Mareeba to Cairns plus pictures

Charters Towers

Sun13th Jan.- Still in Mareeba will be leaving here tomorrow morning as we have done all the touristy things. Yesterday looked around the township of Mareeba and there was markets in their Centenary Park that we wondered amongest, bought a few vegetables and more importantly some lemons for my gin!! Once we had finished there went onto check out Coffee Works and the Golden Drop Mangoe winery. Didn't think we would purchase anything there as we both thought not sure about mangoes in a wine as much as i like to eat them. Ian doesn't. We were both nicely surprised and one on one tasting's as there aren't many people around, as we left a bus had just pulled up.Bought a bottle of wine and a bottle of lime liqueur(to add to my gin also nice in a bottle of Corona).Certainly worth a visit. In the afternoon went for a swim to Emerald Fall's had a swim in the creek.Still very warm here 34degrees,36 tomorrow. Today went into Kuranda for a look around although as i said previously we have been there before with our 2 boy's. Visited Wright's lookout which took in a view of Cairns,Baron Fall's-great view,Kuranda railway,Onto Jenno's now.

Bowen to Cairns

Bowen to Cairns Well believe it or not we are on the move again after spending 12 months in Bowen working and enjoying the life there. Have now met some amazing life long friends and shared some great times with them all. Staying at the Queen's Beach tourist village was just the best and we would highly reccommend it if ever you are in Northern Queensland. Ian and i ended up managing the park for 4 weeks just before we left as the permanent managers went home to Brisbane for Xmas. Really enjoyed the new experiance and gives us something else we can do whilst travelling.Left Bowen Friday 5th Jan. and headed inland towards Charters Tower's being our first port of call. Went straight to the top tourist caravan park as rather warm and we were able to run the air conditioner although now Ian has bought a generator so we can actually run it when free camping if of course we are allowed some places don't. Charters Tower's today is the busy centre of a cattle and fruit growing district. In the 1890's it was a wealthy city and a population around 30,000 people due to a mining rush of gold. It's one of the few town's that has survived over the years once the gold rush ended. Charters Tower's has very elegant built buildings and during the rush even a stock exchange was opened 24/7 and many of the building's are now heritage listed. Also played a major role during second world war many Australians and United States servicemen stationed there. Next we made our way to the Undara Lava Tubes which is part of the Undara Volcanic National Park 275kms south west of Cairns. These are the most extensive series of lava tubes in the world. These strange landforms were created 190,000 years ago when a volcanic eruption sent sheets of lava flowing across the land for a distance of 160kms.The outer layers cooled rapidly and solidified but underneath hot streams of molten lava continued to flow.These eventually drained leaving behind Undara's long tunnel shaped rock cavities. Another great place to visit and stay. Ian and I were told we could get a job there if we wished ready for the new tourist season which start's in April. Wouldn't mind it would be a great place to work for the season and the people are really nice they employ around 35 every season. Climate fabulous as well. As it's not a busy time our tour guide who also own's the resort, spent 3 hours showing us around instead of the usual 2hrs in peak season.Arrived back at camp ground and left straight away at 1.30pm made our way along highway 1 towards Atherton in the Tablelands staying at a free camp spot-Archer's Creek nice little spot next to a creek.Moved onto Atherton staying at another free camp Rocky Creek War memorial.Wed 9th Jan.- Stayed here 3 nights in total as there was plenty to see and on the first day Ian spent the morning hunting down a new gel battery for our caravan as not much happens without it. Turn's out the old one was prchased in 2009. Whilst here visited Curtain Fig Tree, Lake Eacham,onto Lake Barrine,Lake Tinaroo(plenty water sking)Cathedral Fig Tree(over 500 yrs old) and by then stopped for a much needed coffee at Gallo Cheese and Choc factory. Thurs. 10th Jan.Visited the waterfall's Milanda Fall's,Millaa Millaa Fall's,Ellinjaa Fall's. Then went to Mungalli Creek Diary(just another tearooms!!).Left there and went via Mt Hypipamee Nat. Park to see a crater amazing you stand over the edge and look down then a swim at Dinner Fall's what a spot and a much needed cool down.Ian went back for a swim in the Milanda Fall's afterwards.Friday 11th Jan.A few kms up the road in the town of Mareeba staying in the showgrounds these are a lot cheaper than a van park. Went for lunch to Mt Uncle Distillery.We were reccommended to visit try their wares as one does. Tastings great liqueurs and spirits. Made great pizza and a great place to visit and soak up the atmosphere and surroundings.Probalbly be here for a couple of day's more as we will visit Kuranda from here before we head for Cairns and visit our friend Jenno.We have done Kuranda with our boy's a few years back and it was a really nice place so will check it out again. All for now enjoy the photo's. b

latest news from Bowen

25th May
Hi to all our friends and those that just read the blog. Haven't added much lately as Ian and I have both been busy working so not a lot to report but will keep you posted with the latest adventures. Ian is still with Isovale Fresh(tomato growers) as their maintenance manager and has a good reputation out there. Anything to fix he is the man!!!He really enjoy's the job and the tomato picking machines have never run better. Now he just has to keep them going for the season. This company has a contract to Woolworth's and i was reading today in the local paper that Bowen supplies 95% of produce at this time of the year all over Aussie.Eggplant's,bean's,capcicum's,melon's etc. Handed my notice in at the pub a week ago and had a week with my sister Di. Had been there since Feb. but really had enough of working nights and drunken bum's. Also my boss was quite different, really can't run a business. Started a new job last Monday in the tomato packing shed for the same company that Ian work's for, it's really handy we go to work together and i work full time as well. People are all really nice, lot's of young backpacker's. I'm on a production line were the tomatoes go into 10kg boxes, it's hard work and i have muscles i didn't realise i had, i am sure that will go the more i work. All good our plan's are to work hard, put money in the bank and have 6 months of. Had a great weekend a couple of weeks ago. We rented a penthouse in Airlie Beach for 3 nights and my sister Di flew in on her way home from Bangkok. For those that don't perhap's know Airlie Beach is part of the WhitSunday Is group and is 63kms south of Bowen. Also joining us was my sister Karen and her husband from Brisbane. Of course Jason didn't want to miss out on all the fun either. We had a spa on the balcony and a beautiful view of Airlie Beach it's a pity that the weather wasn't the best. The day Karen and Scott left sun came out and beautiful. Mind you Di stayed on with us for a week and the sun didn't appear either. Now it's a sensational 25 degrees and clear blue skies during the day and 10 at night with clear skies. It really is like paradise although i think both my sister's would say we are dreaming and telling lies!!!Have a look at Ian's facebook page and there is a good photo of 3 grown men in a spa. On that weekend we had planned a trip to WhiteHaven Beach but cancelled due to weather. This beach is one of the most photographed beach on the front of travel brochere's. All of us had done the trip before though. Whilst Di was here visited the Bowen River Hotel which is 100kms each way. This is a heritage listed pub and used to be a Cobb. and Co. stop over. Fabulous place to visit with memorbillia all on the wall's. It's in the middle of nowhere and you really need a 4WD to get out there. There is also a camp spot out there wouldn't mind staying out there for a couple of day's. Ian reckon's he would get our van slowly out there. Really is a peaceful place full of atmosphere. Whilst there 2 stockman pulled in on their horses,tied them to a post and stayed for a beer. They also hold the well known rodeo out there which was last weekend on the Queen's birthday longweekend. Jason partaked in the event but Ian and I had to work. Our next trip will be the last weekend in Sept. when Aaron comes up for a week. He has been here before so thought we would do something special whilst he is here. Both the boy's and ourselves are going on a catamaran for 2 nights,3 day's sailing around the WhitSunday's all meals included. The tour just sounded too good also on board is scuba diving which Jason and Aaron want to have a go at. Ian and i will pass.That's about it for now, hope those down south aren't too cold love Sue 

PICTURES OF BOWEN

our private waterfall

queens beach bowen

bowen township

jason,me,doug at montes

beach at montes

sue,doug,jason at dingo bay

our setup at queens beach, my new tinnie ??

LIFE IN BOWEN

our water front view

2 of the picking machines i am working on

road to my work after the rain

after the rain

sue at work QB hotel

St pats day  the QB

we are now in bowen ,far north queensland, 65km north of Airlie beach, top of the whitsundays. When we first arrived we stayed at the big 4 caravan park 100mts up from jasons place, very nice, right on the beach. the weather here has been great but was very humid when we first got here and 30-32 deg every day,i dont think i have drunk so much water in my life.We moved from there to Queens beach caravan park as a long term resident which is right behind the Queens beach hotel where sue now works behind the bar and doing the odd function, ie birthdays, engagment parties etc.i am now allowed to go to the pub for a beer and get served by sue, all good. I am working on a large tomato farm here looking after the matinace on all  there machinery. To date they have planted 700.000 tomato plants, yes 700.000 that is not a misprint and looking to plant more if all goes well so i am kept busy at the moment servicing the picking machines,4 in total be ready to go for the harvest starting end of may early june. The weather now is great as the humidty has now gone but still 30-32deg most days so most days i have a swim when i get home before happy hour up the road. We did however have about 500mil of rain over 4 days so everything was flooded,the bruce hwy was closed so no one could get in or out and where i work i have to cross a river which also flooded so we were stuck for a few days.We are off to Townsville on good fri as we are both not working so will catch up with Natalie & ben and karen and scott will also be there so will try to meet up with them. On weekends we try go see some sites so we have been to airlie beach a couple of times, bowen river hotel,dingo bay, hideaway bay etc, all very nice places to visit for a clensing ale after a hard week at work. all for now, cheers ian

Yeppoon to Bowen

Mackay harbour

whitangi day in mackay

At big 4 caravan park bowen

pool at caravan park

big 4 caravan park

Left kinka beach heading into Rockhampton, a quick look around, just another town, heading north to pull into a free camp spot at Carmila beach. nice spot right next to the beach, got the fishing rod wet but thats all and more walking along the beach, very nice. Stayed a couple of nights then of to Cape Hillsborough national park just north of Mackay. nice caravan park again right next to the beach and plenty of bush walks and swiming in the pool but also had swim at the beach to cool off but not for long as it is still stinger season up hear. Lots of mossies up this way  but otherwise very nice. 3 nights there then we headed of to Mackay for a few days. Busy little industral town with the mines not to far away and big ports taking the coal to china. Lots of kiwis there working so went to whitangi day celebrations in the park.departed Mackay heading for bowen. Booked into the big 4 caravan park just down the road from Jason again right next to the beach, spent a lot of time in the pool although the water was a bit to warm  to cool off properly but still nice. Even the sea water is warm but still have to look out for those stingers.have now moved to queens beach tourist park on a long term basis at the moment, nice park within easy walking distance to beach, bowls club and more importantly the queens beach hotel where sue now works as a bar bitch.took jason down to Montes ,(just out of airlie beach) for lunch on Sunday for his birthday then onto cactus jacks in airlie beach for some cocktails, all good.i am still looking for work so hopfully something soon, still a bit early for the picking season so will keep working on my tan.



walk in Cania Gorge

Cania Lake-Cania National Park

Somerset Dam

Overhang Rock-Cania gorge

Free camp spot-Carmila Beach

who's this fine specimen-Carmila Beach

can't escape rain-Cape Hillsborough

Caboolture to Kinka beach nr Yeppoon

Stayed in the Caboolture Showgrounds for a couple of nights. On arrival at showgrounds Ian wanted to check out a couple of caravan repair places as we still have some repairs that need attention but i think these might have to wait until we get to Bowen when we have more time in one spot. The stove top has to be ordered and sent up to us. Whilst we were there found out that the showgrounds held huge markets so decided to stay for them. Spent most of the morning wondering around as they are really big. Also got to meet some fun people for happy hour so had a great gathering in the afternoon. Left Caboolture for Kilcoy showgrounds for overnight.After unhooking and some lunch went to visit the Sommerset Dam and Wivenhoe Dam. Wivenhoe Dam caused all the flood problems in the 2011 floods. Now the flood gate's have already let some water out over the spill way's of both dam's in hope the same won't happen this year. It was a really nice drive , scenery very picturesque around there and nothing else better to do on a wet day.!!! Onwards north now to Kingaroy the place of Sir Jo and Lady Flo Peterson. Also known for the peanut capital of Australia. Ian and I did want to have a look around the factory but there isn't one something to do with OHSC issues. We did stop at the peanut museum which was very interesting and watched a couple of DVDs on the peanut industry. We had no idea how peanut's came about and that they are a legume,(member of the bean family). Also the staff were great and full of information, highly recommend a stop. Had an overnight stop at free camp and this is where the rain started. It rained all night and didn't let up. When we looked out side what a boggy mess. Of we went now heading for Cania Gorge Nat. Park. Here we visited Cania Dam,Cania Lake. We really liked this place and ended up spending 3 nights. These day's we just book day by day depending on the weather and do we like the place. When we set up camp weather good and the caravan park really nice, with a swimming pool for the afternoon dip, as it is still very warm.On arrival we visited the dam and lake, plus surrounding gardens, what a beautiful spot.Ian started talking to the gardener who was mowing the lawns and he said you must join in the Australia Day celebrations to be held on the following day. After lunch did a 3.2kms walk to Dripping Rock and Overhang Rock, finished our walk and on the way back, weather settled in and it bucketed down, we got extremely wet, never mind it's only water. Went along, on the next day, neither of us had ever been to a Aussie Day BBQ. Turned out to be excellent with awards first, followed by a BBQ lunch all supplied by the Monto Shire council. Lunch was just over and all the guest's left in a hurry as the rain settled in. We just tell each other that it is the wet season!!! The rain was so heavy that we spent the afternoon reading and Ian had a sleep snoring very well. Rain had stopped during the night so we had breakfast and set off on a 5.6kms walk to Fern Tree Pool and the Giants chair, now that Ian's leg is proving to be much better. Lucky got back to campsite for lunch and it rained all afternoon. Now Sat.28th Jan. at a free campsite at Calliope alongside the river which is very wide and running very fast due to rain fall. We did hear that the Monto Shire that we had just come from was being evacuated due to expandind rivers. Apparently the rain was coming down from a cyclone up near Mt. Isa dragging rain down. Right now we are in Kinka Beach nr Yeppoon will be leaving here in the morning. We are opposite Great Keppel Is. group which is a 30mins boat ride from the mainland. Tomorrow off to Camilla Beach further north south of Mackay. All for now. 

New Zealand pics

New year supper

sue and jan , after new year supper

sue and brother geoff ,  the eyes say it all

me and eshter

time to fillett, me and Margeret-ann

the batch

time for some R and R

George's 21st, arrrrrrrrrrrrr the memories

Brisbane / NZ 2011-2012



opps i did it again




nana and pop with grandkids (ipswich)




ummmm is it xmass ???



nanna And pop

Happy new year to all. got to karen and scott's at Victoria point qld on the 3rd dec 2011, had the run down on what was to be done while they are away in Bali, lawn mowing, painting and decorating,looking after the dog,cat, taking Scott's place at happy hour with the neighbours in the court etc which kept us busy. Had a chance to call in on other friends for lunches and dinners who are also in the area once all our daily duties were completed however i did have a fall while out to lunch with my artificial leg twisting behind me trying to kick my arse, badly twisting my knee and stump,so ended up at the doc with x rays etc to make no broken bones as we were of to nz in a couple of weeks. Back on the crutches for a couple of weeks,  and with the aid of drugs on the road to recovery.Karen and co arrived back from Bali having a good time, back out to the airport the same afternoon to pick up Gill and Gordon, (sues parents) who had come up from Adelaide for xmas.back to the airport the next day to pick up Jason who called in for a day on his way back to bowen for xmas, good to catch up and sort out my job prospects in bowen ? Had xmas day at Karen and scott's with nanna, pop,brother Daryl and his  family, a good day had by all, a few beers,swim in the pool,nice weather all good.Down to the gold coast for nanna's birthday on the 27th for yet another bbq and surprisingly more beer, who would have thought??. 2 days to regroup, nanna & pop of to stay with Daryl and co,  and then we leave to head of to NZ for new year's at coromandel. My sister Jan & david picked us up staying at their place in Auckland the first night, next day guess what ??? Jan and Sue want to go shopping.All good got what they needed, back at Jan's for lunch, then Sue and i head of to corras to get some fishing in. Weather not great but at least out most days catching fish, scollaps, mussells etc. Sue and i both caught our first king fish, how ever they were undersize but still good fun to reel in and Catherin and Margeret-ann pulled in the biggest snapper i have seen a good 8 to 10 kgs which we also set free to live again to go and multiply. Left corras to have Georges 21st (jan and davids son) and catch up some friends. all good. Back to ozzie on the wed arfo 18th jan, thurs  and fri  spent restocking the van, ie Dan Murphys, woollies, B,W,S, filling up with diesel,Dan Murphys,fri night happy hour in the court etc. On the road again sat morn 21st jan 2012 heading north. At the moment in Caboolture cheers for now.

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