Blog 7 - 2nd to 18th May 2013

Thursday 2nd May

- spent the morning working out what to take in the Triton for our camping expedition, and what to leave in the camper trailer when it went in for repairs. Dropped it into Travelander at about lunchtime, and then spent some time looking around the Sunshine Coast. First stop was Pt Cartwright to look at the lighthouse and views of the beach.

Also went to Dickie Beach for lunch, and Bulcock beach for coffee and cake - love these QLD names!!!! Back to the caravan park to set up the tent, then it was haircut time. A normal trim for Greg, but a major transformation for Di, with most hair being cut short except for the front bits around the sides - looks really nice now it is short, and really suits her - much easier to manage.
Friday, we left Maroochydore and spent some time buying things, including an RV shelter to attach to the rear of the Triton for some rain protection. Headed down the coast to Bribie Island, bought our permits for vehicle $40.35 and camping $21.80 for 2 nights and drove to Ocean Beach at the top end of the island.

Our site was just off the beach amongst some trees and near the facilities. But the mozzies were tragic - did not give up, and chased us into bed later in the evening.
Saturday, we awoke to mozzies. Di did a painting on the beach while I went for a walk. Then we drove to the northern access point where we decided it was too hot to go for a walk, so decided to drive the 16km's along the beach down to Woorim for lunch and a swim. Had lunch in a cafe, but the beach was still too hot. Decided a swim on the way back would be nice, and had spotted some freshwater creek flowing across the sand into the ocean, so thought this would be a nice spot to rinse off after an ocean swim.

Problem was the freshwater was salty, but the swim was worth it. Arrived back at camp to battle the mozzies.
Sunday woke to a cloudy day, and packed up just before the precipitation started. Drove back down the beach, and after a quick rinse of the car at the carwash, headed for Glasshouse Mountains. First stop was Mt Beerburrum where there was a 700 metre walk. Problem was it was all uphill and very steep - lots of stops along the way, but the views were worth it.

Then to Mt Tibrogargan, where all the beautiful people hang out on Sundays - what a perve fest that was for both of us. We did the walk to the lookout only which was nice.

Then onto Glasshouse Mountains lookout, which gave a great view of all of the mountains in the ranges from the fire tower,

and then to Lookout cafe for a coffee and cake. Spent the night at Cobb & Co GHM camping area camped next to a bunch of 4WDrivers, and the property owner came down for a long chat too.
Monday went to Mt Coochim but no access, and then to Beerwah for shopping. Had lunch at Peachester in the park and then a coffee at Gold Old Days. Then to Booloumba camping area for a quick look, and then to Charlie Moreland's for a look, before heading into Kenilworth to book our site along the river at Booloumba #3. Got setup amongst the rain forrest just as the sun was setting. Got very dark in among the trees with little light from the stars getting through.
Tuesday we packed again, and drove to the Booloumba falls, where the walk was 3km return - a great waterfall with a fantastic place for a swim in the rock pools. Unfortunately the water was cold and it was overcast again, so no swimming. From here went to Peter's Creek for a short walk,

and back thru Charlie Moreland's to Kenilworth, and then onto Mapleton via Obi Obi Rd stopping at Mapleton falls. Lunch in a park at Mapleton, then via Cooloolabin Dam to Yandina where we went to the ginger factory - awesome gardens and sensational plants to look at. Camped at Browns Creek rest area just north of Yandina, but right beside the railway line and Bruce Highway - a noisy night but free.
Wednesday we woke early and due to some rain, decided breakfast at Eumundi was the go at Chuckles Cafe. Parked the car, and spent the next few hours wandering around the markets. Well worth going to, with lots of variety, and some really nice stuff. Lunch at the markets, and then drove to Kandanga, where the pub looked a good option for the night. But decided to camp out at Borumba Dam beside the river. Worked hard to get a fire going but it was worth it when it started getting cold that night.
Thursday we awoke to wet tents but the sun was out, so we dried everything in the sun before packing up and going and looking at the dam. Back thru Imbil and then to Brooloo and back to Kenilworth. From here we headed for Maleny via the back roads, stopping at Obi lookout and meeting some horses. Spent some time looking around town and scoping out the showgrounds for camping that night. Then did some shopping before a quick drive out to Gardners Falls

- a great place for a boy to grow up with swimming holes, tree swings and bushland to explore. Then to Mary Cairncross lookout which has amazing views back over the Glasshouse Mountains.

After much umming and ahhing over whether it would rain or not, we had a coffee while admiring the view. Decided to camp back at the showgrounds, which is a bit chilly as I type this now. Soccer practice is on, but hopefully the lights go out soon.

More to come from us.
Di and Hammo