Beacon Hill July 14th 2010
Arrived home after our trip north which started on 12th May and took us up to Cairns where we stayed for a couple of weeks so we we could enjoy the warmth of the northern winter.
However it was good to be back home safe and well having travelled an incident free 8300 kms.
Tuesday, 20 July 2010
Tuesday, 13 July 2010
Saturday, 10 July 2010
10th July
GYMPIE- 10th and 11th July
Having previously passed through Gympie we thought we would stop for a couple of days and have a look around a bit more.
An old gold mining town which is surrounded by rolling green hills and the Mary River flowing through it which has been in the news of late as a result of the government wanting to dam it as the Traveston Dam
For Sunday we booked for the Valley Rattler which is a historic steam train ride out of the old Gympie railway station down to Imbil departing at 10am and returning at 4 pm.
Having previously passed through Gympie we thought we would stop for a couple of days and have a look around a bit more.
An old gold mining town which is surrounded by rolling green hills and the Mary River flowing through it which has been in the news of late as a result of the government wanting to dam it as the Traveston Dam
For Sunday we booked for the Valley Rattler which is a historic steam train ride out of the old Gympie railway station down to Imbil departing at 10am and returning at 4 pm.
Friday 9th July
BUNDABERG
We left Marlborough just after 9am for Bundaberg.The tourist guide reads'
Bundaberg is a picturesque,modern,and progressive city renowned for the friendliness of its residents.The city is home to over 85000 people combining a mixture of big city facilities,services and small town hospitality and lifestyle,with a superb location and low cost of living. Bundaberg is located in the heart of a rich sugar and horticultural belt and is the commercial capital and hub of the region supporting a regional population of over 100,000.'
On our arrival in Bundaberg which was around 4 pm having taken a detour of the main Bruce Highway so we could have a look at Burren Heads we pulled into the main caravan park and found it was chocker block full! Nothing!
So we got the phone out and started to call some of the other places mentioned in the caravan book. We found out pretty quickly that Bundaberg was obviously a very popular place at this time of the year, plus it was the school holidays so we were in strife and thought we would have to stop off on the side of the road for the night. However on one of our last calls to the Glenlodge Top Tourist Caravan Park 8 kms out of town we found Brendon who said we could park in the front of his office on a spare bit of grass and he would run a power lead out to us and we could use the showers and toilets etc. just so we didn't have to be by the side of the road.
What a gentleman, nothing was too much trouble for him and to finish the saga he even found us somewhere better by putting us between two cabins and running a power lead out to us so we had some light etc. and as he had been unable to put us on a proper site he refused to charge us for the night. When you meet people like this it just makes travelling all that much more enjoyable. Thank you Brendon!
The next morning we went to thank Brendon and return the keys and with his directions to went to look for the Ginger Beer factory.
Nestled between two cabins giving which also gave us some protection from the strong winds that were blowing
Having purchased an assortment of 6 ginger ale non alcoholic drinks we made for the Bond Store where the Bundaberg rum is made.
We did the self guided tour and had our sample drinks, purchased a bottle of Liqueur and a bottle of rum and then headed out of town bound for Gympie on the Bruce Highway. We know Bundaberg has a lot more to offer but we now had decided we wanted to be home some time next week.
The Bundaberg Rum Factory
Bundaberg is a picturesque,modern,and progressive city renowned for the friendliness of its residents.The city is home to over 85000 people combining a mixture of big city facilities,services and small town hospitality and lifestyle,with a superb location and low cost of living. Bundaberg is located in the heart of a rich sugar and horticultural belt and is the commercial capital and hub of the region supporting a regional population of over 100,000.'
On our arrival in Bundaberg which was around 4 pm having taken a detour of the main Bruce Highway so we could have a look at Burren Heads we pulled into the main caravan park and found it was chocker block full! Nothing!
So we got the phone out and started to call some of the other places mentioned in the caravan book. We found out pretty quickly that Bundaberg was obviously a very popular place at this time of the year, plus it was the school holidays so we were in strife and thought we would have to stop off on the side of the road for the night. However on one of our last calls to the Glenlodge Top Tourist Caravan Park 8 kms out of town we found Brendon who said we could park in the front of his office on a spare bit of grass and he would run a power lead out to us and we could use the showers and toilets etc. just so we didn't have to be by the side of the road.
What a gentleman, nothing was too much trouble for him and to finish the saga he even found us somewhere better by putting us between two cabins and running a power lead out to us so we had some light etc. and as he had been unable to put us on a proper site he refused to charge us for the night. When you meet people like this it just makes travelling all that much more enjoyable. Thank you Brendon!
The next morning we went to thank Brendon and return the keys and with his directions to went to look for the Ginger Beer factory.
Nestled between two cabins giving which also gave us some protection from the strong winds that were blowing
Having purchased an assortment of 6 ginger ale non alcoholic drinks we made for the Bond Store where the Bundaberg rum is made.
We did the self guided tour and had our sample drinks, purchased a bottle of Liqueur and a bottle of rum and then headed out of town bound for Gympie on the Bruce Highway. We know Bundaberg has a lot more to offer but we now had decided we wanted to be home some time next week.
The Bundaberg Rum Factory
Thursday 8th July
Leaving Bowen and the sadness of knowing that somebody had lost their life on a day that should have been very safe and perfect for snorkeling and enjoying the beach we headed off south for Bundaberg.
It started to rain at about mid-day and continued until we reached Marlborough where we pulled into the stop over caravan park just off the Bruce Highway. Thankfully it had stopped raining so we able to set up without getting wet. The amenities block was clean,the showers had hot water and it wasn't too noisy so we were able to get a good nights sleep.
It started to rain at about mid-day and continued until we reached Marlborough where we pulled into the stop over caravan park just off the Bruce Highway. Thankfully it had stopped raining so we able to set up without getting wet. The amenities block was clean,the showers had hot water and it wasn't too noisy so we were able to get a good nights sleep.
Bowen 7th July
Bowen was the screen set for Darwin for the movie Australia starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman and it was interesting to read how the place was transformed as a set for the harbour and the bombing scenes.
Other than that not much happens here, however Bowen was in the news again as a herbicide had been poured into the irrigation system causing some 23 million dollars worth of damage to two of the main tomato growing properties in the region. Industrial sabotage has been suggested and it seems as though it has happened before.
It was a beautiful day so we drove out to Horseshoe Bay to have a swim and catch some sun. We remember this beach as being a great place to swim and snorkel and catch some sun. After finding somewhere to park we dropped off our towels by the rocks and went for a swim. The bay being quite protected the waves were very gentle and with the tide out it was a great conditions for me to join the other swimmers doing laps across the bay. It wasn't too long before we had a group of Korean tourists join us by the rocks dropping their towels down and unpacking their new snorkeling gear and trying the masks and flippers on before going out in the water. We watched quite fascinated as to how excited they all were as they made their way down to the water. I remarked to Beatrice that I hoped they would be alright as we often hear about tourists getting into trouble swimming off the beaches. After a few swims and a spot of sunbathing we packed up our gear at about 1.30pm to drive back for some lunch. It was at this time that Beatrice remarked to me that the some of the Koreans guys had been in the water for a long time, however it all looked very calm and I could see some of them standing on the rocks near the coral where they had been snorkeling.
Later that afternoon we saw and heard some helicopters fly over us towards the beach and then on the news that a snorkeler had been reported missing at 2pm off Horseshoe Bay. We had this feeling that it could have been the Koreans we had been watching on the beach.
Regrettably the search was called off at dusk and it wasn't until the next morning that we heard on the news that at 8 am a 27 year old Korean tourists body had been found drowned in the bay.
Other than that not much happens here, however Bowen was in the news again as a herbicide had been poured into the irrigation system causing some 23 million dollars worth of damage to two of the main tomato growing properties in the region. Industrial sabotage has been suggested and it seems as though it has happened before.
It was a beautiful day so we drove out to Horseshoe Bay to have a swim and catch some sun. We remember this beach as being a great place to swim and snorkel and catch some sun. After finding somewhere to park we dropped off our towels by the rocks and went for a swim. The bay being quite protected the waves were very gentle and with the tide out it was a great conditions for me to join the other swimmers doing laps across the bay. It wasn't too long before we had a group of Korean tourists join us by the rocks dropping their towels down and unpacking their new snorkeling gear and trying the masks and flippers on before going out in the water. We watched quite fascinated as to how excited they all were as they made their way down to the water. I remarked to Beatrice that I hoped they would be alright as we often hear about tourists getting into trouble swimming off the beaches. After a few swims and a spot of sunbathing we packed up our gear at about 1.30pm to drive back for some lunch. It was at this time that Beatrice remarked to me that the some of the Koreans guys had been in the water for a long time, however it all looked very calm and I could see some of them standing on the rocks near the coral where they had been snorkeling.
Later that afternoon we saw and heard some helicopters fly over us towards the beach and then on the news that a snorkeler had been reported missing at 2pm off Horseshoe Bay. We had this feeling that it could have been the Koreans we had been watching on the beach.
Regrettably the search was called off at dusk and it wasn't until the next morning that we heard on the news that at 8 am a 27 year old Korean tourists body had been found drowned in the bay.
Bowen 6th July
BOWEN
We were happy to leave Townsville to its super car racing and head for Bowen.
Once again as its the school holidays in Queensland we knew we would have trouble finding somewhere to stay.After trying a couple of the caravan parks we could remember from our last visit without any success we eventually found a place at the Harbour lights which was walking distance to the town.
Having set up by 2.30pm we headed out to the supermarket to replenish our supplies and find some fuel for the car.
We had a walk around the town and checked out the best place to watch the state of origin game in the evening.
Having settled on the Grand View Hotel we reserved our table in front of the big screen in the courtyard and enjoyed our fish and calamari and a few schooners and then had to endure a courtyard full of vocal Queenslanders making an awful lot of noise as the game progressed, however there were a few NSW supporters who made their presence known when they scored a try. Of course they were able to stick it to us in the end when they won the game and the series. It was all in good fun though and it was very enjoyable being able to sit outside in the evening warmth to watch the game.
We walked back to our home under a starry night and the glow of the moon feeling quite content though a bit disappointed that we had lost the game. (At least I was)
Once again as its the school holidays in Queensland we knew we would have trouble finding somewhere to stay.After trying a couple of the caravan parks we could remember from our last visit without any success we eventually found a place at the Harbour lights which was walking distance to the town.
Having set up by 2.30pm we headed out to the supermarket to replenish our supplies and find some fuel for the car.
We had a walk around the town and checked out the best place to watch the state of origin game in the evening.
Having settled on the Grand View Hotel we reserved our table in front of the big screen in the courtyard and enjoyed our fish and calamari and a few schooners and then had to endure a courtyard full of vocal Queenslanders making an awful lot of noise as the game progressed, however there were a few NSW supporters who made their presence known when they scored a try. Of course they were able to stick it to us in the end when they won the game and the series. It was all in good fun though and it was very enjoyable being able to sit outside in the evening warmth to watch the game.
We walked back to our home under a starry night and the glow of the moon feeling quite content though a bit disappointed that we had lost the game. (At least I was)
5th July
5th July Monday
Leaving Cairns on an overcast day we headed for Townsville.With the super cars racing on the weekend coming up we knew we would probably have a hard time finding somewhere to stay. The road diversions were starting to be put into place and the traffic was quite heavy. On arrival we called a few places and eventually found a spot at the Walkabout Palms for our overnight stay.
Leaving Cairns on an overcast day we headed for Townsville.With the super cars racing on the weekend coming up we knew we would probably have a hard time finding somewhere to stay. The road diversions were starting to be put into place and the traffic was quite heavy. On arrival we called a few places and eventually found a spot at the Walkabout Palms for our overnight stay.
Tuesday, 6 July 2010
Cairns 3-4th July
Saturday 3rd
With rain most of the day we did some food shopping and read the papers. Dinner at Barnacle Bills on the Esplanade.
Sunday 4th
Yesterday evening we drove to the Esplanade a different way and much to our amazement we found the Cairns Queenslander where we stayed with our two girls about 20 years ago. So today we decided to go that way again and park the car and walk the 3 kms to the Esplanade.
Walking around we found that some of the mango trees seemed to have gone and the road has been upgraded with bitumen but from what we can remember most of the buildings near by appear to be the same though a new upmarket hotel has been built a block away.
Having reached the lagoon we noticed that after a couple of months of maintenance the work had almost been completed, however I realised that I wasn't going to get my swim there as we had arranged to leave Cairns in the morning, hopefully to find some sunshine and to get away from the drizzle that had now been around for the last 5-6 days. We completed our 6 kms walk back to the car which took us around the marina and the multi-million dollar yachts and the numerous restaurants.
With rain most of the day we did some food shopping and read the papers. Dinner at Barnacle Bills on the Esplanade.
Sunday 4th
Yesterday evening we drove to the Esplanade a different way and much to our amazement we found the Cairns Queenslander where we stayed with our two girls about 20 years ago. So today we decided to go that way again and park the car and walk the 3 kms to the Esplanade.
Walking around we found that some of the mango trees seemed to have gone and the road has been upgraded with bitumen but from what we can remember most of the buildings near by appear to be the same though a new upmarket hotel has been built a block away.
The Cairns Queenslander
We then walked along the foreshore which has been considerably upgraded to include cycle paths,exercise areas,children's water play parks and the odd mural and memorial etc.
Having reached the lagoon we noticed that after a couple of months of maintenance the work had almost been completed, however I realised that I wasn't going to get my swim there as we had arranged to leave Cairns in the morning, hopefully to find some sunshine and to get away from the drizzle that had now been around for the last 5-6 days. We completed our 6 kms walk back to the car which took us around the marina and the multi-million dollar yachts and the numerous restaurants. The Esplanade Lagoon filling up
The Esplanade foreshore
The Mud flats along the foreshore walk.
Saturday, 3 July 2010
Friday 2nd July
The rain having cleared in the morning we decided to head south again to the Cane Cutters Way west out of Innisfail on the old Bruce Highway.
Our destination being Paronella Park the #1 voted must do tourist attraction in Queensland.
Regrettably in started to rain as we made our way south and continued to do so for most of the day, however we enjoyed our visit and the scenery along the way past the many cane fields, sugar mills, cane trains and the history of the region.
Paronella Park
Our destination being Paronella Park the #1 voted must do tourist attraction in Queensland.
Regrettably in started to rain as we made our way south and continued to do so for most of the day, however we enjoyed our visit and the scenery along the way past the many cane fields, sugar mills, cane trains and the history of the region.
Paronella Park
The Gardens
One of the Sugar Mills along the Cane Cutters Way
The drive home was mostly in the rain however we had
an enjoyable day
Friday, 2 July 2010
1st July
Thursday 1st July
Drove up to the northern beaches and to the Yorkeys Knob Boating Club where we sat out on the verandah over looking the multi million dollar yachts and motor cruisers.
The Entrance to the Club
Tuesday 29th June
With the sun shinning and no rain forecasted we drove south and then headed up to Yungaburra on the Gillies Highway.
Yungaburra a village in mourning for one of its soldiers killed in Afganistan
and the AthertonTablelands. Having visited most of these places on previous trips it was still good to be back again and enjoying a the drive twisting and winding our way up the Gillies Range..
We checked out the Curtain Fig Tree,the Cathedral Fig Tree, stopping off at Lake Barrine for Devonshire tea and then on to Lake Eacham and then back down the Gillies range to Cairns.
and the AthertonTablelands. Having visited most of these places on previous trips it was still good to be back again and enjoying a the drive twisting and winding our way up the Gillies Range..
We checked out the Curtain Fig Tree,the Cathedral Fig Tree, stopping off at Lake Barrine for Devonshire tea and then on to Lake Eacham and then back down the Gillies range to Cairns.
Lake Barrine Tea Rooms where we enjoyed Devonshire Tea
Tea Time
Cathedral Fig Tree
Lake Barrine
Lake Eacham
28th June
Monday 28th June
Drove up to Palm Cove for lunch, one of our favourite places on the northern beaches.
Drove up to Palm Cove for lunch, one of our favourite places on the northern beaches.
Along the front at Palm Beach
Thursday, 1 July 2010
Sunday 27th June
Cairns
Today it was off to the markets at the Tanks Art Centre in the Botanical Gardens where we spent some time and then a walk to the Centenary Lakes and then through the rain forest on the board walk and the wet lands.
The board walk through the wet tropics
Lipstick Palms
Today it was off to the markets at the Tanks Art Centre in the Botanical Gardens where we spent some time and then a walk to the Centenary Lakes and then through the rain forest on the board walk and the wet lands.
Monday, 28 June 2010
Friday 25th June - Sunday 26th June
Friday 25th June
Set off early to drive up the Karnak Playhouse in the Whyanbeel Valley ,the journey taking us through Mossman and Miallo. Its really quite a place, it has a huge amphitheatre, a lake covered in water lilies and a cafe all situated in the middle of the jungle.
www.karnakplayhouse,com.au
Many plays and performers have appeared in the 500 seat capacity amphitheatre over the years which has been as a result of the owner Diane Cilento and her team.
www.karnakplayhouse,com.au
Many plays and performers have appeared in the 500 seat capacity amphitheatre over the years which has been as a result of the owner Diane Cilento and her team.
After enjoying a cup of coffee and the cakes overlooking the stage we headed a bit further north on the dirt road to Marie Simberg-Hoglund gallery to see her handmade art glass.
We enjoyed a great chat and learned that Marie had her gallery in Woollahra for a few years before coming to her present location during the northern winter and then during the summer months moving over to New Zealand to join her sons who maintain a gallery there.
Diane Cilento's house set amongst the 300 acres of jungle
The Amphitheatre
The Glass Gallery
www.nelson.hoglund.co.nz
Leaving here we backtracked to Mossman to have a look at the Mossman Gorge and see what changes have been made since our last visit 20 odd years ago. A a result of the hordes of tourists that must visit here board walks and viewing platforms have been built to prevent any further erosion taking place.
We could see where we would have walked down to the waters edge from some of the old tracks that are now no longer used. A tree top sky way walk is also under construction with the cement footing in place for the towers that will carry the walkway. Its construction appears to have been delayed as the notices that are still up say it would be completed by August 2010.
Having walked the tracks by the gorge and checked out the swimming holes we noticed that where we once swam and jumped off the rocks notices were now in place with warnings that swimming etc is not permitted..
Leaving here we decided we would drive over to The Daintree Village before heading for our home base after a long day of driving and sightseeing.
www.nelson.hoglund.co.nz
Leaving here we backtracked to Mossman to have a look at the Mossman Gorge and see what changes have been made since our last visit 20 odd years ago. A a result of the hordes of tourists that must visit here board walks and viewing platforms have been built to prevent any further erosion taking place.
We could see where we would have walked down to the waters edge from some of the old tracks that are now no longer used. A tree top sky way walk is also under construction with the cement footing in place for the towers that will carry the walkway. Its construction appears to have been delayed as the notices that are still up say it would be completed by August 2010.
Having walked the tracks by the gorge and checked out the swimming holes we noticed that where we once swam and jumped off the rocks notices were now in place with warnings that swimming etc is not permitted..
Leaving here we decided we would drive over to The Daintree Village before heading for our home base after a long day of driving and sightseeing.
Saturday, 26 June 2010
Cairns 22nd - 24th June 2010
Tuesday 22nd June
Into Cairns and Grafton Street to the Canopy Art Gallery. www.canopyarts.com
1000 sq mts of space that's dedicated to showcasing Queensland's indigenous artists. We had a great chat there with someone who explained some of the stories depicted in the prints and etchings which brought then to life and gave us a whole new appreciation of the art.
Wednesday 23rd June
It rained most of the day so we decided to stay at home reading and a brief walk in between the rain showers. However it was still a warm day.
Thursday 24th June
The weather was much better today with no rain forecasted so set off to Atherton in the tablelands heading for Mareeba where we stopped off for a coffee at the Coffee Works.
Beatrice having a taste of the coffee berries from the bush
On through Atherton to Herberton an historical village which we seemed to have missed when we were here last year. Not many people around so we were able to take our time and wander around the place at our leisure.
Into Cairns and Grafton Street to the Canopy Art Gallery. www.canopyarts.com
1000 sq mts of space that's dedicated to showcasing Queensland's indigenous artists. We had a great chat there with someone who explained some of the stories depicted in the prints and etchings which brought then to life and gave us a whole new appreciation of the art.
Wednesday 23rd June
It rained most of the day so we decided to stay at home reading and a brief walk in between the rain showers. However it was still a warm day.
Thursday 24th June
The weather was much better today with no rain forecasted so set off to Atherton in the tablelands heading for Mareeba where we stopped off for a coffee at the Coffee Works.
On through Atherton to Herberton an historical village which we seemed to have missed when we were here last year. Not many people around so we were able to take our time and wander around the place at our leisure.
Herberton Historical Village www.herbertonhistoricalvillage.com.au
Having had a full day and quite a long drive back to our home base and with the rain clouds gathering we started the drive down to Cairns which was at least an hour away .
Sunday, 20 June 2010
Cairns 19th -21st June
Today we ventured up the coast about 60 kms to visit Port Douglas. which is a great scenic drive along the coast and the northern beaches.
Port Douglas was until the 1960's just a sleepy fishing village when in the 1970's tourism started to develop and ever since then it has gone from strength to strength with it now being the life blood of the place.
We walked around the village and over to the marina, stopping off for a great inexpensive lunch and beer at the wharf.
St Mary's by the Sea - Church
View from the restaurant up to the marina
The Restaurant at the wharf
The Lady Douglas
Port Douglas was until the 1960's just a sleepy fishing village when in the 1970's tourism started to develop and ever since then it has gone from strength to strength with it now being the life blood of the place.
We walked around the village and over to the marina, stopping off for a great inexpensive lunch and beer at the wharf.
Friday, 18 June 2010
15th June -18th June Cairns
CAIRNS 15th - 18th June
The weather has been perfect for the last days. However it did rain quite hard on Wednesday evening.
Since last posting we have visited the Flecker Botanic Gardens where we also had a lesson in playing the steel drums and then joined in on a couple of numbers.
Swimming hole at the Cascades
Visited;-
The Crystal Cascades where we did the scenic walk along side the cascades. Here we had to watch out for the stinging tree.
Also the Tanks Art Centre near the Botanical Gardens.( Read the history as to how they made use of these huge tanks that once held oil to service the war requirements during WW11). It is now an Arts Centre
We also decided to go up to Kuranda on the scenic railway, something we haven't done for 20 odd years and then return on the Sky rail which hadn't been built at that time.
Kuranda, aptly named the village in the rainforest which has been listed as World Heritage www.kuranda.org.
All this has kept us quite busy and we still have lots to do whilst we enjoy this lovely warm climate.
We have also been into Cairns a few times,on one occasion enjoying a $10 lunch deal at the Irish Pub located in one of the original buildings.
The weather has been perfect for the last days. However it did rain quite hard on Wednesday evening.
Since last posting we have visited the Flecker Botanic Gardens where we also had a lesson in playing the steel drums and then joined in on a couple of numbers.
Visited;-
The Crystal Cascades where we did the scenic walk along side the cascades. Here we had to watch out for the stinging tree.
Also the Tanks Art Centre near the Botanical Gardens.( Read the history as to how they made use of these huge tanks that once held oil to service the war requirements during WW11). It is now an Arts Centre
We also decided to go up to Kuranda on the scenic railway, something we haven't done for 20 odd years and then return on the Sky rail which hadn't been built at that time.
Kuranda, aptly named the village in the rainforest which has been listed as World Heritage www.kuranda.org.
All this has kept us quite busy and we still have lots to do whilst we enjoy this lovely warm climate.
We have also been into Cairns a few times,on one occasion enjoying a $10 lunch deal at the Irish Pub located in one of the original buildings.
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