Day One – Monday 15th May 2017
This morning started well when I managed to set off the car alarm before leaving the garage!! We managed to get the car and van hitched without further incidents and left home about 9:40. Our first stop was the BP Roadhouse on the main highway north, just before Caboolture. Here we met up with our traveling buddies (Pam and Wayne Stewart) and continued the trip north in convoy.
We arrived at the Dicky Beach Holiday Park around 11am and started the process of parking, checking levels and unhitching the van.
After completing the basics we settled in for a picnic style outdoor lunch in the shade provided by the vans.
A restful afternoon followed after final set-up adjustments before a walk along the beach, tea and a chat to plan tomorrow’s activities completed the day.
Day Two – Tuesday 16th May 2017
Today dawned bright and clear so we decided to make a day trip and explore the northern part of the Sunshine Coast. Heading to Noosa we stopped at a caravan park with the aim to review some sites and the potential for a future holiday site.
Following the coast south again we stopped at Coolum for lunch and to review another caravan park. After lunch we continued towards our home base stopping at Mooloolaba to check out the site of our next stay and get some tips on parking the van from Wayne.
Home in time for a short beach walk to finish off the day.
Day Three – Wednesday 17th May 2017
Another clear blue sky day this morning and after a full day yesterday we decided to spend this morning wandering the Caloundra “High Street” shops. We all made some purchases – even if mine was a lettuce from the fruit and veg shop before returning to the vans for lunch.
This afternoon a new arrival at the park was Glen and Lorraine who had driven from Rockhampton. They had planned to come later in the week, but with the forecast of rain on Friday they brought their plans forward. It was planned as a surprise, however the Park Owner had let the secret slip when Wayne and I checked in – so at least it was a surprise for Beth. It was great to have them holidaying with us again.
The rest of the afternoon was helping them setup their van and chatting, although we did have a short beach walk.
Day Four – Thursday 18th May 2017
A little overcast today but no rain – that is coming according to the experts. This morning the party divided with the ladies heading to Kawana Shipping Centre while the men went to the Queensland Air Museum at Caloundra Airport.
I can’t speak for the shopping, however the museum was very interesting. They have over seventy aircraft on display some in open area but the majority in a large hanger and a smaller building. Some great memories as you actually see the planes that were a part of growing up such as Canberra Bomber, Iroquois Helicopter, Caribou, Wessex helicopter, Vickers Viscount, DC-3 and several De Havilland aircraft which reminded me that we travelled past their factory when in Canada. The most treasured exhibit would be the F111 which is situated inside the main entrance. Well worth the visit for those interested in aviation as it includes both military and civil aircraft.
This afternoon was a time for some R&R as we watched the rain clouds gathering to the west and over the sea to the east.
Day Five – Friday 19th May 2017
The rain started during the night and kept up into the morning – not drenching rain but heavy enough and in gusts to keep us at home during the morning. It was an opportunity for some rest and relaxation. After lunch we decided to head to Maroochydore Sunshine Plaza Shopping Centre – not to shop but to see the movie A Case for Christ the story of Lee Strobel who wrote the book from the investigation he did trying to disprove the resurrection after his wife became a Christian. It was a very good and thought provoking movie.
The movie session was from 3:30 so tea tonight was at the food court – Riverside Bar and Grill for some lovely pizzas and grilled barramundi.
Day Six – Saturday 20th May 2017
Blue Sky this morning with still some high cloud cover, however it cleared during the day and finished as a beautiful sunny Qld autumn day.
This morning Pam and Beth went to visit their Aunty Merle with Wayne as chauffer, Glen and Lorraine hit the shops and I stayed at home.
The afternoon was a restful time at our temporary home before a long beach walk and a game of scrabble after tea finished our day.
Day Seven – Sunday 21st May 2017
This morning was a clear morning, however heavy dew meant the ground was slightly wet. Today we visited the Caloundra markets which take up two blocks in the main street each Sunday morning. This was followed by a walk along to Ballcock Beach for a sit at a shaded table where we took in the view across the Bribie Passage.
Home for lunch purchased from the fish shop across the road before an afternoon rest – mandated for all relaxing retirees. The final part of the afternoon was spent on the grassy area just outside the caravan park with a million dollar view over Dicky Beach and the waves.
Day Eight – Monday 22nd May 2017
Hard to believe that we have been here one week.
Today was a restful day at the caravan park. Ang and Aaron came to visit Pam and Wayne and we passed the time talking, drinking coffee and tea until lunch time.
After lunch the campers’ siesta until beach walk time – then a walk along the beach until a rouge tsunami wave came in a wet Beth’s pants and some of her shirt. That point marked the length of today’s walk so we turned around and headed back to base.
Day Nine – Tuesday 23rd May 2017
Today we had planned a trip to Palmwoods in the Sunshine Coast hinterland. We all piled into the Isuzu and headed out soon after 10am – arriving about 10:45.
First on the agenda was a walk along the main street to investigate the shops then the reason for coming was lunch at Rick’s Diner. Initially a garage and mechanic workshop it now specialises in a different form of grease – although judging by the food we ordered there wasn’t too much of that on the menu. Ricks Garage is now a diner and take-away restaurant and if ordering the burgers you only need the mini size as you get a good helping.
After lunch we finished the lazy drive back to the park via Woombye.
This afternoon the inaugural Freddo Frog Tennis Trophy match was held between Glen “Federer” Hill and Richard “Rafter” Morse. After battling for an hour with a short break on the half hour for a breather – the winner was tennis. Neither player croaked but there was a tremendous racquet.
Tea tonight started with a surprise visit from Nerilyn, Charlotte and Caleb and a visit to the local surf club for a meal.
Day Ten – Wednesday 24th May 2017
Today is mid week market day at Eumundi – so soon after 8:45 we packed into the car and headed towards the township arriving about 9:30. Wayne didn’t come today as he had some things that he needed to accomplish. All the street parking was taken so we found a park in the market parking and made a donation to the local charity. Synchronising our watches we agreed the meeting time and place then headed off to explore the markets at our own pace.
There was a lot of variety from fruit and vegetables, handmade crafts, clothing, children’s toys, antiques and every type of food stall you could think of. There were some clairvoyants and some with appointment books – I’ never quite understand that someone who tells others their future needs to have an appointment booking – can’t foresee when they will get clients !!!
Lunch today was in a lovely little cafe across the road from the market area called Chuckles. They had a variety of items on the menu covering breakfast, morning tea and lunch and after some deliberation we made our orders and tucked into our lunch.
Back to the car via the fruit and veg stalls to pick up some supplies before the return journey home. Back at our home base around 2pm in time for grey nomad siesta time and finishing off the daylight hours sitting on the beach watching the waves roll in – if this is retirement life bring it on!!
Day Eleven – Thursday 25th May 2017.
Today was a stay at home day- although all of us went out at some stage to get some supplies. Pam and Wayne are leaving tomorrow so it was pack-up day for them and another opportunity for me to learn some “how to pack up” tips.
Today an extra beach walk as we headed in the opposite direction to the usual route before coming back to our starting point then following our now traditional northerly path up the beach.
Tonight as our last evening together we decided to go across the road to a pizza shop for dinner. The waiter welcomed us then said he would get us some menus. As we sat down around a table we commented that the menus were taking a while, however the waiter returned with six mini iPads which contained the menu and we enjoyed swiping right, left, up and down looking at the choices from starters, entree, mains, specials, deserts and kids menu. Eventually we ordered what we wanted all through the iPad. We had seen the waiters and waitresses carrying iPads and ordering through them but never been given one as a menu. No games or any other options were located on the devices.
Finally it was BYO hot drinks to Pam and Wayne’s van for our final evening together – this trip!!
Day Twelve – Friday 26th May 2017.
Four weeks since retirement – where has the time gone?
This morning we said farewell to Pam and Wayne as they hitched their van to the car and drove off just after 8am.
Those remaining had nothing to do except make a hot drink and sit around bathing in the sun and shade.
Heidi, Lily and Jack arrived soon after 10 and after a few introductions to Glen and Lorraine they went out to visit a friend while we spent time with family. Jack and Lily enjoyed the playground at the caravan park and Heidi brought some lovely savoury bites which we heated up in the oven for lunch.
After lunch Heidi and Beth had a game of scrabble (Beth won by four points) and I took Lily and Jack for a walk around the park – a good opportunity to see and learn how other caravaners have setup their rigs. It must have been too boring for Jack as he went to sleep in the stroller.
Too soon it was time for them to leave and the beach was calling our names for another walk. This time we stretched ourselves and walked the furthest distance so far.
Day Thirteen – Saturday 27th May 2017.
Today Rachel, Greg and family were coming to visit and they arrived around 10:00. The children enjoyed the playground – so much spinning that Samuel was sick soon after.
Lunch was BBQ chicken and chips before some games of badminton and tennis and more fun in the caravan park playground.
The last part of the day was spent on the beach where we all enjoyed making sandcastles getting sandy and a little wet. Some races across the sand and around the life saver flag poles finished the afternoon before heading to the beach showers to wash the sand off our feet and hands and in Hannah’s case everywhere.
After they left to start the journey home we finished another beautiful sunny day with a short beach walk.
Day Fourteen – Sunday 28th May 2017.
Today was our last full day at Dicky Beach Caravan Park so we used the morning to wash down our awning and shade screen which had been targeted by the birds and tree litter. Glen came over to help and in no time the job was finished and the shade screen was hanging on the clothes line and the awning drying in the sun.
Lunch today was at the Maroochydore Surf Club who has a special senior’s meal consisting of a carvery buffet, free drink and ice-cream – fantastic value if you are a senior. Well three of the group are and it was only a few extra dollars for non-seniors.
After lunch we took a short stroll along the foreshore to inspect our caravan site for tomorrow as Glen and Lorraine hadn’t seen it yet. After looking at the site and getting some tips for getting the caravan onto it we walked back to the car and drove home.
The remainder of the afternoon was spent rolling the now clean and dry awning away, refuelling the car, and packing as much as we could that day to save time in the morning.
Day Fifteen – Monday 29th May 2017.
Today we were to move onto Mooloolaba and Glen and Lorraine were to move onto Tin Can Bay. Last minute pack-up completed for all we hitched up, said our final goodbyes and headed out about 10am.
Our journey was the shortest of all (about 15 kilometres up the coast) and mostly it was incident free. As we approached a roundabout we could hear an ambulance siren so as a responsible driver, and with a longer load than normal, we were on the lookout for the vehicle before entering the roundabout only to realise that it was right behind us!! So we lead the ambulance into the roundabout. We were leaving the roundabout on the third exit (3pm on a clock face) so the ambulance was able to continue straight through the roundabout and raced off into the distance. We did see it once more about a block ahead of us – they were heading to the same street as us, however they took a different route quite possibly to get ahead of us!!
We had to pay and collect a device for entering the caravan park from a nearby park, so we stopped across the road from this second park; paid our dues and received our information, then moved onto our park site.
We were blessed that because we had such a short commute we were among the first of today’s arrivals at the park so there was room opposite our site if we needed it for maneuvering. We used the knowledge from our RACQ training and the advice from Wayne and Glen and soon we were parked exactly where we wanted to be. Then the process of securing and setting up the van for the next week could begin.
After lunch we took the short walk to the nearby Coles for some supplies and after putting them away in the van we headed off for a lovely afternoon stroll along the beach.
The day finished more-or-less as every day – food, relaxation and sleep – what a life!!
Day Sixteen – Tuesday 30th May 2017.
This morning we wake to the sounds of the waves crashing onto the rocks and sand just in front of the park.
A few errands this morning then back to camp for a restful day. Dragged out the large camping chairs and set them up under the awning. Next to come out was the reading material and we made great use of the water views and the restful water scene across the road.
The afternoon finished with a walk along Mooloolaba Beach including the start of tonight’s sunset.
Day Seventeen – Wednesday 31st May 2017.
A cooler start to the day – although still hard to believe that tomorrow is the start of winter here in Queensland. Woke to a clear blue sky day – AGAIN!!
Today we have booked a Mooloolaba Canal Cruise departing from the Underwater World area. The cruise took one hour and was very interesting. We cruised past some wonderful canal frontage homes and a couple of memorable ones were a home built for the owner of a home building company based on the Sunshine Coast. The sign out the front said DQH – yes the designer and builder of our home at Warner. Another home was one owned by Grant Kenny and the home owned by Steve and Terri Irwin from Australia Zoo. Moored outside this house was the Croc Hunter which was the boat that Steve was filming from when he met his untimely death. The boat has seldom been used since that day in 2006.
The cruise ticket included a lunch at a nearby Tavern then we took the opportunity to take a walk through the nearby Caravan Park to check out possible sites for a future stay.
This afternoon was another opportunity to sit, relax and read books at the caravan – a great way to finish our day.
Day Eighteen – Thursday 1st June 2017.
This morning the esplanade shops beaconed so we spent a few hours strolling through them, visiting inside a few but mostly just window shopping. I’m pleased to report that we did visit a couple of men’s wear shops as well as ladies wear and gift shops of various types.
The afternoon comprised a few relaxing events, from resting to sitting on the secluded beach in front of the caravan park. Our exercise this afternoon was a few laps of this beach.
Day Nineteen – Friday 2nd June 2017.
The evenings and mornings are getting noticeably cooler. Shops again today – this time definitely for Richard as spurred on by what we saw yesterday we were on the hunt for a new vest. Visiting Maroochydore Shopping Centre we found a desired vest and a jacket and a shirt for Beth – so a very profitable time.
Restful afternoon with a small walk to complete day nineteen – after all there was a lot of walking in the shopping centre this morning!
Day Twenty – Saturday 3rd June 2017.
Quiet day planned for today. A load of washing to start with then a walk to the supermarket and bakery to get some supplies it was back to the caravan for a morning of reading and watching those coming and going from the caravan park.
Local prawns were on the menu for lunch then more reading and relaxation. The day ended with our traditional afternoon walk along the beach.
Day Twenty-One – Sunday 4th June 2017.
Another beautiful clear day today – the mornings are a little fresh but we keep jumpers on until the warmth from the sun increases the temperature.
Today we walked along the main esplanade and did some people watching as we walked. There were plenty of people frequenting the cafes for a late breakfast or perhaps brunch.
Coming home mid morning we sat under our awning read books and watching the movement of vans in and out of the park. That will be us tomorrow!!
After lunch we ventured back into the main street for a gelato ice-cream as a special treat before back to the caravan to start the pack-up process. We washed down the awning and rolled it away after it dried – saves time in the morning. Last look at the beach and ocean to absorb the view into our memories.
We had a nice ‘n easy Sunday night tea before setting the alarm for tomorrow morning.
Day Twenty-Two – Monday 5th June 2017.
Moving Day today. We finished packing the van and headed out of the park about 8:45. We had to return the key fob to a caravan park near Underwater World, so we eventually left the Sunshine Coast around 9am. Today’s journey would include highway traveling on the Bruce Highway to Gympie, then shortly after a turnoff onto the Wide Bay Highway toward our destination. The Wide Bay Highway was a two lane highway so another experience for us to be towing a caravan on a “country” road.
Arriving at our campsite we were shown a lovely grassy spot beside a dry creek bed with plenty of shade from large trees – some even growing in the creek bed which made us think that it had been a long time since the creek had flowed.
Setting up went smoothly and soon we were sitting beside our home away from home with a lovely salad sandwich for lunch. The shade from the caravan and trees meant we didn’t need the awning so we left it rolled and attached to the caravan. The afternoon was filled with pages of reading and moving our chairs around the caravan to following the sun. Towards the end of the afternoon we went for a walk around the campsite to explore the various sections. Some other campers had been doing the same and were always willing to stop for a chat.
The nights are coming earlier each day as we approach the shortest day of the year – so it was soon time to prepare for our evening. Some sites started their campfires and the smell of burning wood wafted across the grounds.
With no mobile phone access or TV reception we started watching some DVD’s. There were a series of three movie length DVD’s telling the story of a twenty year old living in an Amish community. I won’t spoil the story but suffice to say that each DVD ended at a crucial point in the story so we just had to watch the entire three DVD series in one movie marathon!! Oh well we can sleep in tomorrow!!
Day Twenty -Three Tuesday 6th June 2017.
Today we ventured into the township of Kilkivan and walked both sides of the main street. It is a very quiet town but had some interesting shops including a butcher renowned for their smoked bacon and a lovely cafe and B&B that was a bank office in past years. We surmised this from the name (The Bank) and the bars on the windows.
Then a further 25 k’s down the road to Goomeri . More street walking, window shopping and even some actual shopping. We walked along Jones Street and found the house that Ross and Meryl lived in when they spent time at Goomeri. Then back to Kilkivan for some lunch at the Bank.
Home again and the usual afternoon pattern of reading and sun chasing until the evening started to close in and we finished the day with another DVD – one of Richard’s selection tonight – not the entire series just one episode!!
Day Twenty –Four Wednesday 7th June 2017.
Very cold start to the day – at least our air-conditioner has a heat setting so we put that on to warm the caravan a little. We came prepared with warmer clothing as well and it is a matter of many layers on in the mornings and take them off as the day warms up.
Today we hitch our mobile home onto the car again for the drive to Yallakool Park situated on the northern shores of Bjelke Petersen Dam.
The trip was only a small jump so after leaving Kilkivan around 9:45 we arrived at B J Dam around one hour later. When checking in we were given an option of about half a dozen sites so we explored these options and choose a grass/dirt site at the bottom of the park closest to the water – although the water view was blocked by quite a few trees. Eventually we were parked and set-up. Took a few attempts at reversing into the parking area.
The afternoon was spent reading, following the sun with our chairs before finishing the daylight hours with a walk to the water’s edge and around the park. The dam is currently at 24% capacity so the water’s edge is quite low and it is a long drive to the end of the boat ramp.
Day Twenty –Five Thursday 8th June 2017.
Another fresh start to the day – winter is here!!
Today we drove into Murgon and Wondai to explore these towns. Murgon is a much larger town and has more things to see than Wondai.
We parked the car and wandered down one side of the street crossed over and walked up the other side. Last stop was the information centre where we picked up some information about the area and some RACQ travel maps of various areas in Queensland that I’m sure will come in useful when planning more caravan adventures.
Onto Wondai where the shops had changes since our last visit. Again we explored the town in a similar fashion to Murgon but it certainly didn’t take as long as Murgon. On the recommendation of one shop-keeper we visited the bakery to get some lunch. The bakery does some Asian meals as well so we had a Chinese take-away meal for lunch in Wondai!!
Only a few more shops to explore before returning to the car and camp.
We then get our chairs and books set-up for a few hours of reading in the sunshine and warmth. As the sun starts to set you can feel the day cooling down and it is nature’s way of telling us that the day is coming to an end without us having to watch the clock.
Day Twenty – Six Friday 9th June 2017.
Our last full day at B J Dam and another opportunity to explore the area.
After breakfast we started out on our circular adventure. Leaving the caravan park we headed south along the Burnett Highway to Nanango, arriving about 10:30. Parking we started out on our now familiar exploration pattern of the township stopping in any shops that looked interesting. After adding a little to the local economy we returned to the car and headed north towards Kingaroy making a call into a lavender farm situated on the roadside. We had stopped here once before so it was an opportunity to reacquaint ourselves with the stock for sale (some of which looked like the same items from our last visit!!). In the car again we reached Kingaroy and found a bakery for our lunch stop. Again we walked up one side of the main block of Kingaroy before crossing to the other and making our way back to the car. We found the main street very quiet and on our way out discovered the reason why – a new Kingaroy Shopping centre in the next block with about 40 different stores including Woolworths and Big W so we couldn’t resist a visit – beside we needed some supplies for the van. Next was a visit to the Super IGA supermarket we had seen on our arrival for some Sticky Rib Sauce – a new favourite of ours – and a visit to the peanut van before heading back to our camp for the night. We were away most of the day so no time for sun chasing or reading today. The area of the camp ground where we are staying is filling up. One departure but three new arrivals today, I guess some are coming for the weekend or some calling in on their northerly migration for the winter.
We continue our homeward journey tomorrow getting a little closer to Brisbane, but not quite ready to go home yet.
Day Twenty – Seven Saturday 10th June 2017.
Today we packed and moved on from BP Dam. The original plan was to move to Kingaroy for a few nights then home, however as we had explored Kingaroy and Nanango yesterday we decided that we would push on a little further.
The next stop after Nanango is Yarraman so that was our destination as we set out this morning. We left BP Dam around 9:45 and arrived at Yarraman by 11am. Check-in, parking and setting up the van took us through until lunch which we had sitting under the awning and looking across the park and over the hills.
The area seemed very dry and there were notices at the entrance to the town about the lack of water and that water restrictions were in place.
After lunch we headed out to explore Yarraman and the nearby town of Blackbutt. It was a quick tour of both towns then back to our camp; our large camping chairs and our books.
As the day cooled down we retired into our little tiny house for the evening. Being back in a town meant that we had mobile phone and internet coverage so there were messages to send and emails to download and respond to – life goes on even for semi grey nomads!!
Day Twenty – Eight Sunday 11th June 2017.
Today, after a hot breakfast, we headed out to explore the area around Yarraman. We planned a circular trip through Blackbutt to Moore. We saw Blackbutt yesterday, so today just drove through. At Moore we stopped at the Moore Soldiers Memorial Hall. The hall was open and was advertising some antiques and pre-loved items. It was very well presented and a tribute to the locals that open and operate the cafe. There was a large group of horse riders about to descend on the hall for their morning tea break, but we were still welcomed and Beth bought a plate from the display. Next stop was Esk and we parked and walked the streets eventually finding the local bakery and bought some scones with jam and cream. The scones were lovely, light and warm and very reasonably priced.
Leaving the Brisbane Valley Highway we travel along the Esk Hampton Road back up the range towards Crows Nest. During this section of the drive the clouds really closed in and the drizzle turned into short showers making visibility on both sides of the road limited and forcing all drivers to put on all available headlights. By the time we came through to the New England Highway the rain had stopped and the cloud lifted, we drove onto Crows Nest arriving around lunch time. Lunch today was compliments of the fruit section of the local IGA store – mandarins and bananas. After visiting a few shops in the area we pointed the car back towards Yarraman and a hot drink waiting back at base camp. We sat outside the caravan with our hot drink and looking over the view from the caravan park.
Day Twenty – Nine Monday 12th June 2017.
Today was the last day of this Maiden Voyage holiday. We have travelled from the surf to the bush and sea level to mountain top (Crows Nest is on top of the Great Divide).
Decamping and hitching to the car was completed by 9:30 so we headed out of the park and leaving the country behind us, pointed the car towards Brisbane. We travelled no-stop until we reached our home then the job of backing the van into the area between house and boundary fence. After a couple of tries the third attempt had us right on target and we nearly had the van in place just with the car. We used the remote control jockey wheel for a few minor adjustments and to get it back in place with a little extra control.
Rachel and Greg have been staying at our house as they are between houses at the moment. Greg came home during this process so the extra pair of eyes to help as we maneuvered it into position was welcome.
Next – the job of unpacking and washing down the van, and the rest of the day just flew by.
The planning for our next adventure as nomads is underway …… but that is another story.
Richard & Beth Morse 