Hi again! We are up to Fraser Island now.
Saturday 18th July we caught the barge from Hervey Bay to Fraser Island. We arrived on the island and found our campground...wasn't too far on the map, but sand tracks meant that we didn’t arrive there until mid afternoon. The tracks weren’t too bad, but rough going in places. We enjoyed four nights here and explored the island well. Plenty of fishing (unsuccessful in catching, but thoroughly enjoyable in every other way), plenty of 4WD ing, sightseeing, and relaxing in the sun. Our camp ground seemed to be the place for international backpackers to congregate, so had a couple of noisy nights which wasn’t so enjoyable, and certainly not what we expected in the serene surroundings. It was all good though...one dingo sighting, and two 4WD rescues!
Wednesday saw us arrive back in Hervey Bay for a couple of lazy days in the “Happy Wanderer Holiday Village”. Spent a few hours in Hervey at the hospital having grass ticks removed from all of us (I think it was 13 or 14 in total!!) The boys spent hours on Fraser playing “shoot-em-up” games in the bushes, so we assume that’s where the little blighters came from. No ill effects though, and on we go.
South we go to the Sunshine Coast. We took a drive through Noosa Heads and saw where the beautiful people holiday/live/play. Felt a little out of place in the big dirty Prado, so we drove on. Found ourselves for the night in Caloundra, then continued on to the Gold Coast.
Arrived on Saturday in “the Goldy” and stayed with some old and dear friends in their home, Rob and Misa Green. After so many years since we last saw them we were able to meet their two beautiful girls, Jasmin and Kiana. We had a great time catching up with them and seeing the sights with our local tour guides. Plenty of coffee and beaches, fishing and surfing (Fin had his first surfing lesson at Surfers Paradise and managed to even stand up on the board for a little while!). We were amazed at the size of Surfers and all the buildings...so heavily populated. We spent two days at Dreamworld and White Water World, which the kids absolutely loved. Actually I think I probably went on more rides than the rest of the family combined, and had a very sore throat as a result! What a blast!
We arrived back at Rob and Misa’s house one day, to find my Mum and Dad sitting on the lounge...HUGE surprise! They had decided to take a spontaneous trip from Adelaide up the coast to visit us (and Rob and Misa) and have a little holiday at the same time. I was literally speechless for several minutes after I saw them (can you believe me speechless?) So, we are now travelling down the coast with them (on and off) to home.
Friday 1st August and we reluctantly left the Gold Coast, saying goodbye again to our dear friends. Although, Byron Bay was the next stop, which we were very much looking forward to.
We ended up spending 3 nights in Byron and could’ve spent many more. Again, gorgeous weather and great shops...peaceful caravan park right on the beach. What better way to go to sleep, than listening to the waves crashing on the shore! We took a day trip up to Nimbin where Grant was offered the local “product” no less than 4 times in 15 minutes. Obviously the beard is good for undercover police work!! Unfortunately for Grant, the monthly Byron market was on Sunday when we were there, so that took up a lot of our Sunday. It was THE coolest market I have ever been to, and I think Grant even enjoyed himself for the first hour or so! We also were fortunate to have Mum listen out for the kids after bedtime a couple of nights, so Grant and I were able to go into town for a drink and a walk along the beach (thought we better make use of the babysitting options while they were there!) So, today we reluctantly left Byron, heading for Coffs Harbour.
It seems the closer we get to the end of our trip, the more reluctant we are to leave each place! Only a week or so left now, before we get home...but we have to say that we are looking forward to some creature comforts. Next stop...South West Rocks.
xxx
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