Sunshine Coast Ladies Probus Club Outing
09 Nov 2016
The temperature soared in S.E. Queensland in late July. On Friday, 24th the weather pattern equalled a long standing record of 29°C. As luck would have it the day was consistent with an outing for our Club and the Mooloolaba Ladies’ Probus Club. Both are small clubs and the chance of successfully organising a bus trip for one or the other club is exceptionally impossible, so from time to time we join together.
Setting out early at 8.00am from our usual location for bus trips in the parking area at the back of the Headlands Bowls Club, Buderim where both clubs meet on different days we were destined to have a magical day. The numbers were not great from either club, but those in attendance were happy with the outcome.
A leisurely but a punctual trip to South Bank in Brisbane where our river cruise boat MV Neptune was moored waiting for our embarkation to settle, and meander down the Brisbane River to the John Oxley landing. On boarding we were cordially greeted by the staff and captain before being served with a beautiful morning tea of the biggest scones, jam, and cream imaginable.
Brisbane appeared to sparkle as did the river – the scene as we left South Bank was unparalleled. An informative commentary by the captain kept us entertained as we wound down the river to Newstead House. Within minutes of leaving South Bank Jetty and the giant ‘Wheel of Brisbane’ behind we sailed under the Captain Cook Bridge past the Botanic Gardens on the left and the Kangaroo Point Cliffs on the right, the old Customs House, then another icon of Brisbane – the Storey Bridge. We witnessed the new walkway along the river and marvelled how a similar construction was washed away in the flood torrent of five or six years ago. Revelled in the wonderful sunshine at we passed the New Farm Park which historically was farm lands in the early part of the settlement; past the palatial homes, water craft, and the refurbished Wool Stores that are now luxury apartments. Finally we reached Newstead House for the next part of our carefree day.
We were met by our guide as we disembarked from our boat trip – Newstead House is the oldest surviving residence in Brisbane. It operates as a living museum, and is furnished in the style of a late Victorian period home to represent the lifestyle of the Harris family, who were in residence between 1862 and 1890. We were encouraged to wander about the building and take in the magnificent furniture and furnishing of the period. The gardens surrounding the building are beautifully manicured; the building is resplendent in the generous vista from the Brisbane River.
The collection of Newstead House is largely the result of generous donations.
Our day continued to the Broncos Leagues Club for lunch – some were lucky enough to be successful with ‘a flutter on the pokies’ while others took time to look at the sports museum history of the football team - Queensland’s pride ‘the Broncos’.
A leisurely trip home without incident capped the day beautifully – ‘all in high spirits’.
The Sunshine Coast Ladies’ Probus Club meets on the first Friday of each month from February to November in the Headland Bowls Club at 10.00am. The Probians’ club is small in numbers, but that does not inhibit the members as there are many functions organised to Brisbane theatres, luncheons, bus tours, etc. In the past we have had very enjoyable extended stays away such as ‘An eight day S.A. Discovery Tour’.
Each meeting an invited guest speaker viewing and speaking on varying topics is part of the gathering after morning tea break.
Visitors always welcome – for further particular please contact Patricia de Waardt on 54792463/0408986825 or [email protected]. Come join us – a welcome awaits you.
Submitted by:
Jan Parks
Publicity Officer
The Sunshine Coast Ladies’ Probus Club
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