Grand View Hotel, awaiting restoration
Original painting: Now available upon enquiry.
Prints available.
Since its construction in 1851, Queensland’s oldest pub has never wavered in its commitment to serve the traveller a drink alongside one of the grandest views in all the Redlands. Sitting above a rise at Toondah Harbour, with views out to Stradbroke Island, the Grand View Hotel remains a Cleveland institution.
Originally a single-storey dwelling named the Brighton Hotel, it underwent significant changes over the years to become the beloved heritage-listed structure it is today.
Perhaps a little faded in parts, who can blame this old gent of a building from nodding off amidst the bustle of afternoon patrons, with Queensland's oldest Banyan tree beside it as company? A renovation has provided new amenities to a younger crowd but the old building is preserved, along with all the precious memories.
CATS Thrift Shop, Shore Street North, Cleveland
Original painting: Now available upon enquiry.
Prints available.
On the road to Cleveland Point and just before the legendary Grand View Hotel is CATS Thrift Shop, currently a pilates studio. With a black cat depicted on the door, CATS is an acronym for Cleveland Anglican Thrift Shop, in honour of the historic Saint Paul's Anglican Church it adjoins. Although fossickers can no longer grab a bargain at CATS, they can instead stretch out feline-style as they connect with their inner selves.
Cleveland Point at dawn
Original painting: Now available upon enquiry.
Prints available.
Walking Cleveland Point at dawn is like stumbling upon a secret world that is all yours to savour. As the sun rises over the ocean, the shell-coloured sky surrounds. Sea birds swoosh like brush strokes against a blank canvas, enjoying the golden hour before the humans convene on land and sea to enjoy the point’s splendours.
Miller’s Garage, Middle Street, Cleveland
Original painting: Now available upon enquiry.
Prints available.
The only clue hinting at the ownership of this mechanic workshop is the shadowed green door and the old lettering adhered to it. Beside it, all manner of car servicing is taking place, in the cavernous shed where even a vintage automobile or two safely reside.
Operations clearly hark back to an earlier time when reputation was built on solid values and word of mouth. A coffee shop over the road is the ideal spot to watch the goings-on inside this veteran structure and muse on bygone days.
Bay FM, Cleveland-Redland Bay Road, Thornlands
Original painting: Now available upon enquiry.
Prints available.
Sitting reclusively on the side of a busy main road, it’s clear that Bay FM has witnessed significant changes in the local area since it began operating in 1992.
A not-for-profit community radio station that runs around the clock, the single-level dwelling is dwarfed by the transmitters above, now decked out with 5G accessories.
Many locals like to channel a classic hit while driving through the Redlands, perhaps recalling its earlier farming landscape as they wander down memory lane.
Overcast day at the Lighthouse Restaurant
Original painting: Sold.
Prints available.
Even in gloomy weather, the Lighthouse Restaurant charms with its wane and rust. Despite the ocean’s persistence, it holds tight to its mooring and gets more characterful every year.
Some amorous couples have even adhered padlocks to the cabled fencing out front, to replicate the Love Lock bridge in Paris. Clearly, this locale holds a special place in the hearts of many.
Cleveland Point Lighthouse at high noon
Original painting: Sold.
Prints available.
A beautiful blue-sky day showcases Cleveland Point's beloved lighthouse in its finest glory.
Built in 1864, it has stood sentry over approximately 58,000 moonlit nights and dazzling dawns, however it is at high noon when it stands at its proudest.
Be sure to keep an eye out for the seabirds that mingle about the mangroves, from pied oystercatchers and Australasian darters to terns and sandpipers. All kept in check by a strapping white-bellied sea eagle!