Noosa to Inskip Point (Rainbow Beach)

We packed up as the morning warmed. The mornings have been cool and we have not been in a hurry when it is.

After we had hooked up and said goodbye to our neighbours, we then moved out to the Café attached to the Caravan Park. We had a cappuccino which was not the worst one we have had.

Then we moved off towards Cooroy and rejoined the Bruce Highway. We travelled along to Gympie where we refuelled and bought some Subway rolls for lunch. We attempted to get into the Centro Centre but there was not parking spot available so we proceeded to leave Gympie.

Our destination was Rainbow Beach. It appears that it is not a very old town. Most of the buildings we saw were not all that old. The Rainbow Beach Hotel had on it that it was established in 1958.

We ate our lunch in the park overlooking the patrolled beach. It is very well presented with some recovered items mounted on the lawns including the large propeller that came from a small ship blown onto the coast during a cyclone.

Then we wandered along the street to have a look at the shops that were there. Probably even less shops than Lennox Head but all quite new. Again, we had a cappuccino in the Shak Café. Following the coffees, we walked along the street in search of the National Parks office so that we could get a camping permit for Inskip Point. Finally, we located it neatly hidden by trees and off the road a few metres.

Our short journey took us near to the barge that travels across to Fraser Island. I had to back the rig up about 100 metres to turn around. Then we found a reasonable park site beside the beach and about 150 metres from the water.

After setting up, we went for a walk along the beach until we could see back to Rainbow Beach and the picturesque Double Island Point. We spoke to a few other campers as we walked back with a few attempting to fish.

A little later we sat on the beach watching the sun set over the water beside Fraser Island. We had a glass of red while watching it set. Then it was back to the Karavan and cook dinner and get inside as it was cooling down fast. We actually had the heater on to keep us warm.

Sunday in Noosa

This was again fine, clear and cold first up. It felt colder than yesterday so I decided to not ride early.

We eventually had ourselves organised by about 0900 and set off for a short drive into town. It was already quite busy with parking spots at a premium. I was fortunate to find an empty on in Hastings Street in Noosa. We parked and had a wander along the street.

The shops are quite upmarket and the whole place has a totally different atmosphere to Byron Bay. It is clean and tidy and the people wandering the streets are obviously not backpackers like in Byron. Most of the shops cater for the more affluent people. Our only purchase was the Sunday paper.

We next drove to the main Noosa markets that were held on the AFL ground. It is a more traditional farmers market although there were many food stalls, too. The junk type stalls were almost nonexistent. Our time there was quite short and I had been very lucky to score a park almost outside the entrance.

Our next stop was to Aldi for a few items. Then we went to Noosaville where we stopped for our first cappuccino. We had muffins and raison toast. The coffee was excellent. It was a much better atmosphere than in Hastings Street and was very busy too.

Then we returned to the Karavan and had an easy lunch and did some reading in the glorious sunshine. During the afternoon, I did some little maintenance jobs in the Karavan. Our current neighbours are from Melbourne and are nice friendly people. Mike and I chatted about things mechanical especially items pertaining to our respective vehicles.

A quiet evening in the Karavan before we move on to another destination tomorrow.

Eumundi Markets and the Rugby

The morning arrived cold but very fine. How nice it is to see clear skies in the morning.

I was up a bit later than home and waiting for the atmosphere to warm a little. So I had my breakfast and by then the temperature was not too bad.

Away I went on my bike for a circuit around Noosa.  It is about 10 years since I last cycled around here and it has grown. Some areas that were in development stage are now completely finished.

After returning from my ride, I showered and we then set off for the Eumundi Markets.

Eumundi Markets are amongst the biggest markets, outside of Sydney, that I have been to. Our first stop was for a cappuccino at one of the stalls. We were able to sit and observe the world going by as we enjoyed this coffee. At all these types of events we often wonder if we will run into anyone we know.

Then it was on our feet and through the markets. The area is broken up into three areas and they are separated by roadways. As we walked in we noticed more permanent stalls on a level with the car park, then the major level where we had coffee and then the final lot was up a slope above the main street. There are so many stalls many of which cost a considerable amount of money.

There are the usual stalls that are seen at most markets, jewellery, toys, clothing, alternate health, etc. Along with those stalls are the vegetable stalls as well as the food and drink stalls. There are always variations on the types from one market to another. We sampled some of the wares as we passed by. Our purchases were minimal for the obvious reason we cannot load up our vehicles unnecessarily. We did purchase some German sausages for lunch garnished with sauerkraut followed by another lot of cappuccinos.

As we worked our way through the stalls, our wondering who would be the first people to bump into would be was answered. It was Chris (formerly from the NSW Fire Brigade), his wife, Jan, and their two daughters. They now live on the Sunshine Coast and manage a block of units. Now we wonder who will be the next ones we unexpectedly meet up with.

A while after returning to our Karavan, we then drove to the Tewantin RSL Club to watch the Super Rugby game between the Queensland Reds and the New Zealand Chiefs with the Reds winning 19 to 11. Then it was back to the Karavan and a clothes change and a little while later we were picked up by the RSL Club courtesy bus to take us back to the Club. We had dinner there and watched the last part of the NZ Crusaders beat the NZ Hurricanes.

The next match was between the NSW Waratahs and the ACT Brumbies. The Waratahs won 41 to 7. Now Australia has 2 provincial teams in the 6 going into the final play offs with the Reds being minor premiers. More top Rugby coming with the Tri Nations supplying 2 teams each into the finals.

After that game it was back on the bus to the Caravan Park.

Beerwah to Noosa

We awoke to another beautiful sunny morning. Gowinga Farms is a stunning place to stay in that it is very quiet as it is quite a way from major roads.

After we were up and had breakfast, we heard the sound of a departing aircraft just several hundred metres away. It was a nice high wing ultra light aircraft. I am not up in identifying these light aircraft. It certainly did not have a Lycoming engine powering it.

We chatted with some other campers, who are looking for work on the farms, and discovered that they hailed from Newcastle. They told us a little more about the farms including the farm has planted over 1 million strawberry plants. As I mentioned previously, the strawberries are to die for, so sweet and juicy.

After packing up, we drove the short 45 kilometres to Yandina. At Yandina we first went to the Pioneer Coffee Roastery. We have been to this place in the past and me in particular as recent as last year. The coffee was nice.

Our next visit was to the Nutworks Macadamia Factory which also includes chocolate. We had to sample the various flavours on the macadamias, just to ensure we bought the correct ones.

One of the major attractions in Yandina is the Ginger Factory, which is located opposite the previous locations we had been in. This is one of my favourite places to visit as I adore ginger. Luckily for me Prue does not enjoy ginger.

Before we did any purchasing, we perused the little cottage styled shops across the Ginger Factory little train line. There were a few items purchased in this area. One little item I enjoyed watching was a little digger (backhoe) that had been built to take a $2 coin and the budding operators could play on it using real digger controls and movements. My thoughts went straight to my eldest grandson, Zac, who is enthralled by them as well as describing the moving parts.

We then perused the main area. Eventually we purchased some quantities of ginger pieces and the ginger refresher.

By then it was lunch time. Prue had a nice looking chicken burger while I opted for Pumpkin soup enhanced by the inclusion of some ginger. It was so nice.

Then we moved off for the Big 4 Bougainvillia Caravan Park at Tewantin which is on the outskirts of Noosa Heads. Over the years we have spend several days here. It is a nice and clean park but expensive, as we will encounter from now on. On arrival we set up and settled in and met a couple from Narranderra who used to be involved with John Deere farm machinery. I had another coffee in the caravan park café which was reasonable.

 One thing I mentioned to several shops that it all appeared to be very quiet. They confirmed this. It was very evident to me at the Ginger Factory as I could compare it to last year. I believe there are numerous reasons including the cheap overseas travel available and also the thoughts that the areas may still be suffering from the flood and cyclone of earlier in the year.

 

Kilcoy to Beerwah

This morning, we woke up to a day that was cool early but with a clear sky. It did stay that way until we left Kilcoy. We travelled through the undulating terrain to Beerwah. The weather was really nice but if you were exposed to the breeze it was cool. At least the day was rain free.

Before we left Kilcoy we had a coffee, only fair, in a nearby café close to where we camped. I am sure that we have become real coffee snobs. We know we are not alone in that but I guess that is what happens when we get consistently great coffees at In the Pink in Lennox Head.

On arrival in Beerwah, we stopped to ensure we were on the correct road to Australia Zoo by asking at a shop near where we parked.

Australia Zoo, what a place to visit! Our recommendation is that if you are going to it be there early. They open by 0900 but we did not get there until around 1000. There is so much to see as well as watch the performances.  

The first show we watched was the Tortoises. The presenter, a young lady as most of them are, told us about the tortoises. She pointed out the various differences between the two large examples she had before us. One of the things she told us about was their enjoyment of being rubbed around the neck.

We then wandered along and observed the three Thai elephants walk into an area and then were given small treats by the visitors. There were several long lines of people of all ages waiting to give the elephants their treats.

Time moved along, the next show was the Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors Show. This was wonderful. Another very talented young lady introduced us to the “Crocoseum” and warmed us all up ready for the show. This arena was where the memorial function for the founder, Steve Irwin, was held.

This show was wonderful in that we were exposed to some beautifully trained birds and animals as well as a crocodile. A variety of birds performed for us and the most spectacular were the King Parrots that flew around us at their high speeds before all going to their handlers. All the birds were beautiful especially the Macaw.

The elephants made an appearance and as we had already seen they behaved impeccably. Following was a visit of some non venomous snakes carried around by staff members. Earlier, a fellow, who played the fool, demonstrated the inappropriate way of dealing with snakes culminating with him getting ‘bitten’ on the finger. The presenter then demonstrated the correct method to perform first aid bandaging for a snake bite. She also had previously told us how to avoid confronting snakes.

The next item was the crocodile. It was encouraged into the arena in its water pond. The male presenter then encouraged it to move along by the tapping of his foot on the pond side and all the time moving toward a feeding area. A second male was present in the event of a problem occurring so the crocodile could be distracted. Eventually, after the presenter telling us much about the crocodiles, the croc’ reached the feed station where it was encouraged to rear up out of the water and catch its food from the presenter. This was done a few times and demonstrated the power of the croc’. Finally it was coaxed back to its enclosure.

It was then time to have an early lunch. The prices are quite high although the quality is good, e.g., a large cappuccino was $5.25, and a turkey salad wrap was $6.45.

Following lunch we viewed many animals and birds that included binturong, dingo, and Tasmanian devils that were mating, cassowaries and koalas.

Then we watched a display of the very active Otters. They are so active. The young lady told us of their habits and how they manage them. They are such fun to watch.

Then we wandered along and past through the kangaroo display area. So many shapes, sizes and colours. After that we saw where the elephants live and them being feed again.

Nearby were several varieties of Tigers. It is so good to be able to see them close up and in such lovely conditions.

As we returned back to the exit, we saw a red panda in its enclosure. Quite a colourful looking animal.

Next to see were more koalas in their trees and being fed. Almost next to them was the rainforest aviary. The colours of the large collection of birds were stunning. Seeing some of them quite close and to hear them was amazing.

Another display was of the reptiles. All were alive and being artificially warmed. I do not have an interest in them and avoid them. That pretty much concluded our visit to Australia Zoo. Time was getting on and we did by pass several exhibits in our haste to move on.

We departed the Australia Zoo for the Gowinta Farms Caravan Park. This may be one of the most pleasant and generous caravan parks. There are about 50 sites with concrete slabs and beautiful grass. The showers and toilets are very clean and modern. There is a big camp kitchen. There are a lot of campers here that are working here and some waiting for a position either in the field or packing shed. A highly recommended camp ground.

 Gowinta Farms are a large horticulture farm with strawberries and pineapples currently being picked. All rejected fruit is free to use. It may have a small blemish or be a bit small. However, the flavour is fantastic. One of the pickers told me that he has overcome the addiction to the fruit as it has a habit of causing him to urgently visit the toilet, usually in the middle of the night. We have a large supply and will take the advice on board!

On the road

We are on the road.

After leaving home, we drove down to the Lennox Head village where we had a coffee at In the Pink with some of the men who make up the “Table of Knowledge”. We know that we will not have many coffees that will equal those made at In the Pink.

So we headed off up Ross Lane to join the Pacific Highway and travel to the north. We did stop several times for a quick check of the vehicles and a comfort stop. The days’ driving was very uneventful.

We arrived at Woodford, home of Splendour in the Grass that used to be at Byron Bay. On arrival we parked off the main street and went for a walk along the shops. On asking where we could have a nice lunch, we were told of the Story Brook Alfresco Café. If we had not asked we would never have found it as it is off the road a way.

The Story Brook Café is delightful and is in a magnificent garden setting. Beautiful trees of all types and sizes as well as numerous garden plants all located in beautifully laid out and manicured lawns. The food was very nice but the coffee was not anywhere near our standard.

Later on, we decided to see what the free camp site was like but decided to drive to Kilcoy for the night. Just after arriving at the Council overnight camp site another couple, from Mildura, pulled in beside us.

After setting up the Karavan, we wandered around the street seeing what is in the town of Kilcoy. Some items were purchased at the IGA store and we walked back to the site.