Back into Queensland - almost home

Maryborough

13 - 14 February 2016

We began our journey from Ballina early and intended to find a beachside spot for our overnight stop - maybe on the Sunshine Coast. The weather was against us from the start with dark clouds threatening to burst even as we packed up.

It rained on and off all the way up the highway to Brisbane, with some quite heavy showers. We made our way via the motorways through Brisbane - and the traffic that goes with being in a capital city - and headed for the Sunshine Coast. We had decided to start at Caloundra and see where we ended up. That was our big mistake of the day! The traffic - in the rain - was just horrendous and we were unable to find anywhere to park with the trailer so we ended up just retracing our route back to the motorway. 

We decided that we would keep on driving until we left the rain behind us. Second mistake! It just kept on raining. A night or two at the beach was looking less and less likely. We stopped for a coffee at one of the highway service centres - third mistake - the one we chose was under renovation! One crowded coffee spot and no seating, and still raining.

We continued on our way north and stopped for lunch at another highway service centre at Kybong, not far from Gympie. Our luck had changed. The cheapest fuel we had seen in a long time, a very nice cafe for a tasty meal and a Visitor Information Centre. We obtained some information about a possible destination, but given the weather decided to press on.

We had had enough driving when we arrived in Maryborough - and it was still raining - so we checked into a  motel. This one was a bit more expensive than others in Maryborough but was an excellent choice. There was ample parking for car and trailer right outside the unit, which had a large lounge, separate bedroom and small kitchen. The motel is part of a shopping/tavern/caravan park complex so we had everything we needed within close proximity.

In the morning we decided to drive down to Hervey Bay to have a look around before continuing on our journey north. The weather had improved (well it wasn't raining, but it was starting to get hot) so we stopped to have a look at the small beachside market and have a coffee. Hervey Bay looks like it would be a very nice place to spend a few days, with a number of caravan parks right on the beach.

Yeppoon

14 - 15 February 2016

After having a look at Hervey Bay, we drove back to the highway and headed for Yeppoon. The weather was heating up so we were looking for somewhere to cool off. We drove down to have a look at Keppel Sands, but decided to continue on to Yeppoon. We found a caravan park a few kilometres from Yeppoon and checked into a cabin - and spent some time in the pool. 

In the morning we headed into the shops for some supplies and made a fairly late start back on the highway. As we travelled closer to home the temperature was heading for the mid-thirties so we were again looking for somewhere to cool off.

Airlie Beach

15 - 17 February 2016

We had been told about a nice caravan park at Cape Palmerston, near Ilbilbie so we went to have a look. It did look nice, but without a pool or being able to swim at the beach (it was stinger season) we decided to press on again. We both agreed a couple of days in a cabin at Airlie Beach would suit us nicely to finish our holiday. We returned to a caravan park we had stayed at when our girls were little. Lots of trees (and birds) and a nice cool swimming pool. 

We felt a rest day would be a good idea before returning home and tackling all the unpacking and sorting that we knew would take a while - not to mention the heat! We visited the shops in Airlie Beach, swam in the pool and had dinner at the nearby pub. We did drive over to Shute Harbour for a look but were very disappointed to find you have to pay to park - minimum $2.50 (for 2 hours). We only wanted to stay for a few minutes so declined the opportunity to contribute to council revenue. You do have to pay also to park in Airlie Beach, but you get access to all the shops, eateries, beach and swimming lagoon so the $2 fee for 2 hours is much better value.

On Wednesday morning we packed and set off - somewhat reluctantly - on the final leg of our journey.

Townsville - Home

17 February 2016

After a stop for coffee in Home Hill, and op shop in Ayr, we arrived home around lunchtime to 36 degree heat. The unpacking and sorting would have to be done in small stages.

The stats:

• just over 19 weeks on the road (including 7 weeks in Tasmania)
• 5 states - Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania
• 1 territory - Australian Capital Territory
• around 19 400 kilometres
• stayed in 11 National (and Conservation) Parks - Cape Hillsborough, Lamington (Qld), Cattai, Capertee, Wollemi, Wombeyan Caves, Ben Boyd (NSW), Hattah-Kulkyne (Vic), Coorong, Coffin Bay (SA), Booderee (ACT)
• we stayed in the camper trailer in caravan parks, National Parks and campgrounds, in cottages, cabins, an apartment and the homes of family and friends
• visited 12 other National (and Conservation) Parks - Tamborine (Qld), Bundjalung, Murray Valley (NSW), Warren (Gorge), Little Dip, Lake Gilles (SA), Grampians (Vic), Bay of Fires, Freycinet, South West, Mount Field Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair, Bruny Island (Tas)
• wandered through 3 Botanical Gardens - Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden (Port Augusta - SA), Tasmanian Arboretum (Eugenana - Tas), Booderee Botanic Gardens (Booderee NP - ACT)
• crossed the water on 5 car ferries - Narrung Ferry (The Narrows - where Lake Alexandrina and Lake Albert meet - SA), Spirit of Tasmania (Bass Strait, Melbourne (Vic) to Devonport (Tas) and return, Fatman Barge (Pieman River, Corinna - Tas), Bruny Island Ferry (Kettering to Bruny Island and return - Tas), Burns Point Ferry (Richmond River, South Ballina to Ballina, NSW)
• Mick saw 20 new birds and photographed many

Travelling through New South Wales (and a little bit of ACT)

Ben Boyd National Park - Bittangabee Campground

5 - 7 February 2016

We left Marlo and drove back along the road towards Cape Conron for another look for birds at the boat ramp. Mick did manage to get a few photos before we set off again to the Princes Highway via Cabbage Tree. Once on the highway we stopped for coffee (and a poke around in the "relic" shop) at Cann River before driving on into New South Wales. We stopped for lunch at  a lovely picnic area at Wallagaraugh River. There were a number of rest stops along the way, but I think this was the best one.

We had booked our next camp online - NSW had recently changed their National Parks booking system (and updated their prices) to an online system for most parks. It was so much easier when you could just register and pay when you arrived. We booked two nights at Bittangabee Campground based on reviews we had read, and we found it to be a very nice campground. There were lots of people there, but it wasn't really crowded.

Spotted Quail-thrush is a bird I've only seen twice. I was lucky to get a shot before it disappeared into the thick bush.

Wonga Pigeons were common around the camp.

The beach was a short walk from our camp.

There are a number of walks from the campground ranging from a few minutes down to the very sheltered beach, to the serious "Light to Light" walk which is a three day hike. We explored the area while we were there, including a drive out to the Green Cape Lighthouse. This is a lovely spot, and worth the drive.

A Yellow-faced Honeyeater on the walk to the lighthouse.

Great Cormorants on the tip of the cape.

Stunning views from Green Cape.

There was lots of wildlife in and around the campground including very big goannas, kangaroos and possums who visited at night to feast on the packet of biscuits we had forgotten to put away. We should have known better - we did remember to put the rubbish bag away.

We enjoyed good weather while at Ben Boyd and set off up this highway again, bound for Booderee National Park.

Huskisson 

7 - 8 February 2016

We drove back the 18 or so kilometres of rough unsealed road to the Princes Highway and on through Eden, stopping at Pambula for coffee. We made it into Narooma for lunch and some shopping, then on towards Jervis Bay and Booderee National Park. We hadn't booked as we didn't have internet access at Ben Boyd, and couldn't get into the booking system in the phone while travelling.

Sooty Oystercatcher.

Eastern Curlew in afternoon light.

We had decided to call into the park visitor centre and organise a campsite then. We arrived at the manned park entrance and said we just wanted to check in with the visitor centre about camping only to be told it was not open - even though it was before the advertised closing time. The young lady manning the booth suggested that the reason we couldn't get into the booking system could be that they were fully booked. She suggested we could try Huskisson.

The beach at Huskisson.

Creek mouth at Huskisson.

Paddleboarder

This scruffy looking square-tailed Kite was seen hawking above the trees surrounding the park.

We found our way to a caravan park right on the beach for the night. The beach is beautiful and we decided that this would be a nice place to spend some time - but we would move on. We booked online to stay at Booderee National Park. In the morning, after returning to the beach we drove into town for supplies and then drove the short distance back to Booderee.


Booderee National Park - Green Patch Campground

8 - 10 February 2016

It was only a short drive back to Booderee National Park, and after our poor experience the previous evening we were very pleasantly surprised. Booderee is actually part of the ACT - even though it is on the south coast of NSW. It is part of Jervis Bay. We pulled up at the park entry booth and were told that our camp fee included park entry, and that we should call in at the Visitor Centre to let them know we had arrived. We were greeted warmly and we advised that we might want to stay two nights - no problem, they would book us on for an extra night, just call in tomorrow and let them know if we decided to stay.

This Echidna was at the visitors centre car park.

We watched Dolphins fishing after lunch as we waited for our camp site.

We drove down to the campground, but as it was still early, the previous occupants of our site were still packing up so we drove down to the boat ramp at Murrays Beach for lunch. Back to the campground to set up, it was an easy decision to stay an extra day.

A young roo has a feed in front of our camp.

Our humble home away from home.

This National Park is almost perfect - the roads are mostly sealed, and even the unsealed ones are pretty good, there are toilets and hot (timed) showers, and when booking online you can see a photo of the site, with description, including dimensions. There are BBQs and the beach is only 200 metres from the campground. There are also a number of interesting spots a short drive away (all less than 10 kilometres) as well as lots of short walks. Oh, and Botanic Gardens!

Christie surprised this little Antechinus in the loo.

The Eastern Bristlebird is endangered and usually quite secretive. This is a great place to see them.

White-throated Needletail over the camp.

Booderee National Park is owned and jointly managed by the Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community and is place of significance for all Koori people. It was very special to be able to visit and stay in such a place.

A family of Eastern Yellow Robins at the Botanic Gardens.

This was a really nice spot to spend a couple of days and we could have stayed longer if we could have been more flexible with our time. In addition to the obligatory bird photography sessions - at the Cape St George Lighthouse and Botanic Gardens, we also enjoyed a couple of swims at the beach that is only about 200 metres from the campground. From the beach we were entertained by Australian Navy vessels engaged in some sort of exercise involving personnel boarding a small boat from a helicopter - perhaps in preparation for "turning back the boats"? The weather was beautiful - if a little hot - and this is definitely on our list of favourites now.

I won't comment on operational matters! HMAS Adelaide, amphibious assault ship.

HMAS Anzac, helicopter frigate.

We loved the cool clear water and clean white sand, perfect on a hot day!

After enjoying a real holiday feel on the south coast of NSW it was time to tackle the Sydney traffic on our way north - something we weren't looking forward to at all.


Harrington (near Taree)

10 - 11 February 2016

Even though I learned to drive in Sydney, I wasn't at all keen on driving through but it had to be done. To my surprise it wasn't as hard as I had thought. Once we left the Princes Highway near Wollongong and headed for the Hume Motorway, it was an easy trip from one motorway to the next until we reached Pennant Hills Road and then onto the Pacific Motorway. The hardest part was not being able to stop!

The motorways make for an easy drive, but you do miss out on visiting many smaller towns - but we didn't take the detours as we were now on a bit of a short timeline for returning home. We aimed for the central coast, and made it all the way to Harrington, just past Taree. We settled into a caravan park on the lagoon, and went for a walk through the forest to have a look at the water. It was a nice spot to stay - except for the sandflies. We were both bitten extensively.

We did go down to the local pub for dinner with a fabulous view of the water (lagoon and glimpses of the beach beyond) and the setting sun. It was a nice end to a long and tiring day.

In the morning we set off north again, bound for Yamba.


Yamba

11 - 12 February 2016

When we drove south at the start of this trip, we stayed at Iluka, so this time we decided to stay at Yamba, on the other side of the river. Most of the drive was on motorway, but there were roadworks most of the way which slowed us down considerably.

We arrived at Yamba late in the afternoon and chose a caravan park "resort" on the river. This one can justifiably call itself a resort, We had an ensuite site (quite a treat) and there were a number of great facilities - a TV room, bar (including swim-up), several swimming pools, and a cafe where we enjoyed a casual dinner after a swim. Another place we would be happy to return to.

The Clarence River at Yamba.

Low tide on the river.

The caravan park is right on the river.

Because we planned on only a short drive to Ballina, we set off into town in the morning for a spot of shopping. A couple of op-shops, a nice cafe, a second-hand shop and a shop selling records as well as a camping goods store and small hardware shop kept us busy until it was time to check out and head up the road.


Ballina

12 - 13 February 2016

Because we didn't have far to go we had the luxury of being able to have a look at a couple of caravan parks before deciding where to stay. We started in South Ballina and had a look around but decided to check over the river. Well, the GPS showed a bridge - silly us believed it - and it turned out to be a ferry. Of course there is a bridge on the highway, but this ferry provided a significant short cut - at $11 for the car and camper trailer.

We found a small and friendly caravan park at the end of the main street, but had real trouble getting the camper trailer onto the small site. Eventually the manager suggested we could use two sites - as had most other caravans. Maybe they need to reorganise their sites - and roads which are narrow and end in dead ends - quite a challenge when you are towing!

We made contact with Mick's friend Jo who we visited last time in Lennox Head and arranged to visit again. We ventured down to one of a number of river beaches for a quick swim then went over to Jo's for a cuppa and chat. Mick was keen to re-visit Flat Rock (a favourite bird spot) so Jo and her dog Kip came down with us. Mick was happy to get some good shots.

Little Tern at Flat Rock.

A new bird for me... Wandering Tattler.

We managed an early start in the morning, ready to tackle the Brisbane traffic. We realised this would be out fifth capital city of the trip.

On our way home - Victoria

1 February 2016

We were to leave Tasmania on 31 January, but a check of the weather forecast for Bass Strait indicated a rough crossing was almost certain. The forecast for 1 February was much more benign so we changed our booking. We didn't mind having an extra day with family and friends.

Some pics of sea birds mid crossing showing how calm it was.

You can see why they are called Shearwaters.

Probably a Short-tailed Shearwater.

As predicted the day crossing was very calm and we arrived in Melbourne ready to tackle the traffic on the way to our motel in Brunswick. I hate driving in traffic, and Melbourne has the added bonus of trams and funny hook turns - you certainly have to keep your wits about you, but at least we didn't get lost! Our motel was around the corner from a number of eateries, and we chose the pub for a hearty meal and a drink.

Healesville

2 - 3 February 2016

In the morning we headed off along Sydney Road towards Craigieburn and beyond to pick up the camper trailer. Again we had to contend with the trams, but managed to get out of the city without too much trouble. We collected the camper trailer and set off for Healesville. We arrived just on lunchtime so had lunch in town before making our way to the caravan park which was in a nice location on a creek a few kilometres away.

We managed to get the camper set up without too much difficulty - even after seven weeks away. We drove back into town to collect supplies. After a quite hot day the inevitable happened - it rained overnight and was still raining in the morning when it was time to pack up. We made use of the raincoats we had been carrying around with us for months and broke camp in the wet. 

Our aim was to get to Lakes Entrance, but the forecast suggested there was more rain to come.

Marlo (East Gippsland)

3 - 5 February 2016

As we thought, the rain persisted all throughout the day. We just kept on driving, stopping to eat sandwiches in the car along the way. We reached Lakes Entrance and decided we could keep going a little further - perhaps Orbost or Marlo. Driving into Orbost we decided we could get to Marlo - and we were glad we did. Marlo is on the Snowy River Estuary and is a lovely little spot.

Pilotbirds were surprisingly common in the thick coastal heath.

After more overnight rain, we spent the day exploring the area after stocking up  (and visiting Op-shops) in Orbost. Under blue skies, we visited Salmon Rocks, West Cape and East Cape, Frenches Narrows as well as a couple of other spots on the Snowy River Estuary Walk.

Red Wattlebirds fed in the caravan park trees along with Purple-crowned Lorikeets and Little Wattlebirds.

A Black-shouldered Kite on the way to Marlo.

We headed off early next morning, bound for New South Wales.