I’d been hankering after a visit to the beach since arriving in Australia. Yes, after visiting Dubai and then Singapore, we finally arrived. Hooray.

As mentioned in my previous blog post, we’ve extensively explored Brisbane and now wish to see some coastal places. The nearest seaside spots, are Manly and Wynnum.

We arrived after about a 20 minute drive and parked. Walked along the Waterloo Esplanade, around the bay, to Manly Yacht Club, wandered around the bay area then went on the hunt for a supermarket so we could precure some sort of lunch. We eventually found a supermarket, after much searching (we walked past it) and had a delicious veggie pasty and crisps. Not a health day then.

Back around the bay, to the car and then onwards to Wynnum. The seaside views are lovely and although the beach is only a small one, there are many facilities to keep you busy. Outdoor sea water pools, fountain play showers, recreational parks, wind surfing, and the bbqs open bbq/picnic huts. It was like looking at one of those 1960s architecture plans/drawings for family outside spaces, we had to examine during geography, at school. I quickly realised that this is what the whole space reminds me of. The ultimate outdoor living for family life and thoroughly used by the community.

Australia has the best facilities for outdoor living. We’ve all heard this, but it isn’t until you see it, you realise how true this is. The facilities are truly splendid. Australians have built in bbqs and they are abundant along this coast. Families congregate, bbq, have picnics, go in the pool and generally have fun. There are water sports (fishing, wind surfing, kayaking), a fishing pier, shops, sailing or you can just hang out on the small beach. The place is vibrant and packed with families and this is great to see. Oh, and you can arrive and park. There’s a novelty. No stupid yellow lines or resident parking only signs everywhere.

Oddly enough, it probably isn’t the greatest area because it only has a small beach called Pandanus Beach. The shoreline is covered with mangroves and aromatic mudflats which makes it unsuitable for sunbathing or swimming. However, the views and family facilities are marvellous and the bay path is great for a stroll to see all the yachts sailing around the bay.

What impressed me, was how everything is set out for the purpose of encouraging families to relax and have fun. The area started to be popular in the 1930s and still has the old fashioned charm about it. Lucky Australians having this wonderful outdoor life.