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Big Adventure

May 2018 - December 2031
  • K and A's road trip
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Travels in a motorhome
This blog is written to remind us where we have been and what we have done Read more
  • K and A's road trip
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  • K and A's road tripTravelerBig Adventure

    Brisbane

    Apr 12–18 in Australia ⋅ 🌧 21 °C

    After emptying both cars and the trailer we relaxed back at home with the family. We obviously had made the right decision to pack up camp, as the weather turned out as predicted - some sunshine but a lot of, at times, heavy rain. Monday was a lazy day after a lot of busy days whilst camping. We were keen to visit a local shop called The Nest. It had been recommended to us whilst camping by a fellow camper. It is an op (charity) shop that sells fabric and haberdashery supplies. An aladdins cave!!!! We loved it, and spent ages there browsing the well stocked shelves. We came back with a bag full of various fabrics. The rest of the day we spent at home, sorting out washing etc.
    Tuesday is Renee's day off work, so we all packed into the Isuzu and we drove to the botanical gardens at Mount Coo'Tha. As we approached the weather closed in with a rain storm. However it had cleared by the time we rocked up in the car park. The gardens were looking verdant after all the rain. The sausage tree being quite unusual.
    A little shower of rain came through whilst we were out but we were able to find shelter in the memorial to Australian servicemen and women.
    After our walk around the gardens we drove towards the city for a bit of Op shopping in Paddington. Once again the ladies found some bargains.
    We then all enjoyed a meal at the local Italian cafe/restaurant.
    Wednesday was a chilling sort of day, playing games with our grandchildren. Summer is nearly, but not quite yet, getting the hang of losing gracefully and somehow the rules seem to change on many games just at the last moment. We are all enjoying playing the 2 new games we bought - Skipbo and Five Crowns. Sammy plays a keen game (and is usually VERY lucky with the cards she is dealt) and often wins. If not her, then Sophie, with the odd game being won by granny and grandpa.The sun was shining again, so we all enjoyed the pool. In the evening the girls assisted K with her hair styling.
    Thursday was a similar day to Wednesday with us enjoying life with our the family. K visited the hair dressers for a cut, after which we took the girls out shopping for easter chocolate.
    We all drove to Redcliffe on Good Friday to visit the Easter market. It was very busy, Sophie found a gold chain she liked. We wandered along the coast path towards Scarborough to stretch our legs for a bit. It was a hot day on our return to the car. We then drove into Scarborough to an ice cream parlour. The single scoops were enormous and kept us going until dinner in the evening.    Read more

  • K and A's road tripTravelerBig Adventure

    Noosa North

    Apr 9–15 in Australia ⋅ 🌩️ 24 °C

    Jamie drove in early on Wednesday to help move us all from Maroochydore back to a different site at Noosa. This is to be our last site in Queensland on this trip. The site is at Tewantin on the river near the Noosa Marina. Jamie returned to Brisbane in the afternoon for another couple of peaceful days at work. We looked after the girls again for two days, taking them to enjoy the great surf at Noosa Main Beach and to enjoy the ice creams at 72 Flavours on the Gympie Terrace.
    On Thursday we drove to the Tewantin mountain viewing platform, which after a short upward walk from a car park gave us great views across the region and towards Noosa Heads. After that we had a look at the Botanical Garden at Lake McKenzie, all very pretty.
    In the aftenoon under blue and grey skies we took the SUP to Gympie Terrace so the girls could launch into the river. Great comedy moments for all but grandad who was left holding the SUP on two occasions during the inflation process. On both occasions the heavens opened, the girls legged it to the car, giggling away as grand dad took a soaking. Credit to Sophie though as she toughed it out with grand dad on the second go. The three girls and granny enjoyed the experience. Karen managed to stand up for a few seconds but did not have the confidence to take the paddle. We stopped off at a couple of Op shops afterwards and the girls found some absolute bargains.
    Friday morning we spent on the campsite mainly by the swimming pool. At lunchtime a lady arrived with a variety of small animals to show and talk about. We all enjoyed touching and at times holding snakes, a 4 year old crocodile, bearded lizard and a barn owl. Summer was the first in the queue to hold each creature and did so without a qualm. We returned to our favourite beach in Noosa in the afternoon, and all except Summer enjoyed bracing the huge waves as they reached the shore. A bit ferocious for Summer, but she enjoyed looking for shells on the beach.
    On the way home we picked up the ingredients to make pizzas in the site pizza oven. They were very tasty.
    Jamie and Renne joined us in the evening after their working week, and quickly set up their swag and gazebo to see them through to Tuesday.
    On Friday we all drove into Noosa, in separate cars. Parking was difficult but we managed eventually to park near Hastings Street. We wandered along Hastings Street and through the parks and woods to the spit at the head of the river. The river side beaches were very calm. The estuary opening onto the sea looked ferocious. Back in town we found Jamie and family on the main beach, so we settled down together to enjoy the waves in sunshine. In the evening the heavens opened once again as we prepared our evening meal in the camp kitchen. It rained all evening and most of the night, great thunderstorms crashing through. We all stayed dry playing card games in the trailer.
    Sunday's weather promised sunshine, with two days of rain to follow, so we decided to strike camp when we could get everything packed away dry and return to Brisbane.
    We waited until the sunshine had dried out all our canvas before shutting down the trailer for this trip and returned to Brisbane mid afternoon.    Read more

  • K and A's road tripTravelerBig Adventure

    Maroochydore

    Apr 5–9 in Australia ⋅ 🌩️ 27 °C

    We packed up early and travelled down the road to the Big 4 site at Maroochydore. Our pitch was available as we arrived, so we were all set up again by 11.30am.
    After lunch we walked along the river to the river heads. At this point lies the Cotton Tree camp site, which is where we were when we decided to flee back to England due to the developing Covid crisis back in 2020.
    It was the start of the Easter school holidays and the site was very very busy, everybody shoehorned in on the beach side sites. We walked through the site to the beach and had a look at some of the beach stores, prior to wandering back to base.
    In the evening we drove to Mooloolaba where we were looking forward to a fish platter on The Wharf. We had seen the Prawn Star restaurant advertised and the locals gave it a high recommendation. The restaurant occupies two old fishing vessels on the dock side. The sea food platter was delicious, served with good beer and wine.
    On Sunday Jamie, Renee and the girls came to join us. We pitched their tent next to ours, then spent a couple of hours on the beach at Mooloolaba to enjoy the waves. After an evening bbq J and R returned to Brizzie. We were looking forward to spending 5 days with the girls allowing their parents to work unhindered.
    A fabulous week with our 3 granddaughters. We returned to the beach on Monday, after walking trip on the boardwalk in the local swamp, much to the delight of the midgies and mosquitos. We enjoyed the waves once again and explored the area's Op shops (charity shops to us). The girls very adept at finding real bargains.
    On Tuesday we visited Amazeworld, which we all enjoyed greatly. Comedy moments watching people getting lost in the hedge maze. The puzzles were good for the older girls and Summer enjoyed joining in when she could. She particularly enjoyed the rope tangle.    Read more

  • K and A's road tripTravelerBig Adventure

    Noosa Everglades

    Mar 30–Apr 5 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 31 °C

    We packed up once again and travelled a little further down the coast to the Habitat Noosa Everglades resort. We have been here many times and just love walking in amongst the kangaroos, which come into the site to eat the grass.
    Our journey was delayed by flood waters which closed the quickest routes for us to the location. We needed to travel via Noosaville to avoid road closures and even then our last leg required us to pass over flooded sections of the road.
    A lot of rain had fallen in the area. The lake, which is the largest salt water lake in Australia had risen about 4 ft above normal levels. The site usually has a string of campers along the waterfront, but all those pitches were flooded and unusable. The large pitches in the dell were also completely underwater. The beach was completely underwater and all boat hire and tours cancelled for three days.
    Our pitch (no 28) was clear so we were soon all sorted.
    We fell into the bar for a refresher prior to our evening meal. Children were enjoying playing in the water filled pitches. Kangaroos bounced around us, some in touching distance.
    We had planned a quick evening meal, as it happened it was even quicker than anticipated. Turning on the lights in the tent brought in hundreds of little beetles which swamped our food prep area. We had our meal in the sanctuary of the tent.
    In the morning we put up the awning front and side panels in order to prevent a repeat.
    On Monday the sun was shining once again, so we drove into Noosa Heads to enjoy some time on the beach. The surf was great fun as usual. A Boost fruit juice as we came off the beach was very refreshing.
    Some of the flood waters on our approach to the site had receded, and we could see that the level of the lake was dropping.
    Tuesday saw us do the Noosa Heads walk, one of our favourites. This time we passed along Alexandria Beach and after a wrong turning eventually back to the car park by the tanglewood track. Lots of dolphins were playing off dolphin point and we saw them surfing the waves. On our return to base we took in the Laguna Lookout.
    On Wednesday we drove to Eumundi Markets, one of the busiest markets in the Sunshine Coast region. Rain showers came rushing through. We spent much of our time there dodging heavy showers as we dodged from one stall to another. We have visited this market many times and never seen it this quiet. A combination of term time and heavy rain we suspect being the reason for this.
    When we returned to the campsite we found the beach was exposed and water levels in the lake back to normal.
    On Thursday we drove to Sunshine beach and walked the coast path towards Perigean beach. We were once again caught in a couple of rain showers, so we returned quite damp to our car. We then drove to Perigean Beach and found a fabulous cafe (Perigean Pantry). The coffee, chocolate brownie and carrot cake were all fabulous.
    On Friday after breakfast we drove into Noosa Marina and walked along the river to Noosa Heads, Hastings Street. The weather quite changeable with showers and sunshine, sometimes at the same time. The river was as busy as usual. As we got to Noosa Main Beach a heavy shower breezed through. We resisted the temptation to get a bus back to the marina and enjoyed an ice cream at 72 Flavours on our return. Weary from our lengthy (16kms plus) walk when we reached camp again.    Read more

  • K and A's road tripTravelerBig Adventure

    Hervey Bay

    Mar 28–30 in Australia ⋅ 🌧 26 °C

    After spending the morning at KB resort we boarded the early afternoon ferry back to Hervey Bay. It was raining heavily as we left the island and as we arrived back on the mainland. Thankfully by the time we arrived back at our campsite the rain was lighter. We quickly put up the first part of the tent but did not bother with the awning. We cooked and ate in the camp kitchen as the rain lashed down once again. There were many frogs jumping around on the waterlogged grass next to the kitchen. We chatted to a french family who were also sheltering from the weather. They told us they are away from home for 6 months touring with their 2 children- 1 month in Australia, then onto the Philippines and Thailand.
    We awoke the next day to light rain, but thankfully the skies cleared and the sun appeared. We walked along the esplanade from Torquay (where we were staying) to Urangan. A 10km return walk. We were expecting to see 2 beachside markets on our walk, but each consisted of 3 or 4 stalls only. Maybe the weather had put some stallholders off. We spent the afternoon back on site catching up with emails, whatsapp calls to family and blog writing.
    Tomorrow we move onto Noosa Habitat, one of our favourite spots on the east coast.    Read more

  • K and A's road tripTravelerBig Adventure

    Day 2 of excursion.

    March 27 in Australia ⋅ 🌧 25 °C

    After an early breakfast we set off on our journey up 75 mile beach. Again we saw dingoes along the waters edge. As the day went by we were to see many more. Our first stop was at the Maheno shipwreck. The ship was built in Scotland in 1905. Originally it was used as a cruise liner (having 6 decks) and later was commissioned as a hospital ship during the First World War. Shortly after the Japanese bought it as scrap metal it was hit by a cyclone in 1935. Its ruins now lie on 75 mile beach, and are quite something to see. Apparently 90% of the ship is now under the sand, but there is still plenty to see of the 123 metre long ship. We were allowed to paddle in the shallows of the sea near the wreck, but no swimming is allowed on the Eastern coast of the island - for 3 reasons - rip tides, stingers and sharks. 3 very valid reasons!
    Next stop was at the Pinnacles, coloured sand formations (apparently 72 different colours are there - can't say we spotted that many). In days gone by the Pinnacles was a women- only spot on the island for the aborigine women. This is because the coloured sands reportedly had health benefits, which the women made use of.
    We then drove a long way along the beach to reach the Champagne Pools, just north of Indian Head. We walked along the boardwalk and then down many steps and along rocks to reach the rock pools where the ocean's waves crash, bubble and fizz over the volcanic rock formations- the only place along the east coast where you can swim. The water was clear and pleasantly warm. Many fish also enjoyed swimming there.
    Driving back down the beach we reached Eli Creek, a popular attraction on the island. The largest Creek on the island, with over 4 million litres of clear, fresh water flowing into the ocean every hour. We were each given an inflated rubber tyre which we used to float down the gently flowing water. The water was cold (as it comes from underground) but we enjoyed meandering along in our float. A picnic lunch was eaten on the beach next to the car park. As a dingo approached our group our guide waved a broom and shook sand at it. It quickly ran away and did not bother us again.
    After a short break back at Eurong resort to freshen up we drove back across the island to Kingfisher Bay resort where we would spend our 3rd and final night on the island.    Read more

  • K and A's road tripTravelerBig Adventure

    Eurong Resort

    March 26 in Australia ⋅ 🌧 24 °C

    We joined a 4x4 bus tour of the island over two days. Hosted by Blair (a Kiwi) with K'Gari Adventure Tours. 13 of us set off from the jetty at Kingfisher Bay , with 6 more to join us at Lake McKenzie, our first stop. The drive from KB to the lake was fascinating. We drove inland through forest and rainforest areas along tracks of sand. On the island (which is 125km long) there are no roads at all, only sand tracks. At times the journey was extremely bumpy and we were thrown around the bus a little. We passed through native gums and grasses and lush rainforest. So many huge trees towering above us, some of them over 1000 years old. All very exciting. At lake M we all swam in the crystal freshwater. This perched dune lake, one of forty of its kind on the island, is fed entirely by rainwater. White and extremely fine silica sand surrounds the lake. Unfortunately the skies were heavily clouded and the lake did not sparkle quite as much as in the pictures we'd seen. But still absolutely stunning. Our next stop was at Central Station, the original logging station in the times when trees were cut down and cut into logs. In the 1920s this place was home to more than 100 people. 2 of the original buildings still remain. We walked through the old station to join a boardwalk along the Wanggoolba Creek. The creek was crystal clear and wound its way through towering palm trees and giant King ferns - so tranquil and beautiful. Apparently when the aborigines inhabited the island the gorge was a women- only area. This was because it was a cool place to be (with the canopy of plants providing much shade) and also had plenty of water - 2 of the necessary requirements for the women to give birth. The aborigine men would wait at the top of the gorge until the women had given birth and walked back up to the top!!
    After a short bumpy sandtrack drive we reached the sister resort to KB which is situated on the Eastern side of the island. There we ate a buffet lunch and freshened up before driving along 75 mile beach. We quickly spotted a dingo walking along the beach close to the sea. We drove as far as lake Wabby where we parked up and walked the 2.2 km walk through bushland and sanddunes. We were each given a large stick (painted orange at each end) to carry with us in case a dingo should appear. Apparently waving this stick at said dingo would be enough to scare it away. Thankfully we didn't have to put this to the test!! The lake is situated at the bottom of the golden Hammerstone Sandblow, and will apparently one day be engulfed completely by the shifting sands. Again we swam in the lake. We spotted many fish swimming close to the shore, many of them dogfish.
    We drove back to Eurong beach resort, where we checked into our room for the night. A very welcome refreshing shower after the activities of the day. We slept well that night and needed to be up early the next morning ready for day 2 of our 4WD excursion.
    .......    Read more

  • K and A's road tripTravelerBig Adventure

    Kingfisher Bay

    March 25 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 26 °C

    Our day started with a late morning pick up from our campsite and a journey to River Heads in Hervey Bay to join a barge crossing over to the Island. Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world, and became a UNESCO site in 1992, due to its natural beauty.
    We were transferred from the landing jetty to our first resort on the island, Kingfisher Bay resort. This resort provides eco luxury accommodation, visited by British Royalty on occasion. There were posters and information about the then Prince Charles and Prince Harry with Megan when they made visits.
    After unpacking we headed off on a short walk around the resort and its environs. Our walk began with a very steep climb up through some of the accommodation and then along to the viewing point which overlooked the jetty and the sunset bar. On our way down to the bar it started to rain a little, enough of an excuse for us to sit in the shelter of the bar with a drink. Back at our resort we swam in one of the 4 swimming pools there. Again it rained but not enough to stop us swimming. We ended up in the hot tub which was under cover.
    In the restaurant we shared a bottle of Fraser Island fizz and ate a light meal. The cheese platter we opted to finish with was huge. We could only eat a little of it. The rest was packed into a box for us to take away.
    .....    Read more

  • K and A's road tripTravelerBig Adventure

    Hervey Bay

    March 24 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C

    A one day stop over on a site in the middle of this busy town. We had booked a three night trip on K'Gari, leaving from Hervey Bay the following day. The site were happy to store our car and trailer for a nominal fee, which was very helpful.
    We found the Information centre to get some extra info about the island and walked along Urangan pier.
    Fishermen and women were adamant that they do catch something sometimes,    Read more

  • K and A's road tripTravelerBig Adventure

    Rainbow Beach

    Mar 20–24 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 26 °C

    We travelled south to Rainbow Beach, where we had a site booked at the holiday village for 4 nights. We stopped off at Maryborough to get some provisions along the way.
    It was scorching hot as we arrived on our campsite. Reversing the trailer onto our pitch highlighted the noise problem with our car. A chap on the adjacent pitch told us it sounded very serious!! We hurriedly dropped everything onto our site, emptying the car completely in case we ended up leaving the car at the garage. Our new neighbour found us the details of the local 4x4 specialist, and we drove around to them with trepidation. Large dollar signs were ringing in our heads.
    Once again, the service was very quick, very efficient, and very friendly. We were imagining being stuck while a new differential was delivered. However, all that was needed was a bit of oil on the rear metal plates which were grinding against each other with only dried up oil between them. $160 dollars and 45 mins later we left the garage mightily relieved.
    The township is named for the colourful sands in the cliffs nearby, which you can normally walk to along the beach. Cyclone Alfred put paid to that. The walk to the cliffs is only able to be completed at low tide, but the sand has been washed away to leave rugged impassable rocky structures.
    We spent our days on the beach, enjoying the great surf and warm water.
    One day we drove to see the great Carlo sand blow, amazing and a spot for hang gliders. We also drove up the peninsular to Inskip Point which is where there is a southern access onto K' Gari (Fraser Island). There were a lot of people fishing the waters there. The barge to K'Gari was plying backwards and forwards across the water.
    The next day we went on a bush walk to Poona lake where we enjoyed a tea-coloured warm lake swim. After that, we drove up to Inskip Point to the beaches there. Locals were pulling small fish out of the waters. We did not venture too far into the sea due to the presence of sharks, rips, stingers etc..
    4 days was not really enough time to see and do everything here. Next time when we visit we will do more of the national park walks.    Read more

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