Following a hectic 7 months being political campaigners for an independent candidate in the federal election (who did win), we took a quick trip to Queensland in June looking for some warmth and a change of scene.  The first night away did not bring warmth – in fact the water in Belle froze when we camped at Willow Tree.  My idea of going up on an inland route and back down the coast didn’t seem so clever after night one.

After a quick stop in Gunnedah to buy warmer pj’s at Best & Less, we went straight to Moree and the hot springs.  We like staying at a caravan park that boasts four hot springs (one at 36, 37, 38 & 39 degrees C) and a soak in the pools felt like a good idea. So good that after dinner in the van, we also had another soak.

In our haste to get into Queensland we drove 500 kilometers over 5 1/2 hours and stayed at a bush camp we had visited previously.

Given our destination of Hervey Bay was within reach, we had time to stop along the way so Dick could do his regular balance class on Zoom.  I did a thorough tour of the shops in the town of Goomeri (population 664), which was a nice little town with a pumpkin festival and lots of gift shops, while Dick did his class in the local park.

I was keen to return to Maryborough as its an interesting little town, and has a Mary Poppins connection. We only had time for a brief lunch and loo stop.

Then we settled into our caravan park in Hervey Bay, home for three nights.  I managed a nice sunset beach walk.  After four days of driving it was good to have some down time, and Dick was not well with a cold. Also I had a favorite dress shop to revisit, and nice beaches to walk, and sunsets to photograph.

We also went back to Maryborough to visit the market and particularly to visit the Mary Poppins Museum, which is located in the old bank building where PJ Travers, author of Mary Poppins, was born.  The museum tells you all you’d want to know about PJ Travers and Mary Poppins.

 

On arrival we were given an orientation tour before lunch, and then we saw a presentation on manta rays in the Reef Education Centre.  The resort is an eco resort and has been recognised for its dedication to the protection and preservation of the natural asset.  Guests are asked to commit to the island’s sustainability pledge.

Evenings were fun with quiz nights, island bingo, guided night walks or games.  We soon had our regular group of friends to spend the evenings with.

Named one of the top five destinations in the world to scuba dive with manta rays, and being one of the best barrier reef locations to dive and snorkel; is what attracts most visitors.  So on day 2, I did a refresher snorkeling lesson and then we snorkelled in the lagoon.  The water was not deep but we saw lots of colored fish.  The island offers lots of education presentations and land tours as well as snorkelling and diving trips.  We went to the whale presentation, saw a bit of fish feeding and did a guided reef walk.

Day 3 was our glass bottom boat/snorkel tour and we saw a manta ray under the boat. I snorkelled with the instructor and we immediately saw a large turtle plus lots of fish, coral, giant clams, green parrot fish, and sea anemone.  Being in the sea is not my most comfortable state but I am glad I did the snorkel trip, since we were in one of the best places to do that.

Before starting the drive home we caught up with a few friends; a quick visit with Gordon and Joanne, lunch with Pamela and Rod and later dinner with Allan and Barbara and an overnight in Allan’s driveway, our favorite driveway camp.  We also had to visit Explorer Motorhomes in Brisbane for a water pump repair.  Having no heater and then no water, our trip was starting to feel like real camping!

Our winter escape was 17 days, 3000 kms, fine weather, visits with friends and lots of variety.  Good to be home and here to celebrate the boy’s first birthday.  Not so good that we have covid but it seems inevitable these days and much better to have it at home.  Best regards to all.