ADVENTURE ON FRASER ISLAND

Well we were going to give this a miss but we are all really glad that we did this.We had discussed the night before whether or not to go to Fraser Island but we made the decision and our driver Jason picked us up from the camp at 7.45 in his lovely white Hummer .We were to catch the 8.30 barge to the island called the Fraser explorer,not many vehicles on this barge about twenty i would say and it took us about 30 minutes to cross the short channel to the Island.We were first off the boat and then we realised why we needed the 4 wheel drive (only 4 wheel drive vehicles are allowed on the island) Fraser island is the largest sand island in the world and is a world heritage site.Our first stop was Central Station which in bygone days was a logging camp.We were then left to walk just over a mile through a beautiful rain forest which was great.After the walk Jason was waiting for us with the table laid out with coffee tea chocolate cakes and biscuits,smashing.We then went along another sandy road to seventy five mile beach,when we arrived we had the pacific ocean in front of us and to the left and right of us a sand strip about 150 metres wide.

Now Jason informed us that this was the main highway on the island ,he then said we would make our way north on the beach which meant turning left,all road regulation are the same on the island as on the mainland and the speed limit on the beach was 80 kmh.Now Jason did not hang around and it wasn`t a flat beach we came across dunes and creeks coming off the land from the left,this ride was not for the faint hearted.Oh and to make life more interesting we had to share this highway with the light aircraft that needed to take off and land but there are signs saying give way to aircraft (i suppose you wouldn`t argue).We eventually arrived at the wreck of a passenger ship that went aground in 1935 it was called the Maheno , then on to the swift running waters of the Eli creek where we all had a paddle.Then it was back into the Hummer and Jason found us a nice shady spot on the beach where we sat up table and Jason appeared with a basket for each of us filled with tasty prepared food chilled beer and wine.It is now 2pm and time for the next hair raising beach ride until we found a turn off that took us inland to a lookout point to view a large sand dune that is constantly changing.Back in jeep and off to Lake Mc Kenzie ,here we had an hour to relax and have a swim in the crystal clear water.We changed back into our travelling clothes and when we met up with Jason he had got a surprise waiting for us,on the table was set out strawberries ,champagne and truffles(wow it was fantastic).We then had to pick up the 5pm barge back to river heads.Jason dropped us off at 6pm and we thanked him for a truly memorable day.A couple of beers and glasses of wine later and we all went to bed ready for an early start.goodnight Betty Brian Lynn and Peter xx.

NOOSA TO HERVEY BAY

Sorry we missed a day but sometimes it`s fitting it in with the time. We had a good look round Noosa and enjoyed it. We then made our way to Hervey Bay which was a good drive. Think we need to get a move on now it`s a long way to Cairns. Hervey Bay is near Frazer Island but at this stage not sure whether we can fit a whole day in. Booked into a lovely site and managed to get two pitches next to the lagoon which was filled with pink lilies , oh and we had our own en-suite! could get used to this. Had a meeting with a drink and thinking what to do about the Frazer Island visit. Well really we thought now we were here we should go for it. So chose the Jeep with our own guide. They told to just bring swimsuits and towels! sounds like hell Trish with all that sun! Big hello to all the Lynotts I knew things would look up now your mom`s here! Love from us all x x xx x

!!! CRIKEY MATE IT`S THE AUSTRALIAN ZOO

Well after leaving our site at Redcliffe Lynn and Pete needed to find a supermarket to fill up the fridge and get some groceries,so very handily we found a Woolworth's and the shopping was done, (bought Betty a better map as the navigator is having trouble with the old one ?).Anyway we set off on our way to the Australia Zoo which was only about thirty miles away. The road leading up to the zoo from both directions has been named Steve Irwin Way as a tribute to him.

On arrival which was about 10.45 we went straight to the Crocoseum arena where on stage at 11.am was his daughter Bindi and her dance team who were getting the show up and running.His wife and little boy Robert who must have been a baby when his father was killed and Bindi all took centre stage and introduced the various birds and animals that came into the arena.None of the birds were caged they all flew around the audience,there were macaws and many other species that were flying around.Then we had snakes which the rangers had around their necks walking in and out of the audience(it is still the Easter holidays for the kids so there were plenty of them who enjoyed the reptiles).Then came the crocodile keepers who were telling us about them all the time ,it was then feeding time and we couldn't believe it when Bindi and Robert both fed the croc with mom looking on!.It was a great visit and well worth the trip.On then to Noosa Heads where we found a big4 caravan park that had two powered sights together ,we had a swim on the evening and then tried out our new barbecue that worked a treat.Discussed our plans for the next day over a glass of wine and decided to move on to Hervey Bay.Don`t know whether Lynn and Pete are organised yet they haven`t made up the double bed so far Karen!Speak soon love Betty And Brian xx

KINGSCLIFF TO REDCLIFFE VIA BRISBANE AIRPORT

Well we said goodbye to Karen and Jeff did our shopping and were on our way for 9 30am. The weather was lovely and we made our way to Coolangata but stopped along the way at Point Danger (strange name) met a lovely guy called Alick who gave us great advice on our route. Thanks Alick1. A quick lunch and then a ride along the coast to Burleigh Heads, Broad Beach and Surfers Paradise which was lovely but all high rise flats . The beach was fantastic so I think that was the attraction. It was then time to go to Brisbane Airport and meet up with Lynn and Pete. Great to see them both and soon got on our way to pick up their camper van and change ours. That went well and we were on our way. Didn1t go too far but there was a lot of traffic it was rush hour. Found a site and settled in at Radcliffe which was an hours drive from Brisbane. Had evening meal and a good drink and gossip and so to bed goodnight bet & bri x x x

LAZY DAY ON THE BEACH

Well today started off a bit strange we actually had a lye-in this morning,it must have been8.00 clock(that`s good for us).No rush or as they say over here no worries,we had got the day off we've booked in for another night which will give us a chance to recharge the batteries,we seem to have been on the go for quite a while now and i think that a day with nothing to do should be good.Anyway after breakfast we had a good walk into Kingscliff which was about 30 minutes away and what did we find ,charity shops.Well after looking around Betty came away with a top ,shorts,sun hat,and a beach throw over oh and a table runner and a hand towel.(nothing changes).The Salvation Army seem to do quite well over here,they have a shop in most towns that you pull up in.So after visiting Woolworth's(yes Woolworth's)they are still going over here and going well,nearly everywhere has a woollies and not as we know them they are more on the size of Morrison's or sainsburys,selling everything. We had a walk back to the camp after having a nice cup of coffee and milk shake along the front .Lunch was about 2pm and after that we went down to the beach which is about 20 metres away through a path from the camp,another great beach you look either way and the sand stretches for miles with hardly anyone about, Now nobody is patrolling these beaches and the sea looks very inviting but you would hardly want to venture into them very far because the waves that break all the way along could be quite dangerous.Anyway after coming off the beach we cooked ourselves a sweet and sour chicken and a chilli for Lynn and Pete tomorrow night,had a couple of glasses of wine and off to bed.goodnight Betty and Brian xx

WOOLI TO KINGSCLIFF

Hello well we left Wooli at around 9am after Bri`s tasty bacon and eggs! We made our way along the coast still not lfinding any Kangaroos. We have seen 5 dead ones that have been hit by vehicles! but not any jumping around. We were trying to get as far as Byron Bay now Bri has got those beads! he says he`s leaving them on when he gets home sorry kids this could be embarrassing. They were only cheap so hopefully they won`t last long. We only needed his ponytail now for Byron Bay! We lunched at Lennox Head and watched the kids surfing, washed up and set off for Byron Bay. Must admit it wasn`t for us (must be getting old) very commercialised and a bit tatty and of course so busy with it still being the Easter Holidays. So decided to move on. Just up the coast we found Kingscliff which looked a bit strange at first. New houses which looked very clinical and looked like something you would find on an industrial estate. But I`m glad we carried on to the beach because there we found this great spot. Karen and Jeff run the place and its small but very friendly. They have some tents which they call "Safari Tents" they are brilliant. Built on decking with their own en suite! not expensive to hire. Jeff said he was getting more for next season. They call the toilet block the "Melody Block"" I thought that was great! We booked in for tonight as well because Brisbane isn`t far away. After evening meal we had a look round the town and had a drink at the beach club and so back in the back of the van for the night. Betty & Brian x x x

KEMPSEY TO WOOLI BEACH

Ok another vanilla milk shake at MC Donald's and time to catch up on yesterdays events.Well we left Kempsey at about 9.30 after doing our blog and getting some more supplies for our travels,had a lovely ride along the pacific highway(keeping well out of the way of the road trains that trundle up and down this road)some of them are huge ,most of them painted up in bright colours and highly polished chrome bumpers and wheels.Stopped for a cup of tea at Nambucca Heads(this is a nice little place),we had a walk around and then found a little beach at South Valla.This spot was right alongside the beach so we decided it was lunch time,enjoyed a walk along the beach(few surfers around and lads fishing for mullet).After doing the washing up we got on our way and passed through some banana plantations and finally arrived at Coffs Harbour,now this town is quite big(even got an airport) very pretty place ,little harbour and plenty of fishing boats,had a walk around here.Time was getting on now and we finally realised that the clocks here went back on Sunday morning so although it gets light about 5.30 am it is dark for 6pm (suggested to Betty that we should get up at the crack of dawn so that we could make most of our day but i don`t think she was impressed).We certainly miss those king size beds that we had in America.After leaving Coffs Harbour we carried on to a village called Grafton where we decided to go off the main road about 30kms to a little place called Wooli,now this place was only small(we prefer these sites)we had a river at the back of us and the sea in front of us.Now the beach here was great ,lovely sand and stretched for miles in both directions.Had a good evening meal and a chat with one of the neighbours ,whose name was Brian.He spends six months on site and six months travelling(seemed to have a good life with his fishing)had a little drink and off to bed.Goodnight Betty and BrianXX.