Tank Ride – Tamborine/Jimboomba

 There had to come a day where Hubby & another family member, cashed in the Gift vouchers to partake in the tank ride experience.

Today was the day.  Heading off on a Sunday drive, we meandered our way to the tank ride location, not too far from Waterford.

We were met with a very enthusiastic, Tim Wood, who checked off the booking and explained there were a few to come, but we were all welcome to explore the ranks outside, without climbing over or on them.  Why not, what a great opportunity to take a few photos.   Fascinating to see the different tanks, including this bridge layer, lurking under a tarp on Tims property.    I have to mention here, that Tim not only welcomed those who were booked in for the experience, spectators and those just along for the ride, were also most wrlcome to explore these tanks.   It’s not often you come across an experience where the spectators are also welcome.   Well done to Tim for keeping this as an outing suitable for families or couples, even if only one person is actually partaking in the exoerience.  Much appreciated.  

 After  checking out the different tanks, it was time to head to the shed where a most knowledgable and eager Tim, shared his love of tanks.  Again spectators were welcome.  Tim shared his history with tanks, including his transition from champion bmx rider to the proud owner of these big steel tanks.

Knowing this is someone who repeats this experience over and over continually, it was quite refreshing to find Tim to be such a genuine person, who could retell these stories, without sounding dull and repetitive.  His audience was drawn in to his enthusiasm, all listening, without the usual signs of boredom.  Tim has a  system that works and he should be commended for this.  Keep up that natural enthusiasm Tim, it really does make a big difference to the whole exoerience. 

For those wondering what facilities are available, there are toilets, plus a free water filter,  ((not chilled) and bottled water for $1.    

After the informative session, it was time to head outside and listen to Tim explain the different types of tanks.  Once finished, everyone was invited to climb on and explore this intriguing equipment.   After this, the group who had booked the experience, were divided into two for the tank rides.    Spectators were most welcome to take photos of their mates partaking in their experience. 
I for one, was quite surprised at the speed of this tank as it thundered round the track.  Dust and exhaust fumes billowing behind.  Apparently, the ride was quite smooth as compared to what the participants expected. You wonder how when you see a photo like this!   However, I can assure you, this experience was most enjoyed, not only by our group, but by other participants who included young children.   Most definitely keep this  one in mind.  A great gift, quite a unique experience for the big and little kids at heart.  Thank you Tim, this day was greatly enjoyed by all of your happy, somewhat dusty, participants and spectators!

 

Queensland Auto Museum – Hampton

After an enjoyable Sunday Drive, our final destination for the day was this intriguing museum, located down a red dirt road in Hampton.   So much for those lovely shiny cars 😄!

Your first view are the cars from years gone by, lined up along the driveway, leading to the entrance.  They’re not clean, nor shiny, simply sitting there, rejuvenating those distant memories, associated with cars, from over the years.  Cars are joined by motorbikes, dinghys, and more memorabilia as you approach the Bobby Dazzler Cafe.

 Everywhere you look, including over your head, on tables, in the gardens, there is something else that will jog the memory cogs.  

  
We chose to fill the bellies, before venturing into the museum.   With quite a large group, we had let them know to expect us.   A simple menu, with revved up burgers the mainstay, plus a specials board, it still took some deliberation to decide upon your choice. 

  Reasonably priced, there were a few desserts, some cakes, soft drinks, and a variety of coffees available, with bushells tea for the tea drinkers.

Service was friendly, food beautifully fresh and most enjoyable, however unfortunately, on this occasion, the kitchen was unable to cope.   Meals were delivered two at a time with no rhyme or reason and very long gaps in between,   I had finished my fish and chip meal below just as hubby was delivered his burger.   Luckily though the quaility of the food was higher than expected for an out of the way cafe.    Not only was the fish tasty, chips just right, the salad was a superb coleslaw / salad style mix. 

 Hubby of course, chose a burger.   Today it was the Big Block Burger which looked like a small high rise building! 

 There were no complaints from hubby about his lunch, although he did start to struggle to finish!  The comment was passed that not only was the salad and contents tasty , the bun was also very fresh.

After lunch it was time to head the non-descript doorway, where a variety of bits and pieces were scattered around, and view the contents within.   At $12.50 per adult, the entry fee is reasonable enough.  Upon stepping through the doorway, you feel yourself immediately pulled back into the past.  It’s not just cars in here, there is everything from those bygone eras.    Any adult  who cannot find something in here to jog a memory or two, must have lived in a bubble.    From telephones that stayed in one place and you could only answer if you were home, to an old caravan kitted out with the basic essentials.   The old tvs that every now and then coped a thump on the side to restore the picture or provided the shelf for a well placed screwdriver as a threat to what would happen if they didn’t work.  Oh yes I remember the pain associated with learning to touch type on these… Not from the typewriter itself but from the strict typing teacher with metre rule in hand, stalking through the classroom, distributing well placed blows across the knuckles with said ruler if one was spied by her eagle eyes, even glancing towards the key.  You had no choice but to learn to touch type, and type fast!

There’s a corner dedicated to the vehicles owned by Peter Brock.  Always a draw card for those who enjoy keeping up with  racing legend history.
Fill in a day with an enjoyable drive out this way.  There’s a lot to see and do, even the kids find this stuff fascinating, until the novelty wears off anyway!

Next Door Kitchen & Bar – lunch

  
Southbank offers opportunities for many choices in the type of cuisine you’d like to sample.   Today was an enjoyable relaxed lunch, catching up with friends.   With a compact menu which still caters for most tastes, we easily could find something for everyone.

Ggreeted by bubbly staff as soon as we stopped to view the outside menu, it did not take long to reach the division and dine here.   Before long, our group was seated, with menus in hand and water delivered to the table.

One of the drinks at the table, was a cocktail delivered in most intriguing silver ware.  Not only was this very heavy,  Hubby was shown how the top lifted from the base to drink.   This is all in keeping with the 1920’s, prohibition era themed restaurant.    Their beverage list makes for entertaining reading with Homemade Hooch, Moonshine, Bootleggers and Giggle water being among some of lingo used.

 Meals followed within a reasonable time frame, my choice for today was Calamari.   Served with a delightful coconut lime dressing and Vietnamese salad, this salt & pepper style calamari dish was most enjoyable.   Nice to enjoy a non stringy or rubbery calamari.  

Another meal was this sharp looking, packed full burger., with fries.   Certainly well enjoyed.

Hubby today chose the Gangster chicken wings, accompanied by a blue cheese sauce and chilli peanuts.   The combination of flavours, I’m told, made for an enjoyable meal.   Southbank never fails to deliver on entertainment or dining.   With plenty to choose from, remember to keep Next Door Kitchen & Bar in mind.   

We have enjoyed breakfast here before and I’m sure dinner would not disappoint ether.  Remember to check this one out when you’re in the Little Stanley Streey area, we have never had a problem here.  

Summit Restaurant & Bar – Sunday lunch

A definite favourite, we love coming here.   The fabulous quilt work of Brisbane City laid out before your eyes, never fails to impress.  Even on a cloudy, moody day, the breathtaking, birds eye view of Brisbane gong about daily life, is not dulled in any way. 

 Our table was near the window, with this framed view through a low window pane, next to the where we sat.   An interesting moving picture, with planes  clearly visible as they arrived or departed Brisbane airport.  

The larger windows around the room were wide open, allowing the fabulous cooling breeze, swaying the tree tops next to the restaurant, to keep you cool during lunch.  Natural air conditioning has to be the best around.   Huge fans around the room, caught the dancing breeze and spread it across the entire restaurant area to benefit all the diners.

 
What do we like about this restaurant?   Location, food quality, presentation, high level of service and the choice in value.   Definitely ticks the boxes and covers the reasons why we keep coming back.   Today I decided to trial their $30.95 two course lunch menu.  This one gives the choice of the mixed entree and main, or a main & dessert.   For $39.95 you can have all three, or, if you’re not particularly hungry, choose the main only for $19.95.  

The mixed entree arrived first, with a most delicious demitasse of cold soup , sitting alongside the spiced pork & glass noodle spring roll, warm ciabatta, and a flavoursome chilli lime syrup, zucchini & corn fritter.  A delightful mix of entrees, not overly spicy, in fact very much to my taste, providing a wonderful pop of flavours between all the foods.   Most enjoyable.  

Next were the mains.  Hubby had chosen to go with the Ã…l La Carte menu.  Here you have the choice of full size or small plates.  Today he had chosen the small plate of seared wagyu rump cap to follow his entree choice of natural oysters.   Certainly well enjoyed as every morsel of the both dishes were completely demolished! 

 
My main choice on the two course lunch special was one of my favourite dishes, Atlantic salmon.   Cooked to absolute perfection with the enjoyable melt in the mouth salmon, a perfect accompaniment to the leek & pea vegetables, potato gratin and a light lemon butter sauce.  A combination to get those juices flowing.  

If you haven’t visited here yet, you should,   After drinking in the amazing tapestry of views surrounding the mountain, take the time to enjoy a lunch whilst still catching glimpses of Brisbane during your dining experience.  Yes there is a little walk to get here from the car park, which might involve a steep incline if you park in the lower car parks, but it is worth every step.   Enjoy!