noosa to brisbane

noosaville-river

noosa spit kite boarding

guess who-moolooba

ettamogah pub

Well we have come to the last blog before Xmas and the New Year. I have lost track of what day we did what but we are now in the Blackall Ranges-Glass House Mountains- Friday 2nd Dec. Spent 4 nights in Noosa had a fabulous time there and the weather has still been perfect which makes it all even better. Took a visit into Noosa and onto the spit as well as we could see kite boarding in the distance, lot's of them so went and had a look as that is what Aaron does. It was a very sheltered spot and quite shallow that's why so many were there. A very touristy spot is Noosa itself but certainly worth a visit, we liked it all around there. Spent some time checking out Noosaville and the Noosa River as well. On the last day took a drive along the east coast to check out the beaches starting at Sunshine Beach and working our way down as far as Moolooba returning via the Ettamogah Pub for a well deserved beer!!! After Noosa travelled onto Maleny showgrounds were we could camp for only $15 including power, showers etc. Maleny is in the Glass House Mountains absolutely beautiful here. It's also part of the Hinterland. We have done a trip all around this area, into Montville,Mapleton,Flaxton and Kenilworth.  Great little villages, beautiful cottage gardens, Ian reckons it is hippiesville  . Bio dynamic bananas not bio organic according to Ian and organic fruit bread made with love which i must add we bought and it was really nice bread!!! This is our last day here we leave for Brisbane in the morning so we are going to a cafe tonight to watch some local talent for entertainment and have tea. We wish all our dear friends and family a very happy Xmas and new year all stay safe may try and send something from NZ love Sue and Ian xxx

burrum heads to noosa heads



such is life at burrum heads



catch of the day, at least some fire wood

rainbow beach

Sat. 13th Nov. In Burrum Heads and the first port of call was to ring my Dad for his birthday especially as he is recuperating from a major operation. We both love it in Burrum Heads. A fairly quiet spot in a council campsite so very laid back caught up with cleaning the car and the caravan. Most places won't let you do anything like that. For the most part the week was spent fishing, Lot's of walks along the beach. Didn't have that much success in the fishing department Ian caught around 4 moses perch which are nice eating fish. On the Monday we did venture into Hervey Bay to have a look around catch up on some shopping all the boring stuff. Hervey Bay does have beautiful beaches and a nice esplanade but neither Ian or myself didn't like the place,just another city and was glad to get back to our quiet place . Wednesday at Burrum Heads bowl's club they do a Chinese meal there for $10ea so we decided to partake and support the local club and Ian signed up to play a social game that same evening and lost by 1 at the last end. A good evening, good to talk to new people. It was very much like night owls, players of all ages and a warm balmy evening. Weather has been so kind every day 30degrees and not a lot of humidity certainly can't complain and nobody would listen anyway!!! Anyway after a great week  we moved on to Inskip Point which is a park not far from Rainbow Beach. Once again a magnificent location we managed to set up in the last place that was vacant  right on the beach front. This place is like a national park very popular and only $10.30 a night to stay. So many move in here for weekend camping coming up from the city to chill out. We have realised though to keep doing the off road stuff we must invest in some more equipment to make life a bit easier and keep everything running. Trying to keep the car and caravan charged up, whilst in Brisbane Ian will have a look at a few things. He's been talking to plenty of people on the road to get ideas definitely solar panel's of some sort and there's a few other bit's that we will sort out once in Brisbane. This park overlooks Fraser Is. beautiful scenery and the barge leave's just along the beach a little way. To catch the barge it's a mere $100 for a car only and then you need a permit to drive on the beach which was $15.50 for the day or $40 per.month. We decided to pass this time and Ian wasn't keen on getting the car all covered in sand underneath. Whilst here we toured around Rainbow Beach took the walk along Rainbow Beach for a couple of hours to see the coloured sands in the sand dunes. That was great, also went into Tin Can Bay but didn't stay that long there just another fishing village and the tied was along way out so not a great deal happening. Another piece of scenery that was so worthwhile to visit was a place called Carlos Sandblow. This is a bit like a big dip in a huge sand dune. The wind has eroded this area away but this place has great thermals and is high up so quite a few enthusiasts jump of the edge the do hang gliding, paragliding etc. Left Inskip Point this morning and have settled in a caravan park in Noosa/Tewantin. Tomorrow setting of for the Eumundi markets then who know's. There's plenty to see around here had a look at the Noosa River as it was on the way to Woolworth's!!! See what tomorrow brings. The blog's will wind down over Xmas as we will be in Brisbane house sitting my sister's house whilst her family head's to Bali for a holiday. That will give us a chance to catch up with some repairs to the caravan, Ian needs some repairs to his leg. There's other bit's and pieces that need to be done. Jason arrives on the 20th Dec. to call in for a visit at Karen and Scott's. Be good to see him before Xmas. Hope this finds all our friends and family well and happy and is everyone ready for the festive season hurray!!! We have cancelled facebook now never used it much Love to all Sue and Ian xxoo

Boyne Is to Burrum Heads

the town of 1770

bundy b bear's birthday

a few headaches here

burrum heads

Thurs.10th Nov.Had planned to stay around Boyne Is but had a change of plan's as caravan park fees are very steep in this part of the country  ($30 per night) also no weekly rates. Not a lot of freebies either. Anyway decided to get the trusty camps 5 book out which certainly has come in very useful and found a place called The Bradley Wolfe Braeve Heart park which run as a charity set on 20acres of land in the Hinterland near The Town of 1770 and Agnes Water's. Here we only had to pay $11 non power or $15 with power with toilet's and showers. A beautiful spot. Spent the afternoon walking along the beach at Agnes Waters and going for a swim-weather has been perfect. This is a great place to visit.
Friday 11th Nov. set of early for the township of Bundaberg and did a rum tour. The distillery was first started in 1888 with an abundance of molasses left over from the production of sugar cane. This was a very interesting tour and we finished of the morning in their bar sampling some of the wares. right up ians alley. A really good morning and the tour is worth doing if you are ever up this way. From there had lunch in another top spot Bargara, visited Coral Cove and surrounding beaches. Went into Bundaberg and had a look around before making our way back as this was a fairly long trip 150kms both way's.
Sat 12th Nov. Woke up this morning at 4.55am as no daylight saving here and the birds are tweeting,looked at the map and decided to head for Burrum Heads. Arriving at about 2pm ,and set up camp,went for a wonder, great place and have booked for the week,will keep you posted on progress, love ian

photo album Winton-Longreach



arno's wall-winton




winton truck museum




musical fence-winton




road train-53mts plus




qantas founder's museum



747 cockpit



first qantas 707 jet plane




how times have changed!!!



stockman's hall of fame-Longreach



original building-Longreach




train station-Longreach



Mt Isa to Boyne Is

Set up camp and headed into the township. For those that have never visited the mine it is literally right on the back door step!!! Not sure i fancy that on a permanent basis. Booked our mine tour for the next day which also included the Riversleigh Fossil Museum and the Isa Experiance and Outback park. Both of which were very interesting.Bill our tour guide showed us through and was very passionate about being a miner. He took a payout at the age of 54yrs. and was a miner for 33yrs. Loved his job, and told us he wishes he was younger as he would like to go back. Now does the tours works for 6months has the rest of the year of.  Left the Isa and made our way along the Barkley Highway and for our overnight spot at Corella Dam and Clem Walton Park. Once again recommended (no power) a great spot alongside a river very peaceful.Sat. 5th Nov. onto Winton which Grant Denyer had spoken a lot about on Sunrise.Well known area for fossils and Dinosaurs. Not a sole around it was a bit like a ghost town. Had a swim at the local pool as weather was hot we just parked out the back of an old pub. Was actually going to have a pub meal there to support the hotel but it was also strange. They didn,t have a cook,  Ian and i offered our services but i don't think they thought we were serious. Found out later pub had been sold and the new owners were just waiting on their liquour license. Two Phillipine ladies owned the pub and ran it to the ground. Everything we wanted to do was closed from the 27th Oct. and not opening until April next year.The major attraction of dinosaurers was closed due to rennovations. Sun 6th Nov. Ian wanted to have a look at truck museum and the musical fence in the morning and onto Longreach.This place is known for the Qantas founders museum.If anyone is up this way really worth a visit. Stockman's Hall of Fame  you can visit as well which we decided not to do, that maybe if we ever go back that way again. Had plenty of museum's for a while but the Qantas one brlliant. Also these things are not cheap the Qantas tour was $90 a couple and Stockman's $52 a couple. We had a full guided tour of a 747 jumbo and the 707 first jet plane bought for Australia from America and after that Australia bought another 11of the 707 planes and John Travolta has number 13( 707 plane). for his own private use he also has his own runway. Found it so interesting took a pass out and went back to finish the museum the next morning. Mon. 7th Nov. Spent morning at Qantas and decided to leave Longreach after lunch. Our campsite was a dust bowl not a lot of shade it was hot we decided to leave. Travelled 200kms down the road to a place called Jerico just the other side of Barcaldine great spot along side a creek (much better). Ian was able to do some fishing before tea and caught a big one just before it got to dark. Ian said this morning right let's go and so we did travelling towards the coast i think we were both fed up with the outback for a bit. Now after a fairly big haul we are south of Gladstone at a place called Boyne Is. There is lot's of work here as well. Hope to be here in this general area for about 1 week see what happens. That's all for now to let all our friends know especially in NZ we have booked our trip back to Auckland leaving Brisbane on the 29th Dec. for 3 weeks.No point going up to Jason to early it will still be the wet season.

king's canyon to mt isa



KINGS CANYON




GARDEN OF EDEN , KINGS CANYON




KINGS CANYON




OUR FREE CAMPS SPOT NEXT TO THE BILLABONG




DO I NEED TO SAY ANYTHING ???




THE GREAT WHITE HUNTER



king's canyon to mt isa



a tourist and alec , who is who ??

 Wed Oct 26th made our way to King's Creek Station.Once again had a major storm half hour after we had set up. Never seen a black sky quite like it so much so that Ian tried to take a photo but i don't think you can picture it unless you see it for yourselves.It just meant we had a siesta that afternoon as we really couldn't do anything else.It bucketed down with rain and during the night as well. So we left early the next day to get an early start before it got to hot for King's Canyon. What can i say if you are ever up that way don't miss it absolutely spectacular views. We did the 6kms circuit walk of the canyon and plateau. Scenery just magic. Had lunch at Kathleen Springs just down the road but i certainly wouldn't be swimming in them!! Another storm during the night and it rained. Made our way onto Alice Springs arriving in the afternoon and it was certainly time to get supplies and catch up a bit. Nice caravan park with a swimming pool just as well as it was plenty warm enough.Ian did the honours. Ian took me around Alice Springs as he has been here before a few years back but still remembers it like yesterday. He was here approx. 32 yrs ago with Geoff Pine. He purchased a you bute Akubra hat - sales lady fabulous!!!.Wandered around the town and mall then onto Alice Springs School of the Air. Would you believe a family that was on the film that was being shown attended St. Peter's Boy's. I recognized him straight away.School of the Air was the first of it's kind in the world and established on the 8th June 1951.They have the largest classroom in the world 1,300,000sq kms or 521,000sq miles.10 times the size of England.Children are enroled in pre-school at 4 1/2 yrs old they offer school until the kids turn 14 yrs old and then they have to go to boarding school or school by correnspondence. Most years the enrolement is 120 students and that usually remains constant. The students get together 4 times a year to meet each other with their families. The school provides all of the satellite and computer equipment needed for each family which can be anywhere betweent $10,000 to $15,000 fully installed. All equipment must be returned when finished with and there is always technicians available to assist with problems. So interesting to visit. Next we visited the first overland telegraph station established in 1871 which is next to the Todd River.  It was Sir Charles Todd that esablished the overland telegraph station connecting Adelaide to Darwin (north and south of Australia) and it took him just 2 yrs to do so. His wife Alice had Alice Springs named after her also. Came across a tour guide named Alec who was a half cast aboriginal who i could of listened to all afternoon. He was so interesting and part of the "stolen generation". What a nice man, he was very grateful that someone had taken him and gave him a life. His mother was 14 yrs old at the time and couldn't take care of him, in the aboriginal community, his father was from Scotland and 120 kids were taken and raised some of the time at the telegraph station with the help of missioneries. Back then nobody wanted half cast children. The men were working on the telegraph line. From there onto Anzac Hill.
Sun Oct 30th made our way to west MacDonnell Ranges. Set up camp at Orminston Gorge. Visited the gorge and waterhole. Then did the lookout as well. Once again weather came in during the afternoon so bad it settled in and did the same all night, cold as well. We got worried that we wouldn't be able to get out of the ranges so we were up early and Ian said let's head north fed up with the weather.The storms seem to be following us around. So away we went Alice Springs and 1230kms later stopping on the way at Devil's Marbles overnight and Camooweel for 2 nights, now at Mt Isa  .As anyone who has been up this way before there just isn't much in between and we did travel through a few fires started by probably lightening. We enjoyed our stop there along side the Georgina River( recommended to us by somebody)a billabong full of wild life birds etc and Ian did some fishing. Caught 8 fish we did google them to make sure of what they were. A Barcoo Grunter also known as jade perch. Really nice eating fish a freshwater fish. Still have some in the freezer, Ian just used bacon rind for bait, he was excited, had a good day good to break up the travelling. Now from here there is plenty to see along the Barkley Highway. Tomorrow we booked a mine tour of Mt.Isa mines then move on from here there is not much else here but plenty of work.

coober pedy to ayers rock



waiting for sunset, any excuse will do




sunrise



the olgas

Sat Oct. 22nd. Left Coober Pedy and heading north. Drove all day stopped at Marla on the way and reached Kulgera which is the first port of call in the NT. Nice place considering it's in the middle of nowhere. Only $20 per night for power and water which is unusal for up here. Would you believe it rained overnight and we had a storm. The rain seems to follow us. Kulgera onto Ayer's Rock arriving here in the afternoon with suspected storm's but a nice 32 degrees and a swimming pool. We are staying in the Yulara Resort which is really the only place to stay. You need power to run the air conditioner as the van gets warm but i'm not complaining. Went to the cultural centre first which they reccommend and then onto the Olga's. Walked 7.4kms full circuit to the Valley of the Winds and then onto a 2.6kms walk into Walpa Gorge after that effort returned home to have a swim only to find it had been taken over by a mob of screaming 15 yr old girls from an exclusive school in Melbourne. Heading out to the rock with a glass of wine to watch the sunset but not sure on our chances as it has been very cloudy in the afternoon's and stormy. No not much success will try again tonight if no go get up early to see the sunrise. Today headed out early to meet up with a park ranger who does a commentry and walk at Ayers Rock. The rock is the world's largest monolith and rears 348m above the Mulga Plains and it's made up of sandstone. We had been reccommended to do that by a couple we met last night. Well worth it and then we left that and did the 9.4kms around the base of the rock.Not much success at evening sunset at rock so got up early to see it rise for 6.05am with all the other tourists i've never seen so many coaches!!! Headed on to Kings Canyon in the morning as we were up early.

more pictures Port Augusta to Coober Pedy

road from Woomera to Roxby very exciting

Oonadatta track

flying into William Creek

what else do we have to say

sue underground mine

Port Augusta to Coober Pedy

woomera

the big fella in coward springs

Left Pt Augusta Oct. 16th (Sun) after visiting the flea market on our way out headed for Pimba which wasn't many kms up the road.Caught up with Mark for a beer at the Pimba roadhouse known as Spud's as he was driving through to Roxby for the week. Stayed there a night behind the Pimba roadhouse and had a drink in the pub there so Ian could watch the big rugby game and see the Wallabies loose.Then we set off for Woomera and looked around the rockets etc very interesting i used to go there a lot with mum and dad as a kid to visit friends so it was a bit like visiting the twilight zone as nothing much has changed except it's so quiet not much happening. There is a population of 150 now did used to be a very busy town. Bought back a few memories. Anyway now onto Roxby Downs a population of 4,500. A very modern town in the middle of nowhere. From there headed to Andamooka for lunch and i have to say what a shit hole. Looks like somebody got all there old sheets of iron and dumped it of. Went back to Roxby and was going to have a drink with Mark but couldn't get a decent place to stay so rang him to say we were heading off. They have a caravan park and charge top dollar $30non powered and $43 powered. The rest areas seemed to be non existent and didn't feel safe so we headed for Coward Springs. Quite a long trip that afternoon on a dirt road called the Boorfield Highway onto the Oonadatta Track. We did check road conditions before we headed off to make sure safe. All good when we arrived our big mirror in the bathroom had fallen of the wall with the vibrations of the road. Mind you the mirror we thought was to big and too heavy for a caravan. The corners broke but everything else in tac. Heading to a glazier to get glass cut and Ian is going to glue and screw back on. Back with some more blog soon and will continue we are moving camp spots. Coward Springs is a oasis in the middle of the desert it is continually being filled by the Great Artisian Basin. The water temperature is a constant 28degrees all year round. This place was founded by the people building the first Ghan Railway. It  was one of many  stopping spot's for the old Ghan Railway followed on by the Oonadatta track. It had the  pool to cool off and years ago did have a pub which no longer exists. A very beautiful place. Leaving Coward Springs to make our way to William Creek which was 80kms up the Oonadatta track and took us a good few hours with the van. Booked a flight over Lake Eyre which was so worth the $250 for an hours flight. Lake Eyre has been the driest in Aussie and rarely recieving 120mls a year. It is the largest lake in Aust. at 9,300sq kms and is also the lowest land in Aust. at 15m below sea level for those who are interested in a bit information. For the last 3 years the lake has had water in it prior to that it was 1974. The water is now quickly receding. Gives you a much better  idea of how big it actually is although you still really only see a small area. Onwards to Coober Pedy and what a shit road, worse than the last one but i'm glad we didn't leave it a day later as we have had rain here which would of made things interesting in the middle of no where. Been here for 2 day's, oldest and best known opal town in Australia as well as the world's largest opal producing centre. Very interesting with the mines, noodling for opal and the many dugout's(ie living) as the temp's often exceed 50dgrees c. Coober Pedy in Aboriginal dialect means white fellows burrow and that is what the place certainly looks like. Also visited 3 churches that were under ground very different.It was nice to meet up with Mark's Auntie and Uncle who are teacher's here and had a lovely evening with them in their dug out . Now heading to Ayer's Rock in the morning now getting into the long haul's. Diesel running at around 166.9lit. for those interested. Stayed tuned. 

Coffin Bay to Pt Augusta



elliston sculpture walk

colton bakery

perlubie beach (streaky bay)

catch of the day

pildappa rock (wave rock)

 Left Elliston still weather is not very exciting,cold wind. Stopped on the way at Colton to buy wood oven bread reccommended to stop by some kiwi people we met in Coffin Bay. What an amazing stop, an honesty box to put money in, a very little old church with slide windows and you pick your wares. Then onto Venus Bay for a great walk along the top of cliffs. Along the way saw dolphins follicking in the surf. The coast line along that part of the world is amazing. Drove through to Streaky Bay , needed some money and Sue forgot her pin number. Ian thought that was a blessing but will have to get it sorted once in Pt Augusta. Anyway we are happy in a beautiful place called Perlubie Bay a find out of the camp 5 book. This is another non caravan park we really like these and this one is free and includes a toilet and water. The van does really well free standing we have everything we need except something to charge the lap top which we are looking in to today. Met someone yesterday and they charge theirs up from the car as they travel along. Met a lovely couple that have been on the road for 14months sold everything up and had a big 5th wheeler. They were from Brisbane and gave us some great places to stay ready for our trip into Brisbane. Also other places along the coast north of Brisbane. This site is right on the beach and at long last some nice weather. Decided to spend another day here and going fishing on the Streaky Bay jetty. Ian with his rod and me with a hand line. What a top afternoon Sue caught 8 fish and Ian 2. Nothing like rubbing it in. We had 8 trevallis and 2 good size tommies. Bought some oysters on the way home  for kilpatrick on the bbq. We had an entree, followed by our catch and coleslaw what more could you want. Happy hour with other campers and found out all the gossip. We also have 2 girls here from Holland touring around only 27 yrs old had never had an oyster before.The atmosphere it much more relaxed in these non caravan parks. Leaving Perlubie Beach behind and heading east back to Pt Augusta ready to travel north. Ian found a spot in the Gawler Rangers Nat park 15kms from Minnipa. This is Pildappa Rocks a beautiful spot free camping again with toilets. This is an amazing granite rock and normally would probably drive straight pass. Another couple in a camper trailer also pulled up so just us for happy hour and a camp fire. We had this place all to ourselves. Now back in Port Augusta a caravan park for a couple of days then moving to another park that only costs $5 per night. Ian's got a few job's to fix on van after a couple of dirt roads. (not too bad dirt roads). Had a water leak as well. Anyway doing all these jobs before we head off and get more food supplies as it's not too badly priced here and alcohol supplies!!!Also there's a big rugby game on Sunday that Ian want's to see Wallabies v All Blacks.

some more photos to look at

avoid bay

tom kruze's truck, pt augusta

maykvie diva port lincon

locals at yangie bay, coffin bay national park

4wd along seven mile beach , coffin bay national park