Author: Leonie

While in Arlie Ken had received his Drifta Field Oven and pizza stone to go with the fire pit and was keen to try it out. So he found a free camp, stocked up on fire wood and went on a mission for us to have our homemade bush wood fired pizza’s for dinner.

The camp was only 120 clicks up the road so the drive was pretty leisurely. Stopping off at the big mango for the obligatory photo and to learn the history of the delicious mangos arrival to our shores. Here we also had a chat with a young couple we had seen riding up the Bruce Hwy. I think we had also seen them on another stretch of road some weeks back. From Chillea and riding from Brisbane to Cairns. Better them than me but alway admire their adventurous spirit.

The first free camp was a bit exposed (and I got the creeps from the bearded fisherman already on site), so we went a little further up the road and pull into a popular and busy camp ground. It was set back from the beach but protected from the wind. I have to confess I was not really into it tonight. There is always something to be doing washing, cleaning, cooking, blogging, schooling, researching where we are sleeping tomorrow or the next night and playing and looking after Llewella etc etc etc. But I think I was also just so tormented by the itching and scatching, I was too scared to go outside for fear of acquiring any more bites.

Anyway I prepped inside and Ken cooked outside. It was a pretty successful first run but its going to take a bit to learn how to get the coals just right and enough coals on top of the oven to brown the top but not burn the bottom. Yum Yum though.

Just stopping that one night here and on to Mission Beach tomorrow.

A travel day and tour day all in one today. We were keen to visit Bredl’s Wildlife Farm and with the only vacancies on the day we were traveling to Airlie Beach how fortunate it was pretty much on the way.

The Bredl Family has been working with animals and playing with crocs for 3 generation and their knowledge and perspective of the animals is largely based on their own experience and observation. Some of what they presented to us seemed in contrast with what you might hear from other conservationist and wildlife management folk. At first I wasn’t sure how this sat with me but in the end we had a wonderful day and leant loads. It was clear the brothers and family genuinly cared for the welfare and conservation of all animals and their perspective was interesting and thought provoking.

The whole day (four hours) was up close interactions with all the animals, cassowaries, kangaroos, koala’s, lizards, snakes, turtles and croc’s. It really was fantastic and we all came away feeling a lot more knowledgeable about crocs in particular and that has helped relieve the worries of traveling through croc country.

As we approach Arlie Beach it was with an air of excitement. The gateway to the Whitsunday Island, a destination that boast of such beauty and seems such an exoctic location to visit, I guess I just never imagined I would actually be here. That, and we were expecting a few parcel deliveries here.

The first thing that strikes you as you drive in is the colour of the water. Is it aqua? Is it turquoise? Hard to say but it’s definately memorable and beautiful and you cant help but release a long slow breath and just wind down a gear or two.

After exploring the Airlie foreshore and lagoon we paid a visit to the information Centre and booked ourselves a couple of really special tours. A day sailing, snorkeling and lazing aboard the Derwent Hunter and another taking to the air in a seaplane to explore the Great Barrier Reef, Whitehaven Beach and Whitsunday Islands. Both were spectacular the, but the flight just an amazing experience. One of the coolest things Ken and I have done, ever!

Our day on the Derwent Hunter sailing ship was excellent and educational. The staff were so knowledgeable sharing with us the history of the ship which was built in 1946 by Walter Wilson. He came out of retirement to build her and she was to be his legacy. Built in Tassie of the finest material she has weathered some serious storms and the fact she is still sailing the sea’s today is testimony to the craftmanship. Along with this fascinating story we were delivered a fabulous talk about the reef, the islands and the sea life that live here. All beautifully connecting to our investigation into bio diversity.

 

The snorkeling was enjoyable but the water was a little cold. Even with wet suits it just needed to be a touch warmer and we could have stayed out there all day, but we have to remind ourselves this is winter. We were fortunate though to see both a massive manta ray and whales. It’s just coming into the season, so that was an added bonus.

The day of the flight was an early start arriving at the airport in the dark to check in and getting fitted out with wetsuits. After a briefings form the pilot we took off not long after sunrise and flew to the outer reef, where the pilot landed in a lagoon and pulled up to a waiting boat. He then took us a little closer to the edge of the reef before we had an hour to do some snorkeling. Unfortunately the wind had got up and still being so early it was pretty cold. But who cares the whole things was totally amazing.

After refreshments we returned to the plane and took off heading back to the islands before landing again at Whitehaven Beach (apparently the best beach in the world). Powdery white sand and crystal clear waters. Apparently we have a lot of parrot fish to thank for this amazing beach. The parrot fish clean the corals on the reef by eating the algae attached to them, but it seems they like to have a wee munch on the coral while they are at it. They then poop it out in the form of the fine white powder that makes up amazing beach that is so fine you can clean your jewellery with it and not scratch it. Spectacular and being a sheltered from the wind we enjoyed a magical swim here.

Our final day here in Arlie beach we drove up the coast a bit to explore other beaches and found ourselves at Hideaway Bay. Unbeknownst to us there is a bar and resort out here so seemed only right to stop and have lunch while taking in the beauty of that touquise water again and build a couple of sand castles.

During our stay here the family we had met and befriend in Haliday Bay arrived and we enjoyed a couple of night socializing. The girls concocted a plan to cook dinner for both families and they did a splendid job. Working in the camp kitchen and impressing all with their Mexican themed night. Mint and watermelon coolie to drink, guacamole with corn chips, nachos, and mini pav’s with cream and fresh fruit! Totally awesome effort, bringing the two families together. Super proud of Charlotte and Willow. I didn’t even mind having to re wash all the dishes till 11pm. 😉🤪.

Arlie beach done and loved it!  The only thing to put a dampener on things was being eaten alive by sandflies and or midges, who knows, but feels like I am going completely coo coo by the insecent itching and scratching! On the upside for Ken, while the mossies love him, the midges or sandflies have not pallet for his exotic blood, instead wishing to only feast on me. Great news for the rest of the family! #takingthisonefortheteam, #youcan’twinthemall.

 

 

Hello 🙃

I think you might have noticed that I haven’t blogged like for ever and that’s because of life and becaus i never know what to write about . Mum suggest that I choose a less broad topic so I went with wiled life .

I’ll go back at Australia zoo where it all started,if you haven’t been you need to go if you have been you need to go again. I loved it all but my favourite part had to be the croc and bird show or the part when I got to hugged dingos I am not sure but it was by far the best zoo i have ever been to .

as we left mum let us get one of the bindi books witch we really enjoyed. So that’s prity much how I realised how important our wiled life is so i am doing what i can to help.

 

 

Lotte out🦄

 

 

 

 

We had heard Cape Hillsborough was a beautiful place to visit and we enjoyed a lovely stay. With few free camps and the caravan park full we found a small beach front camp ground attached to a resort / golf course at Haliday bay. Before we had even parked up Charlotte had found a friend so it looked like it was going to be a good stay for her.

A beautiful location, sweeping little bay, enclosed by forest covered hills, leaning palm trees and  the blue inviting waters of the coral sea. We are not yet completely comfortable in our knowledge of crocodiles and where and when may be safe to go in the water so while this place looks like paradise there is an uncomfortable edge for us.

The camp host another Leonie and Pete were very welcoming. It was warm and most people were enjoying a swim in the ocean surrounded by a stinger net so we followed suit and while the water was cold it was also refreshing. Durning the length of our stay, (4 days), the weather would remain sunny but with a constant wind to cool to swim.

It was a very relaxing place and Charlotte’s friend turned out to also be from Perth and traveling around Australia so the girls really hit it off and both relished the opportunity of the social engagement. Before our first day was out they had already planned a charity bake sale and announce it to each caravan at Haliday Bay. Who could stand in the way of such enthusiasm and a good cause.

Following our visit to Australia Zoo Charlotte has been investigating the role of a wildlife warrior and way she can raise funds as she travels. Without wasting anytime here we go, and what a success the bake sale was.

The girls were up early and kicked things of well with the first batch of apple and cinnamon muffins in the oven in no time. Next the blueberry muffins were ready an in the other vans oven, and not long follow by the strawberry and apricot jam drops. What a spread!

By 10 a.m. the girls were set up and selling. With a hungry and sympathic bunch of grey nomads looking forward to something sweet to go with a cuppa tea they sold like hot cakes …….. boom boom. Raising $100 they did really well and mum spent the rest of the morning doing the dishes. Ah well, small price to pay for a good deed and a maths lesson done.

The following morning we were up for sunrise at Cape Hillsborough. Regularly there wallabies and roo’s come down to the beach and make for a secptaular photo opp. While we did see some roo’s we missed getting a shot on of the one roo that hopped to the lapping edge of the water and stood for a micro second before hopping back to the dunes. Was lovely to witness as is the stillness and promise that accompanies a sunrise.

Next was breakfast before a delightful walk through the mangroves and sudden transition to open bushland in Cape Hillsborough National Park. The circuit was signposted along the way educating about bio-diversity; plants, animals, connection. Love it! What a great topic for schooling, we have really been lacking on the science front, but this can be an on going investigation as we travel through the land and various ecosystems we discover. Thank you Cape Hillsborough NP.

With such a lovely setting both Ken and I enjoyed a morning hill climb and yoga on the beach. Not together but we both had came away with the desire to establish a healthy and nourishing morning ritual and this seemed to start to come together here but like everything we will need to be disaplined to keep it going.

I haven’t seen many cats but i have seen cats out the window of the car and one cat at a restaurant.

The cat I saw out the window was in Airlie Beach. We were just leaving town and it ran across the road into a garden. It was brown with black strips and too quick for us to get a picture.

The next cat was in Mission Beach at a Thai restaurant. Mum says it was a cranky cat because it bit and hissed at me. At first it seemed ok but then Mrs Crankypants cat turned cranky.

She was really pretty though, black, brown and white.

 

 

cats of Australia out😼

Ken found this beaut little spot. We are wanted to do a bit more free camping and in particular try and always find a good free camp on ‘Free Camp Friday’. The drive in had a few interesting points for Goldilocks. It is not recommend for van our size but Ken did an amazing job getting through some narrow passages and we now having 2 ARB tyre deflators and let the 8 tyres down twice as fast. Just need to teach the kids this one and Ken and I can just stay in the cool car. 😉

Arriving close to sunset and with cattle roaming round it was beautiful. It’s a popular spot so we didn’t have it to ourself but it was spacious enough.

No denying we are in croc country now. Signs everywhere with warnings and then a memorial to the fella who was taken while launching his boats here, yep it really happens and happened right here for Neville John Olh. So why are there folk still fishing off the waters edge? I supsose it’s a matter of perspective, we are still more likely to be a road fatality than taken by a croc, but we don’t think twice about jumping in the car. However when it comes to crocs the 3 rules we are working with are, don’t go in the water, near the water or over the water.

Crocs aside the vista was spectacular. Sweeping views across the bay, mangroves, mountains in mist, roaming cattle and vast tidal changes to the landscape making it a most remarkable camp site.

We all enjoyed the change of pace that free camping offers and decided to stay two nights. With no where to go or be it’s a chance to relax and catch up with MORE bits and bobs about the van, spend time with the girls, find firewood, sit around campfires, and the girls love to get their toys out enjoy some creative play.

Free camping is definitely our favorite way to over night and we hope to do more as we make our way to Cape York.

After Fraser we overnighted at Tin Can Bay again, before pushing north. Needing to get a move on and get some kilometers clocked today we past a few places we would like to have stopped at. But we have realized you just cant see everything. Being in school holidays now we have booked ahead and the kids are going to love this one. A Discovery Park with bouncing pillow, water slides, bmx track and more.

With so much at the park to entertain the kids it was a great opportunity for Ken and I to catch up on a few things and after 5 days on Fraser Island washing was top of the list. Unfortunately the weather wasn’t kind, being humid and overcast, getting anything dry was challenging. It felt like I was chasing up and waiting for washing machines and dryers to be finished of free for two entire days. And having put over $20 worth of one dollar coins into the machines. I am certainly glad we have our own matchine in the vans and can avoid using the machines in the caravan parks most of the time. Just the shear volume this time and the weather got the better of our little 2kg washer.

Yeppon is just north of Rockhampton on the Capricorn coast. I was expecting a sleepy little place but not the case. Anything that has a McDonalds, Target, BigW is considered civilization. The Keppel Islands are just off the coast, Great Keppel being the largest and most well known.

We have lost a little momentum on planning and sight seeing but have engrossed ourselves in an audiobook detailing the life and history of Captain James Cook. It’s has gripped both Ken and my interest and has meant we haven’t been blogging or planning much. This contributed to our failing to catch the ferry in time to make it to Great Keppel for the day. We must have looked quiet rediculous turning up an hour late for the only ferry of the day. So disorganized but on the upside, it did provide Llewella with the opportunity to learn a new phase, which she delighted in repeating over and over.

“Oh no, missed boat!”

”Yes love we missed to the boat.”

Epic fail Mum and Dad, and bless her, she reminded us all day and the next day and every time she sees a boat now.

So while in Yeppon we enjoyed a couple of meals in town, a little bit of shopping, a beautiful drive and drone flight at Sandy Point, a bike ride, explored the foreshore with its amazing new lagoo / water park and the water slides in the caravan park were a hit.

Next we are looking to do some free camping. Having been parked under a pretty large tree here it meant we needed to give the solar panels a good clean. With the cloudy days we have been having and free camping ahead of us we are going to need all the solar power we can get.

It was going to be a short travel day today so we stopped along the way to visit the Big Pineapple. Seems it may have seen better days but we still enjoyed our visit. With an ice cream and ride on the little train that takes you through some forest, orchard, and a zoo the kids thought it was great.

Our next stay was at Lansborough Pines Caravan Park. A beautiful setting and well maintained park nestle amoungst trees on a little man made lake it had a lovely rural feel. With goats just along the fence line chickens and a wide variety of water birds there was always something to observe and many distractions for the girls. The goats were a big hit and nicely fattened up after our visit.

Landsborough itself is at the base of the Blackall Ranges. It came to being as a “port of call” for the Cobb and Co coaches stopping for refreshment but became a larger town supporting the early logging industry. Once gold was discovered further north in Gympie it grew even more as the rush for Gold brought larger numbers of people through the region. It was durning this period it was renamed Landsborough after William Landsborough (born in Scotland) the first European explorer to cross Australia north to south.

Our first day was a quiet one around the caravan park, schooling, washing, cleaning, working and playing. The next day we packed a picnic lunch and where making our way to Kondalilla Falls National Park for a picnic and walk. Fortuitously we stopped at Gerrard’s Lookout to take in the views and grab a coffee and it turns out Mr Gerrard not only ownes the property but makes coffee and offers great tourist advice. He whipped out a map and showed us a fabulous circuit to drive and spots to stop. The coffee was good, as was the map and we ended up having a cracker of a day.

 

We did a beautiful walk to the rock pools in the national park. The trees were stunning, views vast and rock pools freezing. You could only dip a toe in briefly before it was burning with cold. It was only 4 km’s with about 150 stairs and there was much complaining from the peanut gallery but they loved it in the end

We decided we had earned afternoon tea so stopped at the Flaxton Barn and had a best lemon meringue pie and Devonshire tea you could hope for. Completely worth the calories!

The rest of the drive was gorgeous. Lush rural landscapes, rolling hills and climbing peaks, bathed in the light of late afternoon.

A stop at Kenilworth treated us to a fun and creative playground. We have come across a number of playgrounds with equipment we’ve never seen before. It’s with great delight that the girls try it out and Ken and I have been known to get in on the action.

It was getting late and the setting sun was casting a lovely light but we weren’t going to make it home before dark so we opted to pop into a German restauant in Maleny for dinner. What a Fantastic place! A family run business only opening two nights a week, with spectacular views of the Glasshouse Mountains. The hostess/owner was so good, making us welcome and really caring for all her customers, it was old fashioned service. The food didn’t disappoint either.

All in all, the day was one that nourished all the senses.

The following day we only ventured out in the afternoon to visit Montville and views of the Glasshouse Mountains, in daylight this time. Beautiful but chilli, the weather has really become cold with a bitterness to it. Mental note, really must press on to the north!

 

That night we stayed in a cabin in the caravan park so that Ken could get an early start and hitch up the van to get it down to Brisbane to have the suspension serviced. Us girls just hung around Landsboroughs cafe’s, playgrounds and the caravan park, on the look our for any cats but none to be found. Folks in the park were very kind offering us shelter and water as the day went on. We must have looked a little strange sitting on our empty camp site with no van and we put on a fabulous show with a massive meltdown over school work. Argh, same shit, different scenery. Still the scenery was lovely and school outdoors beats the alternative, even if it was bitterly cold.

Our last day here was one we had all been anticipating with excitement, a visit to Australia Zoo. And it didn’t disappoint. It really is a wonderful zoo, the animal enclosures are really fabulous for the animals and all day you see animals out and about walking or being walked around the zoo giving you an opportunity to get up close and speak to the keepers.

 

 

The girls both did an animal experience, Charlotte and Ken with dingos and Georgia and I with a couple of wombats. They loved this and it was a great educational experience. Turns out wombats are very stubborn and can be unfriendly so while we learnt a lot there wasn’t the cuddles Georgia was hoping for. The show at the crocoseum was terrific and again educational for us especially as we are heading for croc country in the next few weeks.

We had a full day but didn’t get to do all we would have liked to, the option to do it over two days may have been best, but as always, so grateful to be able to share these experiences at all. The lovely thing is the girls have both been inspired by the message of wildlife conservation which is what Steve and the Irwin family are so passionate about.

The added little bonus was the introduction to Bindi’s series of books, well written, engaging and always have a great message. After three months of reading the same things over and over this is been a breath of fresh air for us all.

There is much more we would have liked to explore around the Sunshine Coast. Striking a balance between work, maintenance and repairs have meant we may just have to visit here again. I’m already looking forward to it. 😉 For now, north to a bit more warmth.

After Byron bay we decided to park up the van and stay in an apartment for four days and explore the city of Brisbane (we couldn’t park the van in the middle of the city because there where no caravan parks.)

We arrived late in the afternoon, dad had to drop off the car so we where all wondering wether he went over the top (which he some times dose).The billiding had 74 stories, and geuss what… we are on the 73!!!!!! I am a tinny baby bit afraid of heights, but the view made up for it all.

On our next day we got up and ready to explore Brisbane. We walked along South Bank and then we dicided to catch river cruise and they had morning tea, yum.

 

Then we went for lunch, on to the museum and shopping for a new out fit. It was such a long day and I just wanted to get home. That night we ordered take away to the room.

The next day we mainly just explored but in the evening we went to…….ALADIN 🧞‍♂️It was amazing the dancing and all.

 

The last day we went to …… ……. DREAMWORLD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So much fun, even if we missed all the scary rides. I really enjoyed the water park.

I loved Brisbane! 😀

 

Lotte out 🦄.

 

We had arrived at Coolum Beach and were unpacking the van when this little kitty cat came to say hello. She was a  friendly cat, as soon as she saw us she came running to us and smooched me. She seemed to have lots to tell me.

I  patted her and she followed me up to the van. I must have turned around to talk to someone or get something from the van and when I looked back, poof, she vanished into the bushes.

cats of Australia out😼