Month: October 2020

Day 113 – 116 – Maryborough to Hervey Bay 30 klm

Well another Bathurst down even though it was a little light on for excitement and the fact that a Kiwi driving a Holden won, it was still Bathurst!!

Today we travelled a massive 30klm to Hervey Bay for our stay at Torquay.    The “Wide Bay” which is a well-known for observing humpback whales and also the hub for tours to Fraser Island.   

After stopping at the tourist information centre where we treated like royalty and given the low down on nearly everything that happens in Hervey Bay and Fraser Island, we set up camp at the Fraser Street Discovery Park.

Now finding this park was a great relief after my disastrous efforts in Bundaberg.

Once again, the Wide Bay Council put our Council’s to shame.    The infrastructure along the whole of the Bay was tremendous.   A board walk along the waterfront for cyclists and pedestrians from Point Vernon, one end of the bay to the other end at Urangan.

Captain James Cook named Hervey Bay in 1770 after the 3^rd Earl of Bristol Augustus John Hervey.

Probably the most interesting and amazing sight at Hervey Bay is the Urangan Pier stretching 868 metres into sea and is over 100 years old.  The pier was originally built to create a deep-water facility which shipped sugar, timber and coal from Hervey Bay.  Today it is used by residents and tourists for fishing and the leisurely walk out into the bay.   

We rode our bikes out to the end and back and were amazed at the amount of people on the pier and the view it gave you back over the bay.

We finally caught up with Chris and Norma Lowe who have also been on the road for 16 weeks, having first touched base with them back in Broken Hill.     We had a great night out at the RSL Club, and it was wonderful hearing all their stories and swapping all the different experiences we had both encountered.    

Unfortunately, all the whales are down towards home now so there was no whale watching for us.    We did spend a lot of our time in Hervey Bay driving, biking and walking around and being amazed at the wonderful scenery.   Our trustee GPS (not) came in handy for finding different parts of Hervey Bay that I don’t think many people know about.   Bloody thing is a useless as tits on a bull.

We drove back into Maryborough on Thursday to the markets and then onto Gympie to have a look around.    The area between Maryborough and Gympie is very dry but hopefully as the wet is coming early things will change.     Lots of street art around Maryborough which one cannot quite capture the beauty of in pictures.

Day 117 – 119 – Hervey Bay to Tewantin (via the tourist drive) – 176klms

As our trip was less than a couple of hundred kilometres today, we headed off later than usual having had a very relaxed pack up.      I decided to that we would take the tourist drive south to Tewantin rather than down the A1 and we were treated to a much prettier and varied scenery.   However, it was a drive we probably should have done without the caravan as the road was very narrow in lots of places and I could feel the steam coming from George’s ears as he negotiated log trucks, other car and caravans, stock and people. 

However, as usual he delivered us safely to our stop for the next 10 days.

On arrival we caught up with our friends, Ian and Leeanne, who we met back in Blacks Beach.

Ian and Leeanne are from Bowraville in the north of New South Wales and are on the way home in time for Leeanne’s son’s wedding.      Its nice to have such great company and if Ian behaves himself, we will definitely keep in touch.   

On Saturday we ventured to the infamous Eumundi markets where we spent most of the morning before heading to the Ginger factory.      Leeanne and Ian spotted a friend of theirs at the markets and where happily chatting away.   It turned out to be Troy Cassar-Daly and his daughter.   No wonder I kept thinking he looked familiar.

After the markets we went onto the Ginger factory and after sitting down for coffee were treated to an evacuation alarm and were all herded out into the carpark until the “problem” was identified and rectified.     One of the staff members told George they didn’t get false alarms very often but luckily it turned out to be one and we were once again allowed back in.

Sunday saw us travel to Tewantin Marina for a sticky beak and then a ferry ride into Noosa where we spent the day strolling Hastings street, the beach area and finally lunch at the surf club.    From the surf club we had a beautiful view back over the beach and got to watch a storm roll in from the sea.   After a rather wet ferry ride home we settled down to watch the NRL grand final and then off to bed.

We have been treated to some great storms since Saturday night and Sunday night did not disappoint with a late night storm and rain.   

Having Ian and Leeanne’s company is great and amongst other things George has found a new audience whom like Kerry Hallett, laugh at his dad jokes.   I truly believe Ian and George are evil twin brothers as there is no end to what amuses them and left alone, I am sure the mischief they could reap would be monolithic.  The pictures say it all.

We are here in Tewantin for Week 18 and will be catching up Ian and Sharon Cowley and Linda and Gary McGhee which will be great.

Home is getting closer and so is Christmas.    The news that the borders may open for the Christmas holidays or sooner is exciting as we will probably get to see the boys.   By that time, it will have been 12 months since I have had a cuddle from either of them and I ache to be able to do that.

I hear on the grapevine that congratulations go out to Kimberley Fletcher and her partner on the safe arrival of their little boy.     Tina and Greg must be brimming!!   It is always such a joy to have a new little life come into our world.

As WA are excluding themselves from the border opening, we believe our decision to come home early is the right one and we will pick up the remainder of Australia at a later date.

We hope you are all well and we are looking forward to catching up with everyone on our return.

Day 106 to 109 – Kinka Beach to Agnes Waters/1770

After enjoying the magnificent views around Yeppoon and surrounds, time to continue our crawl south to Agnes Waters and 1770.

Our stay here is just outside of Agnes Waters at 1770 Southern Cross Travellers Retreat.    What a great spot.   Private property with its own dam and pool with the powered camp site around the dam.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

We spent a lot of time during these few days driving in and out of bush tracks, walking along tracks to lookouts and beaches, enjoying the layback lifestyle (a very busy but beachy atmosphere).

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

The highlight of our stay was the LARC (Light Amphibian Resupply Cargo) tour into Bustard Bay and up to the beach.   We enjoyed seeing the migrating birds who have just started to arrive from the northern hemisphere to breed in the warmth of the beaches of 1770.     The turtles are also about the come into shore to nest and a lot of the remote beaches have been closed to protect the turtle and bird nesting areas.     Unfortunately, we are just a little early in the season and did not see any turtles.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Whilst at camp the owners horse “Strawberry” paid us a visit more than once.   The first morning he just waltzed under our annexe and helped himself to the toast which just popped up.    I was laughing so much about him just wandering in I did not realise he had pinched my toast until I looked up over the camera.

• 

• 

• 

• 

So far, I have encountered, cows, horses, peacocks and dogs just wandering in under our awning to see what we have on offer.    The 2am call from the cow at Ungara Lava Tubes was not really a treat though.

Day 110 and 111– Agnes Waters to Bundabery – 122klm

During our trip George has been quite impressed by my choice of tours and campsites.     I try to cater to his needs, so not so much free camping but a lot of cheap camping.  

Well I absolutely blew any kudos I may have had in Bundaberg.   The first place I had picked was on the banks of the Burnett River.   After pulling into reception I just got the worst feeling.   No shade, barren ground with multiple “trailers”.    Something I have learnt over the years is that if it doesn’t feel right then trust the gut, so we pulled out much relieved and headed to our next stop.   On checking in I also started to get that uneasy feeling.   Whilst not quite so bad as the first stop, it was definitely running a close 2^nd.     I quickly changed our stay from 3 days to 2 days and after proceeding to our site I started to regret my one night.

The staff were wonderful but the further we went into the park we realised this was a permanents park which catered for the odd traveller.   Now I know what you are all thinking but believe me you would have had the same thoughts.     It was one of those places where you see nothing, know nothing and say nothing!!!    George’s observation was that we were completely out of place as we had our own teeth and no tats!

We did enjoy our drives around the beaches to the east of Bundaberg, Mon Repos, Bargara, Port Elliot and Burnett Heads.   Unfortunately, the turtles were not coming in yet and the turtle conservation area was closed.

• 

• 

Whilst in Bundaberg we did do the Bundaberg Rum tour which was probably a highlight for George but one which I really enjoyed.    The history of Bundaberg is steeped heavily in the rum trade and of course, sugar cane.          I was fascinated to learn that the Bundy Bear was developed in the 1960’s by Samuel McMahon (Prime Minister William McMahon’s) brother who developed the label and the bear.     “McMahon” in Ireland means “son of bear” and they say he created the label with the bear so that a little bit of him was in every bottle of rum.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

We also went to the Bert Hinkler Flight museum and enjoyed learning about Bert Hinkler and his sad demise in Italy.    He was truly an incredible pilot and engineer.

Day 112 – Bundaberg to Maryborough – 109klms.

There is nothing I can say about today other than “Bathurst” car race.    Anyone that knows me will know I would not miss this race.     So, after bidding our “dodgy” accommodation farewell it was a bolt down the highway, quick stop at Childers (wished we had stayed here pretty town) and then onto Maryborough for a quick set up.   First time TV has been on before the car engine had even stopped!!

• 

• 

We are enjoying the race, a little downtime and losing that uneasy feeling that has been sitting at the bottom of my stomach for the last two days.

Another week down and we are slowly crawling our way south.   

I would have gladly come home anytime during the last two days but have regained the love of being on the road again.

I am starting to look like a pumpkin again so its about time to get back into my weight loss program and exercise.  So that is my promise to myself between now and getting home.     Of course, George is fully behind my exercise regime, he agreed that he was starting to worry about our GVM.     He will be bloody lucky to get back in one piece if he keeps that up.

Saw this sign this morning at Childers and had to laugh.   Think that has been my mantra for the last 16 weeks. 

   

• 

Day 99 -102 – Blacks Beach, Sarina, and Mackay

After another hairy night of wind and some rain, we decided to stay around the park on Monday just to ensure we didn’t have too much trouble coming our way.

As our neighbours for the last few nights, Ian and Leeanne were moving on Tuesday, eight of us went out to dinner to farewell them after having spent the last 7 days together and enjoying everyone’s company.   Whilst our dinners left a little be desired, the company was great and hope to catch everyone somewhere on the road.

On Tuesday we headed down to Sarina and did a tour of the Sugar Shed.    This was a great tour and the liquor rum and ginger sauce we purchased were to die for.  The sugar mill at the rear of the Sugar Shed, is owned, and operated by Wilmar Sugar Australia and is owned by Indonesia.    The sugar mill had no wastage and uses every part of the sugar cane harvested for a lot of different products, not just sugar.    The sugar shed took us through the process of how the sugar cane is dealt with after it is harvested and arrived at the mill.   There was so much we didn’t know about how sugar is milled.

• 

• 

• 

We also took a run out to Sarina Beach and Hays Point.     We stayed in Sarina Beach about 30 years ago and did not recognise it at all.    On the recommendation of the Tourist Info at Sarina we also took a drive to Hay Point.     The port of Hay Point is one of the largest coal export ports in the world and is a vital part of the social and economic fabric of Mackay and surrounds.

The last few days in Mackay were spent on maintenance of the car and caravan and just taking a daily stroll on the beach.    Such a hard life.

Day 103 – Blacks Beach to Kinka Beach –   372klms

After farewelling Ross and his wife on their way south, we also were farewelled by Judy and Trevor on our way south. 

The drive from Mackay to Kinka Beach was very boring and the road left a lot to be desired.    All of that was forgotten once we reached Kinka Beach and set up camp opposite the beach.

Probably the only draw back of being so close to the beach at the moment is that the coral on the reef offshore is spawning and the smell is a little off putting but you get use to it.

There are lots of Curlews and a resident peacock in camp.

Day 104 – Yeppoon, The Caves, Rosslyn Bay and Emu Park

Today we jumped back into the car and drove into Yeppoon to enjoy morning tea before heading out to The Caves to take a tour through the Capricorn Caves.   Capricorn Caves are located 23 kilometres north of Rockhampton.   The limestone “above ground” caves are one of the largest privately owned cave systems.  Our tour was very informative and the cathedral cave and micro bats absolutely fascinating.       They hold weddings and operas in the Cathedral Cave and the cave in which the bats were living was astounding when you could actually hear the bats communicating which sounded like running water.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

After venturing through the caves, we drove back to Yeppoon for a look at the esplanade and sailing club.    Again, Queensland Councils are so more advanced than those in NSW.   The infrastructure built to accommodate tourists, kids and locals is amazing.      Just cannot understand why our Council’s cannot have the same foresight.

We drove to the Marina at Rosslyn Bay via the coast and were treated to more picture perfect scenery.    From the lookouts along the coast you could clearly see the coral spawn in the water coming from the reef.

When then drove onto Emu Park, where beside the Avenue of Honour at Yungaburra, the memorial to our diggers was just amazing as too was the tributes to Captain Cook who discovered Emu Park in 1770.

Whilst we didn’t see any “real” emus, we were certainly treated to the wonderful sculptures of emus scattered throughout the town.

Day 106 – Mount Morgan

I treated George this morning to one of my amazing smashed avo, poached egg, tomato, and feta breakfasts before heading up to the historic gold mining town of Mount Morgan in the hinterland above Rockhampton.

Mount Morgan mine commenced operation in 1882 and became one of the richest gold mines in Australia.   The area declared a total of 225 tons of gold, 50 tons of silver and 360,000 tons of cooper.     We took a tour of the town’s museum which took us for a trip down memory lane over the many years of our own lives as well as years before our existence.

We finished off at the Grand Hotel for lunch and a quick tipple before heading back to Kinka Beach for a walk on the beach.

Thanks to everyone who read my ramblings, I do enjoy writing it and putting the photos together.   It is at least a record of our trip for us to retain for future reference.     We also thank everyone for your lovely comments, tips and well wishes.

So now that we have dotted our eyes and crossed our t’s, we are able to let everyone know we are pulling up our 12 month trip at 6 months and returning home for my to commence work early January.    This is due wholly to the fact that we cannot get into Western Australia and as NSW and Victoria seem to be still having issues with small outbreaks, we cannot see the WA premier changing his mind anytime soon.

So homeward bound we are, very slowly and definitely no rush.     I just love this area of our country and am absolutely amazed at Australia’s vast and incredible coastline.    We are so lucky to have such a beautiful country.

We will revisit SA and WA probably when a COVID vaccine is found and everything has settled down.   So yes, definitely a few years away yet.

Jay is keenly waiting to see what restrictions VIC will relax on the 19^th of the month and Ty is in the middle of finishing off his Honours Year and deciding which way of then.    He has a plan so hopefully it all works out for him.   He has worked hard and deserves the outcome desired

We are still enjoying tripping around and the stress-free lifestyle.    

We do miss this little one though.

   

Day 92 and 93 Bowen

We spent the last two days in Bowen running errands, shopping, washing, paperwork etc (sounds like a great holiday) and catching up on the last of the sites of Bowen.

Day 94 – Bowen to Blacks Beach (Nth Mackay) – 198klms

Usually, the night before we head out, we pack away the awning etc just in case of rain or heavy due.  However, with no rain on the horizon and blowy Bowen making sure there was no dew, we left it until the morning as we only had a short trip today to Mackay.

After bidding Bowen farewell, we stopped at Proserpine for morning tea and then onto Blacks Beach until the 9^th of October.

Our site at Blacks Beach is very near the beach and we get a great breeze from the ocean which is nice.      After pulling up, we were stopped by our neighbours to warn us about the MAGPIES!!     Oh no not again.       It seems nesting season in tropical Queensland is in full swing.      You get quite a giggle watching the different types of headwear used to outsmart the maggies.

Day 95 to 98 – Mackay and Surrounds

We are here until the 9^th October due to having the car serviced this week with Mazda Mackay and later next week having air bag shocks fitted to the car as we are a little heavy in the back end of the car.

Whilst based at Blacks Beach we are spending our days tripping around Mackay and the surrounding districts.

Mackay is much bigger than we had anticipated.   There is a lot of mining going on in this area, and the port area is quite large.    The breakwater is spectacular, and the marina is beautifully kept.    There is a beautiful walkway constructed along the river in town which caters for those who want to see more of nature and take advantage of the town’s attractions.     Again, these Queensland Council’s know how to build the infrastructure to attract tourists.

We have taken a drive to Eungella, Eungella Dam, Finch Hatton gorge, Seaforth, Halliday Bay, Ball Bay and Cape Hillsborough.         So basically, we have driven from the sea to the mountains and into the beautiful coastal National Park of Cape Hillsborough.     The beauty of this area can be attributed to the closeness of the mountains to the sea separated only by the acres and acres of pastural land (mainly sugar cane).

We also caught up with my two nieces and great niece, Julie, Deb, and Ashleigh who drove up to Sarina on Thursday to see Jenna and then drove up to Mackay for lunch with us.   We had a great catch up and hopefully I will catch then on our way back along the Gold Coast.

On Friday night we had dinner at Eimeo Pub.   The Pub is perched high on the bluff above Eimeo Beach and it was a spectacle evening, a little windy however the moon, good food and drinks made for a lovely evening.

We had a rather hairy night on Saturday after a front moved in with rain and very strong winds.   I am not sure what strength the gusts were, but it certainly made our little van rock and roll and whilst got some sleep it was a little sparse.     We were happy that our awning and the rest of the set up stood up to the winds however we swapped our screens around this morning to cope with the driving rain and give us a little protection from the wind.

The beaches today are rather bleak but very impressive with the grey rolling clouds lurking out to see.

We will spend the rest of the following week wandering around the southern area of Mackay and down to Sarina before moving on.

I have been lucky enough to keep in touch with the boys and am keeping up with their movements (or lack of movement being in Melbourne).

George is doing a fine job as social secretary and we have meet more lovely travellers.    We all love to talk about our vans, places we have been and are going and listening to each other’s life tales.   

Take care everyone and we will probably catch up with everyone sooner than you think.