“Colours of Christmas” Social Walk, Victoria Point
Description: Holly has been a powerful winter symbol for thousands of years. Its evergreen leaves and bright red berries made it a natural emblem of vitality during the darkest months. Druids viewed holly as a protective plant that warded off evil spirits and symbolised eternal life, while Romans used it during Saturnalia, ancient Rome’s most popular festival dedicated to the agricultural god, Saturn, as a sign of goodwill and continuity of life.
In Christian tradition, holly gained new layers of meaning:
- Prickly leaves → associated with the crown of thorns
- Red berries → symbolising drops of Christ’s blood
- Evergreen nature → representing eternal life and hope
Across cultures, holly continues to represent protection, renewal, fertility, and resilience, making it one of the most enduring and recognisable symbols of the Christmas season.
During this walk, we’ll enjoy the rich red and green of the exotic Poinciana trees as substitutes for the red and green of the holly plant to symbolise the festive season.
We’ll meet at W.H.Yeo Park, Eagle Street, Victoria Point, for morning tea (Bring a plate to share) in one of the shelter sheds. From here, we’ll follow the coastline around the point, pausing to consider the significance of the Redlands Aviation Heritage Ramp. Following backstreets, we’ll work our way along footpaths to Colburn Avenue where the beauty of the flowering Poincianas abounds. Turning right, we’ll follow the avenue to the ferry jetty, enjoying the views of the water and islands as we descend a small hill to the jetty. Wandering along the esplanade, we’ll enjoy the beauty of the coastline including Coochiemudlo Island, just across the water. We’ll then return to Colburn Avenue and follow it to the roundabout before turning left and returning to Yeo Park for lunch. Along the way, you may like to stop and pick up a pie, a salad roll or some other delicacy from the bakery to enjoy back at the park before heading home.
Walk Grading: Easy. Total walking distance approximately 5 km. Quite flat with a couple of easy slopes to Colburn Avenue,
Meet – When & Where: 9:15 am at W H Yeo Park, Eagle Street, Victoria Point. We’ll start walking around 10 am.
What to Bring: Hat, 1 litre of water, jacket, rain gear (just in case), torch, insect repellent, morning tea, including drink, lunch (or buy during the walk), $5.00 NPA Fee.
Directions: Drive to Victoria Point. Look for the signposted right turn to Thompson Beach at the roundabout in Colburn Avenue
Nominations: Via NPAQ Website.
Leader: Frank Freeman Ph. 0427 655 514 Email: [email protected]