Airlee Beach to Cooktown

We left AirleeBeach on 22 May and free camped at Home Hill for a couple of days, very entertaining little place, the we moved onto Bowen  where the film Australia was made, then onto Townsville which did not impress me at all,  the Castle Hill Lookout was great a 360 degree view of the city.   We moved onto Bingle Bay camping ground which had amazing views,  water almost lapping on the caravan.  Dawson loved the freedom here.     Second day here the weather lousy, Robin in his wisdom decides to take me to the markets at Mission Bay for something to do,   I will blame Robin because I can,  and he doesnt read the blog either,   well guess what, just walking around in the mud and slush and Robin saids,   come here their are puppies for sale,  big big mistake, brain explosion and now the owners of the cutest little boy in the world,  x mini foxy etc.    just adorable,   and best of all Dawson loves him as well.  We are now at Paronell Park which is privately owned but was built by a spanish guy back in 1930, who built a castle and hydro scheme,  the web site for this is www.paronellapark.com.au/highres
for those of you who would like to view some photos of it,    it was yet another magical place.  Now at Walkamin for a week which is on the Atherton Tablelands,  lots to do and see here.   We decided to invest in solar panels while we are here,   got them installed and now it has been raining ever since.  No doubt they will be good.  After leaving there we had a free camp and the Lions  Den Hotel at Helenvale, what a hoot, we fell in love with this old pub,  writing all over the walls,  old corrugated iron, nick knacks everywhere a beautiful river out the back which we camped beside, no crocs apparently, mind you I didnt go swimming just in case.  Moved on to Cooktown for 4 days  which just happened to coincide with the annual festival,  marking Captain Cooks landing and the beginning of the tourist season,   a great 4 days spent at Cooktown.   Loved it all.   So now is all up to date once again.   Love to everyone.

Alfie

Sunrise at Bingal Bay

Reiny and my bikie friends at The Lions Den

Me and my boys having a afternoon nap

Camp at Bingal Bay

This one for you Ashleigh

The boys enjoying a walk

Paranella Park

Dawson showing Alfie how to get down and dirty



Isn't love grand the Lions Den Pub

Airlie Beach

We arrived at Airlee Beach on tuesday at the Flametree Caravan Park.,very dog friendly where the owners  even look after your dog for the day so you can go on the cruises.  We did a cruise on Thursday which was called the The Whitehaven Beach Aussie BBQ, a fabulous  day.    Elly and John looked after Dawson for the day,  so off we went at 8am in the mini bus to the marine to start our adventure.
Once we all boarded away we go at a nice rate of knots and some very choppy seas, I am loving it, Robin went upstairs to get some better photos, didn't last long , as it was so choppy he came down looking like a drowned rat. It took us about 1 1/2hours to get to our first stop at Hill Inlet Lookout where we had a guided walk through the National Park, one word for the Lookout, beautiful. You could see stingrays swimming down below, the water is crystal clear. Back on the boat for morning tea, biscuits and tea, and then off to Whitehaven Beach for a yummy bbq. We are on the beach for about 2 hours just swimming, walking, drinking beer and wine, and enjoying the great bbq of steak, sausages and rissoles with lovely fresh salad and damper rolls and of course a fresh fruit salad with the sweetest pineapple I have ever eaten. Back on the boat to head north up to Mantary Bay where Robin will snorkel and I will enjoy the sights through a glass bottom boat. Met a few of the locals, one blue Gopher called Elvis swam right around the boat to get some free food, lots of other lovely fish as well. A bit disappointed in the colour of the coral, could have been because of the overcast day but nevertheless it was truly a magic day. Forget to mention back at the bbq we were visited by about 8 lace monitors, so glad they were friendly. We have also visited Conaway Beach, Hydeway Bay and Dingo Beach, 3 out of the way places which are very beautiful. Moving on , on Tuesday to who knows where. Love to all Robin and Reiny.

Isn't love grand

Oops that not Robin

Whitehaven Beach

The raft

The lace monitor

Whitehaven Beach

Elvis

Robin the drowned rat

Robin snorkelling

Part 2 of Robin and Reiny's Adventure

Well we left Springwood on the 6th April, to head to Lithgow to celebrate Elly and John's 50th Wedding Anniversary and also Elly's 70th birthday,   had a great weekend with all the family, great to catch up with everyone and spend time together.  After leaving Lithgow we spent our first night free camping at the Bylong Recreation Ground, which is know for its annual easter weekend mice racing. A beautiful spot, and then the following day on to Tamworth to visit with friends from Springwood who now live in Tamworth, Mick and Jill,    great to catch up with them.   We left Tamworth on the 13th and did some more free camping at Bingarra beside the river, again a lovely spot to camp, with kangaroos birds and lots of peace and quiet.    We then moved on to  Casino for a couple of days before we headed off to Burleigh Heads to catch up with Adam, Penny and Cain before  Adam and Penny  went on their holiday to Vietnam,   nice to catch up with them and we won't now see them until Xmas.      We have now decided to  head back down to Brunswick Heads so Robin can get some last minute surfing in before we  travel up the north coast.  Had a great time with Les and Sue (bikie mates of Robins) and then Noleen and Denis also joined us for a couple of days,   Lots of laughter and of cause a free drinks to go with that.     By the way there was no surf but plenty of sandflys.   We then travelled onto Maleny in the Qld hinterlands,   this is one place I could live, absolutely love this area.    Next we are on our way to Hervey Bay to spend time with our good friend Marilyn who is  house sitting up there, we are all moving onto Agnes Waters for a few days to spend time with John and Marilyn.    John and I of course thrashed them at Canasta yet again,   can't understand why Robin and Marilyn keep on  trying to beat us.   After saying goodbye we then went to Sharon Nature Reserve where we had a cuppa with Noleen and Dennis on their way to Yepoon.     So that is April over and done with and now we are into May.

Calliope River Camping Reserve is our next stop where Elly and John have caught up with us,  they will be travelling with us for a while.  Between Elly and John and ourselves we are keeping the Qld economy going very well,   a few expenses here and there.    New batteries for them,  new battery for us, new laptop for me, nice leather hat for Robin,  Our car  needed a transmission service, then the pump in the caravan loo pooped itself  just to name a few things.  We then spent a few days in Rockhampton before moving onto St. Lawrence Recreational  Ground, a pretty spot to spend the night before moving onto Mackay.   Catching up with Clare a friend of Robin and mine from our days in Orange.   We went to Eungella NP where we were lucky enough to see platypus, turtles and eels swimming in the river.     We were so excited to see the platypus.   Mothers Day was spent with Clare, watching her daughter play soccer and then lunch at the Eimeo pub which has magnificent views of the Whitsunday islands.   We are now at Airlie Beach and it does now feel very tropical Qld,   Robin and I off on a island cruise/adventure tomorrow.    Will keep the blog up to date from here on, as everything is new and exciting for us now.    Love to everyone.   The pictures have overlapped but if you click on them they become large.   I dont know how to fix it. 

Arno Bay to HOME

25th July. Staying at a Top Tourist Caravan Park at Whyalla which is just a stones throw from the bay, lovely. Went to various lookouts. Also went to see the famous spawning of the cuttlefish, but unfortunately we were a few days late.
27th July. Wilmington Bush Camp, an excellent camp were we relaxed for a couple of days.
29th July. Broken Hill.Big day travelling as there was no nice spots to free camp for the night, so we pushed on to Broken Hill. Saws heaps of emus but nothing else could possibly be the ugliest piece of the trip so far. We visited Iron Knob the birthplace of BHP, lovely old town run by the community. Did the tour of the town by one very very chatty local. Lets just say he really enjoyed his job.
31st July. Went to Silverton home of Mad Max and then on to a 1800's silver mine which was called Dream TimeMine where we went underground, a very informative and excellent tour.
1st August. Drove to the lookouts at Broken Hill, I for one am not impressed with Broken Hill.
2/4th August. White Cliffs Opal town where a lot of the business's plus the motel are underground, a place of real australian characters. Enjoyed our stay there very much.
5th August. Free camp near Nyngan
6th August. Free camp at Sandy Hollow near Warren.
7th August. Free camp at Mendooran
8th August. Lithgow for 2 nights to catch up with Elly and John.
10th August. HOME 21,173 klms safe and sound. Sharyn and Ashleigh had the yard and house shining like a new pin, a wonderful dinner, welcome home signs , nice to be home with family again. Looking forward to catching up with friends and saving for our next trip. Robin back at work with Blue Mountain Buses. So goodbye until our next trip. Robin, Reiny and Dawson.

Ceduna to Arno Bay / Jayco Discovery to Millard Sunseeka

Port Lincoln

New Caravan

Marble Ranges behind us Love the signs

Entrance to The Tub

Of course we drove along this road

Woolshed cave

Beehive in cave

Robin and his surfie mate

Sculptures on the coastline

Too cute

July 11: Well we finished our trip across the Nullarbor it was great, fabulous scenery, we enjoyed every moment of the trip. Dawson has had enough so we will stay put for a couple of days at Ceduna, catch up with washing etc then off to Streaky Bay tomorrow.

July 13: A little drama today, had a blowout on the caravan, lucky no major damage just a shredded tyre with a bit of damage to the van which Robin was able to repair. Loving Streaky Bay, Robin surfing with dolphins, Dawson and I doing our walk along the beach enjoying the peace until my wonderful dog decided to take on a 6ft long fur seal, lucky for us the seal had unfortunately died. We are on our way to Xmas in July at the Community owned Streaky Bay Hotel/Motel, 3 courses for $20.00, Vegetable soup,Bread Rolls, Ham, turkey and loads of vegetable, and then plum pudding, custard, ice cream and cream. Yummo. All the food groups covered and a lovely bottle of wine. Merry Christmas.

July 14: Trouble with car today off to the mechanics, hoping for a good outcome. Yeah no biggy rock caught up somewhere underneath, no drama. Robin surfing me just relaxing.

July 15: Celebrating Xmas tonight with a couple from the park, I am a very happy fat camper. Robin surfing again, me relaxing again,

July 16: Went for a trip out to Point Lambert, watched about 60+ fur seals just lazing about,mothers feeding calves, young males playing, so wonderful to see it all.

July 17: Free camp near Elliston, saw the Woolshed and The Tub caves which are on the coastline, stunning scenery, loving the Eyre Peninsula.

July 18: Travelled to Port Lincoln today, stopped off at Coffin Bay and was able to wash car and caravan, they were absolutely filthy from our adventures lots of dirt roads to get to the ocean and farmlands. We also celebrated John's (Robin's dad) birthday today by buying ourselves a new caravan, a 19ft 2009 Millard Sunseeka, queen bed, large fridge and loads of space. Love it.

July 19: Changing over the caravans today, big job but so worth it.

July 20: Buggered after yesterday so just a day to enjoy the van.

July 21: Arno Bay Caravan Park voted by us as the friendliest park we have stayed in, owners very welcoming and the other caravanners also lovely, they have nearly something on everyday, such as, scone afternoon, sausage sizzles, pancake Sundays, a great park.

July 22 and 23: Just relaxing and going for nice walks along the boardwalk and beach, weather nice.

Our trip is rapidly come to a halt, we will probably be home about the 20th August or a bit before, will have to put Robin back to work and save up for our next adventure. Luckily the bus company want him back. Looking forward to catching up with family and friends. Love to everyone. xxxx

Margaret River to Ceduna

Bunda Cliffs

Rocky the whale

More cliffs

Eucla telegraph station

Brekky, waiting for the bacon and eggs

Salmon gums

Albany

Reflections

More reflections

Light Beach Denmark

Tree top walk

Tingle tree

Well guys lots to tell you,




28th June, The Gloucester tree which is near Pemberton a massive tree which you can climb, I got the the chicken branch, to bloody scary, Robin got about a 1/3 of the way up, to his credit it had been raining and was wet and the steel poles sticking out of the tree are not a fun way to climb up a tree, free camped that night.


29th June, Walpole: Went on the tree top walk today where you actually walk 40metres above the tingle forest, these are magnificent trees which are only found in this pocket in the valley in the world. The tree can live to be 400 years old.


30th June: Sitting in caravan with Dawson while Robin is surfing, he is an IDIOT it is freezing in the van, wind, rain just miserable. Not a total waste of time though, while I am holed up in the caravan young and old surfers stripping down after they come back from surfing, not realising that this old girl is perving on them. Shame it is such a cold day though.


1st July: Albany. Have fallen in love with Albany. a beautiful town, scenery, beaches, farming land, wineries it has a fantastic country feel to it. Pity it is a cold 14c but we have been blessed with great weather until now.


3rd July: Esperance. On our list of must come back too, would be gorgeous if it was spring with the wildflowers and warmer weather.


5th July: The first day of trek across the Nullarbor, so excited. Weather crappy


6th July: Free camp 25ks west of Balladonia. Nice rest area, great fire morning and night. Spag. Bol jaffles for breakfast. Robin se the "Dish" up so we could watch the State of Origin. Bloody Qld won again, yes Penny and Cain you are winners. Had Happy Hour with Peter and Jenny from St. Ives and Jason and Michelle from Campbelltown, nice night even if we didnt win the footy.


7th July:Moonera Tank 43k east of Cocklebiddy, (free camp) Brian and Andrew from Geelong invited us to join there camp fire (thank god) they were travelling in a big truck/motor home, which they had a quad bike on the back and well as a chainsaw,. Great Company. Loving the Nullarbor, still no camels, dingoes etc. Dawson has had enough of travelling he is driving us to drink.


8th July: Scenic Lookout 42k peg which is 42ks east of Border Village as luck would have it. Two couples already camped with fire roaring (lucky us again) they were from Qld and were on there way to Kalgoorlie to find gold, she showed us a couple of her nuggets (gold that is) which she said was worth 2 grand. Before we left the campsite we ventured down to the edge of Australia and Robin stirring me up as usual, said look a whale, when I lean over the cliff face, 90 m below I see a rock, he starts laughing, I start abusing him and then this big rock starts to move, last laugh on me. We walked along the cliff face watching this whale and her calf, omg life is good.


9th July: Nullarbor Roadhouse, Tonight luxury, tv, phone, power, hot water, our batteries ran out last night, may have to invest in a generator. The highlight of my trip so far today, went to the Head of the Bight and saw up to 40 whales and 5 calves, just off the boardwalk, absolutely incredible. As I was entering this in my journal, a brandy in hand, yummy pate and cheeses, suny streaming down on us I cannot believe how lucky we are.


11th July: Ceduna Finished our trip across the Nullarbor, it was great, we enjoyed every aspect of the trip, Dawson had enough, so a couple of days to catch up on washing, cleaning van etc. Love to All.