Here we are on New Years Eve
Naturally Harley is locked & loaded once again. ๐
My favoute song from 1992
Big Steve Bristow (son of Tim) & Greg Johnston.
Now in 2018 Greg lives in Pattaya & runs a bar on the dark side, & Steve still lives on the Gold Coast.
The late great Paul Allen, a Surfers Paradise icon.
Talking about icons…………
Daryl Beattie is a former Grand Prix motorcycle road racer, those bikes however all belonged to Mick Doohan the living legend who won five consecutive 500 cc World Championships. The guy in the middle is a legend in his own lunch time, my good mate Ross Kennedy aka “Shoeless Joe”.
Talking about legends…
Here I am giving my boat a good wash. ๐
A good looking bunch of babes
It was Xmas day 1992 and we all had a great lunch at my home in 106 Upton St Bundall. My main squeeze at the time was Kelly 2nd from the right, & my occasional squeeze was Jill standing beside her. ๐
Another night another dinner at Upton St
Harley & his gay flatmate naturally came dressed in their army outfits. ๐ Tat’s Kandice on the left & Nicola on the right.
That night produced one of my favourite photos
This is a true classic.
Another classic from 1992
Lyn Goss & Roslyn provided the glamour & Tony Murphy & I contributed with a truck load of style. ๐
Road Trip South Australia reminds me of the last frontier and the road trip I took in 2003. Three Japanese students, Yukako, Megumi & Noriko & I travelled from the Gold Coastin Queensland, through Broken Hill NSW to Coober Pedy in South Australia, a fascinating opal mining town where most of the population live in underground houses, then on to Ayers Rock and back home to the Gold Coast via Hervey Bay where we went whale watching. On our marathon journey all through the Australian Outback we traveled 7,300 kilometers which was around 82 hours behind the wheel.
The above photo is at Tenterfield on the New England Highway.
This famous Australian singer son writer was born in Tenterfield. For a discounted room rate just book through THIS LINK.
Listen to Peter sing one of his famous songs about the Tenterfield sadler.
The first stage
Across NSW to South Australia.
Surfers Paradise Road Trip South Australia
Our first day on the road, we will overnight in Broken Hill.
Trades Hall in Broken Hill.
The Trades Hall is Broken Hill’s most historically important building.
Broken Hill in outback NSW.
Broken Hill over 1,100 km (680 mi) west of Sydney and surrounded by semi-desert.
For a very good discount on a Broken Hill hotel just book through THIS LINK.
Typical outback building
In the 19th and early 20th century Broken Hill was home to a community of Afghans. Afghans worked as camel drivers in parts of outback Australia, and they made a significant contribution to economic growth when transport options were limited. The camel drivers formed the first sizeable Muslim communities in Australia, and in Broken Hill they left their mark in the form of the first mosque in NSW (1891).
Wilmington South Australia
Wilmington is a farming community, known for sheep, wheat and barley, but more recently for the planting of olive groves.
Road Trip South Australia, the general store
Wilmington is 305 kilometres north of the state capital, Adelaide.
This was at Byron Bay near the start of our journey.
Such lovely young girls, Noriko Megumi & Yukako. Thanks for visiting my Surfers Paradise Road Trip South Australia photo blog. Next stop is Coober Pedy.
Surfers Paradise Sydney Trip seeing lots of friends & in particular caught up with Karen Greenwood an old girlfriend from 1991, 26 years ago. As you can see see still looks fantastic. ๐ So many great memories came flooding back, it was certainly wonderful week Surfers Paradise. We are at Franks seafood cafe on Chevron Island.
I first visited this iconic bar on New Years Day 1982, 35 years ago. The reason I am so sure of the date is it was the day after my unforgettable NYE on Sydney harbour with my overloaded boat being showered by sky rockets.
First stop Kingscliff only a 40 minute drive.
Just a quick stop for a very good breakfast and some photos.
I first visited this iconic bar on New Years Day 1982, 35 years ago. The reason I am so sure of the date is it was the day after my unforgettable NYE on Sydney harbour with my overloaded boat being showered by sky rockets.
O’Malleys on Cavil Avenue
After Melbas we wandered down to O’Malleys to have a couple more drinks and watch the rugby league.
The view from O’Malleys
Overlooking the famous Surfers Paradise Beach.
Great week Surfers Paradise in Cavill Avenue, what a terrific poster.
That photo is always going to grab my attention. ๐
The Avenue in a new location
The Avenue moved across the road to make way for a new property development.
Orchard Avenue Surfers Paradise
Certainly on of the most famous streets in Surfers Paradise.
Costa D’oro restaurant
I can remember eating at this restaurant over 35 years ago.
Corner of Orchard & the Gold Coast Highway
You can clearly see the light rail tracks that stretch from Helensvale to Broadbeach.
Certainly one of the highlights of my trip.
Caught up with Karen Greenwood an old girlfriend from 1991, 26 years ago. As you can see see still looks fantastic. ๐ So many terrific memories came flooding back, it certainly made it a Great week Surfers Paradise Australia. We are at Franks seafood cafรฉ on Chevron Island.
Here we are 26 years ago.
I could’t resist posting this photo from 1991.
Fabulous breakfast
Green Days restaurant on the corner of Bundall Rd & Ashmore Rd offer my favourite breakfast.
Green Days restaurant
It is difficult not to feel totally relaxed here. Open for lunch every day & dinner Friday & Saturday.
Two of my best friends
Ross Kennedy & Bryan Dart are two very old friends, we met for a few drinks at the Benowa Tavern.
Talking about old friends
Here are two of my oldest friends, both in years I have known them & years they have been on this planet. Tony Murphy aka Murph the surf & David Robertson aka Chocolates.
Back to Rossco and his new home.
Paradise waters is now home for the Kennedy’s.
They plan to pull it down & re-build
A wonderful location with beautiful water views.
Last but not least the Legendary Lloyd Ross.
Caught up briefly with Lloyd & hope to see him in Thailand soon.
Thanks for visiting my Great week Surfers Paradise Australia photo blog.
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 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
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.
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.
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
Fresh ocean prawns and avocado at Isle of Capriis 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
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
On the left is Bryan Dart, on the right Phil Thomson
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.
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
Cafe Alfons is a nice cafe for coffee or breakfast.
Bacon, eggs avocado.
Throw in a flat white or latte and cost comes to $21.
Hairdresser, R/E agent & Happy Dragon Massage.
Have a haircut, buy a house then go upstairs for a soothing massage. ๐
Tribeca is a hot new restaurant on Chevron Island
Excellent food and very good service, run by Brandon & Shannon Pollard.
Sadly this venue closed in 2019.
Western end
Three more restaurants including one of 4 Thai restaurants on the island.
Good Thai food
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. ๐
Fu Manchu
Had lunch at this upmarket new two story restaurant, nice decor and good service but I have mixed feelings about the food.
Mixed reaction
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. ๐
Espresso Bonsai
A nice little cafe with very good coffee.
Fabulous hot rod
On Chevron for a promotion.
Colour coded outfits
And terrific smiles. ๐
CHEVRON ISLAND SEAFOOD
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
Say hello to Frank and Warren.
Chevron Island Surfers Paradise
More seafood from Frank’s.
Feast at Franks.
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.
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
The Surfers skyline is rather spectacular.
From the corporate centre
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
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. ๐
Running of the bikes
An article I wrote in the Gold Coast Bulletin.
Checkout some more of my terrific blogs on the links below.
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.
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
I’m surprised this prime property adjacent to the Chevron Island bridge was not developed years ago.
Chevron Renaissance
One of three towers offering apartments and hotel rooms.
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 Capriand Bundall blogs.
Melbas Gold Coast Legacy is a huge part of Surfers Paradise folklore. Here is my photo record spanning over 25 years showing my friends and I having fun at this iconic nightclub and bar in Surfers Paradise. In the early 80s it was also one of the best restaurants due to the expertise of owner/manager the late great Paul Allen.
My Melba’s three L scenario, Legends were made, Lies were told, Ladies were pursued. ๐
This is not a travel blog just a personal photo collection from Surfers Paradise Australia.
New Years Eve 1990 Melbas Gold Coast Legacy
On the left is Tony Fazio who was manager at the time, now living in Perth I believe, on the right is Steve Jones one of the legendary bouncers who sadly passed away far too young, RIP.
Adam & Eve
I think her name was Amanda but don’t hold me to it. A cocktail waitress who was a very sexy lady.
Dinner before we hit Melbas
In those days there was a Japanese restaurant next door where I regularly had dinner before hitting the club. Melbas was only on the 2nd floor then, downstairs was all shops.
Paul’s son Dave Allen part of Melbas Gold Coast Legacy
Dave is a terrific guy, in 1990 he was working behind the bar, in later years he was General manager.
Another New Years Eve around 90/91
Harley Bradstreet one of my greatest long time friends, no Melba’s blog would be complete without him. For a while in the 90s he was actually one of the chefs there, it’s still unknown how many diners were rushed to hospital after eating one of his creations, forgive me mate I’m only joking.
A mutual friend of ours Southport solicitor Larry Wilson coined a famous phrase regarding Harley, he said “anyone can have a bad decade”. That really summed it up beautifully, I often used to refer to this great little guy as my own personal disaster area, but a nicer guy than you could never meet. Narrelle with the great smile worked behind the bar and was Tony Fazzio’s main squeeze at the time, a few years later I recall introducing her to her future husband, Jack Delanty, a one eyed Collingwood supporter from Melbourne.
July 7 1992
July 7 1992 was my birthday so naturally we celebrated at Melbas. Great friend Andre Buzek on the left was dentist on Chevron Island who was always offering cut price dental work to any sexy young lady who crossed his path. Sadly Andre lost his life in a car accident in Cuba about 4 or 5 years after this photo was taken.
Greg Johnstone on the right now lives in Thailand as I do, we occasionally have a beer together. At the back are Roger Williams and Len Jones, Roger went back to Adelaide and Len now lives in Sydney, the name of the girls eludes me.
A very happy bunch of people
The young guy at the back is Justin, another one of Paul Allen’s sons.
The legend himself in 1992
Paul was larger than life and ran Melbas with an iron fist. I originally met him when he was head waiter at Eliza’s restaurant in Cavil Avenue. Two of his customers financed Paul into Melbas around 1981, they saw potential in the way Paul interacted with customers and figured he could develop the best restaurant night club on the coast, they were right.
I vividly recall my first visit on January 1st 1982, we had a huge night on Sydney harbour on New Years Eve which ended at dawn, so on the spur of the moment we flew to the Gold Coast checked into St Tropez in Orchard and wound up at Melbas that evening.
At the start Melbas was 75% restaurant and 25% night club separated by a glass wall. Even though the restaurant was top class each passing year saw it get smaller and the nightclub bigger until it disappeared altogether.
January 1982 a couple of days after we arrived the party continued on the Gold Coast. The new sexy girl in the middle was โKittyโ a totally uninhibited Dutch girl who I knew from Sydney, but thatโs another story. ๐ Helen Burke on the right was soon to become my new girlfriend, in November 2014 I visited her at her winery at Dromana in the state of Victoria, my how time flies when you are having fun. The big guy is Graham La Roche aka “the Biff”, a legend in his own lunch time.
Lets jump forward to the year 2000
One of Paul Allen’s rules was to hire the best looking girls to work behind the bar, in my book the best of them all was Aurora. She is definitely part of Melbas Gold Coast Legacy.
The usual suspects Xmas 2000.
From the left we have Jim Bell, John Sinclair, David Herd and Tony Murphy. Jim rented a room in my home for 15 years from 1995. John moved to Thailand around 2001 and Tony still lives on the Gold Coast.
Xmas 2000 and Kerry Townsend-Smith was one of the head girls, I first met her when she was a waitress at the Boardroom, a well known Southport gentlemen’s club. From memory after Melbas she moved to Koi at Broadbeach, a lovely lady with a great personality.
A definite highlight in 2000
One of the most gorgeous ladies I have ever had the pleasure of knowing, Skye Edwards from Launceston.
Skye-Jilly Edwards (born c. 1972) is an Australian beauty pageant titleholder who won the Miss Globe International 1994 in Istanbul, Turkey and represented her country in the Miss World 1994 pageant in Sun City, South Africa. She was rated in the top 50 models in Australia by Ralph Magazine.
Perfect except for one small thing
Yes, Skye was a smoker, come to think of it so was I in 2000. I finally quit for good 2 years later.
Dean Martin Original Release LITTLE OLD WINE DRINKER ME
You could always guarantee the best eye candy on the coast would wind up at Melba’s on Melbourne cup day.
Paul McCartney - MICHELLE - HDTV-FullHD
The Butterbean Brothers in 2005
Two legends in their own lunch time, the Butterbean brothers aka Larry Krausz & Ross Kennedy. Larry just moved to Pattaya on November 28 2015 and is now my neighbour. (Sadly our buddy Larry passed away in January 2017 after suffering a major stroke in Thailand October 28th 2016) Rossco originally from Melbourne where he sold hot dogs outside the Melbourne Cricket Ground, and is now a mover and shaker on the Gold Coast. He quit his holdings in Surfers Paradise strip clubs and restaurants to become the glass splash-back Kingof the Coast. We have a long & happy history together with the highlight being a legendary road tripto Sydney, Falls Creek & Melbourne in 1996. What an incredible year 1996 was, read all about it here.
December 2003 Xmas lunch.
Sadly two old friends in this photo have passed away. Second from the left Ron Collier died April 26 2012. I first met Ron in Melbourne in the 70s before he & Yvonne moved to Byron Bay, a great character who loved life to the max. Second on the left is Noel Smith a regular Melba’s customer who passed away in 2011.
Graham La Roche aka “The Biff”.
A true Aussie legend, I also met Graham in Melbourne in the 70s, as his nickname suggests he was a hell of a fighter. Fought with the famous Jimmy Sharman’s boxing troupethroughout Victoria in the 60s and was never defeated. Graham was on-board by boat in Sydney Harbour on New Years Eve 1981 when we got smashed by fireworks because I stupidly anchored in the drop zone, read about it here.
I think this beautiful lady was Maltese, I only wish I was 20 years younger and 4 times wealthier.
Melbourne Cup 2006.
Important evens were always celebrated at Melba’s, here I am with good friends David Robertson aka “Chocolates” and Phil Thomson aka “Baldrick“. Chocs was famous for the huge volume of “Forsters Light” he would consume daily while Baldrick was famous for……… nothing really. ๐
Another terrific old friend who was a regular member of our Melba’s drinking crew. Also known as “Coupons” which he collects to swap for free stuff. ๐
Another gorgeous staff member
Service with a smile.
2007, German and gorgeous.
Not only gorgeous but a sparkling personality as well. I can’t remember her unusual name, Zea or something like that.
Concentration plus
Keep that red wine flowing my dear. ๐
2007 Alan Jones
Twice world Formula 1 champion, a true living legend if ever there was one. Pictured here with myself and well known Gold Coast sycophant David Hoskit.
My birthday 2008
As I said previously all important events were celebrated at Melbas. One of the clowns, I think it was Noodles decided I was old enough for a wheelchair. I can guarantee one thing for sure, Chocs would not have paid for that bottle of red, & everybody who knows him would agree with me. ๐
Just so cute
It was 2009 and I think her name was Linda, another one of the super cute Melba’s bar staff.
Dani Tobin, a real wild child.
Over the 25 years of drinking at Melba’s I met some wild crazy ladies, and Dani certainly makes it into my top 10. I see her occasionally on Facebook and she seems to have quietened down a little little, hopefully we may catch up again one day. This photo is from 2009.
The usual suspects in 2008
We usually met around 5pm most days and left around 7 pm to sneak home dodging the breathalyzer.
2008 Drinks for my AFL tipping comp
I ran an Australian Rules tipping competition for around 10 years and Melba’s were one of our sponsors.
2009 AFL footy tipping dinner
Here is part of the mob at our end of year dinner in 2009.
Straight out of the Folies Bergรจre
Another gorgeous drink waitress who contributed to Melbas Gold Coast Legacy.
I’m including this song just because I like it.
It’s a happy song and for some strange reason it makes me think of all the happy times I had at Melba’s.
When and why did Lloyd become a legend you may well ask? Well sometime around the turn of the century Lloyd relocated his office from Bundall to 50 Cavil Avenue right next door to Melbas. I am sure that no other customer has ever spent more in this bar than Lloyd, for a start most days from 11 am he would conduct his business in the south east corner of the bar surrounded by various friends and associates. He would normally pull up stumps around 6 pm and head home to Main Beach.
One memorable evening around 2007 Lloyd was enjoying himself so much he stayed on much later until the place was jumping. The crowd in the bar at that time was several hundred, so without any fanfare he ordered 600 shooters at a cost of $5,000, guaranteeing his place in Melba’s on the Park folklore for evermore. It didn’t stop there, he followed up with another 600 to consolidate his legendary status. ๐
Only a few days before making my huge life changing move to Thailand I started having farewell drinks at my favourite bar with my favourite friends.
My last visit November 2014
After my road trip from Adelaide to Melbourne along the Great Ocean Road I flew to the Gold Coastto catch up with friends and family. Phil Thomson and I kept alive our tradition of drinks at Melbas on Melbourne day.
Nothing changes
Here is a group of old friends in August 2017, still rocking on after all those years. ๐
Gold Coast Australia was my home for 25 years from 1986 to 2011. Here are photos & comments on some of my wonderful memories.
This post focuses on 2008 which was another frenetic year of travel. Starting with 6 weeks in Brazil over Xmas & Carnival, with a fabulous week in New York on my way home. My Brazil trip included Rio de janeiro, Curitiba,Paraty,Belneario Camboriu & Florianopolis.
Three trips to Thailand in April, September & November, then throw in Bali,Singapore & Kuala Lumpur, so as you can see I hardly had time to unpack my suitcase. I nearly forgot a hectic couple of weeks in Sydney as well.
This is not a travel blog just a personal photo collection from 2008.
Qantas 1st class NYC to L.A.
I just had to include this photo flying 1st class thanks to my cousin Deb who is a Qantas flight attendant.
The old & the new opposite each other.
During my 25 years living here the changes were extraordinary, not all for the best I might add. The first 15 years were wonderful, however after that in my eyes, the overall atmosphere of the Gold Coaststarted to lose its shine, it no longer had the friendly village feel to it. I guess in my final 10 years there it just got too big and modern.
My home at 106 Upton St Bundall, 4217
In 1990 I designed & built a beautiful home on the waterfront with my own sandy beach & jetty for my boat, life was good. I sold the house in 2011 for over a million dollars, but this was $250k less than I was offered twice in 2007, the big drop in price was due to the Global Financial crisis, c’est la vie.
Gold Coast Australia, drinks at Melbas
Melbas bar & nightclub in Surfers Paradise Australia was my main drinking spot for most of my 25 years on the coast. Here are some of the fellows I would sometimes drink with.
Melbas always had sexy waitresses
One of the main reasons I made this my local watering hole.
Ian Rich was a friend for 45 years.
In 2008 Ian was living in a fabulous sub penthouse in Surfers Paradise Australia, the next few photos taken from his apartment are wonderful examples of Australia’s Gold Coast.
Ian’s beautiful apartment
A great view but very windy on the balcony.
Looking south at Surfers Paradise Australia
Absolutely breathtaking.
Looking north towards the seaway
Magnificent coastline in Surfers Paradise Australia Gold Coast.
Good Friday lunch at Chevron Island fish & chip shop.
One of my favourite eating spots in Surfers Paradise, great food at cheap prices & Frank the owner is an Australian football fanatic similar to myself. The couple on the left Les Scheffer & his wife Robyn & I used to be good friends, however in July 2013 they placed me firmly on their black list where I still reside today. ๐
I’m sad to say Les passed away in March 2020 after a long battle with Cancer, RIP.
The boys in the fish & chip shop
A good bunch of guys.
Bjorn, Alisha, Brad, my nephew Michael & Matty.
Michael was in charge of cocktails as he was a barman at the Sheraton in Sydney as well as some other top venues.
Brad, Elisha & Matty.
I have a couple of internet hotspots in Surfers Paradise which earn me a few bucks, Brad owns the IT business which looks after them. Elisha is his lovely wife & Matty one of his technicians.
Here is Kayoko my friend from Tokyo.
Lots of cocktails were consumed at my home this night, there were a few sore heads in the morning.
Margarita time.
I’ll let Jimmy describe this fabulous cocktail.
Gold Coast Australia Michael & Bjorn
The happy couple are living in Berlin which is Bjorn’s home town. 2016 Update; sadly earlier this year Bjorn lost his long battle with cancer, he will always be remembered as a wonderful friend, RIP.
Trevor Loresch is very much a self made man, lives in a beautiful Pattaya waterfront apartment along with this luxury holiday getaway in Broadbeach on the Gold Coast.
Birthday drinks with Ross Kennedy & Phil Thomson
Two of my best friends on the Gold Coast. Last year Phil & his lovely Japanese wife showed me how to get around the great city of Tokyo which has become one of my favorite cities. In 1996 Rossco & I jumped in my Porsche & did one of my all time great road trips to the Hunter Valley, Sydney, Falls Creek & Melbourne.
Birthday lunch at Melbas
You know you are getting older when you look at some group photos and a couple of guys you have known for decades are not with us anymore. Ron Collier on the left in the black & Noel with the glasses on the right, RIP.
Good friends Wayne Jones & Bryan Dart.
I have known these guys for over 20 years.
Happy birthday DH.
A great day with a lot of good friends.
This would be a perfect birthday present. ๐
Promise I’ll give her back in the morning. ๐
St Kilda play North Melbourne at Carrara.
Rossco & I jump into the wine & food at the St Kilda’s dinner at Carrara stadium.
Drinks at Melbas for our AFL tipping Competition.
I ran a AFL tipping competition for nearly 10 years, here are some of the happy crew enjoying our mid year drinks at Melbas.
My great mate Phil Thomson.
We are at Southport Sharks for our end of year AFL tipping competition.
Dennis Perry, a rose between 2 thorns
Running the tipping competition was a lot of fun, when I moved to Thailand in 2011 Dennis & his crew took it over.
Gold Coast Australia New Years Eve 2008
After a frantic year I spent a very quiet NYE with friends reflecting on another super year of travel & living in Gold Coast Australia. Thanks for visiting my Surfers Paradise Australia photo blog.
Bali Indonesia Surfers Paradise, but personally I prefer Thailand as the best Asian destination for a number of reasons. For me there are too many Australians holidaying in Bali and being an Australian myself I really don’t want to mix with my countrymen when I am on vacation. I first visited this lovely island 40 years ago when it was calm and peaceful, now it is so busy all year round with tourists from all over the world. However as I said initially it is a great location for surfers as opposed to Thailand and many other Asian countries which don’t have large waves crashing on the shore.
Gathering for the sunset
On the beach in front of Ku Da Ta the crowd eagerly awaits the sunset.
Beautiful Balinese sunset
One of the best places in the world to watch the sunset.
Ku De Ta
A famous restaurant where people gather for the sunset.
Here I am with little Ben from London
This was July 2008.
Ben & Michelle
We met online while discussing a house swap. I invited them to join me in Bali before coming to Australia to stay in my guest wing.
Traditional dancers
Gorgeous girls in traditional Balinese dress.
Bali has a fascinating culture.
Total concentration here.
Pura Tanah Lot Bali Indonesia
Tanah Lot means “Land Sea” in the Balinese language. Located in Tabanan, about 20 kilometres (12 mi) from Denpasar, the temple sits on a large offshore rock which has been shaped continuously over the years by the ocean tide. Tanah Lot is claimed to be the work of the 15th-century priest Nirartha. During his travels along the south coast he saw the rock-island’s beautiful setting and rested there. Some fishermen saw him, and bought him gifts. Nirartha then spent the night on the little island. Later he spoke to the fishermen and told them to build a shrine on the rock for he felt it to be a holy place to worship the Balinese sea gods.
Beautiful Balinese Villa.
A beautiful Balinese villa.
Balinese boat on Sanur beach.
A great boat on Sanur beach.
The age old question
DOES MY BUM LOOK BIG IN THIS? Definitely not. ๐
Dining at Ku De Ta in Seminyak.
One of the best places to dine and watch the fabulous sunsets is Ku De Ta on the beach at Seminyak. The photo above shows me David Herd & my friend Ken Grant, an American who now lives and works in Bali.
Ken’s Villa
Here is where I stayed, Ken and his family came to my home in Australia for Xmas.
Beautifully decorated
The whole villa was just beautifully decorated.
Jimbaram Bay
The most popular beach dining location in Bali.
Samaya Hotel at Seminyak.
There are many 5 star hotels in Bali Indonesia, the Samaya hotelis in a great location right on the beach.
Beautiful grounds
A great place to relax & watch the sunsets.
Bali Indonesia Surfers Paradise
A kite surfer at Sanur beach.
Farewell from Kuta Beach
Thanks for visiting my Bali Indonesia Surfers Paradise photo blog.
Naturally when there were pretty girls around the competition between the guys was fierce. ๐
I guess there is no need to say I was enjoying life to the max.
Naturally I always had my camera ready.
And Dr Evil was always there with the camera. ๐
I remember spending some “quality time” with both these lovely ladies.
Another “daily double” I’m happy to say, (that just means I bonked them both. ๐ )we saw a show that night at Jupiters casino, I think it was Barry Humphries.
Sadly my great mate lost his life soon after in a car crash in Cuba.
I was lucky enough to spend a few months on & off with this lovely lady.
Naturally Harley is locked & loaded once again. ๐
Now in 2018 Greg lives in Pattaya & runs a bar on the dark side, & Steve still lives on the Gold Coast.
Our local drinking hole was Melbas on the Park.
Daryl Beattie is a former Grand Prix motorcycle road racer, those bikes however all belonged to Mick Doohan the living legend who won five consecutive 500 cc World Championships. The guy in the middle is a legend in his own lunch time, my good mate Ross Kennedy aka “Shoeless Joe”.
Here I am giving my boat a good wash. ๐
It was Xmas day 1992 and we all had a great lunch at my home in 106 Upton St Bundall. My main squeeze at the time was Kelly 2nd from the right, & my occasional squeeze was Jill standing beside her. ๐
Harley & his gay flatmate naturally came dressed in their army outfits. ๐ Tat’s Kandice on the left & Nicola on the right.
This is a true classic.
Lyn Goss & Roslyn provided the glamour & Tony Murphy & I contributed with a truck load of style. ๐
A final gathering of the usual suspects before leaving for Thailand. I hope you enjoyed my Melbas Gold Coast Legacy post.
