On the Coast – Over 55 Issue 33 I January/February 2020 | Page 17

Coast
WORDS BY DORIAN MODE
PICTURES BY LYDIA THORPE
Our digs for this adventure are the
Newport Apartments. Here we have
a retina-shrinking sunlit suite on the
eleventh floor with nigh on 360-degree
views of the Coral Sea and Mooloolah
River. Our spectacular apartment is so
bright and sunny it makes our eyes water
upon entering from the shadows of the
lobby. The complex offers a pool and spa,
shaded by curling pandanus trees. And
only a 60-second walk to the beachfront
and shops. Psst, senior readers chary
of the surf will be reassured by the
mostly iron-flat surf,
protected by a long
cove from southerly
tempests.
Flanking Newport Apartments is
a book exchange. Remember when folks
used to read on their holidays? We stroll
in to find it buzzing with tanned seniors
thumbing timeworn novels.
Directly behind Newport is the The
Wharf Mooloolaba (more upmarket than
calling it The Mooloolaba Wharf,
apparently). Built in 1988, this clever
initiative was inspired
by wharf-side
developments such as
the Santa Monica Pier
and the Freemantle
Jetty. Here we
discover hip bars and
boutiques and a
world class
aquarium that we visit the following day.
The wharf houses scuba diving charters,
cruises, whale watching and fishing
charters. For lunch we eschew the Atkins
Nazis and purchase an old fashioned ‘chip
butty’ at the wharf. Remember those? We
engorge ourselves with so many carbs
our shoes suddenly feel tight.
That evening – after the word from
several uber drivers – we dine at Rice Boi.
Here we find tasty, local, handmade
Asian-inspired street food. The dumplings
are excellent and so too, the spicy curries.
Upstairs is a groovy cocktail bar where
we imbibe both drinks and views of the
gentle river from the balcony.
JANUARY/FEBRUARY – ISSUE 33
17