DABUS

Day 131 to 136

2008-11-11T15:15:00.003+11:00

Wednesday 5th to Monday 10th

Well we are 300 ks from home and the end of our holiday. The last 5 days has been taken up with boating on the Gippsland Lakes, fishing and thinking about going home and back into work mode. Our past 4 1/2 months has been an experience that we will never forget, the people we have met, friends we have made and places that we have seen have all been amazing.

The Bus has been a sensational way to travel and with a few more improvements over summer, she will be ready to hit the road again around May 2009. Thanks to all who had a look at our trip and for the comments.

Cheers Alan and Marilyn

Day 130

2008-11-04T15:31:00.003+11:00

Tuesday 4th

The rain had not stopped all night and the wind was as strong as ever, so this will be the only day we dont get to fish. We were all packed and ready for the road by 10 am. Phil & Fiona were going straight home Russ was taking my boat to Duck Arm Paynesville.

Lakes Entrance

A stop and chat at Lakes Entrance then on to Duck Arm just after lunch. Far better weather here and had boat in the water in no time. Pity the fish were not so excited. A couple of hours fishing then a few drinks on the deck with a fire.

Day 126 to 129

2008-10-31T15:14:00.001+11:00

Friday 31st to Monday 3rd

Have 5 days at Mallacoota with Phil & Fiona and Russ & Bryce, fishing was the aim of the holiday but the weather was not as good as it could have been although we did get among them every day, but not the size and quantity we had hoped

Day 125

2008-10-30T15:00:00.003+11:00

Thursday 30th

Up for a chat with other campers in the morning, then we head off for a drive to Eden, morning tea and a walk along the wharf, a bit of shopping and then the drive back to VICTORIA !!!!! ahhhhh ... 40 ks away .....

Then into Mallacoota for 6 days fishing. Good caravan park on the beach front.

Day 124

2008-10-29T13:48:00.001+11:00

Wednesday 29th

Rain and more rain over night and really chilly this morning, we took a walk along the break water wall then packed and headed off stopping at Narooma to the ocean lookout for some whale watching,

Lunch at Bermagui ... Calamari and chips on the wharf, did some shopping at Merimbula before heading out to Hwy and a free camp at Yellow Pinch Dam.

Meet up with some other motor homers and swapped some tales over drinks.

Day 123

2008-10-28T13:02:00.002+11:00

Tuesday 28th

A slow cruise for the morning stopping at Ulladulla for oil and filters for the bus, then on to Batemans Bay, with a coastal route rather than the hwy.

We found a camp beside airfield at Moruya.

We were both amazed how busy the airfield was for such a tiny town, tho we were told lots business people lawers etc commute to Sydney each day.

Day 122

2008-10-27T12:28:00.001+11:00

Monday 27th

Berry is one of those towns thats not far from the city and seems like most of the city was here yesterday arvo (sunday)and the place is deserted today.

A walk up the street at 10 am and still most shops are not yet open.

After our walk we pack, say bye to the other campers and head off to Jervis Bay, booking into c/park at Sanctuary Point,

Maz had a swim at one of the beaches then we did a bit of a tour around the area and finished the day with a bike ride ... phew ... oh and washed the bus ... nice.

Day 121

2008-10-26T10:48:00.004+11:00

Sunday 26th

Very relaxing place is Coledale, awake to the surf rolling in and lots of kids on the beach early.

The local market is on .... hmmmmm .... and the rest of the day was taken up chatting to the motor homer beside us and taking in some sun.

We packed and left in the late afternoon and headed to Berry a small town 80 ks south of Wollongong. Set up camp at the show grounds, nice spot 2 other campers there, they all called over for drinks and chat at happy hour.

One couple from Western Aust. they other are from Rye ... and only live less than 1 km from us.

Day 120

2008-10-25T09:07:00.001+11:00

Saturday 25th

What a great place, so quiet, Mark and Pauline were off to do things and we headed off about 9am, back on to the freeway, great roads and great scenery all the way to Sydney.

The plan south is to go through Sydney, over the harbour bridge and hug the coast all the way home. We had been advised which way to go so that we could easily go over the bridge and avoid the city and the tunnels, sounds good to me.

I had also planned to do this on a saturday or sunday to avoid the traffic. So plan A didnt work ... bugga

Plan B is to have the Tom Tom get us out of here, First mistake I got off freeway to early, took about 30 mins to find my way back on it, second was I had been told to stay in left lane going across bridge .... bugga again ...

we ended up in the heart of the city ... grrrr...

only way out is the maze of tunnels,

a bit of stress and an hour later we were sitting on the beach watching planes land on the south side of Sydney .... thanks Tom Tom.

Through the southern suburbs and we were in National Park heading toward Woolongong great scenery

We stopped at Coledale, 20ks above Woolongong on the beach .... fantastic here for 2 days .

Day 120

2008-10-24T08:27:00.001+11:00

Friday 24th

Only woke to the sound of about 3 trucks, not bad from a main hwy. There was 5 other campers at the road side stop. On the road by 9 am heading toward Newcastle, going through all the Bruce Hwy road works.

We by passed lots of the places we stopped at on the way up. I had organised to meet Mark, who I had purchased and inverter from on ebay. He lives near Hawks Nest..... Port Stephens area. We meet at roadside stop about 3pm and he asked if we want to camp on block next to his house ... why not !...

a sensational place, parked bus beside the water over looking Port Stephens, fantastic, then up to their deck for a cuppa.

The locals have a movie night once a month, so we have been invited to join in.... tonight its ... Death at a Funeral .. great movie ... great night after being chauffeur driven to and fro town hall..... thanks Mark and Pauline.

Day 119

2008-10-23T18:30:00.003+11:00

Thursday 23rd

Woke in sunny Grafton to blue sky, no wind, great day, time to take some pics of the town, I am sure you will like the pics of the Jacaranda tree lined streets.

Grafton streets

Off to meet Bryan and Jan just north off Coffs Harbour. We stopped at Woolgoolga on the headland at the lighthouse, only to be near blown away by the winds off the ocean.

Woolgoolga Headland

Then off to the pub with Bryan and Jan where we had a great arvo catching up over lunch and drinks, then off to find a camp spot for the night. Just as we were leaving Coffs Harbour we checked out the motor home yards (3), but once again Dabus is the best value for money, so on we go, stopping at Paddy's Rest area about an hour below Coffs. Should be a noisy night as we are parked 100 metres from Hwy.

Day 118

2008-10-22T17:47:00.000+11:00

Wednesday 22nd

Well no wild storm as predicted, grey/black clouds came over and we thought we were in for it but all passed. A walk along the beach and we packed and on the road again. A bit of retail therapy and then off to Byron Bay, met up with Hailey but with another storm threatening we said our byes and off. Only 10 mins away when the wind rain and hail hit, I had to pull over as I had never experienced a storm with that force, we had our hands on the windscreen cos I thought it was going to break.

I had to start driving again because I had stopped under trees and branches were falling and the lightening was all around, not a good feeling.

The heavy stuff eased about 15 mins later but we had drizzle for another hour. We drove to Grafton about an hour and a half below Byron.

Grafton Greyhound Track

Found a good spot at the grey hound track.

Day 117

2008-10-21T15:29:00.004+11:00

Tuesday 21st

Early start as we have the urge to get back on the road. Finished packing and have bikes on the back off bus, say our goodbyes and its 11 am before we hit the road. On to the freeway easy drive, but lots of traffic around the Brisbane bypass. The Gateway Bridge over Brisbane river is being duplicated, its a fantastic sight and we drove over.

Gateway Bridge Brisbane

Tollway over bridge

South of Brisbane we stopped and checked out new motor homes, had me drooling but its hard to justify that much money for something that we are happy with. ( come on lotto ).

Stayed on the freeway and bypassed the Gold Coast traffic till we got into NSW at Chinderah, with over the top c/park prices we found a good spot at Kingscliff just down the road.

Kingscliff caravan park

Chatted to neighbors and then packed everything away from the pending storm.

Day 116

2008-10-20T22:38:00.001+11:00

Monday 20th

Lots to do this morning before we fly back to Sunshine Coast this afternoon. Maz went visiting and I did the same in a different direction. Said goodbye to Brandy, I wish she could understand we will be home in about 4 weeks. Fred was good enough to offer to take us to the airport, that was on saturday night!!!!.... today he had forgotten ... typical !!!.... a few panic phone calls and we were in his car in plenty of time ( thanks Boss ).
Back in Qld by 5 pm ... pizzas for dinner and packed the bus as we are back "on the road again"
in the morning

Day 115

2008-10-19T22:27:00.001+11:00

Sunday 19th

I reckon there will be some sore heads around today, Maz was off for lunch with Jade and I stayed home and finished the couple of print jobs I had to do. I had some mates call in and then Maz and I were off to Am's for dinner with Paul Lynda Russ and kids .. yummm ...

Day 114

2008-10-18T21:58:00.000+11:00

Saturday 18th

A very slow start to the day, all seems cloudy through my eyes, Maz picked me up from my bros. and back off to home, no one around so i played with my boat. The afternoon was gone and time to get ready for party.

Matt and Jades engagement party was a sensational night and was great to catch up with so many people we had not seen in ages

Day 113

2008-10-17T21:33:00.000+11:00

Friday 17th

Up and at em early, Maz is off to get some odds and ends for engagement party, help with decorating rooms for party, then off to dinner with her Mum and a sleep over there. I had to do some printing AHHHH... 4 months since I have been home and it was so good to catch up with my kids Kell, Mel, Shaun, and Grandkids Josh, Lill, Kai and Aaleaya. After 12 years of having my dog Brandy with me every day at work and everywhere I went in the car it sure was good to have her jump all over me and to give her a pat, not sure she understands the bit that i am only here for 4 days tho. A few bevvies with Shaun after work then a few with the neighbours Mark and Lorelle then a taxi to my brothers and a few more frothies till 3am. snzzzzzzzz

Day 112

2008-10-16T21:26:00.000+11:00

Thursday 16th

Well when its rains up here, wow it hits like a tonne of bricks, all night and still pouring most of the morning, wind is up by lunchtime, which will make for a nice flight this arvo. A 4pm flight and arrive in Melb to much nicer weather than we left behind, 10pm by the time we were home and early night after a big day.

Day 104 to Day 111

2008-10-11T21:01:00.000+11:00

Wednesday 8th to Wednesday 15th

A week goes by in no time, the bus remained in the driveway and we did bugga all for the week although I did become addicted to foxtel. Maz did some sowing for the baby shop. Jade and Matt were busy all week with the opening of the new shop and in their spare time organising their engagement party. We did a trip to Maroochy and then a lunchtime trip to Montville in the hills. My weekend was taken up with the TV watching Bathurst. Monday was polishing Jades car, Tuesday was back to Maroochy to try and get a Qld Licence. Wednesday organising and packing for the flight home for 4 days.

Day 103

2008-10-07T07:58:00.005+11:00

October 7th

Well back on the Sunshine Coast at Marcoola, staying with Jade, Matt and Marcus great weather and we have shifted from the bus into their apartment. We are here for 2 weeks so the bus gets a rest.

Matt, Jade and the rest of the crew have been busy fitting out new Capones pizza pasta shop in Coolum, which opens tomorrow night, but tonight is the test run for friends and family.Fantastic food, great night all goes well

Day 102

2008-10-06T10:11:00.000+11:00

Monday 6th

After 9 days in the one place its time to move, its been really good not to pack up and move to often, but glad to get back on the road now. Good easy drive on freeway north, it takes 90mins to Oxenford (Surfers) where we stay for few hours and lunch with Lee and Lyn then a 3 hour drive to Coolum ( Sunshine Coast).

Day 94 to 101

2008-09-28T09:22:00.000+10:00

Sunday 28th to Sunday 5th Oct.

We booked in here for another week, so with no traveling and me having no plans of doing much, thought it best to compact the week into one blog.

Well we sure had a slow week, Maz had a few swims and I spent a lot of time getting used to laptop. The bus got the once over, a cut n polish, then a wax all over, looks sensation.

Hailey's car got the once over too. A trip to Ballina and looked at some motor homes and finished the week off with a fishing trip to Brunswick Heads, caught a few bream, but none big enough to keep.

Day 93

2008-09-27T14:37:00.002+10:00

Saturday 27th

Was really chilly last night, and woke up to really hot this morning, I had borrowed Hailey's phone charger to make sure nothing would be wrong with new battery.... buga ... still dead this morning ... has fried 2 new batteries, so a new phone will be next.

Maz and Hailey went into town for some retail therapy and I play with laptop. 1pm and TV is set up outside chairs in place and drinks and snacks ready for the grand final, what a game .. sensational....

Byron Bay

Didnt go out for dinner ... easy night

Day 93

2008-09-26T14:21:00.006+10:00

Friday 26th

On the road early .... well 9 am is early, had to let the peak hour traffic go first, into Southport to the Mac shop and walked out with a nice macbook laptop.

Have no idea how to use it, but I have time on my side, then to Pacific Fair, huge shopping complex on the Gold Coast.

As my phone was still dead after charging over night, I found another battery outlet, so another battery will go on charge tonight. An easy cruise down the Gold Coast Hwy, then on to the freeway and 40 mins we are in Byron Bay. Book 3 nights in a c/park (no free camping here). Catch up with Hailey and then out for dinner. Played with laptop till midnight, great stuff.

Day 92

2008-09-25T11:02:00.002+10:00

Thursday 25th

Blackbutt Showgrounds

I was told to check water as it may have had an airlock, all seemed ok so back to the mechanic. The 30k drive back to Nanango was hilly but no wind and the temp did not get above normal, spoke to the guy who worked on it yesterday and nothing else he can do other than take out thermostat, which I thought best not touch as it seemed to be going fine.

Fuel up and back on the road and go past Blackbutt again, going south and stopping at Esk for lunch, cant seem to keep my eyes of the temp gauge, which is staying under half all the time.

Nowhere to camp and, in no time we are at Ipswich and on freeways heading toward the coast. We decide to call in and see Lee and Lyn, but they are on holidays in Cairns, so the next option is a caravan park in Nerang. We got lost doing some shopping and then made our way to battery shop to get a mobile ph. battery, hopefully that will be another problem solved as my phone wont start. Finally found c/park and day is done, although i know there is an apple mac shop near, so that will be something to do tomorrow

Day 91

2008-09-24T10:26:00.003+10:00

Wednesday 24th

Packed up and ready for the road, house battery had gone flat, so 3 days is the limit of use with lights, computer, TV etc. Into town to the showers, then decided to go inland to be away from Bruce Hwy. Headed for Nanango about 150k south, easy drive on the roads away from the trucks, a warm day but not warm enough to see the bus temp gauge climb, panic sets in as had to stop a few times to let it cool. Stopped at Goomeri a small town that we camped at on the way up. Water was low and needed some oil (first time since leaving home), I was hoping that would fix the problem, but by the time we got to Nanango, she was still over heating, so time for the mechanic.

After some pressure testing, could not find anything wrong, so a pressure flush of the radiator and motor and hoped that would fix it. Probably is thermostat, but 2 day wait for parts out here in the sticks. A 30k drive to camp with a head wind and lots of hills had the bus boiling and me toooo.

We camped at Blackbutt show grounds also where we stayed on the way up. No mechanics in this town so it will be back to Nanango in the morning.

Day 90

2008-09-23T10:17:00.001+10:00

Tuesday 23rd

What can ya say when ya do bugga all for the day, took another walk into town, did some fishing in the river , the guy near us got 2 cat fish, throw backs, seen a snake in the water and Maz seen a small turtle and back to the fire for an evening chat.

Day 89

2008-09-22T09:37:00.002+10:00

Monday 22nd

Woke up this morning to great view of mist over water,

had a great fire last night and chatted with other campers, this morning no plans and just chill out. Watched other campers do the shuffle as some go and others move in. Took a walk into town, 3ks round trip, when we got back we had to drive back into town to have a shower. Sat around fire again easy night

Day 88

2008-09-21T08:30:00.002+10:00

Sunday 21st

Up and at em, in for our breakfast by the pool, not sure we are totally rested, but we are moving anyway and not sure where we are going. Take a drive along esplanade again and then to supermarket, on the drive to Maryborough there is the sunday MARKET, a bag of fruit n veg and about 60ks south is a place called Tiaro, tiny town that caters well for travellers, toilets and hot showers in main street beside park where they welcome c/vans and motorhome. We stop at another camp spot 1k west of town on the Mary River, again free and we manouve our way between other campers to a great spot on the banks of the river.

The Mary River

I reckon we are here for a few days .... great views

Day 87

2008-09-20T09:32:00.002+10:00

Saturday 20th

Well we booked in for 2 days, so this is a day of rest, no driving, up for breakfast, easy all layed out, cereal and toast n coffee, did some blog and some electrical stuff on bus. Wen t for a walk to Marina and caught bus for a trip along the esplanade, got off at Torquay beach did the tourist walk nice shops, nice place, we for a stroll out on pier lots of people swimming and fishing. Caught bus back to camp about 2pm.

Moved to a different spot in park as we had bats on the roof last night, so we moved under the trees. Set TV up to watch the Hawks do their stuff and the Melb Storm just get home too.......Snzzzzzzzzzz

Day 86

2008-09-19T18:40:00.007+10:00

Friday 19th

Phew bloody road noise ... its taking some getting to sleep. No packing up really this morning as we got to this spot late and sat in bus and had dinner. A 30ks trip sees Maryborough, very old town, and I am sure glad to get off the Bruce Hwy. only did 30ks on it this morning, but I have not seen so many trucks on such a short stretch and they were all in a hurry, had an early lunch in town and a look around then 20ks north to Hervey Bay, what a great place, 13ks of esplanade over 3 suburbs, great swimming beaches, and good foreshore strips. Huge tourist things here, as in whale watching and ferry to Fraser Island. No free camps around here as there are lots of c/p's, but we were told to try the youth hostel/back packers,

Backpackers Hervey Bay

Da pool
Da pond

good choice as they have camp spots out the back $18 p/n including breakfast and has a pool.

Breakfast room

Un packed and Maz was straight in the pool and she met Doona from England in one of the many wicked vans.

Donna

Day 85

2008-09-18T16:51:00.002+10:00

Thursday 18th

The people we had happy hour with had some home made whiskey, seemed a good idea last night, dont seem so good now, took a walk through the park and came to the river that runs by Bundaberg, phew that whiskey is playing havoc. Anyway off to Bundy to check out the sights,
Computer Shop

Then on to a tour of the Bundy rum factory, which was fantastic, tour finishes in the bar with some free samples and of course ya cant leave without making a purchase,

Need I say
then to the Gingerbeer shop for some more stocks, then to the turle farm, but the turtles wont be back till november ... bugga.

Then 30ks south to Wallum Park a road side stop where we stayed the night with about 12 other campers.

Wallum Park

Day 84

2008-09-17T16:10:00.001+10:00

Wednesday 17th

Woke up to overcast stormy looking weather, but by the time we were leaving it had cleared. We went looking for the highlights of the place as we had heard so much. Drove out to the point and walked to the lookout,

The point at 1770
Looking back toward harbour

did the shopping strip all good . I am sure we missed something as its not what we expected. We head south to a place called Rosedale, supposed to be a camp behind pub, there is but not for $20 pn no power and rough. We stop beside a river for lunch, looks a great fishing spot... I am getting really good at not losing any lures and not getting any fish. On to Bundaberg, looked around town and got frustrated looking for a motorhome that was for sale, so we made our way back north of town to free camp at Sharon Park, had happy hour or two with another couple and called it a night.

Day 83

2008-09-16T15:41:00.002+10:00

Tuesday 16th

Out fishing again early .. still nothing, decide to move again and head into Gladstone for a look on the way to Agnes Water and 1770 town. Gladstone is huge far bigger than I thought, then off to Agnes Water about 150ks away. No free camps around here so we check out some local sights, and book into c/p out of town. Good to get to showers and get washing down, then into the pool. Had another Cobb meal and watched Kangaroos punching and kicking each other about 3 metres from the bus, very entertaining

Day 82

2008-09-15T15:21:00.003+10:00

Monday 15th

I get up at 6am and out for a bit of fishing, have seen lots of people fishing and only one fish taken, so I dont feel so bad about it. We are about 25ks from the ocean and while fishing a stingray swims past and can see large fish jumping out of water. grrrrrrr ..... We are not moving today this is to good to move ... maybe tomorrow.

Day 81

2008-09-14T14:44:00.003+10:00

Sunday 14th

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Lynda the big five 0

We plan to do 100ks today to a spot that we had been told about at Calliope on a river, but before that we need to go to the Rockhampton MARKET naturally, and what great market it is. Left the market after purchasing nothing...... and arrived at the spot about midday to find about 40 other motorhomes and caravans,

Calliope River

we picked a good spot overlooking river, bit of a trek to the loo's and no showers but great spot and free. A spot of fishing for the arvo and do bugga all else.

Planning tomorrow

A roast in the Cobb and sat out under the stars ... great place

Day 80

2008-09-13T13:54:00.001+10:00

Saturday 13th

Yawn, those trains and trucks, and we seem to be just driving each day, need a few days in the one place, think i am grumpy. On to St Lawerence 40ks south just to check out free camp, which is a great spot purpose built,
St. Lawerence General Store

we make use of the showers and back to the Hwy, on the way to Rockhampton, noticed a B double truck coming toward us as we were taking a bend and he is moving to my side of the road by the time we passed he was 2/3s on my side of the road and I was on the gravel verge, my eyes were as big as dinner plates, scared the crap outta me, those trucks are so big and he would have been doing at least 100ks, we were lucky there was a bit of gravel on the edge of the road. Stopped at a road side stop for lunch and to calm down, still 30 ks north of Rockhampton.

Arrived in Rocky did some shopping and made our way to free camp which is now closed, on way to a caravan park we saw a motorhome parked out back of a pub, Maz spoke to the lady and yep its free to stay there, so set up camp and spoke to owners of the very old pub, said there was a party on tonight and we could call in and enjoy with them, even a bucking bull for entertainment.

Out behind the pub

Was a late night and the locals party hard, all good fun.

Day 79

2008-09-12T12:53:00.001+10:00

Friday 12th

Awake to the sound of sugar cane tractors working up and down the road from 6.30am, breakfast down by the creek, on the road early, its hot and humid. Bypass Mackay and head through small towns toward Sarina, called into a little town called Kinchant and had a fish in the huge dam there, very frustrating when you can see the big fish and they wont take a lure, but amused me for a while and made me very sunburnt.

Cant read that sign, need glasses

Frustration

Back on the road through more cane country, to Sarina on the hwy again, another 60 south to Carmila, fuel up and go east to free camp on beach 10ks away. Its a sandy one way track in and we were so close to needing a tow to get out, such had me worried but the bus just plugged through the sand, and off to find another camp spot. We travelled another 30ks south to Clairview, we stayed at the caravan park there on the way up. This time we free camped about 1km past the c/park, its noisy being close to hwy and 30 metres from railway line, but was about 4 other campers there so good for a chat.

Clairview Beach with tide 3/4 in, so not good for swimming

Day 78

2008-09-11T08:04:00.003+10:00

Thursday 11th

Chatted again to others at camp, and we are headed for Groper Creek east of Home Hill, sunny hot day day easy drive down to Ayr then Home Hill, 30ks east to Groper Creek, strange place, all the houses even phone box is up on stilts as they get huge floods. So windy here, we had planned to stay a few days and do some fishing, but after speaking to some locals fishing has not been good since the wind set in a few weeks ago. We decide not to stay and go back to Home Hill, fuel up and keep driving south. Bowen is 90ks south, stopped there for late lunch and looked around town and up to the lookout, no where to stay,so back on the road, Proserpine is 60ks south and nowhere we like to stay so on we go.... so much for the short drives each day... we had been told of a great spot called Boulder Creek but that another 100ks, cant find anywhere else nice so on we drive. Didnt arrive at Boulder Creek till 5.30 pm, nice spot tucked away in the hills, sure was a big day of driving.

Boulder Creek 50ks above Mackay

Boulder Cree

Little creek beside, clean toilets but no showers, so we had to use our outside shower, we have the deluxe model (with handle)

The Portable shower

ahhh way to go

Day 77

2008-09-10T07:51:00.004+10:00

Wednesday 10th

Up early and on pc, checking out new laptops, people next door up early they are young and have 3 young kids, they have come from England and are driving till they find a place they want to live. We drive on to Townsville where we call into the showgrounds again and take advantage of the free hot showers. Took a drive up the top of Castle Hill, fantastic scenery 360 degree views all around Townsville.

Castle Hill .. Townsville suburbs

Overlooking Townsville CBD
Easy drive to Giru 30ks south of Townsville and a free camp in town beside sugar mill, bit noisy but meet some great people and chatted for ages.

Giru south of T/ville behind suar mill
Dinner in the cobb again ... nice

Day 76

2008-09-09T07:07:00.001+10:00

Tuesday 9th

It had rained again most of the night, should have put my chair away its drenched. Went for a walk after breakfast and amazed to see the waterfall this morning after the rain, so much more coming over. Back at camp packing up Marilyn noticed a leech on her shoe ... panic set in. We said our goodbyes as we have 2 months holiday left and they have about 14 months left. On the road agin overcast some rain and hot. We stop for a late lunch south of Ingham, hard to find a free camp so keep driving to Rollingstone about 50ks north of Rockhampton.

Rollingstone Free Camp

Big day, we travelled about 150ks phew.

Day 75

2008-09-08T06:22:00.002+10:00

Monday 8th

It drizzled most of the night, but had cleared by morning, it hard to get dry after a shower the humidity is so highcany imagine what it would be like in their wet season. Back on the road going north again to Innisfail to get fuel. About 10ks south we turned to Etty Beach hoping to camp there the night, we have about 4 wekks to get back to Maroochydore, so dont really need to travel far each day. Etty Beach had their surf carnival on for the weekend, so no camping anywhere around there. I rang Ian ( Cuppa) and Julie, as I knew they were still south of us. They were at Cardwell having a few trailer repairs done, so we arranged to meet at Murray Falls, 60ks drive south.

Murray Falls Camp Ground

Arrived about 2 pm, set up camp took a walk and the girls braved it for a swim in the ponds below the falls, Ian and I checked out the flora and fauna rather than the water.

Cooked up dinner, a few wines and swappped tales of our travels, since we were last camping together in late July.

Day74

2008-09-07T08:09:00.005+10:00

Sunday 7th

Had drizzle again over night, but we are in the area of the highest yearly rainfall in Australia,

had cleared by morning and Maz is swimming in the river by 11 am. Another huge drive (10ks) to Paronalla Park one of the tourist things we were going to do on the way up.

Amazing story, worth a read on website... see below

Kauri Pine planted in the 1930's

http://www.paronellapark.com.au/

$30 each was our entry fee which included all tours and a powered camp spot over night. Would recommend to anyone, except they have the most rundown old shower/ toilet block of our trip. But it is on the upgrade listof park improvements.

Day 73

2008-09-06T07:40:00.006+10:00

Saturday 6th

Woke up during the night to light rain and sorta remember thinking I should go outside put the chairs and towels away up at 7am and yep they are wet, chatted to people next to us and they remembered the bus from when we had camped near them in Cooktown.
Packing up by 10am and its so hot the chairs and towels are dry. Went for a drive to The Boulders 4 ks other side of town,

The Boulders
great place in beautiful rain forest, had lunch there.

The Boulders
Easy drive down hwy. and turned off to go to Etty Bay, hoping for a free camp but the local surf carnival is on so off we go again, make our way to a small town away from the coast, Japoonvale, camped by river about 6 other campers

Liverpool Creek Japoonvale

Day 72

2008-09-05T07:20:00.002+10:00

Friday 5th

Woke up to not a breath of wind, sun sunning, way to go. Went for a walk on jetty,

Palm Cove from Jetty

Palm Cove is a great spot.

Palm Cove strip
On the road by 10am and going south, it feels strange as I know we are heading back home and the last 10 weeks we have travelled and done so much, but I should not winge as we have still 10 weeks to get home. Did a drive through Trinity Beach and Yorkeys Knob as we headed for Cairns. I dropped Maz of on the Cairns esplanade for a swim as it was 30 degrees and only 11am.

Cairns Eplanade pool
I went looking for a new laptop, 2 Apple Mac shops in Cairns but i cant make my mind up that quick so I will ask some more questions along the way. Drove a huge 40 ks south to Babinda

Babinda Camp spot
found a good free camp nice grassed area and set up camp, and watched to Hawks woops the Doggies.

Day71

2008-09-04T07:02:00.008+10:00

Thursday 4th

Happy birthday Maz, packed and on the road by 8.30am to get on Quicksilver at 9.30am

The weather sure has turned it on .. great morning, overcast but near no wind. We sat up the top as the boat left the port, they blew the horn and near has everybody jump out of their skin. The lady beside us split her coffee all over herself.

Maz spotted a whale beside us as we cruised out to the reef. Its a 90 min trip out there 38 nautical miles off shore. Fantastic setup out there, a fixed pontoon, 2 story, change rooms dining area, kitchen, and great helpful staff.

Maz had an hour guided snorkelling tour,

then just enough time to down some of the smorgasborg lunch before another swim, then the helicopter flight

Sure is an amazing sight

The helicopter ride was awesome, we saw a shark only about 1km from the pontoon, did a big swoop over him and cruised around the other parts of the reef before returning and a huge swoop down to the pontoon .... what a feeling.

We sat up the front of the boat on the way back, soaked up the views and enjoyed the cruise, as we went past some of the places we had already travelled, such as Wonga Beach and Cape Tribulation. Back to Palm Cove park after a huge day. Out for dinner down the main strip and the day is done.

Day 70

2008-09-03T07:26:00.003+10:00

Wednesday 3rd

Decided the bus was not moving today, we seem to have been on the move every day for ages,

still waiting for the winds to calm and tomorrow thats the forecast... calm... spent the morning fixing a few things ... fuses and laptop is driving me demented, so sorted out pics to free up some space, but i can see a new laptop happening before we get home. Maz takes to the beach in the morning as its about 29 degrees.

A walk along the pier in the arvo and along the main street and decide tomorrow is the day to go out to the reef forecast is less than 10 knots, rather than the 25 knots have had for about 10 days. Back to bus for some sty fry dinner and might be the last time I wear the proline plaster singlet as I am soooo sunburnt.

Day 69

2008-09-02T06:26:00.005+10:00

Tuesday 2nd

Had to be on the road by 8.30am, an hours drive to catch train, 1 1/2 hour train trip up through the hills 15 tunnels, great scenic trip.

We did the tourist things all the shops and stalls had lunch at the pub with some wine ... nice... Onto the skyrail at 1pm.

The trip is stunning, although one of us had some white knuckles from hanging on.

Got off at the first stop Barron Falls for some snap shots, then a second stop for a boardwalk tour.

Back at the bus by 4pm and a short drive to Palm Cove c/park. We didnt think we were going to stay here after our walk through experience the other week, but maybe we caught the place having a bad moment, cos its ok... not fantastic but ok. Booked in for 2 nights (after cancelling our 3 week booking) very windy and dusty.

Day 68

2008-09-01T06:10:00.006+10:00

Monday 1st September

The trucks are on the road early, so no sleeping in at this spot. Maz starts a bit of a spring clean, so I start polishing the bus, a couple of hours pass with a few chores and lots of chatting to other campers, then on the road to Mareeba rodeo park again Went to tourist info and booked the Kuranda train and Skyrail trip for tomorrow (still waiting for the wind to calm to do the reef trip)

Back at rodeo park we get a nice green grassy spot to park, set up camp, hose all the grass to cool us off, wash done the awning, chores are done. Maz snaps some of the locals

Finished day off with a chat with other campers.

Day 67

2008-08-31T05:46:00.006+10:00

Sunday 31st

Its Sunday that means its MARKET DAY, Port Douglas is the spot for sunday markets and yep we are there, so are most other tourists I think as its hot and overcast.

By lunchtime we head off north again, this time to Mossman Gorge, great picnic area near rock pools swimming holes walking tracks, all in rainforest area.

Had lunch, Maz took a dip

then we did a walk keeping our eyes open after seeing a couple of snakes just beside walk way.

A 30km drive up through the hills takes us back to Mt. Molloy camp ground,our 3 time at this place cos its free, easy evening with a bit of TV

Day 66

2008-08-30T19:24:00.001+10:00

Saturday 30th

Was warm and humid last night so we left towels out to dry on our chairs ... silly move we are in rainforests ... woke up to very wet towels and chairs as it had drizzled most of the night. We packed and left early and got to ferry at 10 am, then a short 10k drive to Daintree Tourist Village where we shopped ate and decided to do a Croc tour. An hour tour on a 30 seater boat with only 10 passengers made it easy to stand up and look around. Only took 15 mins to see a 3 metre + croc.

I really thought it was joke as it looked fake, but as we got close and she opened her mouth and moved Hmmmm... was no joke .. further down the daintree river we saw another croc and then a tree snake curled in a tree, high enough not to be taken by a croc and hidden in the tree from eagles.

Was a great tour, then off to find a camp spot, which was Wonga Beach about 20ks south, great park on the beach and great atmosphere.

We set up camp and then off to the happy hour tent for a chat. A lot of the campers had been there weeks and some months, and a lots of Vic and even some regulars from WA.

They all made us feel welcome.

Then I listened to the footy on the PC as the Hawks wooped the Blues ( sorry Mel ).

Day 65

2008-08-29T20:59:00.001+10:00

Friday 29th

Yawnnnn most had disappeared by morning, but cars coming and going as the energetic do their morning beach walk. Still not calm enough to do the Reef tour on the boat we decide to drive up to Cape Tribulation. After a quick drive through Port Douglas and up the lookout over 4 mile beach (stunning) on the way up we stop at Mossman then to the Ferry to cross Daintree River.

Amazing on the other side as its rainforest all the way, slow and hilly, then flat, but all the way has a canopy of lush trees, ferns, palms and tropical undergrowth.

We stop for lunch and did a scenic boardwalk, then seemed to take forever (40ks ferry to Cape Trib) but arrived, checked out the beach and the area, drove back about 10ks and set up camp in c/park,

cooked in camp kitchen yumm… no phone or internet here, but Hot showers.

Day 64

2008-08-28T20:46:00.007+10:00

Thursday 28th

Windows open all night to get some breeze through, decision is made … off to Cairns and the coast, I was hoping to go there in better weather (less wind and cloud) leaving Mareeba it’s a 60km trip east to Cairns, we pass Kuranda, and then the scenic drive down the mountains to Yorkeys Knob

View from below Kuranda over Cairns

and then south to Cairns. Parked in the middle of town and did the tourist walk past the public swimming pool / lagoon mmmmmm sensational, then to the Harbour and the luxury boats … wow ….stop by the airport for lunch and plane spotting, then off to Palm Cove to check out C/park. Checked out the house we stayed in a few years ago (same same) then a tour along the main street … nice… then the C/P … hmmm bugga think we are in for a change of plans!!!

We have stayed in cleaner road side stops than this grrrr. No way are we staying for the 3 weeks we have booked in for.

Glider just taking off from cliff near Palm Cove

Off for a drive north to Port Douglas and did a lap of the town then we had been told of a free camp north at a place called Newell beach, settled on the beach after a big day till some jerk fronts up carrying on that we cant stay there ….. “No camping here mate, move on”…. Gerrr 7pm and dark and drove 20ks south back to Port Douglas, camped at 4 mile beach car park, didn’t sleep the night tho as its was the party place for the young campers, had the police around a couple of times.

Day 63

2008-08-27T20:40:00.006+10:00

Wednesday 27th

Struggling to get a good night sleep with the heat, even tho it rained during the night. The 2 girls beside us had slept in their double swag and had thrown the cover off during the night, but they had woken up very wet after the rain. On the road for the 45ks trip back to Mareeba, a bit of shopping then to the Rodeo grounds again.

Mareeba Rodeo Grounds

First job was a bath for the bus; chatted to friends we knew there who gave us a patch for the cracked windscreen. Did some rewiring for TV and other electrics, not easy with limited tools, but jobs done, bit rough tho

Day 62

2008-08-26T18:24:00.001+10:00

Tuesday 26th

Up and ready for a big drive back to Mt. Molloy, breakfast, shower and into town for one last walk around, was hoping to drive up to lookout but still really windy so a quick photo snap and we are on the road again.

Thought we might try going the coast road for about 5ks to the Helensvale pub, but after 1km we did an about face, the corrugations and rough surface made it not worth the effort, hate to do the whole trip to Cape Tribulation if its like that and worse. Back on the Hwy, for such an outback place there is always something happening such as fire on the side of the road, eagles getting a feed (of snake)

as he came out of the scrub, cattle roaming on the road and of course huge trucks on the road, one of which threw up a nice stone, got threw the stone guard and whack! Nice big star crack…. Bugga…got back to Mt Molloy about 3ish which is a good time to relax and set up camp. Chatted about our next few days as we have 10 days till we are booked into C/park at Palm Cove, and its still windy, so we can’t do the Reef trip on the boat, we are a bit lost to know what to do.

Day 61

2008-08-25T15:29:00.008+10:00

Monday 25th

Was so hot during the night, had windows open to get breeze through, bacon and eggs on the fire, another shower in the Eco friendly solar showers, packed and off past the homestead (see pic) by 10am.

Back into town hoping for a less windy day ... not so ...Its a public holiday up here today and the highlight is the Cooktown show, seen the local snakes on display and the bucking bull machine ... and lots of local produce and info, amused us for a while.

Visited the Captain James Cook Museum and then lunch on the warf. We wanted to drive up the mountain beside town but locals advised against as the bus might get blown off in the wind. Filled up with fuel and started to make our way back to a place called Archer Point, Turnoff is about 15ks south then 10 ks east to beach on gravel and red dust road.

Bad move after all that, the place was so wind swept and the tiny beach had croc warnings. A mad dash back as it was nearly dusk and these are not the roads to drive in the dark. Back at the closest c/p in Cooktown for the night. The bus is cover in red dust and its in every nook and cranny grrrr.

Day 60

2008-08-24T20:29:00.011+10:00

Sunday 24th August

Great nights sleep after the previous sleepless one, packed and on the road for the 145ks to Lakeland,

So close to our destination now

We sure are in desolate land, cattle roaming as there are no fences nothing changes for miles and we noted the uncontrolled burn offs along the way

Roadside Burn offs

We reach Lakeland at about 11am we sure are out in the sticks and caravan Park is not that appealing so with less than 80ks to Cooktown we decide to drive on

Black Mountain just south of Cooktown

Well Cooktown is not what we expected either, we have heard that it gets windy here wow … not wrong and not the tropical green sorta place I had visions of. Being Sunday nothing is open so fish n chips from the warf and drive on 17ks north to an eco friendly bush camp

Endeavour River Camp

A snooze in the arvo after a big drive and then dinner cooked on the fire … yummmmm

Well its 9pm and still sitting out by fire in shorts and FINALLY caught up with blog …. Goodnight !!!!

Day 59

2008-08-23T19:46:00.004+10:00

Saturday 23rd. August

It was so windy last night and warm we didn’t sleep so well and the caretaker is up and about early, there is a jumble sale in the barn at 9am but nothing worth buying, and seeing as the town has sooo much water the bus gets a was down and repacked the boot and my jobs are done. By lunchtime we decide to move on 45ks to Mt Molloy, over 30 degrees today and probably not a good time of the day to travel, but 30 mins later we arrive at Mt. Molloy.There are about 25 other campers under the trees beside a river.

Rifle Ceek at Mt.Molloy

Day 58

2008-08-22T13:10:00.000+10:00

Friday 22nd August

Up by 8ish to put the awing out to keep sun off bus, breakfast and a chat with a neighbour brings info about hws which I needed to attend to, I need to replace anode asap to stop corrosion. Head off about 11ish for a tour on a coffee farm, Old Bruno is from the old school all very hands on and personal very informative
Coffee Bush

and enjoyed the coffee and the chocolates but not the 20 or more cats and countless chooks everywhere.
Bruno dries coffee beans in the sun

Had lunch in Mareeba and then went to another coffee place, this one very commercial and upmarket and super expensive, but did noticed the antique coffee process machinery display, which happens to be the same machinery that Bruno still uses. Checked out the solar shop .. mmm .. and then back to rodeo grounds and a leg of lamb in the cobb … yumm.

Day 57

2008-08-21T13:08:00.000+10:00

Thursday 21st August

Up early … well 7.30 that’s sorta early for me ….2 rods tackle box and cuppa …
And a 10 metre walk to the water, I must have cast 50 times ….not happy, pack up and off by midday. We do a walk across dam wall and shower at the free spot. On the road to Mareeba, amazing countryside plenty of water through irrigation from dam, crops growing that we saw are cane, bananas, mangos, avocados, potatoes, pumpkin, coffee, and sure there was more. Arrived at Mareeba which is about 60ks west of Cairns about 3ish and after some shopping made our way to the rodeo park, $12 p/n power and water and about 100 other motor homes and caravans in the huge maintained grass paddocks, must have been a dozen sprinklers going all day, no shortage of water here. Set up camp and started cooking went for a stroll to the loo (as ya do ) and as I walked past a bloke reading the adverts on the notice board I hear “ I know you, Mr A L Print” .. bugga don’t ya hate that, he was a customer from Sorrento who has sold his business and been on the road for 12 months we chatted for ages . Way to go. Cannot believe how hot this place is, cloudy and 28 degrees and with sun out it burns and its winter and did I mention … we love it …..

Day 56

2008-08-20T13:05:00.000+10:00

Wednesday 20st August

A tour round town … 10 mins and Maz off to the Gem shop … hmm… on the road to Atherton a largish town where we shop and have lunch and book a night in a camp spot at the Tinaroo Falls / Dam.
Lake Tinaroo
Just washed the bus and have 6ks of gravel grrrr, but quiet spot beside lake I will try my hand at fishing in the morning

Day 55

2008-08-19T13:01:00.000+10:00

Tuesday 19th August

We decide to head inland at Innisfail, may as well be away from the beach when its so windy and we head toward the Atherton Tablelands. Oh and did the lawns and garden again in town … she looks a treat, off to the hills and through the tea plantations
Innisfail

we did a circuit of the waterfalls (3 of them) then to rainforests and lakes and the
Curtain Fig Tree Atherton Tablelands

Curtain Fig Tree then on to Yungaburra… tiny town but had a nice looking Italian Restaurant … we noticed no caravan parks so we decided to camp on the market grounds in the middle of town good freebie
Yungaburra--- what a clean Bus

… and great meal at Nicks restaurant

Day 54

2008-08-18T13:00:00.000+10:00

Monday 18th August

Very slack day, went for a walk overcast day wind has got up still warm enough for shorts but sure is cooler, new neighbours, lots of young travellers. we will be moving on tomorrow as the weather sure has turned.

Day 53

2008-08-17T12:56:00.000+10:00

Sunday 17th August

Went to sleep last night with the moonlight over the water coming in the back window.
This morning the waves rolling in and the bright sun, way to go. Ahh 9am hmm there must be a local market …. Yippee lets goooo. Met Murray and Elly at the market then we had morning tea. M& E moved to where we are staying and we have booked to stay longer.

Day 52

2008-08-16T12:54:00.000+10:00

Saturday 16th August

Pack again and off by 9am onto Tully, still sugar country, small old town and this town has the highest rainfall in Australia I think 4.5 metres. We did shopping and I found the tackle shop, my first catch will be an expensive one. Off to the coast and Mission Beach which we look around for somewhere to camp …. Can see Dunk Island just offshore, the cheap parks are booked out so we drive north about 5ks and find a camp spot at Bingal bay only about 10 sites and we got the last, set up camp .. great spot.
Bingil Bay (Mission Beach)

Day 51

2008-08-15T12:54:00.000+10:00

Friday 15th August

Up early to try my new fishing rod worst luck my first try was beside another guy who mentioned how hard those overhead reels were to get used to….hmmm a huge knotted birds nest of line and back to the bus to fix grrrrr….after about 4 more birds nests, I read the instructions… an afternoon walk to the boat ramp and a chat with some locals had us fully informed about the local crocs … not a place to wander at night.

Relaxed under the palms in the shade for the arvo.

Day 50

2008-08-14T12:52:00.000+10:00

Thursday 14th August

Pack up and move on, we arrange to meet M&E at a camp site just before Tully at a place called Hull Heads. After leaving C/P we tour through a few small towns one of which is Lucinda which has a 5 klm long pier
Lucinda Pier 5 ks long

for getting the sugar onto ships, amazing to see. We go back to Hwy and head north. Cardwell is half way of our 150k journey for today, stopping there for lunch we met Rita (from home) in a café amazing coincidence to meet her as she was travelling south. Easy drive on Hwy as I have got in the swing of doing about 85kph, so easy to drive at that speed the bus likes it and gives far better fuel economy, just need to get out of the way of those huge trucks. Hull Heads is a small camp ground beside a estuary inlet, palm trees grassed no showers and $6.60 p/n, drinks and chat to other campers … day is done.
Hull Heads

Day 49

2008-08-13T12:48:00.000+10:00

Wednesday 13th August

Up and at it early, still having problem with water tanks as the water tastes sour to say the least, I spoke to a neighbour and he said it would be the new hose I bought before we left. Sure enough when ya sniff the hose … phew ….and its supposed to be drinking water hose.. bugga … As we pack up people are asking if they can have our spot and the 2 neighbours are moving too so lots of discussions out there… We drive off about 10ish, watching the others argue about spots. We drive into the hills to Paluma small town 30k north Crystal Creek Falls Paluma

20kph all the way up through winding roads great scenery lookout and rainforest but for the stress of the one way road back down I would not do it again, on to Ingham for lunch … nice town in cane country. Lashed out and got new fishing rod.. I need to get motivated. We head East to the water and stay at a caravan park at Taylors Beach, tried my luck at fishing, Taylors Beach Fishing

but I have a bit to learn up here. Murray and Elly pull into c/p in time for happy hour. Taylors Beach Caravan Park

Day 48

2008-08-12T12:36:00.000+10:00

Tuesday 12th August

Wake up to the waves, bit windy but warm, the shuffle starts about 9ish vans leaving and others looking for a good stop, we were so lucky to get a beachfront spot. Balgal Bay

Maz is off walking with Elly. I chat to a bloke who has an early 80’s model Jeep Cherokee together with the same vintage 28ft. caravan, tinny strapped onto roof of jeep, they had come from Perth via Darwin and this is their 2nd big lap …we plan to pack and move on as we have been here for 3 days and that the limit as its free.

Day 47

2008-08-11T20:04:00.000+10:00

Monday 11th August

Phew what can I say .. this is getting hard to take, chatted to a bloke beside us who had a carnival set up in Adelaide sold and retired 4 years ago and has been on the road since… he is in the groove … he near chewed my ear off with his yarns about where he has been and where we should go. The camp is near empty by 10am and packed by 3ish … I have no idea where the day has gone but happy hour and out to Café for fish and chip dinner
Murray Elly and Us

Day 46

2008-08-10T20:01:00.000+10:00

Sunday 10th August

Packed up early and said our goodbyes to neighbours, reckon we will meet again as they are travelling north too and also like the free camp stuff, we head back to Townsville to find a shower … phew…. Get lost again and finally find the truck stop way back at start of town. Not what we wanted and Maz wanted to go to the showgrounds MARKET, have I mentioned about the markets … never mind lets move on …. After cursing at the maps, I had a look and we arrived at the MARKET only to find a nice toilet block with hot showers… thankyou very much. Escaped rather quickly I thought maybe we are both getting sick of MARKETS. As we drive out of town and looking at maps I notice a Dick Smiths …. “ I will just have a quick look and be back in a sec “…..” Let me introduce you to Tom “better know as a Tom Tom GPS …. I reckon he will take the stress out of know where we are going … think I should have had one ages ago. We head out of town for our next camp, which is about 60ks north.
Balgal pub,store,cafe on river mouth

Balgal Beach, great spot again, with limited parking, we arrived about 3pm and only about 2 spots left,and 2 spots away from our friends from the last camp. Good TV and internet reception, small food shop cum bar cum outside waterfront café/takeaway, nice.

Day 45

2008-08-09T19:56:00.001+10:00

Saturday 9th August

Warm start to the day, some people are up and get on the road early, by mid morning the after having about 25 motor homes / caravans in camp last night, the place is near empty. We move the bus as we had squeezed in the night before, next to a New Zealand couple.
Saunders Beach Camp
We did a walk of the town and beach soaked up the sun and I tried to get motivated to go fishing ,… ahhh another time. Had a Cobb for dinner and enjoyed with our neighbours Murray and Elly. Saunders Beach Morning

Day 44

2008-08-08T19:56:00.000+10:00

Friday 8th August

We all got together for a morning chat and only the ones on the wine last night got a good sleep. Sat and chatted for a couple of hours to others about their/our trip … great fun. Drove onto Ayr about 15 mins away, took a wrong road and got very lost ended at a Alva Beach about 15ks the wrong direction, but was not a good camp spot so all the way back … bugga .. The maps are a bit hard to follow. On toward Townsville, some great new sealed parts of the hwy. all redone after the floods last year. We had a look at small town called Giru which has a free camp but we decided it was a bit early so onto Townsville. We head to the Strand (beachfront) at Townsville, the city its self old and tired ut they have done a great job of the water front with pools and grassed areas. We get lost again trying to find bottle O, and eventually get out of town to find one of many free camps. Saunders beach about 15ks away and at 4pm we were lucky to get a spot Set up camp and happy hour started…… talking to a few and the goss is to not stay at caravan parks as there are lots of free stops, some 24hr. some 48hr.

Day 43

2008-08-07T19:48:00.000+10:00

Thursday 7th August

On the road again and headed off to Bowen … sugar cane and more of the same all the way.

Strange town sort of spread in all areas and no vacancies anywhere. So fuelled up and had morning tea at the famous local bakery. About 100ks to Home Hill which has a free camp behind shopping strip but also beside railway track … but it is free and there was about 30 other motor homes and caravans. So we pulled in and would have to be at the end of the queue 60 metres from rail crossing where the engine blows his whistle/horn. We got set up went for a walk and in no time it was happy hour soon there was 10 of us for drinks nibbles and a good chat. The towns offers free camp 48 hour stop only but supplies free toilets showers and bbq. Good value. So we took our chances and dined at one of the 3 local pubs, yep $12 was ok for the Parma … just …. Back to the bus for an early night … yeah right … when that train blew its whistle at 1am it near had my eyes pop outta my head, and that was the 1st of 3 trains for the night.

Day 42

2008-08-06T20:33:00.000+10:00

Wednesday 6th August

Took a drive around checked out a few shops and strolled around boardwalk to marina ….
Airlie Beach Caravan Park

Some amazing boats/yachts, then planned an overnight stay on one of the islands, checked them out and all ready to book but noticed to weather was starting to turn and strong winds forecast … so might do that trip on the way home.

Day 41

2008-08-05T20:32:00.000+10:00

Tuesday 5th August

Off again and drove into Laguna Quays … huge development Golf Course Units and Marina must be 80k south of Proserpine in the middle of nowhere seems that was its downfall because a huge amount of money has been invested and the place is near closed down. The golf course is still goong but everything thing else seems to be overgrown with weeds … marina is still there but I was told its not far from closed too. Was a sight to see. Easy drive to Proserpine, then on to Airlie Beach. Bit of a tourist Mecca, drove through to Shute Harbour, fantastic views over harbour out to islands.
Shute Harbour

Booked for 2 nights in C/P, and super expensive $39 per night. Caught bus into town for a stroll and a few drinks at one of the bars.

Day 40

2008-08-04T20:28:00.000+10:00

Monday 4th August

Ready for a new place to stay, so up and packed and on the road by 9am. Headed back to the Highway and north only about 30 ks to another beach camp spot, not what we were after so north to Midge Point about 15 k east off Hwy. on the beach. Midge Point Caravan Park

Stayed at Caravan Park for the night, nice spot under palms and 100metres from beach.

Day 35 - 39

2008-08-03T20:24:00.000+10:00

Wednesday 30th To Sunday 3rd August
Amazing how nice this place is.. On Wednesday went for a drive back to Mackay (10) to charge batteries, do some shopping and restock the bar ….. silly move as we didn’t get back till 4 pm. So we had wasted the day. We had new neighbours when we got back. Cheese and biscuits and easy dinner … during the week we did some beach walking checked who was getting fish (very few) I chatted to a few guys re solar stuff for bus

Seaforth Beach and Pool

…. Need to sort out this solar cos needed to take bus for a drive again on Friday bugga so we enjoyed the day and drove into town at 3.30 didn’t get back till 6pm … not easy driving on these skinny roads in the dark and new neighbours again when we got back. Seaforth

Not moving bus till we leave here on Monday, lots of new campers in for the weekend. Set up for watching car racing over the weekend and of course the local market.
Roast dinner Sunday night from general store what a feed.

Day34

2008-07-29T23:48:00.000+10:00

Tuesday 29th July

Sun beaming in through window at 7am, water out front a sheet of glass and Islands look sensational just off shore. Changed our 2 night booking to 7 … $77 for a week … found the place to stop for a while. The people in the van beside us stopped for one night 3 weeks ago. A bit of solar power would be handy now, but will go for a drive tomorrow to charge up. Polished the rest of the bus today and sat around in the 24 degree heat … nice

Day 33

2008-07-28T23:44:00.000+10:00

Monday 28th July

Awake to a goods train coming past early 40 metres from bus, not what my head needed. Great weather getting warmer 2 hours later we are in Mackay, huge city, but no where we wanted to stay as its to busy. Had lunch and a look around and back on the road. Stopped 30ks further on at a place called Seaforth on the beach, booked in for 2 nights …. No power, but I have an inverter now, so I can still power up. Such a quiet small place and beach front spot good for $17 pn good BBQ’ steak for dinner in yum … water rolling in. night snzzzz

Day 32

2008-07-27T23:39:00.000+10:00

Sunday 27th July

On the road again, think we really need somewhere nice to stop for a week or so … had enough of driving each day. Back out to Rockhampton and into the car wash and back out to highway heading north. We had picked a C/park from local book and booked for tonight as we were a bit worried about the parks being full …. Clairwiew Beach

.Clairview is the town beside the beach half way between Rocky and Mackay. The Bar and dining room

Little hick town and C/p. they put on a Sunday night roast $10 ph and the bar is open $3 big glass of wine, good food and I will have sore head in the morning snzzzzz.

Day 31

2008-07-26T23:37:00.000+10:00

Saturday 26th July

Packed for an early start, we say our goodbyes again to Stan, Bev and Laurie. We fuel up and head off to Rockhampton. Easy drive now as the sun is pouring in stunning day no traffic cruise along at about 90kph. Arrive Rockhampton about 11am a quick look around cuppa and morning tea and off to Yeppon about 40 ks away on the beach pulled into tourist info to be told all c/parks are full, I rang around anyway and found one park not near beach but nice anyway. Water on the beaches dirty from harsh weather over the last few weeks, hoping it will clear as we move on. Amazing at the tidal rise and fall the boats are left high and dry

Day 30

2008-07-25T21:09:00.000+10:00

Friday 25th July

Awake early and trying to catch up on blog …so far behind takes ages to do. NO RAIN wow … overcast but good, packed and away by 9.30 am Laurie had called into town to look around and luckily had locked her car. From the other side of the road she noticed kids trying the door handles and someone else seeing if the boot would open. We had a huge 10klm trip and found a spot on the side of the road for morning tea, such a hectic life!

They get big floods around here, hope you can make out the pic

On we go to Monto where we do a walk of the shopping strip. On to Cania Gorge and dam because it’s a national park they sure do charge $26 for an unpowered site and $6 for firewood. Laurie was not going to stay and decided to go to Biloela about 90k north then Stan and Bev headed off in the same direction … seeya thanks for the friendship and safe trip.An hour later after looking at the gorge and dam Ian, Julie, Maz and I could not make our minds up about the place. Eventually we say bye to them also as we are heading north. Reckon it will not be the last time we catch up as we have similar north bound plans. Thanks Ian and Julie for sharing part of our trip. We head onto Biloela and head into caravan park only to find Laurie, Stan and Bev. Small world BBQ dinner and footy tonight if they televise mexigan games.

Day 29

2008-07-24T21:06:00.000+10:00

Thursday 24th July

Awake to the sound of rain STILL…. Had to step in pool of water to get out of bus, Cold and wet we are wondering if we had taken a wrong turn somewhere and were back in Vic. We said over goodbyes to Barry and Dianna as they head back home to the Gold Coast. Thanks for the fun and laughs hope we meet again in our travels. We went to the famous cheese shop in town hoping for some local produce but dairy industry is no good up here and Victorian Gippsland cheese is the main seller. We arrange to meet at Ban Ban Springs, just a road side stop for a cuppa were Arthur and Wendy and John and Olga take a right hand turn to their home town Bundaberg. Thanks to all for your local knowledge and friendship. Safe travels.
Now with 4 motor homes we are off north in the rain with all the farm dams overflowing and water laying in paddocks everywhere we drive to Eidsvold. Pull into showgrounds plenty of power sites and hot showers no one around so we best use them. Happy hour was in one of the horse stalls under shelter rusty tin roof, hay and poo for the floor, set up bar, chairs table and jobs done, very cosy. Had a roast lamb and vegies in Cobb cooker for dinner and picklets for sweets. Rain easing I think.

Day 28

2008-07-23T21:02:00.000+10:00

Wednesday 23rd July

Woke up to steady rain so we packed up to drive north to get away from bad weather. I had a few tips from the Barry re. power inverters so we can have 240v from bus batteries so off to Dick Smith’s and got just the thing to fix it. Off to Wandai for morning tea. Great woodwork display then on to Murgon, lunch at Pub $8 steak salad and chips ….has been raining all day and no sight of it easing grrrr Went on to tiny town called Goomeri showgrounds under water footy ground soggy so we just pulled on to side road behind tourist info. This rain is persistent. Happy hour under cover at the town BBQ’s ( supplied by Christies of Dromana ) Snack for dinner after big lunch, no power but used inverter to power up TV and laptop … way to go.

Day 27

2008-07-22T20:56:00.000+10:00

Tuesday 22nd July

No rain and relaxed start to the day

We headed off to town for morning tea as we were out of town another Nissan Civilian was driving in. They followed our group to the next town Yarraman where we stopped for a look around. A bit of an intro and chat and as they had no plans on their travel our 6 motor home trip became 7
As Arthur and John know the area we were taken through the back road for a scenic tour to…….( don’t you you worry bout that ) Joh country Kingaroy. A quick tour through the peanut town and we set up camp a circle of motor homes in the showgrounds. Its only 3pm so a good walk into town to have a look around. A strong smell of peanuts wofts over the whole town Happy hour was at Stan and Bev’s bus (new ones in group) Very chilly so packed in for the night early …. Had power and watched TV.

Day 26

2008-07-21T21:48:00.000+10:00

Monday 21st July

Up early and ready to hit the road, get out to pack up … bugga been raining, don’t sorta pack everything up each night cos a don’t think it will be pissin down in the morning, so all out door stuff is wet, never mind I am motivated and ready for the safari. Hmm nobody seems to know what’s happening, so people are going south, some north, some staying put in the rain. An hour or so later 6 (motor homes) are off … through the hills, past the Glasshouse mountains (fantastic)to Woodford for morning tea. We stopped about 2.30 pm at a tiny town called Blackbutt and set up camp beside showgrounds . Collected wood for the happy hour fire. Maz and Laurie went for a walk into town. There is a woman camped at the showgrounds with her horses that is on the last leg of her trip back to NSW and has ridden all the way around Oz. Happy hour with the fire going 11 of us and 3 dogs to help celebrate Cuppa’s birthday.

Early dinner and early night as we had no power. The others in the group have motor homes equipped for free camping and don’t need rely on power.

Day 25

2008-07-20T21:46:00.000+10:00

Sunday 20th July

Slow start to the day and I wanted to start polishing the bus … hate all the streaks over it but the LOCAL MARKET is on geeeez .. off we go again … best put in the hard yards as the car racing in on this arvo …. Back to bus by midday … market was great …. Cough!!!.... got to do some polishing in between meeting new people and looking in others buses and showing ours off … all good fun … waxed on and waxed off all arvo and got half done .. looking a treat. Had to pack up for happy hour and decided that straight coke would do the job tonight … hmmm must have been a big one last night.
Talk around the fire was for a little safari trip inland, so as we had hugged the coast all the way so far we hoped we could tag along.

Day 24

2008-07-19T21:38:00.000+10:00

Saturday 19th July

Up early …. Slept in bus last night rather than apartment as Kristen had flown up from Melb. yesterday. Packed bus and decided to leave bikes at Jades rather than take them on the rest of the trip, pick em up on the way home. Said our goodbyes and off by 10am heading south to Coloundra …. Checked out a few motorhome dealers and just happened to find the near perfect fitout. Just the layout we want … nice rig just to many $$$$ … bugga … moving on west from Caloundra into the hills to Maleny where the motor home club website forum are having their once a year meet. We arrived about 2pm at the showgrounds approx 30 + motor homes and we didn’t know a sole. Took no time for people to walk up intro themselves and made us feel more than welcome. At 5pm is happy hour ( or 2) everyone takes a plate the fire is going a few drinks what a social life. Back to the bus cooked dinner in a fashion … few to many drinks and I think it was an early night … not sure … and I don’t wanna ask ….

Day 23

2008-07-18T21:36:00.000+10:00

Friday 18th July

Another day of sensational weather. Time to give the bus a bath. I did a bugga of a job at car wash and ended up with wax streaks all over it grrrr … need to hand polish whole bus to fix problem … another day … went for a cruise to Mooloolaba to get polish. Picked up at 6.30pm off to The Spirit House in Yandina for a sensational Thai food dinner great wine food and company.

Day 22

2008-07-17T21:32:00.000+10:00

Thursday 17th July

Up 7 am nice n warm. Maz up for a walk on the beach I probably washed dishes … cant remember but sounds good …. As if !!!..... 4 of us went for a drive and met Pam Janice and Fred after their 2 hour walk to Sunshine Beach had coffee and walked along beach for a while . Back to Marcoola easy arvo then out for dinner at Capones again ( Matt and Jade ) with Fred Pam Janice.

Day 21

2008-07-16T21:42:00.000+10:00

Wednesday 16th July
Rain again but still warm shorts and shirt, had Aust Post bang on the door about 8.30am WOW my modem from Telstra what service … and it’s the right one. Off to Eumundi market 25 min drive still raining ,

huge market and an amazing amount of people strolling around in the rain. Two hours later and I think I am marketed out for this trip phew. Met Fred, Pam and Janice and off to the hills behind Nambour for lunch in a little pub overlooking the coast,

apart from some clouds amazing view like to see on a clear day. Back to unit about 4ish a few drinks very easy dinner snzzz.

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Day 20

2008-07-15T21:39:00.000+10:00

Tuesday 15th July
Sunny day and a walk along the beach ….. cough … seemed like a marathon to me took us to the next town Mudjimba for breakfast and for me to try to find a taxi rather than the huge walk back … bugga … In the arvo we were taken on a tourist drive to Mooloolaba checked out the shopping strip, harbour and fishing boats.

Had dinner at restaurant where Jade n Matt work …

Day 19

2008-07-14T21:37:00.000+10:00

Monday 14th July
Picked up Fred, Pam and Janice from Mooroochy airport 9am rain and more rain took them to Noosa where thet are staying till Saturday. Had coffee and walked till their room was ready. Had lunch back at Matt and Jades, then a pleasant after noon with Telstra as they had sent me the wrong modem … grrr. Afternoon sky has cleared up … nice n warm

Day 18

2008-07-13T21:32:00.000+10:00

Sunday 13th July
Packed the bus early and off to The Channon market in the hills

what a drive took about an hour to do about 50ks Alternate hill people would be the call I think … friendly and different. More mountain touring to get to Nimbin to have some lunch. The town sure is tucked away in the hills with the roads making you think they don’t want visitors. Not sure how to best describe the place, maybe rather run down and untidy would be polite, so we moved on to have lunch further down the track

. An hour later we were back on the freeway to Tweed Heads and then followed the beach to the Gold Coast then through to Lee and Lyn north of the Gold Coast, had a chat and cuppa then off to Marcoola just south of Tweed Heads. Had to drive in rain and was dark when we arrived Matt and Jade had a roast dinner for us when we arrived … way to go !

Day 17

2008-07-12T21:04:00.000+10:00

Saturday 12th July

Great day … easy start to the day. Had the best meal last night at The Balcony restaurant in the heart of Bryon recommend to anyone. Off about 10am to have breakfast in town ….

Great spot overlooking the water. Weather has lots of people at the beach. Maz and Hailey did some retail therapy and I did a few laps around town. Socialised with some neighbours back at the park, BBQ for dinner early night.

Day 16

2008-07-11T20:14:00.000+10:00

Friday 11th. July

Off to Lismore 40 min drive to caravan and motor home show sure not as big as the Melbourne shows but ok. Looked around for 3 hours and left without buying anything … hmmmm maybe the bus is fitted out with all the goodies after all.

Back to Bryon about 3pm and again to lighthouse to get some better pics.

Going out for dinner tonight

Day 15

2008-07-10T20:10:00.000+10:00

Thursday 10th July

Slept in … off to farmers market very alternate people but all good. Went for a drive up the freeway to Chinderah called into park and met Pat Nelson and the park locals from there to Tweed Heads and Coolangatta way to much traffic…. Get me outta here ….worse drivers than in Melbourne. Back onto freeway to Chinderah then followed coast road back to Pottsville. Must go off here during the summer months sure is tourist friendly back to Byron lighthouse as the sun was setting

Day 14

2008-07-09T20:08:00.000+10:00

Wednesday 9th July
Great day getting better, picked up Hailey’s car so the bus can stay parked for a few days. Travelled around doing the tourist thing and walked the streets had lunch in town then into the hills to Bangalow … nice place, Cooked roast on the cobb getting better at it was great, maybe the red wine helped.

Day 13

2008-07-08T19:57:00.000+10:00

Tuesday 8th July

Woke up during the night to hear a bit of drizzle I should have got up then cos by morning the chairs were drenched. The rain persisted as we tried to pack up, left Yamba at 9.30 am. Steady rain all the way to Ballina. Stopped and had lunch and bought a mattress underlay, sure fixed the bedding problem.
Arrived Byron Bay about 2 pm weather had cleared to a nice arvo

Went to Haileys for dinner and a few drinks then early night .