5 October – Sunday
Today is the day to catch the Spirit and head back to Tasmania and it was an absolutely glorious spring day in Melbourne.
To be continued …
Sunday 5 October 2008
Sea Change
4 October – Saturday
Today was meet the Barrett cousins day. We were expected at Norm’s house, Portarlington, before lunch to give us plenty of time to talk and tour the Bellarine Peninsular prior to meeting the other cousins at dinner time.
We were amazed at how many vineyards were in the area, all boutique wineries with trendy little eateries attached. Also lots of canola grown in the district as well. Our first stop was at Queenscliff for a view of Port Phillip Bay and the Queenscliff/Sorrento ferries. The Rip was visible from here as well, although we had a much better view from the lighthouse at Port Lonsdale. A sign on the lighthouse warned that a siren would sound two minutes before the foghorn commenced and the area should be immediately vacated. The water movement (in all directions!) through the narrow opening was incredible – no wonder the Spirit goes up and down at this point! We continued to Barwon Heads, the town used for filming “Sea Change” and had our photos taken with the famous bridge in the background. Unfortunately, a rather yuppy restaurant has been built on the end of the pier next to Diver Dan’s boathouse.
Dinner was at the home of Norm’s brother, Milton and his wife. Also present were Milton’s son, daughter-in-law and granddaughters. As everyone was interested in the Barrett history, I was able to give them lots of information and stories. At one stage, we even had our computers lined up – duelling computers???
Today was meet the Barrett cousins day. We were expected at Norm’s house, Portarlington, before lunch to give us plenty of time to talk and tour the Bellarine Peninsular prior to meeting the other cousins at dinner time.
We were amazed at how many vineyards were in the area, all boutique wineries with trendy little eateries attached. Also lots of canola grown in the district as well. Our first stop was at Queenscliff for a view of Port Phillip Bay and the Queenscliff/Sorrento ferries. The Rip was visible from here as well, although we had a much better view from the lighthouse at Port Lonsdale. A sign on the lighthouse warned that a siren would sound two minutes before the foghorn commenced and the area should be immediately vacated. The water movement (in all directions!) through the narrow opening was incredible – no wonder the Spirit goes up and down at this point! We continued to Barwon Heads, the town used for filming “Sea Change” and had our photos taken with the famous bridge in the background. Unfortunately, a rather yuppy restaurant has been built on the end of the pier next to Diver Dan’s boathouse.
Dinner was at the home of Norm’s brother, Milton and his wife. Also present were Milton’s son, daughter-in-law and granddaughters. As everyone was interested in the Barrett history, I was able to give them lots of information and stories. At one stage, we even had our computers lined up – duelling computers???
Friday 3 October 2008
A Grave Day
3 October - Friday
Very hot morning, 28 degrees, before a typical Melbourne change after lunch and a drastic drop in temperature with rain.
We started the morning with another attempt to locate my maternal grandmother's grave at the Damdenong Cemetery. My previous attempt had given me the section and grave number, but as we didn't have a plan of the cemetery, our first call was to the administrative centre at the Springvale Cemetery. A rather ill-informed your lady told us that the graves were all numbered and there weren't any plans available. So off to Dandenong and the discovery that the graves are not numbered and if there is no headstone, there is no hope of working out which is the actual grave. So it was to Springvale and a more determined effort to see a plan. The same girl was quite happy to go and photocopy a copy of the non-existent plan, complete with the names of the "residents." Back to Dandenong and very quickly worked out where Kitty is buried. After months of effort, it was nice to finally have a positive outcome.
The remainder of the day we spent undertaking a little retain therapy.
Very hot morning, 28 degrees, before a typical Melbourne change after lunch and a drastic drop in temperature with rain.
We started the morning with another attempt to locate my maternal grandmother's grave at the Damdenong Cemetery. My previous attempt had given me the section and grave number, but as we didn't have a plan of the cemetery, our first call was to the administrative centre at the Springvale Cemetery. A rather ill-informed your lady told us that the graves were all numbered and there weren't any plans available. So off to Dandenong and the discovery that the graves are not numbered and if there is no headstone, there is no hope of working out which is the actual grave. So it was to Springvale and a more determined effort to see a plan. The same girl was quite happy to go and photocopy a copy of the non-existent plan, complete with the names of the "residents." Back to Dandenong and very quickly worked out where Kitty is buried. After months of effort, it was nice to finally have a positive outcome.
The remainder of the day we spent undertaking a little retain therapy.
Thursday 2 October 2008
Back to Melbourne
2 October – Thursday
An easy start today, not leaving Bendigo until 9.00 am. We travelled south to Castlemaine, but as we couldn’t find anywhere to park, continued on to Daylesford. We stopped here for a stroll and a late morning tea/early lunch – a pretty little town in the middle of the Victorian goldfields. We passed all those well known places like Kangaroo Flat and Frog Hollow, with old diggings virtually all the way. Farmers probably check the dirt very carefully when they dig new dams!
Instead of driving through the centre of Melbourne, we decided to go the long way round via the Western Ringroad, Eastern Freeway and the new Eastlink to get to Aunty Pat’s house at Dingley. All went well until after we had arrived, positioned the caravan with the usual blocks on one side to level it. I was inside the caravan when Les drove off – then the caravan moved off the blocks! A bit of a heart flutter happened at that stage. We had to rehitch, move the caravan and try again. Despite protestations to the contrary, I do believe a bit of muttering did occur.
Big family dinner tonight as it is both Brian and Jessica’s birthdays.
An easy start today, not leaving Bendigo until 9.00 am. We travelled south to Castlemaine, but as we couldn’t find anywhere to park, continued on to Daylesford. We stopped here for a stroll and a late morning tea/early lunch – a pretty little town in the middle of the Victorian goldfields. We passed all those well known places like Kangaroo Flat and Frog Hollow, with old diggings virtually all the way. Farmers probably check the dirt very carefully when they dig new dams!
Instead of driving through the centre of Melbourne, we decided to go the long way round via the Western Ringroad, Eastern Freeway and the new Eastlink to get to Aunty Pat’s house at Dingley. All went well until after we had arrived, positioned the caravan with the usual blocks on one side to level it. I was inside the caravan when Les drove off – then the caravan moved off the blocks! A bit of a heart flutter happened at that stage. We had to rehitch, move the caravan and try again. Despite protestations to the contrary, I do believe a bit of muttering did occur.
Big family dinner tonight as it is both Brian and Jessica’s birthdays.
Wednesday 1 October 2008
Shamrocks & Dragons
1 October – Wednesday
We had a full day to explore Bendigo, and it really wasn’t long enough. We started at Bendigo Pottery and even though some of their pottery is very reminiscent of the 1970s, they still have some very nice articles. They have just commenced a new line of hand thrown vases with a majolica glaze, very similar to John Campbell’s work.
Following this, we headed to the centre of the city and the Information Centre, where they had a very informative DVD displayed inside an old hawker’s coach, describing how the gold was extracted and with 3D diagrams of the diggings. We were amazed that the city hasn’t caved in!
A visit to the Shamrock Hotel was next (Charles and Diana were here in 1983), a beautiful building which still retains its tiled floor, columns, arches and stained glass. We were able to walk upstairs and out onto the verandah – it must have been very grand when first built, it still is.
One of us climbed to the top of the poppet head on Camp Hill (not has high as the first level of the Eiffel Tower) for a stunning view over the district, before walking through the gardens to the Chinese Museum. What a treasure this turned out to be – very interesting, lots of artefacts and some absolutely stunning parade dragons and banners. We spent quite a bit of time in here before heading for the Chinese garden, which made a lovely change from all the Japanese gardens we have seen.
After this it was off to the Town Hall for a guided tour – these are held on Wednesday afternoon and Sunday mornings, so we struck it just right. This lovely old building is really only used for council meetings and is still in the process of being restored. The large reception room has been completed and looks magnificent, with its gilding and frescoes.
It has been cloudy, warm and windy today, so after all the walking we had done – in shoes!!! – we had a rejuvenating half hour in the spa at the caravan park.
We had a full day to explore Bendigo, and it really wasn’t long enough. We started at Bendigo Pottery and even though some of their pottery is very reminiscent of the 1970s, they still have some very nice articles. They have just commenced a new line of hand thrown vases with a majolica glaze, very similar to John Campbell’s work.
Following this, we headed to the centre of the city and the Information Centre, where they had a very informative DVD displayed inside an old hawker’s coach, describing how the gold was extracted and with 3D diagrams of the diggings. We were amazed that the city hasn’t caved in!
A visit to the Shamrock Hotel was next (Charles and Diana were here in 1983), a beautiful building which still retains its tiled floor, columns, arches and stained glass. We were able to walk upstairs and out onto the verandah – it must have been very grand when first built, it still is.
One of us climbed to the top of the poppet head on Camp Hill (not has high as the first level of the Eiffel Tower) for a stunning view over the district, before walking through the gardens to the Chinese Museum. What a treasure this turned out to be – very interesting, lots of artefacts and some absolutely stunning parade dragons and banners. We spent quite a bit of time in here before heading for the Chinese garden, which made a lovely change from all the Japanese gardens we have seen.
After this it was off to the Town Hall for a guided tour – these are held on Wednesday afternoon and Sunday mornings, so we struck it just right. This lovely old building is really only used for council meetings and is still in the process of being restored. The large reception room has been completed and looks magnificent, with its gilding and frescoes.
It has been cloudy, warm and windy today, so after all the walking we had done – in shoes!!! – we had a rejuvenating half hour in the spa at the caravan park.
Tuesday 30 September 2008
Paddle Boats
30 September – Tuesday
A cold night followed by a beautiful day which warmed up nicely during the afternoon – and no wind.
Today we left the vineyards of Rutherglen behind, and most of the paddocks of Paterson’s Curse and capeweed, and headed west to Echuca. We followed the Murray River and, as the song says, went back to Yarrawonga! This town certainly seems to be progressing, with lots of new development taking place. The land in this part of Victoria is FLAT and the roads are straight. With the irrigation from the Murray, there is also plenty of agriculture – stone fruit and olive orchards, vineyards, wheat, canola and dairy cattle. Kraft has a large factory at Cobram which makes processed cheese. Murray Goulburn has their plant near Echuca and Uncle Toby is near Corowa.
We stopped at Echuca, along with lots of other people (school holidays in Victoria and New South Wales), and watched the paddle boats and houseboats on the river. The historic port area has been developed as a tourist area and was very pleasant to wander about. (The paddle boat in the photo is the one used in the television series All the Rivers Run.)
We eventually arrived at the Ascot Holiday Village, Bendigo, which is a very nice park with lots of Tasmanians heading south. A couple we spoke to are from Ulverstone and the man is the nephew of Les’ brother-in-law, Alan. Small world!
A cold night followed by a beautiful day which warmed up nicely during the afternoon – and no wind.
Today we left the vineyards of Rutherglen behind, and most of the paddocks of Paterson’s Curse and capeweed, and headed west to Echuca. We followed the Murray River and, as the song says, went back to Yarrawonga! This town certainly seems to be progressing, with lots of new development taking place. The land in this part of Victoria is FLAT and the roads are straight. With the irrigation from the Murray, there is also plenty of agriculture – stone fruit and olive orchards, vineyards, wheat, canola and dairy cattle. Kraft has a large factory at Cobram which makes processed cheese. Murray Goulburn has their plant near Echuca and Uncle Toby is near Corowa.
We stopped at Echuca, along with lots of other people (school holidays in Victoria and New South Wales), and watched the paddle boats and houseboats on the river. The historic port area has been developed as a tourist area and was very pleasant to wander about. (The paddle boat in the photo is the one used in the television series All the Rivers Run.)
We eventually arrived at the Ascot Holiday Village, Bendigo, which is a very nice park with lots of Tasmanians heading south. A couple we spoke to are from Ulverstone and the man is the nephew of Les’ brother-in-law, Alan. Small world!
Monday 29 September 2008
Big Reds
29 September – Monday
Received a telephone call from Diane last night to say that Michael has discovered that pretend superheroes can’t actually fly, or bounce. He should have the plaster off his broken arm before his birthday.
Woke to the sun rising over the dam – lovely reflections – then a sunny, cool and breezy day.
Wine tasting before 10.00am and the effects of a few sips was immediately apparent. Fortunately we had some bread rolls on hand to help soak up the alcohol and plenty of water to drink. We decided to limit our winery visits as one does feel rather uncomfortable not making a purchase after free tasting. Campbells was our first port of call and a very nice young lady tried her hardest to ply us with a large variety of reds. Then we stopped at Cofields, and although they specialise in sparkling wines, they also make the most beautiful chocolately durif (durif is only grown in this region). All Saints was the last stop of the morning and we didn’t taste any wines here, just had a look around the cellar and grounds of the oldest winery in the area.
After lunch we headed for Morris Winery – didn’t like their wine much and I couldn’t even get a bottle of sherry for the Christmas cake, only a cask. As we weren’t very far from Wodonga, Les decided he would like to revisit the Army Museum at the Bandiana Army Base. Then it was back to Campbells to sample their white wines and make another small purchase.
Received a telephone call from Diane last night to say that Michael has discovered that pretend superheroes can’t actually fly, or bounce. He should have the plaster off his broken arm before his birthday.
Woke to the sun rising over the dam – lovely reflections – then a sunny, cool and breezy day.
Wine tasting before 10.00am and the effects of a few sips was immediately apparent. Fortunately we had some bread rolls on hand to help soak up the alcohol and plenty of water to drink. We decided to limit our winery visits as one does feel rather uncomfortable not making a purchase after free tasting. Campbells was our first port of call and a very nice young lady tried her hardest to ply us with a large variety of reds. Then we stopped at Cofields, and although they specialise in sparkling wines, they also make the most beautiful chocolately durif (durif is only grown in this region). All Saints was the last stop of the morning and we didn’t taste any wines here, just had a look around the cellar and grounds of the oldest winery in the area.
After lunch we headed for Morris Winery – didn’t like their wine much and I couldn’t even get a bottle of sherry for the Christmas cake, only a cask. As we weren’t very far from Wodonga, Les decided he would like to revisit the Army Museum at the Bandiana Army Base. Then it was back to Campbells to sample their white wines and make another small purchase.
Sunday 28 September 2008
Rutherglen
28 September – Sunday
Another clear, sunny day, but a bit cooler than yesterday – only in the low 20s today.
We left Wagga Wagga and headed for Rutherglen, less than three hours travelling time, via Henty which is the header capital of Australia. Lots of wheat farms in this region, plus the never ending canola. We had a short distance to travel on the Hume Highway before heading east through Albury to Corowa, then on to Rutherglen.
Rutherglen is noted for its red wines, so we may stay here for a few nights! This town isn’t all that big and has a small caravan park on the edge of a dam – with compulsory ducks, of course. We just had a wander around the town and inspected all the pie shops (three of them, and award winning!) in the main street. We obtained our wine route map and are now ready to toss a coin in the morning and set out.
Another clear, sunny day, but a bit cooler than yesterday – only in the low 20s today.
We left Wagga Wagga and headed for Rutherglen, less than three hours travelling time, via Henty which is the header capital of Australia. Lots of wheat farms in this region, plus the never ending canola. We had a short distance to travel on the Hume Highway before heading east through Albury to Corowa, then on to Rutherglen.
Rutherglen is noted for its red wines, so we may stay here for a few nights! This town isn’t all that big and has a small caravan park on the edge of a dam – with compulsory ducks, of course. We just had a wander around the town and inspected all the pie shops (three of them, and award winning!) in the main street. We obtained our wine route map and are now ready to toss a coin in the morning and set out.
Saturday 27 September 2008
Wagga Wagga Wagga
27 September – Saturday
Don’t call Wagga Wagga Wagga!!!
Extremely hot today, well over 30 degrees and clear skies. In preparation for the afternoon’s viewing, we visited the Wagga Wagga Sporting Hall of Fame. It was surprising how many talented and well-known sportspeople have come from Wagga Wagga, not just Paul Kelly, Wayne Carey and Mark Taylor. A very interesting place, with memorabilia as well as story boards. It was interesting to see that Paul Kelly had a full size board devoted to him, while Carey shared a board with Terry Daniher.
This afternoon was spent watching the Grand Final and cheering on Hawthorn. It was a great result, especially for Shane Crawford – and despite a broken foot, the grin on Trent Coade’s face was definitely memorable. The AFL actually made the NSW television news tonight.
This caravan park is supposed to be a tourist park, but seems to have a very high proportion of permanents/long term residents in the cabins and caravans. Some of them have very “interesting” appearances and we were woken this morning by a young “lady” telling her partner he should leave – or words with a similar meaning. A couple of hours later we did notice a number of red, white and blue striped plastic bags outside the cabin. Perhaps the request had been reinforced! We certainly wouldn’t leave the barbecue outside the caravan overnight.
Don’t call Wagga Wagga Wagga!!!
Extremely hot today, well over 30 degrees and clear skies. In preparation for the afternoon’s viewing, we visited the Wagga Wagga Sporting Hall of Fame. It was surprising how many talented and well-known sportspeople have come from Wagga Wagga, not just Paul Kelly, Wayne Carey and Mark Taylor. A very interesting place, with memorabilia as well as story boards. It was interesting to see that Paul Kelly had a full size board devoted to him, while Carey shared a board with Terry Daniher.
This afternoon was spent watching the Grand Final and cheering on Hawthorn. It was a great result, especially for Shane Crawford – and despite a broken foot, the grin on Trent Coade’s face was definitely memorable. The AFL actually made the NSW television news tonight.
This caravan park is supposed to be a tourist park, but seems to have a very high proportion of permanents/long term residents in the cabins and caravans. Some of them have very “interesting” appearances and we were woken this morning by a young “lady” telling her partner he should leave – or words with a similar meaning. A couple of hours later we did notice a number of red, white and blue striped plastic bags outside the cabin. Perhaps the request had been reinforced! We certainly wouldn’t leave the barbecue outside the caravan overnight.
Friday 26 September 2008
Flying Snake
26 September – Friday
A cold night and morning, but clear and sunny. We departed Bathurst, heading for Wagga Wagga and the day very quickly warmed up to be very hot (28 degrees) by the time we arrived at Wagga Wagga.
Our itinerary took us back to Cowra and large banners in the main street advertised the Cherry Blossom Festival currently happening at the Japanese Gardens. We saw these at the beginning of July, so made the detour to check them out in full bloom. A bit of false advertising, as the cherry blossom was a few weeks away but other prunus was flowering. We had a look through the door and decided to save our money.
Continued through Young, the Cherry Capital of Australia – lots of stone fruit orchards in this region – and Cootamundra – the wattles had finished flowering. We had a stop at the chocolate and liquorice factory at Junee (recommended by a fellow traveller) and wont need to call there again. The countryside today was mainly canola, in full flower, and wheat, with lots of sheep about as well. The country looks just beautiful at the moment, so green and lush.
We witnessed an amazing sight just after lunch, an actual live snake crossing the road. What made it amazing was that a car was approaching us and in order to avoid being run over, the snake flung itself up into the air before deciding the side of the road was a much safer place to be.
The caravan park at Wagga Wagga has very large, gravelled sites – nice clean gravel – but the water and power are very awkwardly placed. We actually had to move the caravan to the middle of the site in order for our cord and hoses to reach. Bit of muttering was heard.
A cold night and morning, but clear and sunny. We departed Bathurst, heading for Wagga Wagga and the day very quickly warmed up to be very hot (28 degrees) by the time we arrived at Wagga Wagga.
Our itinerary took us back to Cowra and large banners in the main street advertised the Cherry Blossom Festival currently happening at the Japanese Gardens. We saw these at the beginning of July, so made the detour to check them out in full bloom. A bit of false advertising, as the cherry blossom was a few weeks away but other prunus was flowering. We had a look through the door and decided to save our money.
Continued through Young, the Cherry Capital of Australia – lots of stone fruit orchards in this region – and Cootamundra – the wattles had finished flowering. We had a stop at the chocolate and liquorice factory at Junee (recommended by a fellow traveller) and wont need to call there again. The countryside today was mainly canola, in full flower, and wheat, with lots of sheep about as well. The country looks just beautiful at the moment, so green and lush.
We witnessed an amazing sight just after lunch, an actual live snake crossing the road. What made it amazing was that a car was approaching us and in order to avoid being run over, the snake flung itself up into the air before deciding the side of the road was a much safer place to be.
The caravan park at Wagga Wagga has very large, gravelled sites – nice clean gravel – but the water and power are very awkwardly placed. We actually had to move the caravan to the middle of the site in order for our cord and hoses to reach. Bit of muttering was heard.
Thursday 25 September 2008
Brrrooom Brrrooom
25 September – Thursday
Three months to Christmas!
Our first stop today, of course, was the Mt Panorama Race Circuit. We began with a visit to the museum, which was quite interesting, even for non-petrol heads. There were some old cars, lots of motor bikes and cars belonging to people I can remember. Cars driven by both Allan Moffatt and Dick Richards were there, as well as a special corner devoted to Peter Brock. Not only did this contain one of his 05 cars, but also a memorial car covered in fans’ signatures. Then it was time for the BIG EVENT – a lap of Mt Panorama! Unfortunately, Les had to hold the Pajero back as the speed limit was 60 km/h. We were surprised at how short the home straight is and how steep the mountain is, especially down through the esses. Work is currently in progress for the big race. Another surprise was the number of houses and vineyards around the circuit, which is an actual road. One would not want to run out of bread or milk on race day!
To lower the excitement levels, our next stop was at Machattie Park for a stroll around the fountain, rotunda and fern house – very pretty. Then it was a visit to the Art Gallery to view the 2008 Archibald Prize paintings which are currently in Bathurst – a nice coincidence. We selected our favourites, which were quite different from the judges’ choice – some paintings were very good (according to our view) and others were a little out there.
Lunch time at the caravan was rather exciting, for the man of the caravan, anyway. It happens to be mating/nesting season for magpies, which become very aggressive and territorial at this time of the year and it can be quite dangerous just walking in their region. However, we have a very friendly magpie living near the caravan and yesterday it tried to sit on my knee and take a piece of fruit cake I was eating. It was discouraged from this thought. Today, as it was a sunny day, we were eating our sandwiches outside and someone had placed his plate on the ground beside his chair. Next thing, the magpie comes in and removed the top slice of bread and tomato, depositing them on the ground in front of us. It proceeded to eat some of the bread and then make a number of trips back to its nest with pieces of bread, totally ignoring the tomato.
This afternoon we drove to the gold mining community of O’Connell and discovered there isn’t much there now apart from a pub and a couple of houses. It was a nice drive, anyway. Following this, we had a stop at Ben Chifley’s house but only had a look from the outside as it does not open on Friday.
Three months to Christmas!
Our first stop today, of course, was the Mt Panorama Race Circuit. We began with a visit to the museum, which was quite interesting, even for non-petrol heads. There were some old cars, lots of motor bikes and cars belonging to people I can remember. Cars driven by both Allan Moffatt and Dick Richards were there, as well as a special corner devoted to Peter Brock. Not only did this contain one of his 05 cars, but also a memorial car covered in fans’ signatures. Then it was time for the BIG EVENT – a lap of Mt Panorama! Unfortunately, Les had to hold the Pajero back as the speed limit was 60 km/h. We were surprised at how short the home straight is and how steep the mountain is, especially down through the esses. Work is currently in progress for the big race. Another surprise was the number of houses and vineyards around the circuit, which is an actual road. One would not want to run out of bread or milk on race day!
To lower the excitement levels, our next stop was at Machattie Park for a stroll around the fountain, rotunda and fern house – very pretty. Then it was a visit to the Art Gallery to view the 2008 Archibald Prize paintings which are currently in Bathurst – a nice coincidence. We selected our favourites, which were quite different from the judges’ choice – some paintings were very good (according to our view) and others were a little out there.
Lunch time at the caravan was rather exciting, for the man of the caravan, anyway. It happens to be mating/nesting season for magpies, which become very aggressive and territorial at this time of the year and it can be quite dangerous just walking in their region. However, we have a very friendly magpie living near the caravan and yesterday it tried to sit on my knee and take a piece of fruit cake I was eating. It was discouraged from this thought. Today, as it was a sunny day, we were eating our sandwiches outside and someone had placed his plate on the ground beside his chair. Next thing, the magpie comes in and removed the top slice of bread and tomato, depositing them on the ground in front of us. It proceeded to eat some of the bread and then make a number of trips back to its nest with pieces of bread, totally ignoring the tomato.
This afternoon we drove to the gold mining community of O’Connell and discovered there isn’t much there now apart from a pub and a couple of houses. It was a nice drive, anyway. Following this, we had a stop at Ben Chifley’s house but only had a look from the outside as it does not open on Friday.
Wednesday 24 September 2008
To Bathurst
24 September – Wednesday
A beautiful, clear, crisp day for the drive to Bathurst. The road took us to Wellington and we would have stopped here for a break but there was absolutely no where we could pull up with the caravan. The streets were all reverse angle parking (the caravan would have stuck out a bit) and the Information Centre didn’t have a car park, which was most unusual.
The countryside between Gilgandra and Bathurst was just lovely – beautiful pastoral country with cattle, sheep, wheat/grains and canola. Of course, we were probably seeing it at its best in spring.
Bathurst is a delightful old city, probably the first we have come across that still retains it colonial heritage. The gaol (still in use) has a magnificent sandstone entrance complimenting the razor wire. We did get the impression that this city also has a car race happening soon. The caravan park has used the bush heritage as its theme – some of the cabins have corrugated iron walls and fake chimney, which look very effective, and the swimming pool has a windmill which forms part of the water slide.
A beautiful, clear, crisp day for the drive to Bathurst. The road took us to Wellington and we would have stopped here for a break but there was absolutely no where we could pull up with the caravan. The streets were all reverse angle parking (the caravan would have stuck out a bit) and the Information Centre didn’t have a car park, which was most unusual.
The countryside between Gilgandra and Bathurst was just lovely – beautiful pastoral country with cattle, sheep, wheat/grains and canola. Of course, we were probably seeing it at its best in spring.
Bathurst is a delightful old city, probably the first we have come across that still retains it colonial heritage. The gaol (still in use) has a magnificent sandstone entrance complimenting the razor wire. We did get the impression that this city also has a car race happening soon. The caravan park has used the bush heritage as its theme – some of the cabins have corrugated iron walls and fake chimney, which look very effective, and the swimming pool has a windmill which forms part of the water slide.
Tuesday 23 September 2008
First Fleet
23 September – Tuesday
The forecast thunderstorm most certainly arrived yesterday. However, we didn’t get the forecast hail and only a short burst of wind. We did get some very spectacular lightning and thunder, which lasted from about 4.00pm to 4.00am – and RAIN!!! By 5.00pm the park was filling up again with overnighters and the Tasmanians we had met at Yamba (my ex-workmate and his wife) pulled into the site next to us, so we ended up talking for most of the evening.
It was still raining when we packed up this morning and only stopped for a short while until after lunch. Unfortunately, the temperature also dropped. Yesterday at noon it was 31 degrees, today at noon it was 11 degrees. A big hard to take.
When we left Tamworth this morning, we headed for Wallabadah, a small town (about six houses) with a memorial garden to the First Fleet. This memorial is at Wallabadah because no where else in NSW was interested. Work is still in progress, but it was certainly worth a visit.
Then we headed to Gunnedah, driving past lots of canola fields in full flower – fluorescent yellow in the rain and gloom. We also spotted an emu among some trees near the Oxley Crossing (Oxley stopped here in 1818!). Our lunch stop was at Coonabarabran (in the rain) before travelling to Gilgandra for an overnight stop. We are in a lovely park beside the river, nice and grassy with huge drive-through sites and very friendly managers. It is also right beside the Newell Highway… It didn’t really take long to drive round the sites of Gilgandra, but we did spend some time at the Visitors’ Centre which had some very good exhibits, especially on the Coo-ee March in 1916 (Google it if necessary!).
The forecast thunderstorm most certainly arrived yesterday. However, we didn’t get the forecast hail and only a short burst of wind. We did get some very spectacular lightning and thunder, which lasted from about 4.00pm to 4.00am – and RAIN!!! By 5.00pm the park was filling up again with overnighters and the Tasmanians we had met at Yamba (my ex-workmate and his wife) pulled into the site next to us, so we ended up talking for most of the evening.
It was still raining when we packed up this morning and only stopped for a short while until after lunch. Unfortunately, the temperature also dropped. Yesterday at noon it was 31 degrees, today at noon it was 11 degrees. A big hard to take.
When we left Tamworth this morning, we headed for Wallabadah, a small town (about six houses) with a memorial garden to the First Fleet. This memorial is at Wallabadah because no where else in NSW was interested. Work is still in progress, but it was certainly worth a visit.
Then we headed to Gunnedah, driving past lots of canola fields in full flower – fluorescent yellow in the rain and gloom. We also spotted an emu among some trees near the Oxley Crossing (Oxley stopped here in 1818!). Our lunch stop was at Coonabarabran (in the rain) before travelling to Gilgandra for an overnight stop. We are in a lovely park beside the river, nice and grassy with huge drive-through sites and very friendly managers. It is also right beside the Newell Highway… It didn’t really take long to drive round the sites of Gilgandra, but we did spend some time at the Visitors’ Centre which had some very good exhibits, especially on the Coo-ee March in 1916 (Google it if necessary!).
Monday 22 September 2008
Thunderstorms
22 September – Monday
Extremely hot day in Tamworth and after we both had haircuts this morning, set out to catch up on some more of Tamworth’s tourist attractions. Bicentennial Park (opened in 1988, strangely) had another display of country music, this time featuring bronze busts of some well known artists. The park also had a magnificent statue of a waler horse and a Lighthorseman. Over 40% of NSW horse population is within a radius of 130km of Tamworth, and the waler was a NSW horse. Of course, there was also the obligatory duck pond/lake. A drive up the hill to the Oxley Lookout gave us a panoramic view of the district.
The afternoon brought the promised thunderstorms – we have been receiving severe thunderstorm warnings since lunchtime and made sure the awning was secured and chairs stowed. We spent the afternoon playing cards waiting, and although it has been thundering all afternoon, there hasn’t really been a lot of rain. However, we have been told to wait, as it is coming!
Extremely hot day in Tamworth and after we both had haircuts this morning, set out to catch up on some more of Tamworth’s tourist attractions. Bicentennial Park (opened in 1988, strangely) had another display of country music, this time featuring bronze busts of some well known artists. The park also had a magnificent statue of a waler horse and a Lighthorseman. Over 40% of NSW horse population is within a radius of 130km of Tamworth, and the waler was a NSW horse. Of course, there was also the obligatory duck pond/lake. A drive up the hill to the Oxley Lookout gave us a panoramic view of the district.
The afternoon brought the promised thunderstorms – we have been receiving severe thunderstorm warnings since lunchtime and made sure the awning was secured and chairs stowed. We spent the afternoon playing cards waiting, and although it has been thundering all afternoon, there hasn’t really been a lot of rain. However, we have been told to wait, as it is coming!
Sunday 21 September 2008
Golden Guitars
21 September – Sunday
The promised thunderstorm arrived just after 10.00pm last night and while we didn’t get any rain, the light and sound show was quite spectacular for over an hour. More thunderstorms are forecast for tonight and tomorrow night.
We only had a short drive to Tamworth today, but did manage to stretch it out a bit with a stop at Bendemeer, the Grey Fergie Capital of Australia. This village of 250 people is holding a Grey Fergie Muster next year – just the place for a grey Fergie owning couple with a campervan to visit! There was also a very nice trout stream flowing through the town.
The Paradise Caravan Park at Tamworth doesn’t look much like the photos in their brochure and the dry and dusty sites are probably the result of the drought and water restrictions. It is a small park, the sites are a bit shallow, but otherwise is good.
Next door to the caravan park is the information centre, which we discovered later, is built in the shape of a guitar. They had a very good display on the history of Australian country music and a very friendly and helpful volunteer who loaded us up with brochures and told us how we could fill in our time in Tamworth.
First stop was the brand new Australian Equine and Livestock Event Centre which was having an open day so that the people of Tamworth could see how their $30 million was spent. The indoor arena was as big as Calgary, but only had about a quarter of the seating. The complex was very impressive and will be worth seeing in a few years. There were 478 stables in six large buildings, an indoor selling arena, outdoor campdraft area, warm-up arenas and plenty of camping space.
After this was the big excitement of the day – seeing the Golden Guitar and visiting the associated gift shop (a bit tongue in cheek here!).
Very hot again today.
Saturday 20 September 2008
To Armidale
20 September – Saturday
Very hot today, it was even 27 degrees when we left Coffs Harbour at 8.30am. We headed inland today, driving through the Bellinger Valley with its very lush dairy farms. Bellingen, home of George Negus, was a quaint little town in a lovely rainforest region, with lots of tourists and locals wandering about. This is where the road began the sharp climb to the tablelands, rising very quickly to 760 metres at Dorrigo. We had the mistaken impression that Dorrigo was at the top – not so. We eventually levelled out at 1350 metres, with a very impressive graph on the dashboard. Fuel consumption wasn’t too good, either.
We had a couple of stops at waterfalls, the first at Newall, the second at Ebor. This was at a rest stop and was a rather spectacular waterfall, with another one further down the hill if we had wanted to make the climb. We didn’t. There were about half a dozen very nice Aston Martins at this rest stop, and we met probably another dozen as we left. Figured they must have been having a gathering of Aston Martins.
Armidale is about the size of Devonport and is home to the New England University. The Pembroke Tourist Park is quite acceptable and the managers obviously aren’t aware that school holidays have commenced in Queensland.
Very hot today, it was even 27 degrees when we left Coffs Harbour at 8.30am. We headed inland today, driving through the Bellinger Valley with its very lush dairy farms. Bellingen, home of George Negus, was a quaint little town in a lovely rainforest region, with lots of tourists and locals wandering about. This is where the road began the sharp climb to the tablelands, rising very quickly to 760 metres at Dorrigo. We had the mistaken impression that Dorrigo was at the top – not so. We eventually levelled out at 1350 metres, with a very impressive graph on the dashboard. Fuel consumption wasn’t too good, either.
We had a couple of stops at waterfalls, the first at Newall, the second at Ebor. This was at a rest stop and was a rather spectacular waterfall, with another one further down the hill if we had wanted to make the climb. We didn’t. There were about half a dozen very nice Aston Martins at this rest stop, and we met probably another dozen as we left. Figured they must have been having a gathering of Aston Martins.
Armidale is about the size of Devonport and is home to the New England University. The Pembroke Tourist Park is quite acceptable and the managers obviously aren’t aware that school holidays have commenced in Queensland.
Thursday 18 September 2008
Big Banana
19 September – Friday
Departed Yamba but had to change our plans to overnight at Glen Innes – the road was closed between 9.00am and 3.00pm for roadworks. Our next option was Armidale, via Coffs Harbour. We had another change of plan on the way and decided to stay at Coffs Harbour and visit the Big Banana, as we didn’t have the chance to stop at the Big Prawn in Ballina. We decided on the Emerald Beach Caravan Park, plenty of sites available for tonight but the question of cost kept being avoided. When we did get an answer, the girl wanted $37, as it was school holidays in Queensland. After many protests from us that the children were actually at school TODAY in Queensland, we considered it a rip off and would probably continue to Armidale. Surprise, surprise! The rate was immediately lowered to the off peak rate of $29, less our 10% Big 4 discount. Whilst it is a beachfront caravan park, there is plenty of wind shelter, the swimming pool is heated, a jumping pillow for kids of all ages, lovely camping area and plenty of play equipment. The amenities block is absolutely gorgeous – very recently refurbished, the best we have seen.
The Big Banana lived up to expectations and contained all the usual tacky souvenirs – and no bananas! Diesel was more expensive here than Queensland, $1.75 compared to $1.59 (something to do with state taxes). The price of unleaded petrol in Brisbane rises nearly $0.20 every Thursday, then drops again on Monday! After the Big Banana, we did a tour of the sites of Coffs Harbour and stopped at the wharf for the most delicious homemade icecream.
Today we left the sugar cane farms and macadamia plantations behind for the banana plantations of this area. It has been nice and warm today – 25 – but a thunderstorm is expected late afternoon.
Departed Yamba but had to change our plans to overnight at Glen Innes – the road was closed between 9.00am and 3.00pm for roadworks. Our next option was Armidale, via Coffs Harbour. We had another change of plan on the way and decided to stay at Coffs Harbour and visit the Big Banana, as we didn’t have the chance to stop at the Big Prawn in Ballina. We decided on the Emerald Beach Caravan Park, plenty of sites available for tonight but the question of cost kept being avoided. When we did get an answer, the girl wanted $37, as it was school holidays in Queensland. After many protests from us that the children were actually at school TODAY in Queensland, we considered it a rip off and would probably continue to Armidale. Surprise, surprise! The rate was immediately lowered to the off peak rate of $29, less our 10% Big 4 discount. Whilst it is a beachfront caravan park, there is plenty of wind shelter, the swimming pool is heated, a jumping pillow for kids of all ages, lovely camping area and plenty of play equipment. The amenities block is absolutely gorgeous – very recently refurbished, the best we have seen.
The Big Banana lived up to expectations and contained all the usual tacky souvenirs – and no bananas! Diesel was more expensive here than Queensland, $1.75 compared to $1.59 (something to do with state taxes). The price of unleaded petrol in Brisbane rises nearly $0.20 every Thursday, then drops again on Monday! After the Big Banana, we did a tour of the sites of Coffs Harbour and stopped at the wharf for the most delicious homemade icecream.
Today we left the sugar cane farms and macadamia plantations behind for the banana plantations of this area. It has been nice and warm today – 25 – but a thunderstorm is expected late afternoon.
Snakes and Whales
17 September – Wednesday
Much cooler today – only 22 degrees – and cloudy. We only had a short trip to Brisbane and stayed with friends, Brian and Jenny. We spent the whole day talking and looking at photos – Jenny had only returned the previous day after spending 13 days in Japan. We have decided that we will definitely meet up somewhere in the great outdoors next year.
18 September – Thursday
Similar weather to yesterday, but it did clear about lunch time. Today we left Queensland behind and headed south to Yamba, a small coastal fishing town at the mouth of the Clarence River.
Although we were allocated a site at the caravan park, we were told by the receptionist we could pick another one if we wanted to – we did, to a sunnier position. When I returned to tell her about our change, another lady walked through the office carrying a small green frog. She told us that she had rescued it from a snake which was trying to swallow the frog whole. Great, I really wanted to know there are snakes in the caravan park!
We went for a drive to look at the sights of Yamba, which has some really nice coastline and small, sandy coves between the rocky headlands, and ended up at the lookout on Point Angourie. Stepped out of the car to be greeted by a bloke I used to work with, he called me by name and, of course, I couldn’t think of his! After much thought, we decided he was Colin Saul, ex Allfoods. He and his wife were watching an upturned boat some distance out to sea and after some discussion, we decided we should ring the Coast Guard. It turned out that the boat was an abandoned trimaran, the occupants had been rescued yesterday and the boat left to drift. While we were watching it, two whales breached not far from shore – a mother and calf. They kept us enthralled for some time.
I think we will need something warmer than a shirt tonight.
Much cooler today – only 22 degrees – and cloudy. We only had a short trip to Brisbane and stayed with friends, Brian and Jenny. We spent the whole day talking and looking at photos – Jenny had only returned the previous day after spending 13 days in Japan. We have decided that we will definitely meet up somewhere in the great outdoors next year.
18 September – Thursday
Similar weather to yesterday, but it did clear about lunch time. Today we left Queensland behind and headed south to Yamba, a small coastal fishing town at the mouth of the Clarence River.
Although we were allocated a site at the caravan park, we were told by the receptionist we could pick another one if we wanted to – we did, to a sunnier position. When I returned to tell her about our change, another lady walked through the office carrying a small green frog. She told us that she had rescued it from a snake which was trying to swallow the frog whole. Great, I really wanted to know there are snakes in the caravan park!
We went for a drive to look at the sights of Yamba, which has some really nice coastline and small, sandy coves between the rocky headlands, and ended up at the lookout on Point Angourie. Stepped out of the car to be greeted by a bloke I used to work with, he called me by name and, of course, I couldn’t think of his! After much thought, we decided he was Colin Saul, ex Allfoods. He and his wife were watching an upturned boat some distance out to sea and after some discussion, we decided we should ring the Coast Guard. It turned out that the boat was an abandoned trimaran, the occupants had been rescued yesterday and the boat left to drift. While we were watching it, two whales breached not far from shore – a mother and calf. They kept us enthralled for some time.
I think we will need something warmer than a shirt tonight.
Tuesday 16 September 2008
Noosa
16 September – Tuesday
The visiting family members left bright and early this morning for Coolangatta Airport and home. After a quick telephone call to Ashmore Palms on the Gold Coast, they decided to make the small detour to collect a couple of items which had been left behind when they moved to Maroochydore.
Today was much hotter than previous days, definitely a day for sitting in the shade. We decided that we really should make the effort and drive to Noosa and see how the other half spend holidays. Very swish place, lots of upmarket shops, very posh looking accommodation places and absolutely no where we could park the car and not have to walk a couple of miles to buy an ice cream. So we drove up the main street, looked at the river heads and drove down the main street. Not long after we left Maroochydore, we did see a huge snake (dead fortunately) on the road – this made four dead snakes we have seen so far.
We drove back from Noosa to Maroochydore along the coast – there are some very nice houses in the area.
Today it was my turn to check out the medical facilities in the area, owing to a rather sore ear, and Emma gently explained to me the necessity of allowing the doctor to look in my ear. We made a deal that I would let the doctor look in my ear and she would let her doctor look in her injured ear when she returned home.
The visiting family members left bright and early this morning for Coolangatta Airport and home. After a quick telephone call to Ashmore Palms on the Gold Coast, they decided to make the small detour to collect a couple of items which had been left behind when they moved to Maroochydore.
Today was much hotter than previous days, definitely a day for sitting in the shade. We decided that we really should make the effort and drive to Noosa and see how the other half spend holidays. Very swish place, lots of upmarket shops, very posh looking accommodation places and absolutely no where we could park the car and not have to walk a couple of miles to buy an ice cream. So we drove up the main street, looked at the river heads and drove down the main street. Not long after we left Maroochydore, we did see a huge snake (dead fortunately) on the road – this made four dead snakes we have seen so far.
We drove back from Noosa to Maroochydore along the coast – there are some very nice houses in the area.
Today it was my turn to check out the medical facilities in the area, owing to a rather sore ear, and Emma gently explained to me the necessity of allowing the doctor to look in my ear. We made a deal that I would let the doctor look in my ear and she would let her doctor look in her injured ear when she returned home.
Monday 15 September 2008
Whales
15 September – Monday
Ditto the weather, only warmer than yesterday and not as windy during the afternoon. We even had to resort to sitting in the shade. The man of the caravan suffered a migraine at 5.00am, so we ended up having a quiet day.
Di and Co had a wonderful day whale watching, managing to see nine whales and a large dolphin pod. The boys saw a whale leap out of the water, but the girls missed the spectacle as Emma needed to visit the little girls’ room. Michael and Diane thoroughly enjoyed the boat ride 15 km out to sea (fairly rough from their description), but Emma and Cam were glad to see the wharf.
Emma had a rather traumatic afternoon – she was a little slow reacting when hand feeding the eels and had her finger nipped. Blood and tears resulted. Not long after settling down and spending time in the playground, she managed to fall over on the road and skun her knees. The first aid kit has certainly been well used today.
We have decided to stay here for another day and only have one night in Brisbane with Brian and Jenny.
Ditto the weather, only warmer than yesterday and not as windy during the afternoon. We even had to resort to sitting in the shade. The man of the caravan suffered a migraine at 5.00am, so we ended up having a quiet day.
Di and Co had a wonderful day whale watching, managing to see nine whales and a large dolphin pod. The boys saw a whale leap out of the water, but the girls missed the spectacle as Emma needed to visit the little girls’ room. Michael and Diane thoroughly enjoyed the boat ride 15 km out to sea (fairly rough from their description), but Emma and Cam were glad to see the wharf.
Emma had a rather traumatic afternoon – she was a little slow reacting when hand feeding the eels and had her finger nipped. Blood and tears resulted. Not long after settling down and spending time in the playground, she managed to fall over on the road and skun her knees. The first aid kit has certainly been well used today.
We have decided to stay here for another day and only have one night in Brisbane with Brian and Jenny.
Sunday 14 September 2008
Air Hockey
14 September – Sunday
Another gorgeous morning which, unfortunately, did develop into a windy afternoon. The children have discovered an air hockey table in the games room and Michael considers himself to be pretty good! He eventually persuaded Nanny to play against him, thinking he would wipe Nanny off the floor. Michael received a BIG shock.
We haven’t done a great deal today – Les has washed the caravan at last, there being no water restrictions in this area and the site is very grassy. A couple of blokes (or rather, a bloke couple) just along from us told him he was very naughty to use washing up detergent in the bucket and he should have borrowed some truck wash from them. They were very nice and chatty, told us they have just bought a motel way out west and are negotiating to buy a caravan park in the same place. Must be the in thing for blokey couples nowadays (refer to our Emerald caravan park!).
With only two days remaining of their holiday, Diane decided that the children should have sunglasses, especially as they are going whale watching tomorrow. They boys are going to have another attempt tonight to catch a fish big enough to eat.
Another gorgeous morning which, unfortunately, did develop into a windy afternoon. The children have discovered an air hockey table in the games room and Michael considers himself to be pretty good! He eventually persuaded Nanny to play against him, thinking he would wipe Nanny off the floor. Michael received a BIG shock.
We haven’t done a great deal today – Les has washed the caravan at last, there being no water restrictions in this area and the site is very grassy. A couple of blokes (or rather, a bloke couple) just along from us told him he was very naughty to use washing up detergent in the bucket and he should have borrowed some truck wash from them. They were very nice and chatty, told us they have just bought a motel way out west and are negotiating to buy a caravan park in the same place. Must be the in thing for blokey couples nowadays (refer to our Emerald caravan park!).
With only two days remaining of their holiday, Diane decided that the children should have sunglasses, especially as they are going whale watching tomorrow. They boys are going to have another attempt tonight to catch a fish big enough to eat.
Saturday 13 September 2008
Market Day
13 September – Saturday
The most glorious weather today – about 27 degrees and sunny, even starting the day with breakfast outside in the sunshine.
We decided that this morning we would visit the Eumundie Markets – as did every other person within a 100 km radius! Very hot, very crowded and very large – makes Salamanca Market look rather small. However, it seemed to be made up of all the usual types of stalls – handmade soap, beaded jewellery, cheap clothing which is either imported or obviously hand made, painted tiles, fairy costumes, cloth handbags and food.
After we had worn out the males of the group, we decided to go to the Ginger Factory for lunch and a look. Even though Les and I had been there a few days ago, we had only visited the gift shop, not realising there was so much more to see out the back without having to pay for the tour. We ended up staying for over 2 ½ hours, with lots of interesting little shops and a lovely garden to wander about in. We even saw a very large water dragon and the children were very impressed with the mechanical models of the gingerbread man and the sailors at the entrance to one of the expensive rides.
After leaving the Ginger Factory we had a quick dash across the road to the macadamia outlet for the Spurr family to do a bit of nut shopping and Cameron to have a caffeine fix. Michael was a bit taken aback at the jars of “Kangaroo Poo!”
The most glorious weather today – about 27 degrees and sunny, even starting the day with breakfast outside in the sunshine.
We decided that this morning we would visit the Eumundie Markets – as did every other person within a 100 km radius! Very hot, very crowded and very large – makes Salamanca Market look rather small. However, it seemed to be made up of all the usual types of stalls – handmade soap, beaded jewellery, cheap clothing which is either imported or obviously hand made, painted tiles, fairy costumes, cloth handbags and food.
After we had worn out the males of the group, we decided to go to the Ginger Factory for lunch and a look. Even though Les and I had been there a few days ago, we had only visited the gift shop, not realising there was so much more to see out the back without having to pay for the tour. We ended up staying for over 2 ½ hours, with lots of interesting little shops and a lovely garden to wander about in. We even saw a very large water dragon and the children were very impressed with the mechanical models of the gingerbread man and the sailors at the entrance to one of the expensive rides.
After leaving the Ginger Factory we had a quick dash across the road to the macadamia outlet for the Spurr family to do a bit of nut shopping and Cameron to have a caffeine fix. Michael was a bit taken aback at the jars of “Kangaroo Poo!”
Friday 12 September 2008
Eel Feeding
12 September – Friday
We were still worn out from yesterday, so had a reasonably quiet day. We had a couple of small visitors arrive at 7.00am with bread in hand to have breakfast with us before we fed the stale leftover bread to the eels. It was absolutely gross, the eels were even rising out of the water to take the bread. Emma was quite fearless and allowing the eels to take bread directly from her hand!
A trip to the supermarket before lunch, and I made the mistake of permitting a sales lady to demonstrate her mineral body scrub on my hands. It left my hands feeling very smooth, but the smell was absolutely awful (to me anyway). I think she very quickly realised a sale was out of the question.
The afternoon was spent with the kids playing table tennis and air hockey. Air hockey was a big favourite with Michael and Grandpa. An ice cream and a few games of bingo rounded out the afternoon nicely.
We were still worn out from yesterday, so had a reasonably quiet day. We had a couple of small visitors arrive at 7.00am with bread in hand to have breakfast with us before we fed the stale leftover bread to the eels. It was absolutely gross, the eels were even rising out of the water to take the bread. Emma was quite fearless and allowing the eels to take bread directly from her hand!
A trip to the supermarket before lunch, and I made the mistake of permitting a sales lady to demonstrate her mineral body scrub on my hands. It left my hands feeling very smooth, but the smell was absolutely awful (to me anyway). I think she very quickly realised a sale was out of the question.
The afternoon was spent with the kids playing table tennis and air hockey. Air hockey was a big favourite with Michael and Grandpa. An ice cream and a few games of bingo rounded out the afternoon nicely.
Thursday 11 September 2008
Crikey!
11 September – Thursday
Crikey, what a long day! As you may have guessed, today we “did” Australia Zoo – Michael was so excited!!! After seven hours, we were all very tired and footsore but very impressed with the zoo.
As soon as we walked through the entrance at 9.00am, it was full on activity, with a small alligator just waiting to be patted, water dragons running freely throughout the park and a very friendly tiger to give us all a cuddle. We waited anxiously for the enormous land tortoises to be fed – they actually did move! Then it was time to stand in line and feed the elephants and as we weren’t permitted to take our own close-up photos, there was a professional photographer on hand, of course. We were permitted to keep the proofs, but they did have ‘PROOF’ right across the photo. The moment we had all been waiting for actually arrived and we found seats in the Crocoseum for the big event – snakes, wonderful birds flying free and, of course, a crocodile.
A quick lunch (very impressed with the way the food court was set out, not over-priced and oodles of tables and chairs) before heading back outside to hear about the camel and foxes before another photo opportunity with a wedge tail eagle. Following this was the BIG happening of the day – two of the cheetahs were having a birthday and presents and cake were provided for Sheba (Cleopatra didn’t want to attend her party) to enjoy while the tourists used up the memory cards in their cameras. We had hoped that Bindi might make an appearance at such a special occasion, but no.
Instead of walking to the other end of the park to see the elephants (again) and the tigers, we took the shuttle train and Cam managed to leave his back pack on board. Quick walk back to the station sorted his problem out and the back was recovered. Michael took his first ever blurred photo of a tiger – very exciting event in his life, evidently. Walked back through the koala enclosure and spotted a baby koala hanging upside down from its mother’s pouch. Even the keeper was excited about this. The birds of prey were next, followed by the Australian snakes – none of us were aware that Tasmania was home to the red bellied black snake until today! Think they may have boo booed with this snake!
We staggered back to the car, through the obligatory gift shop exit, absolutely tuckered out!
Crikey, what a long day! As you may have guessed, today we “did” Australia Zoo – Michael was so excited!!! After seven hours, we were all very tired and footsore but very impressed with the zoo.
As soon as we walked through the entrance at 9.00am, it was full on activity, with a small alligator just waiting to be patted, water dragons running freely throughout the park and a very friendly tiger to give us all a cuddle. We waited anxiously for the enormous land tortoises to be fed – they actually did move! Then it was time to stand in line and feed the elephants and as we weren’t permitted to take our own close-up photos, there was a professional photographer on hand, of course. We were permitted to keep the proofs, but they did have ‘PROOF’ right across the photo. The moment we had all been waiting for actually arrived and we found seats in the Crocoseum for the big event – snakes, wonderful birds flying free and, of course, a crocodile.
A quick lunch (very impressed with the way the food court was set out, not over-priced and oodles of tables and chairs) before heading back outside to hear about the camel and foxes before another photo opportunity with a wedge tail eagle. Following this was the BIG happening of the day – two of the cheetahs were having a birthday and presents and cake were provided for Sheba (Cleopatra didn’t want to attend her party) to enjoy while the tourists used up the memory cards in their cameras. We had hoped that Bindi might make an appearance at such a special occasion, but no.
Instead of walking to the other end of the park to see the elephants (again) and the tigers, we took the shuttle train and Cam managed to leave his back pack on board. Quick walk back to the station sorted his problem out and the back was recovered. Michael took his first ever blurred photo of a tiger – very exciting event in his life, evidently. Walked back through the koala enclosure and spotted a baby koala hanging upside down from its mother’s pouch. Even the keeper was excited about this. The birds of prey were next, followed by the Australian snakes – none of us were aware that Tasmania was home to the red bellied black snake until today! Think they may have boo booed with this snake!
We staggered back to the car, through the obligatory gift shop exit, absolutely tuckered out!
Wednesday 10 September 2008
Ginger
10 September – Wednesday
The fisherman did quite well yesterday – he made a pelican and crane very happy! Lots of bites, all the chicken was eaten, one small fish was caught (that is why the pelican was happy.
This morning we headed to the Ginger Factory at Yaldina, not that we like ginger at all, but they have a very nice gift shop – and LOTS of very mature aged tourists on bus tours! As a bonus, we discovered that across the road was a macadamia processing place, complete with shop, and also a coffee centre. A very enjoyable area. On the return journey, we called into what we thought was a small farm stall selling cheap strawberries. It turned out to be a large fruit and vegetable outlet – very large and very cheap. They even had red paw paws!
Diane, Cameron, Michael and Emma arrived shortly before we returned, so great excitement all round, especially from Michael when he discovered the eels. Cameron enjoyed his north Queensland coffee. They are still gross, as far as I am concerned. This afternoon the boys headed over the road to the river in an attempt to find the best fishing spot – and hopefully catch a fish big enough to keep.
The fisherman did quite well yesterday – he made a pelican and crane very happy! Lots of bites, all the chicken was eaten, one small fish was caught (that is why the pelican was happy.
This morning we headed to the Ginger Factory at Yaldina, not that we like ginger at all, but they have a very nice gift shop – and LOTS of very mature aged tourists on bus tours! As a bonus, we discovered that across the road was a macadamia processing place, complete with shop, and also a coffee centre. A very enjoyable area. On the return journey, we called into what we thought was a small farm stall selling cheap strawberries. It turned out to be a large fruit and vegetable outlet – very large and very cheap. They even had red paw paws!
Diane, Cameron, Michael and Emma arrived shortly before we returned, so great excitement all round, especially from Michael when he discovered the eels. Cameron enjoyed his north Queensland coffee. They are still gross, as far as I am concerned. This afternoon the boys headed over the road to the river in an attempt to find the best fishing spot – and hopefully catch a fish big enough to keep.
Tuesday 9 September 2008
Fishing
9 September – Tuesday
Awoke to a beautiful sunny morning and enjoyed breakfast on the patio! Very pleasant sitting in the sun with a cup of coffee and a book. Unfortunately, the afternoon did turn a bit cloudy and cool; had to resort to a windcheater even.
This morning we checked out the Maroochydore shopping centres and discovered a Banjos Bakery – same signs, same products! There was also a Bakers Delight, so it was just like being at home. Woolworths are the same in every town.
The fisherman of the caravan has removed some of the meat from tonight’s chicken breast fillet and is trying to convince some fish to eat the chicken, together with a hook. The chicken may have to wait until tomorrow night!
Awoke to a beautiful sunny morning and enjoyed breakfast on the patio! Very pleasant sitting in the sun with a cup of coffee and a book. Unfortunately, the afternoon did turn a bit cloudy and cool; had to resort to a windcheater even.
This morning we checked out the Maroochydore shopping centres and discovered a Banjos Bakery – same signs, same products! There was also a Bakers Delight, so it was just like being at home. Woolworths are the same in every town.
The fisherman of the caravan has removed some of the meat from tonight’s chicken breast fillet and is trying to convince some fish to eat the chicken, together with a hook. The chicken may have to wait until tomorrow night!
Monday 8 September 2008
Eels
8 September – Monday
We have headed north again and settled into the Maroochy Palms Holiday Village at Maroochydore for the next eight nights. This park nearly meets all the criteria, except for the drive through site. However, the site is very large and we even have a back lawn! There is a large lagoon with ducks to feed, barbecues and walkways – the downside of the lagoon are the large amounts of very large eels which live in it. Just gross! They are obviously used to being fed by friendly tourists and come to the surface when they spot someone. It is absolutely gross to see a large eel’s head appear out of the week on the bottom, followed by the rest of it. Yuck!!! The swimming pool area (opposite end of the park) is very nice, with lots of barbecues and picnic tables on the lawn, as well as a shop/restaurant which will deliver meal orders (including breakfast!) to one’s caravan.
The Maroochy River is across the road, complete with fishermen and hopeful pelicans. Leslie has found his fishing rod, bought some plastic lures and getting ready for tomorrow’s high tide. I’m sure Cameron and Michael will join him as soon as they arrive.
The weather is glorious, warm and sunny. After the unpleasant site in Brisbane, it is a pleasure to sit outside in the sun.
We have headed north again and settled into the Maroochy Palms Holiday Village at Maroochydore for the next eight nights. This park nearly meets all the criteria, except for the drive through site. However, the site is very large and we even have a back lawn! There is a large lagoon with ducks to feed, barbecues and walkways – the downside of the lagoon are the large amounts of very large eels which live in it. Just gross! They are obviously used to being fed by friendly tourists and come to the surface when they spot someone. It is absolutely gross to see a large eel’s head appear out of the week on the bottom, followed by the rest of it. Yuck!!! The swimming pool area (opposite end of the park) is very nice, with lots of barbecues and picnic tables on the lawn, as well as a shop/restaurant which will deliver meal orders (including breakfast!) to one’s caravan.
The Maroochy River is across the road, complete with fishermen and hopeful pelicans. Leslie has found his fishing rod, bought some plastic lures and getting ready for tomorrow’s high tide. I’m sure Cameron and Michael will join him as soon as they arrive.
The weather is glorious, warm and sunny. After the unpleasant site in Brisbane, it is a pleasure to sit outside in the sun.
Sunday 7 September 2008
Happy Fathers' Day
7 September – Sunday
Fathers’ Day – and a quiet day at home. The weather was clear and sunny, with a bit of a breeze, although the early morning was a bit on the fresh side. Diane seemed to think it was lovely and warm.
As we haven’t really done anything interesting today, I thought I would try to envisage the perfect caravan park. All sites would be drive through and grass, with a concrete slab, always facing the correct way to have sun all day if desired. Trees should be shady, but not too shady for winter travellers, and gum trees are a bit of a worry as they drop branches. Coconut palms are a definite no no. Sites should be large enough for the towing vehicle to fit either in front or behind the caravan, or beside the slab. Utilities should be in the back left hand corner for ease of use. Barbecues should be free to use and there should be a full size oven in the camp kitchen. There should be sufficient amenities for the size of the park, and these should be up to date and cleaned regularly. Needless to say, the grounds must be well maintained and rubbish bins easy to access and emptied regularly.
Of course, tents should be kept well away from caravans, as should campervans. Believe me, the noise of zips going up, then down, in the middle of the night, or sliding doors being opened then closed, can be most annoying. It always seems to happen that first one person will get up, open the door, depart, close the door, return, open the door, enter, close the door; then the other person decides they need to get up and repeat the procedure. As the people in the next tent/vehicle have now been woken, they repeat the procedure. It is very easy to work out which men are having prostate problems!
The newspaper should be available early each morning, free wireless internet, of course, lots of birdlife and no snakes.
Fathers’ Day – and a quiet day at home. The weather was clear and sunny, with a bit of a breeze, although the early morning was a bit on the fresh side. Diane seemed to think it was lovely and warm.
As we haven’t really done anything interesting today, I thought I would try to envisage the perfect caravan park. All sites would be drive through and grass, with a concrete slab, always facing the correct way to have sun all day if desired. Trees should be shady, but not too shady for winter travellers, and gum trees are a bit of a worry as they drop branches. Coconut palms are a definite no no. Sites should be large enough for the towing vehicle to fit either in front or behind the caravan, or beside the slab. Utilities should be in the back left hand corner for ease of use. Barbecues should be free to use and there should be a full size oven in the camp kitchen. There should be sufficient amenities for the size of the park, and these should be up to date and cleaned regularly. Needless to say, the grounds must be well maintained and rubbish bins easy to access and emptied regularly.
Of course, tents should be kept well away from caravans, as should campervans. Believe me, the noise of zips going up, then down, in the middle of the night, or sliding doors being opened then closed, can be most annoying. It always seems to happen that first one person will get up, open the door, depart, close the door, return, open the door, enter, close the door; then the other person decides they need to get up and repeat the procedure. As the people in the next tent/vehicle have now been woken, they repeat the procedure. It is very easy to work out which men are having prostate problems!
The newspaper should be available early each morning, free wireless internet, of course, lots of birdlife and no snakes.
Mt Tamborine
6 September – Saturday
The sun was shining this morning and we headed to the Gold Coast, stopping first at the Hyperdome Shopping Centre, another large centre which is quite close to the caravan park. Instead of heading for the coast, we turned inland for Mt Tamborine – perhaps we could call Mt Tamborine the Dandenong Ranges of the Gold Coast. It was a lovely area, with some stunning views over the Gold Coast and inland, with the road winding along the top of ridges 750 metres above sea level, with drops straight down in places. We stopped for lunch in a lovely village that seemed to have more restaurants than houses, together with an equal number of gift, craft and clothing shops. A most pleasant little place to sit in the sun on a terrace and have lunch.
After lunch, we continued our visits to army bases (have already visited Enoggera in Brisbane and Laverack in Townsville) with Canungra on the itinerary. The military area here is used for live firing, as large and frequent signs warned us of the dangers in stopping or leaving the roadway.
Then it was to Ashmore to meet the other members of the family who had travelled from Hobart that morning. Great excitement all round, especially when Michael discovered the macaws. How the children have grown in three months! We had a barbecue with them before travelling back to Brisbane and watching a great football match!
The sun was shining this morning and we headed to the Gold Coast, stopping first at the Hyperdome Shopping Centre, another large centre which is quite close to the caravan park. Instead of heading for the coast, we turned inland for Mt Tamborine – perhaps we could call Mt Tamborine the Dandenong Ranges of the Gold Coast. It was a lovely area, with some stunning views over the Gold Coast and inland, with the road winding along the top of ridges 750 metres above sea level, with drops straight down in places. We stopped for lunch in a lovely village that seemed to have more restaurants than houses, together with an equal number of gift, craft and clothing shops. A most pleasant little place to sit in the sun on a terrace and have lunch.
After lunch, we continued our visits to army bases (have already visited Enoggera in Brisbane and Laverack in Townsville) with Canungra on the itinerary. The military area here is used for live firing, as large and frequent signs warned us of the dangers in stopping or leaving the roadway.
Then it was to Ashmore to meet the other members of the family who had travelled from Hobart that morning. Great excitement all round, especially when Michael discovered the macaws. How the children have grown in three months! We had a barbecue with them before travelling back to Brisbane and watching a great football match!
Friday 5 September 2008
It's Raining
5 September – Friday
Last night it really rained and then it rained some more today, which really increased the humidity. Although the rain has been very heavy, we did seem to escape the severe weather that the Sunshine Coast received. The muddy creek has been flowing well during downpours, with lots of garbage. Not a nice sight out the window! Early this morning there was an accident on the exit from the motorway, about 200 metres from the caravan park. There was lots of noise for a while, with sirens from emergency vehicles and a helicopter circling overhead (television news).
We just had a quiet day at home today, catching up on some cooking and housework. A bright spot at lunchtime was a large lizard (about 75cm long), possibly a bearded dragon, sitting on the bank a short distance from our caravan. The rain didn’t seem to bother him at all.
Last night it really rained and then it rained some more today, which really increased the humidity. Although the rain has been very heavy, we did seem to escape the severe weather that the Sunshine Coast received. The muddy creek has been flowing well during downpours, with lots of garbage. Not a nice sight out the window! Early this morning there was an accident on the exit from the motorway, about 200 metres from the caravan park. There was lots of noise for a while, with sirens from emergency vehicles and a helicopter circling overhead (television news).
We just had a quiet day at home today, catching up on some cooking and housework. A bright spot at lunchtime was a large lizard (about 75cm long), possibly a bearded dragon, sitting on the bank a short distance from our caravan. The rain didn’t seem to bother him at all.
Thursday 4 September 2008
Happy Cake
4 September – Thursday
Although it is 13 days early, today was designated Jack’s birthday so that all his grandparents could help him celebrate. After all, at his age, he isn’t really aware of the date – a “happy cake” (birthday cake) is all that is important to him. Jack’s father also suggested that Jack might like to receive his birthday presents early, rather than late.
We decided on a basic Thomas the Tank Engine set (almost compulsory for 2 year old boys!) and this proved to be a hit. Jack’s language is still at the very repetitive stage so there were lots of, “Nanny, train, toot toot.” A Chinese cake doubled as a perfect happy cake with two candles and Jack managed to blow out both on his own. This was followed by lunch – lots of prawns, chicken and fish. Very yummy.
Today it rained and the small creek beside the caravan is now a large creek.
Although it is 13 days early, today was designated Jack’s birthday so that all his grandparents could help him celebrate. After all, at his age, he isn’t really aware of the date – a “happy cake” (birthday cake) is all that is important to him. Jack’s father also suggested that Jack might like to receive his birthday presents early, rather than late.
We decided on a basic Thomas the Tank Engine set (almost compulsory for 2 year old boys!) and this proved to be a hit. Jack’s language is still at the very repetitive stage so there were lots of, “Nanny, train, toot toot.” A Chinese cake doubled as a perfect happy cake with two candles and Jack managed to blow out both on his own. This was followed by lunch – lots of prawns, chicken and fish. Very yummy.
Today it rained and the small creek beside the caravan is now a large creek.
Wednesday 3 September 2008
Strawberries and Cream
3 September – Wednesday
A word of advice to all would-be caravanners – take a plumber with you on your travels! Last night while washing strawberries, one silly strawberry decided to disappear down the plug hole and get itself stuck where the sink drain pipe connects to the main drainage system underneath the caravan. Unfortunately, this meant that the water in the sink would not drain away and as it would probably take a number of days for the strawberry to rot, the resident handyman was forced to crawl under the caravan in the dark, dismantle the plumbing, remove the strawberry (which still looked good enough to eat) and then put it all back together. He was allowed an extra bit of cream on his dessert.
This morning the Deng and Connell families headed to the Gold Coast, with the first stop at the most fantastic children’s playground at Southport, opposite Australia Fair. A great time was had by all, even Jack enjoyed the equipment. A great favourite was the monorail, closely followed by the flying fox.
The playground was followed by a quick visit to Jupiters Casino before moving to Pacific Fair for lunch and a spot of shopping for some. This shopping centre is absolutely huge! I think there are definitely more high rise buildings at Surfers than there are in Honolulu – the area has unquestionably grown in the last 25 years.
The weather today was a little windy this morning, about 23 degrees and sunny. However, late this afternoon the wind has strengthened and we felt it advisable to lower the awning, just in case. Heavy rain is forecast for tomorrow.
A word of advice to all would-be caravanners – take a plumber with you on your travels! Last night while washing strawberries, one silly strawberry decided to disappear down the plug hole and get itself stuck where the sink drain pipe connects to the main drainage system underneath the caravan. Unfortunately, this meant that the water in the sink would not drain away and as it would probably take a number of days for the strawberry to rot, the resident handyman was forced to crawl under the caravan in the dark, dismantle the plumbing, remove the strawberry (which still looked good enough to eat) and then put it all back together. He was allowed an extra bit of cream on his dessert.
This morning the Deng and Connell families headed to the Gold Coast, with the first stop at the most fantastic children’s playground at Southport, opposite Australia Fair. A great time was had by all, even Jack enjoyed the equipment. A great favourite was the monorail, closely followed by the flying fox.
The playground was followed by a quick visit to Jupiters Casino before moving to Pacific Fair for lunch and a spot of shopping for some. This shopping centre is absolutely huge! I think there are definitely more high rise buildings at Surfers than there are in Honolulu – the area has unquestionably grown in the last 25 years.
The weather today was a little windy this morning, about 23 degrees and sunny. However, late this afternoon the wind has strengthened and we felt it advisable to lower the awning, just in case. Heavy rain is forecast for tomorrow.
Tuesday 2 September 2008
Honours
2 September – Tuesday
We are definitely not used to this southern weather, with temperatures in the low 20s.
This morning we collected David, Shan, Jack and Linda and followed Shan to Southbank. This was our first visit to the area and we were very impressed with the gardens and pools. There is also a display for a couple of weeks featuring frogs and a stamp on the boardwalk beneath the individual signs resulted in the croak of that particular frog. Great fun.
Jack was very interested in the boats on the river and planes flying overhead (he is still very excited about his plane trip last Saturday!) but wasn’t all that keen on having a swim.
Griffith University has a campus next to Southbank, as does the Conservatorium, where Shan studied. We made a detour on the walk back to the cars to visit the Concert Halls area so that Shan could have a look at the new honour board with her name on it.
We are definitely not used to this southern weather, with temperatures in the low 20s.
This morning we collected David, Shan, Jack and Linda and followed Shan to Southbank. This was our first visit to the area and we were very impressed with the gardens and pools. There is also a display for a couple of weeks featuring frogs and a stamp on the boardwalk beneath the individual signs resulted in the croak of that particular frog. Great fun.
Jack was very interested in the boats on the river and planes flying overhead (he is still very excited about his plane trip last Saturday!) but wasn’t all that keen on having a swim.
Griffith University has a campus next to Southbank, as does the Conservatorium, where Shan studied. We made a detour on the walk back to the cars to visit the Concert Halls area so that Shan could have a look at the new honour board with her name on it.
Special Person
1 September – Monday
A relaxed start to travelling this morning, we didn’t actually leave Coolum Beach until nearly 9.30am – very late for us, but we didn’t have far to drive. The most important event of the morning was Leslie discovering a couple of screws loose – in the toilet cassette! No leaks on the way to Brisbane (little joke there), so hopefully the problem has been solved.
The caravan park in Brisbane only has six tourist sites, the remainder are permanents. It would be quite nice except for the muddy creek (and HUGE mossies) beside the caravan. However, we probably wont be spending much time sitting about.
As soon as we were settled, it was off to find David, Shan and Jack. Jack was asleep when we arrived, however, when I went to pick him up after he woke, he knew me immediately and I got a big grin and cuddle, as did Grandpa. As Shan’s parents were having their daily siesta and David needed to do some shopping, we spent the afternoon wandering around a large shopping centre before returning to Shan’s parents for a very nice dinner. Consequently, we were rather late returning home.
Sunday 31 August 2008
Coolum Beach
31 August – Sunday
Travelled to Coolum Beach today to meet up with John and Brenda. Very little improvement in the road condition until we reach Gympie, the road to Cooktown was much better than this area. Lots of traffic on the road today, which may have been because we are getting closer to Brisbane or because the Gympie Muster concluded today. There were some good roadside stalls though, with very cheap avocadoes, tomatoes and bananas. The frig is full again.
The Sunshine Coast has certainly grown during the past 25 years, with lots of high rise units, shopping centres and development along the coast. We are staying in the caravan park at Coolum Beach – it is right on the beach front, good sized sites but the amenities could do with some refurbishment. Thank goodness for our own shower, it would have to be the best thing since sliced bread. We are still having toilet problems and will have to contact Jayco tomorrow, just a pity it has to be Brisbane Jayco. We think it is the cassette leaking, so hopefully it will only mean a new cassette and nothing major.
This afternoon, John and Brenda took us for a drive around the area, we found the caravan park where we will stay with Diane and family (looked very nice, right on the Maroochy River) and then settled down for happy hour, which did extend for nearly three hours.
There are mosquitoes here too! No crocodiles though. We are also talking about football this week.
Travelled to Coolum Beach today to meet up with John and Brenda. Very little improvement in the road condition until we reach Gympie, the road to Cooktown was much better than this area. Lots of traffic on the road today, which may have been because we are getting closer to Brisbane or because the Gympie Muster concluded today. There were some good roadside stalls though, with very cheap avocadoes, tomatoes and bananas. The frig is full again.
The Sunshine Coast has certainly grown during the past 25 years, with lots of high rise units, shopping centres and development along the coast. We are staying in the caravan park at Coolum Beach – it is right on the beach front, good sized sites but the amenities could do with some refurbishment. Thank goodness for our own shower, it would have to be the best thing since sliced bread. We are still having toilet problems and will have to contact Jayco tomorrow, just a pity it has to be Brisbane Jayco. We think it is the cassette leaking, so hopefully it will only mean a new cassette and nothing major.
This afternoon, John and Brenda took us for a drive around the area, we found the caravan park where we will stay with Diane and family (looked very nice, right on the Maroochy River) and then settled down for happy hour, which did extend for nearly three hours.
There are mosquitoes here too! No crocodiles though. We are also talking about football this week.
Saturday 30 August 2008
Bargara
30 August – Saturday
A very foggy start to the day, but the fog had dissipated before we reached Rockhampton. Nothing very exciting to report today, as we travelled south to Bundaberg and Bargara. We turned off the main highway at Miriam Vale to head into Bundaberg and although we probably saved 20 minutes in time, it is doubtful if the rough road made it worthwhile. The bitumen even had corrugations at times. Lunch stop was at a small place called Rosedale – one shop, one hotel, one school, one police house/station and half a dozen houses.
We decided to stay in Bargara instead of Bundaberg. Bargara is a nice, small seaside village which is fast becoming very touristy, with lots of development happening. We are staying at a large caravan park directly opposite the Surf Club. I think this is the only big of sand along the black rocky shoreline for quite a distance.
This afternoon we had a drive around Bundaberg and looked at the local sights – the rum distillery seems to be the main attraction. Probably accounts for all the sugar cane growing in the region! Also lots of macadamia nuts, strawberries and tomatoes grown, with strawberries being offered very cheaply on roadside stalls. After Bundaberg, we drove to Elliott Heads, a very small seaside village, with a very large estuary that is all sand and fishermen when the tide is out.
This morning we were having visions of having to have further dealings with Jayco in Brisbane – thank goodness I didn’t write to Jayco head office complaining about their service last time we were in Brisbane – as the toilet had leaked a bit more fluid onto the ensuite floor by our first stop. However, the cassette hatch was dry and there was no further leakage during the day, so hopefully it was just a bit of leftover liquid under the actual toilet. Will see how it travels tomorrow. I think I must have the cleanest bathroom in the caravan park!
A very foggy start to the day, but the fog had dissipated before we reached Rockhampton. Nothing very exciting to report today, as we travelled south to Bundaberg and Bargara. We turned off the main highway at Miriam Vale to head into Bundaberg and although we probably saved 20 minutes in time, it is doubtful if the rough road made it worthwhile. The bitumen even had corrugations at times. Lunch stop was at a small place called Rosedale – one shop, one hotel, one school, one police house/station and half a dozen houses.
We decided to stay in Bargara instead of Bundaberg. Bargara is a nice, small seaside village which is fast becoming very touristy, with lots of development happening. We are staying at a large caravan park directly opposite the Surf Club. I think this is the only big of sand along the black rocky shoreline for quite a distance.
This afternoon we had a drive around Bundaberg and looked at the local sights – the rum distillery seems to be the main attraction. Probably accounts for all the sugar cane growing in the region! Also lots of macadamia nuts, strawberries and tomatoes grown, with strawberries being offered very cheaply on roadside stalls. After Bundaberg, we drove to Elliott Heads, a very small seaside village, with a very large estuary that is all sand and fishermen when the tide is out.
This morning we were having visions of having to have further dealings with Jayco in Brisbane – thank goodness I didn’t write to Jayco head office complaining about their service last time we were in Brisbane – as the toilet had leaked a bit more fluid onto the ensuite floor by our first stop. However, the cassette hatch was dry and there was no further leakage during the day, so hopefully it was just a bit of leftover liquid under the actual toilet. Will see how it travels tomorrow. I think I must have the cleanest bathroom in the caravan park!
Friday 29 August 2008
Yeppoon
29 August – Friday
If only winter in Tasmania was like winter in Queensland! We have very nice sandal marks on our feet, which will have hopefully faded by the time I visit the dermatologist at the end of October.
Today we went for a short drive into Yeppoon and also to the Rydges Resort just to the north. I think this was the resort built by the Japanese in the early 1980’s and looks to be a very comfortable place to stay, the style of resort one sees on Getaway. Yeppoon itself is a nice town with a nice feel to it – quite touristy, which would be the main industry. There are some lovely big beaches, although the tide does go out a long way, as well as a large marina. The Keppel Islands are just off shore.
This afternoon we headed in the opposite direction (our caravan park is virtually in the middle of the Capricorn Coast beach strip) towards Emu Park, and this is definitely the poorer end of the coast, even the roads were no where near the standard of the Yeppoon area. The feature of Emu Park is the Singing Ship memorial to Captain Cook, a large structure which looks like a sail and actually hums in the breeze.
This really is a very nice caravan park, with lots of bird life – there are two tawny frogmouths living in a tree near our van – and there are even other Tasmanians here. The mosquitoes are the down side.
If only winter in Tasmania was like winter in Queensland! We have very nice sandal marks on our feet, which will have hopefully faded by the time I visit the dermatologist at the end of October.
Today we went for a short drive into Yeppoon and also to the Rydges Resort just to the north. I think this was the resort built by the Japanese in the early 1980’s and looks to be a very comfortable place to stay, the style of resort one sees on Getaway. Yeppoon itself is a nice town with a nice feel to it – quite touristy, which would be the main industry. There are some lovely big beaches, although the tide does go out a long way, as well as a large marina. The Keppel Islands are just off shore.
This afternoon we headed in the opposite direction (our caravan park is virtually in the middle of the Capricorn Coast beach strip) towards Emu Park, and this is definitely the poorer end of the coast, even the roads were no where near the standard of the Yeppoon area. The feature of Emu Park is the Singing Ship memorial to Captain Cook, a large structure which looks like a sail and actually hums in the breeze.
This really is a very nice caravan park, with lots of bird life – there are two tawny frogmouths living in a tree near our van – and there are even other Tasmanians here. The mosquitoes are the down side.
Thursday 28 August 2008
Toilet Training
28 August – Thursday
We had an early start this morning (8.00am) as someone didn’t have his usual sleep in. Headed to Rockhampton and Yeppoon and although the road was still very straight, there were small hills to relieve the boredom. We also left the two way radio on today, as there were a lot of road trains and cattle trucks on the road. We had only gone a few kilometres when a women started to become rather agitated with “Caravan” – worked out quickly she was referring to us – and telling us to move over off the road. We thought she was behind us and trying to pass and said we couldn’t pull over yet – no where to pull off. She was rather upset with us by this stage and then we spotted a wide load appear over the hill, travelling towards us. If she had only said there was a wide load approaching … Anyway, this was the first of many, the widest took up the full width of road and had three police cars escorting it. Fortunately, a road led off to the left as we met the first police car and were able to tell him we would head for that. They were all very nice and polite. We only had one occasion when the radio traffic was a little bit “off.” Because our hand held radios only have a range of about 5 km, we do know what we hear is fairly close.
We passed a lot of coal mines between Emerald and Rockhampton – the six mines at Blackwater supply 26% of Queensland coal. The road trains might be long in this region, but the trains are longer – 2 km long is normal for a coal train – and there were certainly plenty of them.
Our drama for today involved the caravan toilet. This actually started on Tuesday, with the very bumpy road between Charters Towers and Emerald. The toilet roll didn’t jump off the holder, but did unravel itself into a very neat pile on the floor, looking just like continuous computer paper. Of course, it never rolls back up the same! There was also a bit of a toilet chemical smell and I thought the bit of liquid on the floor was simply splashes from the hand basin or shower. Good clean and the smell was gone. Today at our first stop after about an hour’s travelling, opened the caravan door to be met by a very definite toilet smell and very smelly liquid all over the bathroom floor. Toilet leak (pardon the pun!). Cleaned up, checked again half an hour later and found more fluid. Les removed the cassette and replaced it, hoping that it just hadn’t clicked into place last time it was emptied and had shaken itself loose. Needless to say, it was a BIG clean of the bathroom when we arrived at the caravan park. We are staying in a very nice park about 10 km south of Yeppoon.
We had an early start this morning (8.00am) as someone didn’t have his usual sleep in. Headed to Rockhampton and Yeppoon and although the road was still very straight, there were small hills to relieve the boredom. We also left the two way radio on today, as there were a lot of road trains and cattle trucks on the road. We had only gone a few kilometres when a women started to become rather agitated with “Caravan” – worked out quickly she was referring to us – and telling us to move over off the road. We thought she was behind us and trying to pass and said we couldn’t pull over yet – no where to pull off. She was rather upset with us by this stage and then we spotted a wide load appear over the hill, travelling towards us. If she had only said there was a wide load approaching … Anyway, this was the first of many, the widest took up the full width of road and had three police cars escorting it. Fortunately, a road led off to the left as we met the first police car and were able to tell him we would head for that. They were all very nice and polite. We only had one occasion when the radio traffic was a little bit “off.” Because our hand held radios only have a range of about 5 km, we do know what we hear is fairly close.
We passed a lot of coal mines between Emerald and Rockhampton – the six mines at Blackwater supply 26% of Queensland coal. The road trains might be long in this region, but the trains are longer – 2 km long is normal for a coal train – and there were certainly plenty of them.
Our drama for today involved the caravan toilet. This actually started on Tuesday, with the very bumpy road between Charters Towers and Emerald. The toilet roll didn’t jump off the holder, but did unravel itself into a very neat pile on the floor, looking just like continuous computer paper. Of course, it never rolls back up the same! There was also a bit of a toilet chemical smell and I thought the bit of liquid on the floor was simply splashes from the hand basin or shower. Good clean and the smell was gone. Today at our first stop after about an hour’s travelling, opened the caravan door to be met by a very definite toilet smell and very smelly liquid all over the bathroom floor. Toilet leak (pardon the pun!). Cleaned up, checked again half an hour later and found more fluid. Les removed the cassette and replaced it, hoping that it just hadn’t clicked into place last time it was emptied and had shaken itself loose. Needless to say, it was a BIG clean of the bathroom when we arrived at the caravan park. We are staying in a very nice park about 10 km south of Yeppoon.
Wednesday 27 August 2008
Sapphires
27 August – Wednesday
Another beautiful day in Queensland – 28 degrees, clear and no wind. We started the day with a look around Emerald and their park which features a copy of Van Gogh’s Sunflowers. Evidently the district used to be known for its sunflower industry, before a disease wiped them out a few years ago.
Then it was off to Sapphire and Rubyvale for a spot of sapphire fossicking. Both these towns seem to be made up of fossickers who also have a tin shed/shop to sell their gems. Some of the jewellery was quite beautiful (I could have really enjoyed myself if given the chance) and we never realised there were so many different coloured sapphires. Evidently there are over 300 shades of blue.
If one wants to do a spot of fossicking for oneself, then one can either buy a license and equipment and do it the hard way, or buy a bucket of dirt at a fossicking park and do it the easy way. We did it the easy way. We bought a bag each and I found a sapphire immediately in mine – already cut and in a plastic bag! After this big find, it was wash and sort the gravel ourselves, keeping what we thought were sapphires to be inspected by the store owner. We both ended up with a nice little bag of gems, I had quite a few green ones, including a blue/green parti which was big enough to have cut.
We finished the afternoon with a game of bingo at the caravan park – our first ever effort – and ended up making a donation to Angel Flight.
Another beautiful day in Queensland – 28 degrees, clear and no wind. We started the day with a look around Emerald and their park which features a copy of Van Gogh’s Sunflowers. Evidently the district used to be known for its sunflower industry, before a disease wiped them out a few years ago.
Then it was off to Sapphire and Rubyvale for a spot of sapphire fossicking. Both these towns seem to be made up of fossickers who also have a tin shed/shop to sell their gems. Some of the jewellery was quite beautiful (I could have really enjoyed myself if given the chance) and we never realised there were so many different coloured sapphires. Evidently there are over 300 shades of blue.
If one wants to do a spot of fossicking for oneself, then one can either buy a license and equipment and do it the hard way, or buy a bucket of dirt at a fossicking park and do it the easy way. We did it the easy way. We bought a bag each and I found a sapphire immediately in mine – already cut and in a plastic bag! After this big find, it was wash and sort the gravel ourselves, keeping what we thought were sapphires to be inspected by the store owner. We both ended up with a nice little bag of gems, I had quite a few green ones, including a blue/green parti which was big enough to have cut.
We finished the afternoon with a game of bingo at the caravan park – our first ever effort – and ended up making a donation to Angel Flight.
Tuesday 26 August 2008
Dingo
26 August – Tuesday
Less than four months to Christmas – thought you might like to know that.
Early departure this morning for the 500 km drive to Emerald. Discovered last night that the caravan park is home to all the galahs and lorikeets in Charters Towers! The cloud cover soon cleared to a fine, clear and hot day, 27 degrees. The road was long, straight, bumpy and fairly flat all day. The longest straight without a bend was 15 km. We had about 50 km when the road reduced in size to one lane of bitumen, but fortunately there wasn’t much traffic headed north. Today we turned the two way radio on for the full day and did use it a couple of times.
We were lucky enough to spot a dingo crossing the road early in the morning – first time we have seen one in the wild. There were also plenty of kangaroos on the side of the road, being part of the food chain. We also saw a few bustards, which are very large birds who think no one can see them if they stand still. They are wrong!
Just before our lunch stop at Clermont, we passed a couple of large open-cut coal mines – Blair Athol and Clermont Coal Mine. Clermont isn’t exactly a large town (two hotels) but it did have a nice park with a lagoon and plenty of parking for vehicles towing caravans. The lagoon was home to lots of very friendly geese and ducks and someone managed to bring an extremely large goose poo into the caravan on his shoe and then track it over the floor.
The country was mainly cattle stations until we reached Clermont and we even saw some stockmen mustering a large mob of cattle next to the road. Stockmen are now hi-tech – helicopters instead of horses! There is also a large sorghum growing industry in the area and the paddocks are measured in square kilometres, not hectares. We followed one paddock for five km, and that was only one side of it.
We haven’t had much of a look at Emerald yet – that is tomorrow’s plan – as the caravan park is about 20 km out of town on the shore of Lake Maraboon. Lots of lovely birds here, including some very friendly rainbow lorikeets who hand around for a biscuit. The owners, Andy and Geoff, are also very friendly – one really the type of couple one expects to find in an outback caravan park! We did miss the singalong last night but have been assured that bingo will go ahead tomorrow afternoon.
Less than four months to Christmas – thought you might like to know that.
Early departure this morning for the 500 km drive to Emerald. Discovered last night that the caravan park is home to all the galahs and lorikeets in Charters Towers! The cloud cover soon cleared to a fine, clear and hot day, 27 degrees. The road was long, straight, bumpy and fairly flat all day. The longest straight without a bend was 15 km. We had about 50 km when the road reduced in size to one lane of bitumen, but fortunately there wasn’t much traffic headed north. Today we turned the two way radio on for the full day and did use it a couple of times.
We were lucky enough to spot a dingo crossing the road early in the morning – first time we have seen one in the wild. There were also plenty of kangaroos on the side of the road, being part of the food chain. We also saw a few bustards, which are very large birds who think no one can see them if they stand still. They are wrong!
Just before our lunch stop at Clermont, we passed a couple of large open-cut coal mines – Blair Athol and Clermont Coal Mine. Clermont isn’t exactly a large town (two hotels) but it did have a nice park with a lagoon and plenty of parking for vehicles towing caravans. The lagoon was home to lots of very friendly geese and ducks and someone managed to bring an extremely large goose poo into the caravan on his shoe and then track it over the floor.
The country was mainly cattle stations until we reached Clermont and we even saw some stockmen mustering a large mob of cattle next to the road. Stockmen are now hi-tech – helicopters instead of horses! There is also a large sorghum growing industry in the area and the paddocks are measured in square kilometres, not hectares. We followed one paddock for five km, and that was only one side of it.
We haven’t had much of a look at Emerald yet – that is tomorrow’s plan – as the caravan park is about 20 km out of town on the shore of Lake Maraboon. Lots of lovely birds here, including some very friendly rainbow lorikeets who hand around for a biscuit. The owners, Andy and Geoff, are also very friendly – one really the type of couple one expects to find in an outback caravan park! We did miss the singalong last night but have been assured that bingo will go ahead tomorrow afternoon.
Monday 25 August 2008
Gold!
25 August – Monday 
Overcast when we left Townsville for the drive to Charters Towers. The road was good, mainly flat with long straights. This was also our first real experience with proper road trains – four trailers and 50 metres long! The Burdekin River was absolutely amazing – very wide, sandy and very little water, about 15 metres below bridge level and the flood markers were 5 metres above the ROAD level!
The Aussie Outback Oasis Caravan Park would have to have the largest sites we have seen. Drive through, with a very large and level concrete slab, enough room both behind and in front to park the car and a large grassed area between caravans. It was built about ten years ago and definitely designed for the future caravan travellers.
Charters Towers is a gold mining town which also services cattle stations in the district. Apart from gold, which is still being mined underneath the town, boarding schools make up the other industry. A town which has done well to maintain its heritage and a lot of the shops still retain their original facades. It obviously rains very heavily, given the size of the gutters.
The highlight of the day would have been the visit to the Miner’s Cottage. This is where we met, for the first time, a group of school children who seemed to follow us around all day. We were able to try our hand at gold panning and could buy a bag of gravel for $11 (virtually guaranteeing a find) or just pan the leftovers. Being of Scottish descent, I opted for the leftovers – and struck gold! I was lucky enough to find five flakes in the bottom of my pan.
A drive to the lookout on Towers Hill gave us a great view of the surrounding countryside, as well as the fire department fighting a fair-sized grass fire at the bottom of the hill. Towers Hill is covered with abandoned mine shafts and ammunition bunkers (World War 2 ammunition dump), lots of rocks, supposedly rock wallabies and probably snakes.
When we arrived at 11.00am, we thought the caravan park was virtually empty. It has filled up in the last hour – incredible.
Overcast when we left Townsville for the drive to Charters Towers. The road was good, mainly flat with long straights. This was also our first real experience with proper road trains – four trailers and 50 metres long! The Burdekin River was absolutely amazing – very wide, sandy and very little water, about 15 metres below bridge level and the flood markers were 5 metres above the ROAD level!
The Aussie Outback Oasis Caravan Park would have to have the largest sites we have seen. Drive through, with a very large and level concrete slab, enough room both behind and in front to park the car and a large grassed area between caravans. It was built about ten years ago and definitely designed for the future caravan travellers.
Charters Towers is a gold mining town which also services cattle stations in the district. Apart from gold, which is still being mined underneath the town, boarding schools make up the other industry. A town which has done well to maintain its heritage and a lot of the shops still retain their original facades. It obviously rains very heavily, given the size of the gutters.The highlight of the day would have been the visit to the Miner’s Cottage. This is where we met, for the first time, a group of school children who seemed to follow us around all day. We were able to try our hand at gold panning and could buy a bag of gravel for $11 (virtually guaranteeing a find) or just pan the leftovers. Being of Scottish descent, I opted for the leftovers – and struck gold! I was lucky enough to find five flakes in the bottom of my pan.
A drive to the lookout on Towers Hill gave us a great view of the surrounding countryside, as well as the fire department fighting a fair-sized grass fire at the bottom of the hill. Towers Hill is covered with abandoned mine shafts and ammunition bunkers (World War 2 ammunition dump), lots of rocks, supposedly rock wallabies and probably snakes.
When we arrived at 11.00am, we thought the caravan park was virtually empty. It has filled up in the last hour – incredible.
Sunday 24 August 2008
Townsville Market
24 August – Sunday
Not discussing football today!!! Another beautiful day in the tropics, although with a bit of high cloud, the temperature only reached about 25.
This morning we headed for the much publicised Sunday market in the Flinders Mall. Lots and lots of jewellery – bead earrings, necklaces and bracelets mostly – handmade soaps, crafts, fruit and vegetables. Unfortunately, most of the produce was sold out by 10.00am but we did manage to get some avocadoes and tomatoes. How were are going to miss the avocadoes when we head south – the local ones are just delicious, much creamier and a completely different flavour to supermarket fruit. Red paw paw has become another favourite, although much harder to find than the normal yellow.
The Olympics finish today and while the coverage has been rather drawn out with station promos and advertisements, there have been some wonderful moments In the last couple of days, the gold medals for the pole vault and diving were definite highlights.
Not discussing football today!!! Another beautiful day in the tropics, although with a bit of high cloud, the temperature only reached about 25.
This morning we headed for the much publicised Sunday market in the Flinders Mall. Lots and lots of jewellery – bead earrings, necklaces and bracelets mostly – handmade soaps, crafts, fruit and vegetables. Unfortunately, most of the produce was sold out by 10.00am but we did manage to get some avocadoes and tomatoes. How were are going to miss the avocadoes when we head south – the local ones are just delicious, much creamier and a completely different flavour to supermarket fruit. Red paw paw has become another favourite, although much harder to find than the normal yellow.
The Olympics finish today and while the coverage has been rather drawn out with station promos and advertisements, there have been some wonderful moments In the last couple of days, the gold medals for the pole vault and diving were definite highlights.
Saturday 23 August 2008
Boats
23 August – Saturday
Today we undertook a sea voyage to Magnetic Island. Fortunately, it only took about 20 minutes and the big cat handled the smooth conditions without trouble. We then took the local bus from the ferry terminal to Horseshoe Bay. Magnetic Island is just beautiful, with fabulous rock formations and stunning sandy (real sand!) beaches. Horseshoe Bay is very sheltered, with lots of yachts anchored close to the beach. (We talked to one yachtie who spends 6 months of the year on his boat at Magnetic Island, then sails it to Gladstone and returns to Melbourne for the other 6 months.
There are lots of watercraft for hire – catamarans, sea kayaks, skidoos, peddle boats, even rides in big rings towed behind a boat. After much thought and discussion, we finally settled on a ride in a peddle boat. The nice man told us we might see some turtles, but he completely forgot to mention the large number of green ants residing in the craft! Evidently crocodiles aren’t a problem here, only stingers, and the surf club had the stinger net out so tourists could have a swim in safety. Even though the weather was sunny and hot, I did consider a water temperature of 21 to be a little too cool.
We did consider walking to Balding Bay, but the track was about 2 kms of beach sand and extremely hot, so sat on some rocks and talked to a young Swiss lady for half an hour. I think Les probably enjoyed this more than he would have the walk.
The return journey to the ferry terminal took us through some of the local houses at Arcadia. It is surprising just how many people live on Magnetic. I’m sure Captain Cook was impressed too.
Today we undertook a sea voyage to Magnetic Island. Fortunately, it only took about 20 minutes and the big cat handled the smooth conditions without trouble. We then took the local bus from the ferry terminal to Horseshoe Bay. Magnetic Island is just beautiful, with fabulous rock formations and stunning sandy (real sand!) beaches. Horseshoe Bay is very sheltered, with lots of yachts anchored close to the beach. (We talked to one yachtie who spends 6 months of the year on his boat at Magnetic Island, then sails it to Gladstone and returns to Melbourne for the other 6 months.
There are lots of watercraft for hire – catamarans, sea kayaks, skidoos, peddle boats, even rides in big rings towed behind a boat. After much thought and discussion, we finally settled on a ride in a peddle boat. The nice man told us we might see some turtles, but he completely forgot to mention the large number of green ants residing in the craft! Evidently crocodiles aren’t a problem here, only stingers, and the surf club had the stinger net out so tourists could have a swim in safety. Even though the weather was sunny and hot, I did consider a water temperature of 21 to be a little too cool.
We did consider walking to Balding Bay, but the track was about 2 kms of beach sand and extremely hot, so sat on some rocks and talked to a young Swiss lady for half an hour. I think Les probably enjoyed this more than he would have the walk.
The return journey to the ferry terminal took us through some of the local houses at Arcadia. It is surprising just how many people live on Magnetic. I’m sure Captain Cook was impressed too.
Friday 22 August 2008
Townsville Revisited
22 August – Friday
Left the dog capital of Australia early this morning – Kurrimine Beach is also the place where everyone owns an old, red, rusty Massey Ferguson tractor as well as a car – and headed south for Townsville. Very warm, humid and cloudy when we left.
Tully to Ingham would have to be the bumpiest section of highway we have travelled on, and it hasn’t improved in the last five weeks either! Lots of traffic on the road, including hundreds of motor bikes heading north. Perhaps there is a motor bike convention in Cairns this weekend.
We decided not to stay in the caravan park at the end of the Townsville Airport’s runway and opted for a park on the outskirts. The Big 4 Woodlands Caravan Park would appear to be okay from our first impressions, although it is close to the main highway and railway. Most of the caravan sites have ensuites, but as we have our own, we have an open, grassy site with little shade. It was 34 degrees in the shade under our awning after lunch – a bit hot. We have actually turned the air conditioner on this afternoon! There are a couple of monstrous American style motor homes next to us, both towing large 4WD vehicles.
The flies followed us.
Left the dog capital of Australia early this morning – Kurrimine Beach is also the place where everyone owns an old, red, rusty Massey Ferguson tractor as well as a car – and headed south for Townsville. Very warm, humid and cloudy when we left.
Tully to Ingham would have to be the bumpiest section of highway we have travelled on, and it hasn’t improved in the last five weeks either! Lots of traffic on the road, including hundreds of motor bikes heading north. Perhaps there is a motor bike convention in Cairns this weekend.
We decided not to stay in the caravan park at the end of the Townsville Airport’s runway and opted for a park on the outskirts. The Big 4 Woodlands Caravan Park would appear to be okay from our first impressions, although it is close to the main highway and railway. Most of the caravan sites have ensuites, but as we have our own, we have an open, grassy site with little shade. It was 34 degrees in the shade under our awning after lunch – a bit hot. We have actually turned the air conditioner on this afternoon! There are a couple of monstrous American style motor homes next to us, both towing large 4WD vehicles.
The flies followed us.
Thursday 21 August 2008
Flies
21 August – Thursday
A rest day at Kurrimine Beach today. At last the wind has dropped but it is cloudy and VERY humid. Of course, being close to the beach and humid, there are also FLIES! They hide under the door step and just wait for the door to be opened – then in they come in droves. They are also immune to fly spray.
Apart from chase flies, we haven’t really done very much today. A long walk along the beach was the morning’s activity and the afternoon was spent catching up on reading – and chasing flies!
I think we must be the only people in this caravan park without a dog (perhaps crocodiles are a big problem here???). Even though they are only little ones, there are an awful lot of them. Meg, from next door, will creep under the caravan for a visit if you owners aren’t about, but Molly, across the road, is kept in her playpen.
Off to Townsville tomorrow – the pace a Kurrimine Beach is too much for Les.
A rest day at Kurrimine Beach today. At last the wind has dropped but it is cloudy and VERY humid. Of course, being close to the beach and humid, there are also FLIES! They hide under the door step and just wait for the door to be opened – then in they come in droves. They are also immune to fly spray.
Apart from chase flies, we haven’t really done very much today. A long walk along the beach was the morning’s activity and the afternoon was spent catching up on reading – and chasing flies!
I think we must be the only people in this caravan park without a dog (perhaps crocodiles are a big problem here???). Even though they are only little ones, there are an awful lot of them. Meg, from next door, will creep under the caravan for a visit if you owners aren’t about, but Molly, across the road, is kept in her playpen.
Off to Townsville tomorrow – the pace a Kurrimine Beach is too much for Les.
Wednesday 20 August 2008
Gumboots
20 August – Wednesday
Two months since we left home. The weather today is a bit iffy, cloudy, breezy and a bit cooler, about 23 degrees.
We had a drive to Mission Beach this morning – a fair amount of development going on in the area, complete with a big, new Woolworths and service station (diesel $1.61). We thought South Mission Beach was nicer, with the street running along the beachfront and some very nice houses in this area. Although there were no shops at South Mission Beach, apart from the small one at the caravan park, it wasn’t very far to the supermarket.
Mission Beach is famous for cassowaries and there were plenty of roadside warning signs. Unfortunately, their rainforest habitat is fast disappearing because of all the development.
We continued to Tully, climbed up the big gumboot and looked at the sugar mill, which is in full swing at the moment. The gumboot is the height of the rainfall Tully received in 1950 – 7.90 metres!
We made a detour into Silkwood on our return. Not much happens in Silkwood – there is a pub and police station.
Two months since we left home. The weather today is a bit iffy, cloudy, breezy and a bit cooler, about 23 degrees.
We had a drive to Mission Beach this morning – a fair amount of development going on in the area, complete with a big, new Woolworths and service station (diesel $1.61). We thought South Mission Beach was nicer, with the street running along the beachfront and some very nice houses in this area. Although there were no shops at South Mission Beach, apart from the small one at the caravan park, it wasn’t very far to the supermarket.
Mission Beach is famous for cassowaries and there were plenty of roadside warning signs. Unfortunately, their rainforest habitat is fast disappearing because of all the development.
We continued to Tully, climbed up the big gumboot and looked at the sugar mill, which is in full swing at the moment. The gumboot is the height of the rainfall Tully received in 1950 – 7.90 metres!
We made a detour into Silkwood on our return. Not much happens in Silkwood – there is a pub and police station.
Tuesday 19 August 2008
Kurrimine Beach
19 August – Tuesday
We left cold Atherton behind this morning and headed down the big hill to Kurrimine Beach. The 14 degrees of Atherton very quickly increased to 24 degrees as we came down the hill (nearly 900 metres). We had a quick stop at Malanda to look at another waterfall. This one was right on the edge of town, wasn’t very high, but the pool at the bottom had been developed into a proper swimming pool, complete with a sandy beach entry. Although no one seemed to be very interested in swimming this morning, I’m sure it is a very popular sight in summer. We also had another short stop to look at the Johnstone River (famous for white water rafting, and freshwater crocodiles) through the rainforest. We also drove through an area of forest inhabited by tree kangaroos – very privileged tree kangaroos as they had about six rope bridges across the road between the trees.
We are now at Kurrimine Beach for three nights before heading to Townsville. Kurrimine is just north of Mission Beach and no where near as commercialised. In fact, it is a small village with a pub and a service station, and two small caravan parks. We are only one block from the beach, which does give us a bit of protection from the wind. The beach is very long and we probably wont manage to walk the length of it. No swimming of course, - stingers and crocodiles.
Getting the caravan onto the site was rather interesting as the area for the caravan was quite narrow, with palm trees on one side and a raised concrete slab on the other. We had given up and were going to look for another site when a bloke ambled up and said he would go and get the tractor and put the caravan in for us. The back of the caravan is in the bushes and the door is only just over the concrete. It was a little bit stressful.
We left cold Atherton behind this morning and headed down the big hill to Kurrimine Beach. The 14 degrees of Atherton very quickly increased to 24 degrees as we came down the hill (nearly 900 metres). We had a quick stop at Malanda to look at another waterfall. This one was right on the edge of town, wasn’t very high, but the pool at the bottom had been developed into a proper swimming pool, complete with a sandy beach entry. Although no one seemed to be very interested in swimming this morning, I’m sure it is a very popular sight in summer. We also had another short stop to look at the Johnstone River (famous for white water rafting, and freshwater crocodiles) through the rainforest. We also drove through an area of forest inhabited by tree kangaroos – very privileged tree kangaroos as they had about six rope bridges across the road between the trees.
We are now at Kurrimine Beach for three nights before heading to Townsville. Kurrimine is just north of Mission Beach and no where near as commercialised. In fact, it is a small village with a pub and a service station, and two small caravan parks. We are only one block from the beach, which does give us a bit of protection from the wind. The beach is very long and we probably wont manage to walk the length of it. No swimming of course, - stingers and crocodiles.
Getting the caravan onto the site was rather interesting as the area for the caravan was quite narrow, with palm trees on one side and a raised concrete slab on the other. We had given up and were going to look for another site when a bloke ambled up and said he would go and get the tractor and put the caravan in for us. The back of the caravan is in the bushes and the door is only just over the concrete. It was a little bit stressful.
Monday 18 August 2008
Granite Gorge
18 August – Monday
Yesterday evening we partook of a spot of birdwatching – again – at Hastie Swamp, just down the road. This lagoon has been well set up with a large hide and pictures of birds which may be seen. We spotted quite a few, along with some very large mosquitoes. However, the Bushman’s worked fabulously! We were lucky enough to have a kingfisher working directly in front of the hide – what a beautiful blue these birds are. The bonus of the evening would certainly have been the platypus swimming around the edge of the water near the hide.
Maintenance morning today – hairdresser and housework. This afternoon we made the trip to Granite Gorge, believing the glossy brochure. It was a nice drive across the Tablelands but the Gorge was a little different to the photos. The area was dry bushland with huge rocks sticking out of the ground, and no doubt, lots of snakes just waiting for unsuspecting tourists. All the people there were dressed in full bushwalking gear and boots and as we were only wearing light footwear, decided to give the rocks a miss.
The journey home did produce a roadside banana stall selling bags of 8 bananas for $2.
Yesterday evening we partook of a spot of birdwatching – again – at Hastie Swamp, just down the road. This lagoon has been well set up with a large hide and pictures of birds which may be seen. We spotted quite a few, along with some very large mosquitoes. However, the Bushman’s worked fabulously! We were lucky enough to have a kingfisher working directly in front of the hide – what a beautiful blue these birds are. The bonus of the evening would certainly have been the platypus swimming around the edge of the water near the hide.
Maintenance morning today – hairdresser and housework. This afternoon we made the trip to Granite Gorge, believing the glossy brochure. It was a nice drive across the Tablelands but the Gorge was a little different to the photos. The area was dry bushland with huge rocks sticking out of the ground, and no doubt, lots of snakes just waiting for unsuspecting tourists. All the people there were dressed in full bushwalking gear and boots and as we were only wearing light footwear, decided to give the rocks a miss.
The journey home did produce a roadside banana stall selling bags of 8 bananas for $2.
I wish Tasmania would keep its southerly winds and not send them to Queensland! Very cold here today - only reached 20 degrees.
The photo is Lake Eacham.
Sunday 17 August 2008
Lakes
17 August – Sunday
A beautiful sunny and clear day, but a little cooler at about 22-23 degrees.
This afternoon we headed to Yungaburra and the Curtain Fig Tree was our first stop. This tree just keeps getting bigger and bigger. The raised walkway helps keep tourists from touching (or breaking bits off) the strangler fig, and also keeps the snakes on the ground well away.
Lake Barrine, with its tea house, made us think of life in the 1920’s and 1930’s, with Devonshire teas on the lawn for the residents of Cairns who escape to the Tablelands during the summer. A short walk through the rainforest (with a male leading!) took us to two giant kauri pines which had managed to survive the loggers of years ago.
The next lake was Lake Eacham, another crater lake, but completely different. No tea house here, but lovely barbecue areas and steps into the lake for those brave (or silly) enough to swim in the cold waters. We didn’t do the 4 km walk around the lake, but did make it to the turtle bay. The saw edged turtle is rather unique in that not only does it breath through its mouth, it can actually breath through its bottom! Don’t ask how, just believe me.
A beautiful sunny and clear day, but a little cooler at about 22-23 degrees.
This afternoon we headed to Yungaburra and the Curtain Fig Tree was our first stop. This tree just keeps getting bigger and bigger. The raised walkway helps keep tourists from touching (or breaking bits off) the strangler fig, and also keeps the snakes on the ground well away.
Lake Barrine, with its tea house, made us think of life in the 1920’s and 1930’s, with Devonshire teas on the lawn for the residents of Cairns who escape to the Tablelands during the summer. A short walk through the rainforest (with a male leading!) took us to two giant kauri pines which had managed to survive the loggers of years ago.
The next lake was Lake Eacham, another crater lake, but completely different. No tea house here, but lovely barbecue areas and steps into the lake for those brave (or silly) enough to swim in the cold waters. We didn’t do the 4 km walk around the lake, but did make it to the turtle bay. The saw edged turtle is rather unique in that not only does it breath through its mouth, it can actually breath through its bottom! Don’t ask how, just believe me.
Saturday 16 August 2008
Waterfalls
16 August – Saturday
Another big day being tourists. We started before we even drove out of the caravan park by taking a walk to the site of the 19th Century Chinese camp. All that remains of the camp is the temple and lots of archaeological remains.
Then it was off to Malanda for our first stop at their monthly market and stocked up on lettuce, avocadoes, red paw paw and a few books. The weather was absolutely beautiful, warm and clear. After Malanda, we called into the Nerada Tea Plantation, which was a little bit different to the coffee plantation of the previous day. The countryside on the Atherton Tableland is very similar to the north west coast of Tasmania – very deep, red soil, a large farming area – dairy and beef herds, sugar, potatoes, peanuts, some citrus and mangoes.
Lunch stop was at Millaa Millaa, a much smaller place than the big dot on the map would have us believe, before we headed off on the waterfall circuit. The Millaa Millaa Falls were the first of three and were just amazing – picture postcard perfect, apart from two female backpackers who made sure they put themselves in everyones’ photos. We could only walk into the top of the second falls, but the third lot required a hike down a very steep hill to view them from the bottom. Very nice falls, but a loooong climb back up the hill.
After the falls we headed to Mt Hypipama National Park and a crater formed by gas during a volcanic explosion a long time ago. Of course, there was another waterfall to see here too, at the bottom of an even steeper hill and a narrow, twisty, stony, rooty path without any guard rail. Not only did I have to worry about the usual jungle snakes but there was a big warning sign about cassowaries in the area (these can be very dangerous too). I was in the lead on the track (big mistake) when someone suddenly grabbed me and said, “STAND STILL!” Obviously, there must have been a big snake in front of me, so I did my best to climb on the back of the nearest person, who wasn’t very happy. Turned out there was a little mouse on the track and someone was worried that I might have scared it! Discussion ensued.
After all that walking up and down hills, the caravan and nibbles were a welcome sight.
Another big day being tourists. We started before we even drove out of the caravan park by taking a walk to the site of the 19th Century Chinese camp. All that remains of the camp is the temple and lots of archaeological remains.
Then it was off to Malanda for our first stop at their monthly market and stocked up on lettuce, avocadoes, red paw paw and a few books. The weather was absolutely beautiful, warm and clear. After Malanda, we called into the Nerada Tea Plantation, which was a little bit different to the coffee plantation of the previous day. The countryside on the Atherton Tableland is very similar to the north west coast of Tasmania – very deep, red soil, a large farming area – dairy and beef herds, sugar, potatoes, peanuts, some citrus and mangoes.
Lunch stop was at Millaa Millaa, a much smaller place than the big dot on the map would have us believe, before we headed off on the waterfall circuit. The Millaa Millaa Falls were the first of three and were just amazing – picture postcard perfect, apart from two female backpackers who made sure they put themselves in everyones’ photos. We could only walk into the top of the second falls, but the third lot required a hike down a very steep hill to view them from the bottom. Very nice falls, but a loooong climb back up the hill.
After the falls we headed to Mt Hypipama National Park and a crater formed by gas during a volcanic explosion a long time ago. Of course, there was another waterfall to see here too, at the bottom of an even steeper hill and a narrow, twisty, stony, rooty path without any guard rail. Not only did I have to worry about the usual jungle snakes but there was a big warning sign about cassowaries in the area (these can be very dangerous too). I was in the lead on the track (big mistake) when someone suddenly grabbed me and said, “STAND STILL!” Obviously, there must have been a big snake in front of me, so I did my best to climb on the back of the nearest person, who wasn’t very happy. Turned out there was a little mouse on the track and someone was worried that I might have scared it! Discussion ensued.
After all that walking up and down hills, the caravan and nibbles were a welcome sight.
Friday 15 August 2008
Coffee
15 August – Friday
Returned to Mareeba this morning for the coffee experience in the morning and some birdwatching in the afternoon. Those who enjoy their coffee, or those who are a little squeamish, should perhaps not read the next paragraph.
We decided to visit NQ Gold Coffee Plantation, a small, family run affair – Bruno, his wife and daughter. We parked in the back yard among lots of chooks and the washing, Bruno (70+ years) met us and showed us the coffee harvester. Harvesting has just started and the harvester had been misbehaving. Then we were directed through the chooks and dozens of cats to the drying/roasting shed, to be met by Mama and the daughter. The smell of cat pee outside the shed door was quite overpowering, however, we ventured inside to find even more cats roaming about and being chased by Mama. The daughter was making very nice smelling coffee (also very cheap) for another group, so we waited. More people arrived, the chaos in the shed moved up a level, Mama and daughter started having words and the cats started walking on top of the opened bags of coffee beans. We watched in wonder as one of the cats started scratching in the beans and then sat still with a blank look on its face, then commenced to scratch again. You guessed it – cat poo in the coffee beans waiting to be roasted!!!
After many arguments with Mama and Bruno, the daughter eventually explained the coffee growing and roasting process, assuring us that their coffee was completely organic and not sprayed with any chemicals. If only she knew! Anyway, after the beans are cleaned, they are put through a colour sorter, imported from the USA, to remove any unsuitable beans (and hopefully, other stuff). Their coffee was very cheap - $21 kg – so we bought lots of coffee for presents!
Following the coffee experience, we travelled to the Mareeba Wetlands for a spot of birdwatching. It was very hot here and very dusty, but we did enjoy an electric boat ride around the lagoon, with a local guide who did seem to know his birds. A beautiful azure blue, little kingfisher kept us amused while we waited for the tour to start.
Back to Atherton for a nice cup of coffee.
Returned to Mareeba this morning for the coffee experience in the morning and some birdwatching in the afternoon. Those who enjoy their coffee, or those who are a little squeamish, should perhaps not read the next paragraph.
We decided to visit NQ Gold Coffee Plantation, a small, family run affair – Bruno, his wife and daughter. We parked in the back yard among lots of chooks and the washing, Bruno (70+ years) met us and showed us the coffee harvester. Harvesting has just started and the harvester had been misbehaving. Then we were directed through the chooks and dozens of cats to the drying/roasting shed, to be met by Mama and the daughter. The smell of cat pee outside the shed door was quite overpowering, however, we ventured inside to find even more cats roaming about and being chased by Mama. The daughter was making very nice smelling coffee (also very cheap) for another group, so we waited. More people arrived, the chaos in the shed moved up a level, Mama and daughter started having words and the cats started walking on top of the opened bags of coffee beans. We watched in wonder as one of the cats started scratching in the beans and then sat still with a blank look on its face, then commenced to scratch again. You guessed it – cat poo in the coffee beans waiting to be roasted!!!
After many arguments with Mama and Bruno, the daughter eventually explained the coffee growing and roasting process, assuring us that their coffee was completely organic and not sprayed with any chemicals. If only she knew! Anyway, after the beans are cleaned, they are put through a colour sorter, imported from the USA, to remove any unsuitable beans (and hopefully, other stuff). Their coffee was very cheap - $21 kg – so we bought lots of coffee for presents!
Following the coffee experience, we travelled to the Mareeba Wetlands for a spot of birdwatching. It was very hot here and very dusty, but we did enjoy an electric boat ride around the lagoon, with a local guide who did seem to know his birds. A beautiful azure blue, little kingfisher kept us amused while we waited for the tour to start.
Back to Atherton for a nice cup of coffee.
Thursday 14 August 2008
The Lion's Den
14 August – Thursday
Barefoot bowls at Cooktown was definitely an experience. Twenty people turned up to play and I think we were the only two people who played without a beer and cigarette in our hands. It was also quite challenging playing in gale force winds – or just a breeze, as we were told. Anyway, our team did well and won the lucky draw of winning teams – we won free entry for next week! Les won a stubby holder for getting his bowl (bowled backwards through his legs) closest to the crocodile. Everyone was very hospitable, and laid back, and we enjoyed our evening.
Today we left the wind behind and headed south for Atherton. We had travelled this road on the way to Cooktown but did make a 4 km detour to the Lion’s Den Hotel, on the Bloomfield Track. This means we can now truthfully say we have driven on the Bloomfield. At 9.00am, the hotel was open for business, although we were the only ones there and didn’t buy anything. The hotel is well known, is a tin shed and decorated inside by customers. Quite fascinating.
We stopped at Mareeba for lunch and a visit to the information centre, before heading to the Big 4 Caravan Park at Atherton. This is a nice caravan park, with lots of bush and birds, no crocodiles, but I’m sure there must be snakes about. There is also free wifi internet, which is fast and works well.
Question to ponder: How many termites are there in Australia? There must be millions of termite mounds, both great big ones and little, pointy ones.
Barefoot bowls at Cooktown was definitely an experience. Twenty people turned up to play and I think we were the only two people who played without a beer and cigarette in our hands. It was also quite challenging playing in gale force winds – or just a breeze, as we were told. Anyway, our team did well and won the lucky draw of winning teams – we won free entry for next week! Les won a stubby holder for getting his bowl (bowled backwards through his legs) closest to the crocodile. Everyone was very hospitable, and laid back, and we enjoyed our evening.
Today we left the wind behind and headed south for Atherton. We had travelled this road on the way to Cooktown but did make a 4 km detour to the Lion’s Den Hotel, on the Bloomfield Track. This means we can now truthfully say we have driven on the Bloomfield. At 9.00am, the hotel was open for business, although we were the only ones there and didn’t buy anything. The hotel is well known, is a tin shed and decorated inside by customers. Quite fascinating.
We stopped at Mareeba for lunch and a visit to the information centre, before heading to the Big 4 Caravan Park at Atherton. This is a nice caravan park, with lots of bush and birds, no crocodiles, but I’m sure there must be snakes about. There is also free wifi internet, which is fast and works well.
Question to ponder: How many termites are there in Australia? There must be millions of termite mounds, both great big ones and little, pointy ones.
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