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

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