Matilda is the 13m high 1982 Commonwealth Games opening ceremony Mascot. She has had a few homes over the years. I find it surprising that it is still hanging around. I was not that impressed then they rolled it out at the opening ceremony at the games held in Brisbane way back in 80s but I suppose the Commonwealth Games never had a budget like the Olympics. It sure is hard to miss and easily gets some attention.
Since the games Matilda has lived out the front of a few petrol stations, first down on the M1 on the Gold Coast then in more recent years at a servo near Gympie. I was surprised to see, it has changed hands again and is now at the new and improved Traveston rest stop. We were in need of a break and this was perfectly located on our way north to Maryborough a few month back. Truth to be told it is pretty hard to miss, standing so high.
With the amount of traffic on the road theses days they really need to get everything well designed on in one place, this rest stop is even going to have its own tourist information centre. It is probably the first time I have seen a big commercial fuel and take away establishment right next to a no-obligation rest area park. You sort of get the best of both worlds.
Inside the the 14.4 million dollar Traveston Service Centre is a good selection of fast foods and clean toilets.
Outside the rest stop, service centre is a nice grassed area with a pit of play equipment. If you don't need fuel or any fast foods its still a good spot to stretch your legs, use a toilet and get a bit of exercise exercise.
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