Tradegy in paradise!

Is this the ultimate tropical paradise? According to my son in law the Real Estate Agents come to Byron Bay to take photographs when advertising properties on the Gold Coast. They probably don't add that this is where you also get dive-bombed and stung my wasps and can nearly get arrested for walking along the beach.

Unlike the other beach holiday makers we must have presented a view of the eccentric English or simply `dotty old women? as we strolled out along the beach with our rucksacks, brimmed sun hats and shirts to protect us from the sun. An image that was probably very useful as we managed to inadvertently stray into the Australian Navy restricted area at the end of the beach. Having made the decision to turn back we found ourselves confronted by a security man who drove up from behind (complete with gun!) I'm sure our appearance and vague replies helped to convince him we were not potential terrorists and at least we didn't get arrested! I can't quite imagine this being possible in the UK where restricted zones are fenced off and walking along the the beach doesn't seem to get you in to trouble.