Palmwoops!!!!

ALERT!  


Some of you may have received a Palmwoods post. Unfortunately it would appear that someone  has gained unauthorised access to our blog,  and removed this post only. We currently have Blogger investigating this security breach.


If you didn't receive this post, read on. Even if you did, read it again, as there have been some changes.


What started as a wonderful family Christmas at Palmwoods, sadly all went pear shaped, and those that know us well will guess the cause. We did have some wonderful memories though, and these are what we will salvage from the wreck.

Mandy, Steve and Ethan.

It was great to catch up again with Mandy, Steve and little Ethan. Having a small child around at Christmas does make it extra special. Dressed as Santa's helper, he crawled around everywhere, more interested in the reams of paper than the presents!


On Christmas morning, we had arranged with my brother Neil, for a Skype hook up at John's mum's house, as a surprise. Mum is constantly amazed at the new technology, and the look of surprise on her face as Neil led her into the room was fantastic. She was so overcome, that she could actually see us and talk to us, she burst into tears! We repeated the whole Skype thing again on Boxing Day, at the Anderson family traditional get together. It was wonderful to be able to see and talk to all the happy family. How we wished we were there.

Carolyn with Santa's Helper.

On the day after Boxing Day, Steve and John were joined by John's good mate Peter Taylor, for a game of golf at nearby Nambour Golf Club, which must be the most mountainous course in Australia! Thank God we had a cart, well except for Pete who mumbled something about needing the exercise. I'm sure having a face that red isn't good for you?

Ethan and Uncle Bear.

The next morning we farewelled Mandy, Steve and Ethan over breakfast at Mooloolaba, as they headed down to the Gold Coast for a couple of days before heading out to Pitsworth near Toowoomba, the venue for Steve's family New Year gathering this year.


We had a couple of lovely dinners with Pete. Thanks for your support and sorry about the ear bashing! We value your friendship, and will always stay in touch, and one day I will beat you at golf! We loved your new place at Coolum. Almost as good as a caravan!


We have always loved the Sunshine Coast, and will always come back, just not to Palmwoods. We were left in no doubt we were not welcome back. Sad really. For them, not us.

Kid control Nanna McGinn Style

We had prepaid our accommodation at Palmwoods Caravan Park, and at the Christmas holiday rates, were not just going to pack up and leave. The park has new owners, and it is better run and much friendlier than before, and we had a great site down the back looking out over the hinterland. It became our sanctuary. We took drives up to Noosa, one of our all time favourite haunts, and on another drive discovered the quaint little village of Kenilworth, where we sampled one of the best carrot cakes ever made, at Nanna McGinns Cafe.


Today starts a bright New Year. Palmwoods is already a year behind us and forgotten! On to new adventures and new places, carrying a lot less baggage!

Maryborough

A classic Queenslander home.

From Woodgate Beach we headed to Maryborough for a long weekend stay, before heading for Palmwoods and Christmas with Carolyn's family. What a wonderful surprise is Maryborough. Full of so much history. We were quite frankly amazed at how much there was to see and do, and quickly realised a long weekend would not do it justice.


Most people know about the beautiful old Queenslander homes that are all over town, many magnificently restored, but equally as many with peeling paint and run down. There is a lot of maintenance with a Queenslander! But what we did not know, was the rich history and industry that has been, and still is, such a major part of the town.

Inside City Hall's Theatre

We checked in at the Wallace Caravan Park. It wasn't much. Very unkempt and tired looking. Still the amenities were clean. The other 3 parks in town looked just the same. We think that most caravanners bypass Maryborough, and stay at nearby Hervey Bay, which has a host of excellent caravan parks.


Our first day started with a FREE guided walking tour, that started at 9.00am out side City Hall. It runs every day but Sunday. It lasted 1.5 hours and was excellent. If you are ever in town, this is the perfect introduction to Maryborough. The guide, dressed in 19th century workman's clothes, was knowledgeable and passionate, a wonderful combination. We started with a tour around the magnificent City Hall building, a gift to the city from a wealthy guy named George Ambrose White. Grand old building in wonderful condition, and still in use today. There is so much history to be told.

Bollards depicting the
 history of immigration.

Maryborough was first settled as a port to allow the shipping of timber to the cities, as the overland route was long and arduous. No coastal road existed. When gold was found at Gympie, this was also shipped out through the port. It became a major ship building centre, which continued up until the 1990's. Many warships were built here during WW11. In 1859 it became an official port of entry into Australia, and between then and 1901, 22,000 immigrants arrived into the country through the Port of Maryborough. There are some wonderful old buildings and museums around the port area. Our tour ended at the old Bond Store Building which had some wonderful exhibits depicting the import and export of produce as well as the history of immigration. Manufacturing industries grew and the town prospered. Even today some rare manufacturing in a country town occurs, with the building of the High Speed Tilt Train, taking place in Maryborough. The Tilt Train runs daily between Brisbane and Rockhampton.

Band Rotunda in Queens Park.

The city is full of wonderful old buildings and parks such as Queen's Park which has a lovely Rotunda and fountain, both gifts to the city, as well as a magnificent Banyan Tree, and other exotic species of trees. The last Sunday of every month the local band plays in the rotunda, amid a party atmosphere. Every Thursday is Heritage Market day complete with Town Crier and Steam Train rides. Unfortunately we arrived on Friday!

Mary Poppins in bronze.

One of the other great stories in Maryborough is that of Mary Poppins. The author, PL Travers was born in Maryborough. There are personalised tours with Mary through the streets of town, and a beautiful bronze statue. July each year, the Mary Poppins Festival is held, and they tell me the place is really poppin!!!!

Brennan and Geraghty's Store.

Another really unique place was the Brennan & Geraghty's Store Museum. This is one of only 3 preserved retail stores in the world. Talk about a step back in time!
Apparently the owners just shut the doors and left every thing as it was. The shelves are still lined with those iconic brands now owned or lost by multinationals. Out the back are the barrels, tea chests and wooden crates full of bulk goods. There is even an old piano that was never bought. We think we were the only visitors for the day. The dear old lady at the counter followed us and described every item in the store, as if she had purchased it. Come to think of it, she may have!

Military and Colonial Museum

The last museum we called at was the Military & Colonial Museum. We arrived at a couple of minutes to 3.00pm, just as they were turning out the lights. There were 2 guys on the counter, who were most offended when we said we'd come back tomorrow. They said they were staying to do some work anyway. They were two of the many volunteers responsible for one of the best military museums we have ever seen. Talk about passion! It begs the question of who will keep up the work when they are gone? It has been described as the best in Australia after the Canberra War Memorial, and we could believe it. You could spend a month there. They even have a research library where many war historians come to work, or get the volunteers to do the research for them. The medal displays were amazing. They have 4 Victoria Crosses on display, and the detail surrounding them is very moving. We spent an hour and a half there, and only scratched the surface. The caretakers kept an eye on us and made certain we saw the best of the best. We would love to come back and spend some real quality time here. As we left, we were told that we were the only visitors for the day! Those two guys had sat there all day talking to each other, and doing things around the museum. No wonder they were glad to welcome us!

Mary River Cruise

There are so many other sights it is impossible to list them all. The oldest working Post Office in Queensland. The oldest family owned and operated Ford Dealership in Australia, started selling Henry's first models and only recently sold the dealership outside the family. Some grand churches. St.Paul's Anglican Church has a huge freestanding stone bell tower, a gift from a wealthy parishioner. It has 9 bells, which are soon to be removed, transported to England, and re tuned. The process is both time consuming and costly and has already been postponed once due to a high demand for bell tuning because of Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee next year! 


Last must do, is a cruise on the mighty, muddy, Mary River, to look at all the port history from the river, as well  as take in some of the exquisite Queenslanders built along the river banks. It is the most casually run cruise we've ever done, with a Captain who walks and talks at a speed somewhere between stop and a tortoise, but it was fun despite some of the worst jokes we've ever heard!

Workers and Bicycles. 

Maryborough is quite flat, and has a long history of transportation by bicycle. Some of the stories our guide told us about the hundreds of workmen all leaving work at knock off time at 5.00pm, on their bicycles, racing to the pub which closed at 6.00pm, were priceless. "The 6 o'clock swill", was the term given to  getting as much grog into you as possible between 5 and 6! Apparently the cops closed off the streets to cars to give the bikes right of way. Maryborough became known as the City of Cycles, and there is much evidence of it still being a cycle friendly town. Unfortunately, being flat, it also has a long history of getting flooded! There are signs on buildings all around town, showing the levels for all the major floods. The biggest was in 1875, and the last one was in January 2011.  Much of the town goes under, including parts of the CBD. The interesting thing is that they get to prepare well in advance, as Gympie is upstream, and they monitor the level at Gympie to determine how bad it will be, then have two days to prepare!

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There are dozens of pubs all over town, resulting from its working class history. It must be very competitive. We loved the Post Office Hotel's innovative approach to increasing customers. Check out the sign in the photo! We thought it was priceless!


Somehow we managed to fit in a drive out to Hervey Bay and surrounds. We even got out to Tin Can Bay as well. All of it has really gone ahead since we last saw it about 6 years ago. We will have to come back to do it all properly.


As we hadn't stopped since arriving in Maryborough, we decided to try the RSL Club for a leisurely dinner on our last night. We arrived around 7.00pm, sat down to have a quiet drink, and were met by the PA announcement that the club would be closing early for the staff Christmas party. Last orders would be at 7.30pm and all patrons were  asked to vacate the club by 8.00pm! It seemed only fitting that as our time in Maryborough had been a blur, so would be our last dinner! It was tasty though.

Christmas 2011

Merry Christmas

Chris' Xmas Tree with Presents.

To all our family, friends, and followers wherever you may be, we hope you have a wonderful Christmas, and that your New Year is full of good health, happiness and new adventures.


For Christmas, we are at Palmwoods in the hinterland of Queensland's Sunshine Coast, visiting Carolyn's sister Chris, Brother-in-law Keith and our nephew Kyle. Our niece Mandy, husband Steve,  and one year old son Ethan, have arrived from Emerald to join us. We are at the Palmwoods Caravan Park which is very nice and very quiet, though we don't spend much time here.

Traditional Xmas Fare.

Our Christmas celebrations have already started, with a beautiful, traditional dinner with all the family on Christmas Eve. It was a fantastic night full of too much delicious  food and wine, listening to the carols on the TV as background to the happy banter and laughter of a family Christmas.

Family Dinner on Xmas Eve.

Christmas morning has dawned bright and sunny, following two days of torrential rain. We hope it remains that way, as we head back to Chris & Keiths' for more food and the traditional present opening, which judging by the booty under the Christmas tree, should end in about three days! It will be especially fun this year with little Ethan having his second Christmas and a visit from Santa.


To the family and friends we will miss being with this year, we will be in touch and you will all be in our hearts and thoughts as we celebrate this special time of year.


Best wishes to you all.
Love from,
Carolyn & John

Woodgate Beach

Wet at Bundaberg.

We left Agnes Water in the pouring rain, and headed for Woodgate Beach. The torrential rain was unrelenting, and the roads were covered with water. The floodways, dips in the road that let the water run from one side to the other, often had up to 30cm of fast flowing water in them, and the car and caravan continually disappeared in a shower of spray.


We stopped at Bundaberg to replenish supplies, and whilst in the shops the rain got even heavier. By the time we got everything to the car, we were drenched! You see, with a car and caravan, you don't simply drive into the undercover car park and browse into the shops. No, you park miles away, in this case out on the street, and walk the considerable distance in and out, realising that all the planning to park near the Woolworths sign, because that will be where the supermarket is, has been in vain, because Woolworths is on the exact opposite side of the huge centre!


So, off to Woodgate Beach. We had been told about this place by so many caravanners, we knew it would be good, and it was. Unfortunately, when we arrived the rain was still hammering down, but we were met by a smiling Tracey, who smiled and said "you must be the poor wet Andersons. Here is a map of the park, you are in site 211. Go and get set up and when the rain stops, come back and we'll do the paperwork." We drove in past flooded sites, and poor people in tents and camper trailers, who were up to their ankles in water digging draining trenches, and found site 211, above the current high water mark! We had thankfully been given a site on the top of a small rise, so there was no pooling water near us. Although after about an hour, we did have our own personal moat! The poor guy down from us looked like one of those trick photography shots from a golf tournament, where the car (caravan), looks like it is floating on a lake. It wasn't!

Cafe at Woodgate Beach Caravan Park

Thankfully, next morning the rain had eased to sunny breaks, and we started to see why everyone liked Woodgate Beach.
The caravan park itself, is self contained, and you can get supplies from the convenience store, as well as fuel, plus they have a lovely cafe that serves meals from breakfast until early dinner (7.00pm). It is open air, which is a shame as they were missing out on the captive audience, during the rain. As you would expect, the prices are on the high side, except at the cafe.

Inside the caravan park

Directly across the road is the beach, which stretches for miles in both directions. It is a safe, surf beach, and really nice. We regularly strolled across for a swim before breakfast, back again before lunch, and on the really hot days, a late afternoon dip. There is also a great cycleway/walking path, that follows the beach in both directions, so the bikes got a real workout here as well. Fishing is also popular, both off the beach or at the nearby inlets north and south. John tried the inlets, but only got a couple of tiddlers.


The area itself, is a holiday destination, aimed at families in school holidays, and the nomads through the winter months. There is an excellent Bowling Club just down the road, that does very good meals at very reasonable prices, and it also has a lot of things on, to drag in the holiday makers. On our last night, we went down for dinner and trivia. The place was packed, and there were over 30 tables playing trivia. It was really well run, and our little table of 2 came a creditable 6th, winning one round outright and $20.00! Carol loves a Trivia Night and is red hot on the movies and famous faces. John covers sport and car topics and we share the rest!


The area is surrounded by National Parks. There is an excellent Wetlands, with boardwalk. It was really at its best while we were there! There is a small supermarket, which is expensive, so you only want to buy emergencies, and there is a take away opposite the beach, a pharmacy and hardware store, and of course a real estate agent or two. There is also a Pub, way up the northern end of the beach near the boat ramp. It was currently for sale and looked a bit run down. Major shopping is at either Childers, about 35kms away, or Bundaberg which is 56kms away. Both are very easy drives, through the sugar cane fields, and there are plenty of roadside stalls for fresh produce along both roads. We kept stocked up on those 3 for $2 rockmelons, the $2.50 seedless watermelons, and the $2 bags of tomatoes!

Main Street Childers.
Palace Hotel with the Big Veranda.

After the first couple of days our weather was good, though most afternoons we would get a storm. Some days it was a few big drops, others it was a heavy downpour, and one evening it was Armageddon. By God it rained. Those poor bastards in the tents got smashed. The hardware store was doing a roaring trade in tarpaulins and spades! Camping is only for good weather. No matter how well prepared you are, when the rain comes like this, all you can do is huddle under the shelter of the Camp Kitchen, and when it stops start the drying process. The kids thought it was fantastic, riding their bikes in water up to the bike seat. 

War Memorial at Childers.

We did a day in the lovely heritage listed town of Childers. The Bruce Hwy runs through the centre of town, but they have done a great job of separating the local traffic along parallel roads. Childers is infamous for the terrible fire that killed 17 backpackers at the Palace Hotel, all the result of a crazy guy with a grudge. The Palace Hotel has been rebuilt, and is a monument to the poor ones who died, and all funded by the various Governments from those countries that suffered a loss. The other great monument is the War Memorial, with its WW1 German Howitzer in central position and the large black marble slabs honouring the fallen from every military engagement from the Boer War up until Afghanistan. Very impressive and moving.

Old Pharmacy & Dentist at Childers.

The main street is a wonderful collection of beautifully restored heritage buildings. There is a Pharmacy Museum, and working Dentist Surgery, which is as if someone walked out and closed the door in 1950. The shelves are lined with all those famous old brands we remember as kids. Bex Powders, Pears Soap, Castor Oil, the list went on. Great nostalgia. Just out of town we found the Mammino Home Made Ice Cream Factory. Very Yummy, and well worth a try.


We also took ourselves back to Bundaberg a couple of times.
We had some work done on the Landcruiser, adding air bags to the rear suspension, which we had noted was dipping a bit. Problem solved! It also gave us a couple of extra visits to "Indulge Cafe", one of the best eateries we've found on our journey so far. In the main street opposite Dick Smith, it is small, but worth the wait. Just ask Carol who had the Raspberry and Vanilla Bean Souffle Pancake for breakfast. Her gasps of ecstasy had everyone saying, I want what she's having! My Spanish Omelette was awesome, and they do great coffee. If you don't like this place, you've had your taste buds removed!


We have loved our stay around Bundaberg and the Burnett Region. It is rich farming country, dotted with loads of lovely towns. There are loads of beautiful beaches, National Parks and other attractions, including some surprising Golf Courses. 

Agnes Water & 1770

Agnes Water. It sounds like something you would take for an upset stomach, and who would name a town after a number? Despite the quirky names, these are both beautiful coastal villages, perfect for holidaying, and they are only 6 kilometres apart, situated about halfway between Gladstone and Bundaberg. With traffic and roadworks, it took us a bit over 2 hours to drive up from Bargara.

Safari Tents, Agnes Water Beach
Caravan Park

The Outdoor Cafe at Agnes Water
Beach Caravan Park

We chose to stay at the quite lovely, Agnes Water Beach Caravan Park. It is right on the main beach, one of the east coast's few, north facing beaches, and only a short walk into the shopping village. It has recently undergone a renovation, so is fresh and nice. No little cabins here. They have built a number of terrific Safari Tents, many raised on stilts, to take advantage of the views to the beach. Overall, it is not a large park, but it has nice feel to it. We found the managers friendly and helpful, and our site was large, with plenty of space around it. We set up, met our new neighbours, Linda & David, agreed to meet up for happy hour, and set out to explore the park, the beach and the village. In addition to the Safari Tents, was a very nice outdoor cafe area, on a built up deck. We thought that this was a sensible idea. They served nice light meals from breakfast to afternoon tea, had a good selection of cakes and made good coffee. Very nice indeed.

Surf Beach at Agnes Water

The beach had small waves, and was full of guys on surfboards, something we hadn't seen for some time, as we had been in the protected waters of the Great Barrier Reef. The water is a beautiful 25 degrees, so is never a problem getting wet, even for Carol! The beach is long, white and very nice, curving away to the north, and the headland that is 1770. We walk along the beach, and cut back along one of the pathways back into town. The village has all you need, with a good IGA Supermarket, lots of cafes and takeaways, a Petrol Station, bakery and a number of surf shops and specialty shops. There are a lot of backpackers, as is the case in every coastal town these days. They travel around in these small hired mini vans, painted in bright colours, or purposely graffitiid in large writing, and have fun names like "Wicked Campers", "Jucy" and "Travel Wheels". Some of them have 3 and 4 passengers, and you can only wonder how and where they all sleep. Our favourite is the "Jucy with Penthouse", where there is a capsule on the roof rack that resembles a coffin and the top opens up, and using a fold up ladder, the person who obviously lost the toss, climbs up and sleeps in it!!  Linda calls them the Whizz Bang vans, which we really like! There is also a nice new tavern, a bit away from everything else, but it does have a courtesy bus. The surf club is also licensed, but is way up the other end of the beach, and only open after 3.00pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, whilst we were there. It may be different when it is busier.


The area has a number of Resort complexes, all advertising cheap deals, and there are also a number of derelict complexes, that were never completed. This area was being heavily promoted at the end of the last housing boom. If I remember correctly, it was a failed development at Agnes Water, that brought about the demise of former test cricketer and property developer Craig McDermott. Like most of the coastal areas we have stayed at, you can buy a property now, at "bargain" prices.

The Inlet at 1770

Down the road 6kms is 1770. It was renamed 1770 in 1970, to commemorate the bi-centennial landing of Capt. James Cook. You could see why he stopped here. There is a safe inlet, and sandy beach. It is very beautiful, especially if you can get up onto the headland and see the panoramic view. If you are looking for caravan or camping accommodation in 1770, then we would recommend the 1770 Campgrounds, along the inlet. The other caravan park up on the hill, is quite a distance from everything. There is no shopping or services in 1770. You have to drive into Agnes Water. 1770 is the lowest point on the Queensland coast where you can do a tour out to the Outer Reef. From here, cruises go out to Lady Musgrave Reef, which from the brochures seems beautiful. We opted not to do the tour, as we had already had a reef experience, it is an expensive day out, and our weather was dodgy. On our last day, we did enjoy a lovely lunch at the pub at 1770. The weather had turned foul, and the rain was hammering down, so it was nice sitting under the open veranda roof, looking out to the inlet, sipping a cold glass of sav blanc and enjoying a lovely bowl of pasta full of local seafood!

Saying goodbye to Linda & David

Back at the caravan park we enjoyed our happy hour with Linda and David. Sometimes you just hit it off with people, and this was such an occasion. The time just flew by, and we all had very late dinner, having lost track of time. Like us, they live permanently on the road, travelling in style in their big 5th Wheeler, complete with herb garden! Carol does miss her garden sometimes, so guess who'll be getting a herb garden soon?
There is always so much to talk about, sharing destinations and experiences, and with them having lived in Tasmania, and us going there in the new year, we had heaps of questions. They were only staying 3 days, with commitments down the coast, but we have vowed to keep in touch. It was a little sad waving them goodbye in the rain.


Had the weather been better, we would have probably stayed longer. But with heavy rain and grey skies forecast for the next few days, we decided to move on to Woodgate Beach. We had booked some minor work we needed done on the caravan and car, to be done in Bundaberg on the way, so in the pouring rain, we got up early, packed up, hitched up, and headed for Bundaberg and Woodgate Beach.

Bargara

Leaving Kinka Beach proved harder than we thought, as new neighbors, who'd only arrived the day before, came over for a chat. It was the usual chat of where are you headed, where have you been, but is always a pleasure, and always gives us a little more information for future reference. With time never an issue for us, we eventually head back into Rockhampton, have a "Sexie Coffee" fix for morning tea, and point the rig south, heading for Bargara, just outside Bundaberg.

Magnificent Flame Trees?

We backtrack over familiar ground, until we reach Miriam Vale, where we turn off the Bruce Hwy. and head towards Bundaberg. All along the road, these beautiful red trees are in bloom. We think they may be Illawarra Flame Trees, but others call them Poinciana. Whatever they are they are magnificent, and prolific. At a T intersection, we decide to take a short detour out to the intriguingly named towns of Agnes Water and 1770, to see what is there, and if it warrants a visit. We are quite surprised at the scope of development at both centres, which are only 6kms apart. We see a nicely appointed caravan park, right on the beach at Agnes Water, and with a wink and a nod, the decision is made to come back for a few days, after Bargara.

Back on the road to Bundaberg, we are soon passing through the irrigated farmlands, which once had Bundaberg as a major player in the sugar industry, which is still prevalent, but has given way to vast plantations of nuts, macadamia, cashews and smaller quantities of other nuts. There are also now big volumes of everyday food crops such as, tomatoes, capsicums and all varieties of melons, and root crops such as sweet potato. We have a ball at the roadside stalls, a bag of sweet potatoes for $2.50, tomatoes at $2.00 per bag, punnets of grape tomatoes for $1.50, watermelon from $1.50 to $2.50, depending on variety, rock melons at 3 for $2.00, capsicum are 50cents each, and there is a big zucchini like thing with a sign that says $1.00 per bag, with the bags provided to select your own!

Fantastic old Queenslander.

Old bank building, Bundaberg.

We drive over the Burnett River into Bundaberg, and are immediately impressed by its size and the beautiful old buildings. Colonial architecture, as well as some fantastic old Queenslanders. Many of the streets are tree lined, and those magnificent red trees are every where. It has an old fashioned main street shopping precinct, so we make a note to come back and explore during our stay. Out along the Bargara Road we go, through the fields of sugar cane and melons, to find Bargara Beachfront Caravan Park. It is right opposite the Surf Club, and there is a walking track/cycleway, along the beach to town, a pleasant 2km stroll. We find our site in the big dry park. Boy, could they do with some rain! It isn't the best park we've been in. It is fine, but in need of a little TLC. Some of the longer term caravanners, have bought their own sprinklers, and are watering around their sites to green it up and keep the dust down!


At this time, I am going to take a break from this blog, as it is a beautiful day and the beach is calling. It is time to throw our bodies into the sea, again!


Back from the beach, and back in Bargara. We really like Bargara. There are lot of resort buildings along the beachfront. All have vacancy and For Sale signs prominently displayed. All around the town, are new subdivisions. This is a favoured retirement destination, and the small suburbs of Coral Beach and Innes Park, are new subdivisions to the south. The area really exploded from the 1980's, and has stalled a couple of times, with recession, and now is one of those times, especially in the holiday investment market. We had a guy start talking to us at a cafe. It never ceases to amaze us how some people can tell total strangers their entire life story, having known them for at least a minute! He lamented having purchased 2 waterfront penthouse apartments for $1.2 million each, and now with cash flow critical, couldn't sell them for $800,000.


Bargara has some lovely cafes. Kacy's and Salt opposite the beach, were both good, and the take away Fish n' Chips at Bradlees was excellent. For dinner, out of all the bars and gin joints in town, we chose Casablanca. It was excellent, though the servings were on the large side of enormous. You never want to meet the pig that Carol's delicious Pork Belly came from, and there is no way that the bird my fantastic duck breast came from, could ever fly. We enjoyed the most deliciously wicked entree we have seen in a long time. "Beer battered sourdough bread fingers, with caramelised sweet chilli dipping sauce". It came, served by a waiter trained in CPR, and was gone in seconds! When I begged Sam to play it again, he politely refused!


Just along the beach from our caravan park, is another beach called Mon Repos. It is home to Queensland's largest Turtle Rookery. November is the start of the nesting season, and there are tours each night, to initially watch the turtles laying eggs, then later in the season, to watch them hatch. The tours are very regulated as to when and what to see, and it has been a really slow start to the season, so we opt not to do the tour.

Carol at the Hinkler Aviation Hall.

Hinkler's English home.

Mostly we just vegged out. Surfed at the beach across the road, and swam at Shelly Beach, which was on the opposite side of town to our caravan park, but worth the drive. The rock pool area at the northern end of the beach was lovely. Mostly the coast is black rocks, with only small sandy sections randomly scattered along the way. We did go into Bundaberg, to visit the major sights, and explore the busy town centre, and shopping strip. We also found that there is a large shopping mall on the outskirts of town on the road to Childers. Bundaberg, was home town of famous aviator, Bert Hinkler. The Hinkler Aviation Hall is at the Botanic Gardens, and was a worthwhile visit. I had forgotten what an important part Bert Hinkler had played in Australia's history, and the aircraft industry. The displays, which include actual aircraft he owned and flew, were very well done. There are other museums, on general history and sugar, also within the Botanic Gardens. All very nice. The Aviation Hall was excellent, and it was surprising to learn that Hinkler's English home, had been dismantled, shipped to Bundaberg, and rebuilt opposite the Aviation Hall!

Sampling after the Bundy Tour.

In addition to Bert Hinkler, Bundaberg's other icons are Bundaberg Rum, and Bundaberg Ginger Beer. We toured, and sampled both. The Rum Distillery was an especially good and interesting tour, and it came with free samples! The Bundy Shop, which is the original homestead of one of the founders, now relocated to the Distillery site, sells only Bundy things, and it is not cheap.  The story the guide told of the Distillery burning to the ground in the 1930's, was a particularly good one. Apparently the fire was so intense that the Fire Chief instructed the vats be opened, and rum flowed through the streets of East Bundaberg. People were scooping it up in whatever vessels they could find. Rivers of flaming rum, ran into the Burnett River, and the surface of the river was covered in flaming rum and frying fish for days! Not sure how much was fact or fiction, but if the Distillery went up today, with the volumes of rum now stored, they reckon it would level one third of Bundaberg! The only thing missing was Bundy Bear. John was very disappointed that his cousin Bundy Bear, wasn't around! Apparently he was out of town, celebrating his 50th birthday. Hard to imagine that Bundy Bear is 50.


If there was ever any doubt that we can find the best food places in town, then check this out. We stopped to post a letter at a small local shopping centre, on the way out to Bargara. Carol spied a small gift shop, and went to explore. Turned out it was a nice gift shop, called "Saskia", with a small cafe out the back. The coffee was great, and the array of local, home made produce was amazing. Carol started talking to the waiter, and soon we find that this is a new venture, and their main store is on the main street in town, called "Indulge", open for breakfast, cake & coffee, and lunch. We decide on a breakfast, so a couple of days later, were met with the most diverse and mouth watering breakfast menu we have ever seen. The tastes exceeded the descriptions. All fresh, locally produced goods, beautifully presented. Shame we didn't find it earlier!

Ships stored off water!

Last stop for a visit, was the Port of Bundaberg, situated at the mouth of the Burnett River. The port is used for exporting sugar, so there aren't too many ships each year. There is now also a large marina, with a local fishing fleet. Spanner crab is now in season, so we stop and buy some fresh Spanner Crab meat. Delicious, and saves all the mess of shelling your own! We are surprised to see more boats stored on land than in the water. Not sure why? Around the area are a lot of holiday shacks, plus there are some lovely homes built along the river with their own jetties. A little further around the point is Burnett Heads. A lot of homes along the beach front, but not much else.


There is a nice golf course and Golf Club at Bargara, and John is booked in for the members mid week Xmas comp on Thursday. It was a shotgun start at the respectable hour of 11.00am. The course is very dry, but a fantastic day was had, playing with 3 local guys, Fred, Dave and Peter. Fred was in the money at the end of the day, finishing with 42 points. John brought up the rear in the group, with 29 points. Whilst all this was happening, Carol was having a girly pamper day, with a pedicure, and a visit to the hairdresser.


All in all, we have really enjoyed our stay around Bargara, and now it's a short haul back up to Agnes Water.