On the road

We left Jourama Falls Campground just before dawn to make it to Townsville by 8am to have the driver’s door handle on the car replaced. The inside handle had broken off and the door could only be opened from the outside. Free plug for Carmichael Ford – they have never let us down when passing through Townsville with vehicle issues, unlike other regional Ford dealers who are like “we’re booked two weeks ahead” even if it’s a 30 minute job.

For lunch we stopped in Home Hill at our new favourite shop “The Prawn Stop” plus we bought some of their amazing lobster pies for dinner.

Our radio antenna broke off the front bull bar, leaving us without a two-way UHF radio for a while until Tim “fixed” it with cable ties and duct tape.

Our first over night stop was at Kuttabul Hotel in the free camp in the grounds of the pub. The pub was temporarily closed but they had a sign saying we were welcome to stay overnight and the showers and toilets were open and lit for our use. We will definitely call in again for a meal to repay them for their hospitality.

It’s harvest time for sugar cane.

Some of the country side

A truck had rolled on the highway.

Our second night was another free camp near a country pub, Bajool Hotel.

Bundaberg

This was our second time staying at the Burnett Heads Lighthouse Tourist Park. A nice little park, 20 minutes from Bundaberg, but on the beach with bike paths around the area, tennis courts and a short drive to the marina. We had booked into a day tour to Lady Musgrave Island to snorkel. Although disappointed our trip was cancelled due to the weather, we were also very grateful they did, as the wind was quite fierce. Would not have been pleasant out on the water.

Around Bundaberg Town

Because our snorkelling trip had been cancelled we had a full day on our hands and I decided to get my hair cut at “The Place Hairdressing”. WOW, It might be a 3 hour drive from where I live, but I’m coming back for all my haircuts from now on. I can feel some girls’ weekends away being organised. And the bonus was, they did a fabulous job on my hair. Complementary refreshments, hand massages, head massage, plus another one while washing my hair. Fabulous. And all the staff were delightful, chatty, and happy. Near by is an amazing chocolate shop “Cha Cha Chocolate” and a gorgeous gift shop “Avenal Brothers” who have been in Bundagerg since 1875.

The Bundaberg Botanical Gardens & Bert Hinkler Museum

Bert HInkler was an early aviator born in Bundaberg in 1892. He was fascinated by flight from his early childhood and had an extraordinary passion, talent and life. We were initially half hearted about going to the museum, but it was fantastic. Well worth the visit. We only visited a small section of the gardens.

Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery

The Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery is only small, but there were some really interesting exhibitions on.

Rainbow Beach

On the way from Bundaberg to Rainbow Beach …

We stayed at BIG4 Rainbow Beach Holiday Park, near the Carlo Point Marina. More than walking distance from the town, but such a beautiful spot and a very spacious well presented holiday park. While in Rainbow Beach we were able to catch up with our friends Lindey & Randy.

Part of the Cherry Venture is on display in the town. In 1973 on a school camp, I visited the Cherry Venture when it first beached and there were still sailors on board.

We also visited Carlo Sandblow, an amazing area with views to the west over the mountains, apparently a lovely place to watch the sunset.

cheers til next time, Helen & Tim