TANNUM SANDS-ARMSTRONG BEACH

ST. LAWRENCE - QUEENSLAND -8TH/9TH JULY 2009

RORY'S 50TH. 4th JULY 2009

TANNUM SANDS/ARMSTRONG BEACH
After arrival back to Tannum Sands on 1st July we started to prepare for our journey down to Hervey Bay for the weekend. Because the site we had booked was taken they found us a spot, but had to cut a few branches from a tree. They are so accommodating here at Tannum Beach Caravan Park. The next day, we had a special delivery. A few days before we went online to purchase some red wine from an auction site. As it turned out we were successful with 4 boxes. Along with these our friends, Geoff & Robyn Clifford from the Murwillumbah Cellars kindly sent us a mixed box of wine to try. Also as we do like really good coffee beans, daughter Jody & husband Gerard sent us fresh roasted supplies from their cafe, Red Cherry in Cambridge, New Zealand. As per photo of Lester the park groundsman delivering our lot by the golf cart.
The reason for our trip to Hervey Bay was son-in-law, Rory’s 50th birthday celebrations. We booked into a studio unit for 2 nights at Torquay. Son, Darren who drove up from the Gold Coast, picked his grandmother (my mum) up from Bribie Island on the way and she stayed with D’Arcy & I.
Jackie, Paul, Taylor & Chloe also made the trip up and were guests of their friends, Tony & Chantelle from Maryborough. The party went well, but not without a hitch in the preparation of the pig on the spit. D’Arcy was up early and went to help Kellie & Rory prepare the pig and get it going on the spit, before returning for his breakfast. During this time the pig caught alight and being positioned under their upstairs balcony there was panic as the flames nearly took hold of the balcony. While trying to move the spit Kellie cut her head on the stairs and another friend cut his hand badly and had to visit the hospital for a tetanus shot and bandaging. Other than that the day and evening went really well. It was especially good to see all my family together. Mum seemed to enjoy herself also, as per dancing photos.
Sunday and we were on our way back to our van at Tannum Sands where we stayed for another 3 nights. Wednesday and we were heading north on the Bruce Highway to a rest area (camps 5 #88) St. Lawrence, approx. 280klms. As I drove for the final 1 1/2hrs I took the van into our parking spot and received a very nice compliment from a fellow traveller, who said that I brought us in just like a real truckie. After parking up we went for a walk around this small town and came across the local pub where we had a drink and talk to a few locals. We are trying to get as much info on fishing in local areas. The prettiest sight in this town is the entrance across the railway line, a wall of bougainvillea. As this is the main railway line north to Cairns they are in the process of building a new bridge across St. Lawrence Creek. This is where we set ourselves up to do a spot of fishing and I caught my first fish of the trip, an edible whiting. A lovely place to just relax even if we didn’t catch much. We decided to stay at this spot for 2 nights and of course we had our fire going on both nights and cooked using the camp oven. Met some happy travellers as well and exchanged stories.

Friday was only a short trip of approx. 40klms. to Clairview Caravan Park (Camps # 87) where we stayed for 1 night only. As we needed water for the van we had to move on because this park had bore water and advised us not to put

into the van. They had tank water for drinking.
Saturday 11th July we were unable to get into any of the parks around Sarina, but an owner of one said he may be able to help as he had a block of ground at Armstrong Beach, just 7klms east of Sarina. Sounded good to us as there was power & water available. After Dennis gave us instructions on where to go we are parked up on this lovely block of ground with a short walk to the beach. My first job was to do the washing and then go and check out this quaint little village. Although there seems to be a lot of new housing going on. There are no services here. There is one small caravan park. No shops, but we did come across a sign on a fence, “GREEN PRAWNS- $12 PER KG” of course we didn’t hesitate to check these out. Half eaten as entree before dinner as I had my homemade beef & vege. soup thawing out. They were very yummy with a pre-dinner drink.
On waking Sunday I looked out the bedroom window to a lovely sight of a coconut tree full of coconuts and other beautiful shrubs and not even in a caravan park. Then it was time for some exercise so off I went walking along the beach. There are quite big tides in this area so the shoreline was a fair way out with plenty of sand. D’Arcy decided to ride his bike along the beach and as the tide was still way off for coming back in he headed back home to get his yabby pump and get some bait to go fishing later. Unfortunately only managed to get fairly small ones. With no luck fishing from the beach we headed off to find a better spot. D’Arcy was successful catching an edible flathead. While here a few young boys returned in their boat to the ramp and had car troubles so D’Arcy helped them by towing their vehicle and boat from the water. After arriving home it turned out that one of the boys lives next door to where we are staying. In appreciation they gave D’Arcy a six pack of beer. He was really appreciative as he had run out of beer.
Till next time........Still having problems placing photos...very frustrating....Photos of Armstrong Beach later.

BILOELA

On our last day at Carnarvon Gorge we decided to do a couple of short walks. If you don’t like walking there is not much else to do here. We stopped at the Wilderness Lodge Resort, just for a look, & had a coffee. Very quiet and peaceful setting. Although we are glad we have our own coffee machine as it cost $13.oo for 2 cups of coffee. Don’t do that too often.
Tuesday, 23rd and we were off towards Biloela travelling on the Dawson H’way. There is a lovely overnight stop just 7klm. west of Moura, beside the Dawson River. For those with Camps 5 book it is rest area 430 which we stopped at. As we were booked to stay at Discovery Holiday Parks Biloela the next day (50klms away), we took our time in packing and leaving the next morning. The powered sites here have ensuites. A bit different to what we have had. Although we did make use of it while here. Also a BIG 4 Park. While we were at Carnarvon D’Arcy started work on a “ fire place” he wanted to construct. So, a project to do here at Biloela was to get a bit of welding done. More on that one later. Wednesday and in time for 2nd game of State of Origin. Our friends, Geoff & Robyn, who we thought we said good-bye to at Lake Maraboon, happened to be still in the park. Only due to a breakdown problem. So we spent the evening together, dinner & the footy.
Thursday evening the park have a bbq and all are invited for a cost of $10 which we joined in and of course meeting and making new friends. This lifestyle is very social. Especially around happy hour.
Sat. 27th. Off again to another overnight stop (free camping) along the Calliope River. Approx. 100klms. What a beautiful spot. On the high side of the river, but D’Arcy still was able to get a crab pot in, no luck though. Tonight was the first lighting of our new fire place. Made using a 9kg gas cyclinder, cutting slits and making a couple of hinged doors with a removeable lid the camp oven fitted in the top. Had a lovely camp oven meal and then stoked up the fire and sat beside it till the beautiful coals became too much and just had to get out the marshmallows. . Such a pretty spot with different trees and places for the day picnics. As per photo.
With only another short distance to Benaraby Discovery Holiday Park on Sunday we didn’t get away too early again. Highly recommend these Discovery Parks. This park is on the Boyne River, not far from Gladstone. We are heading back to Tannum Sands tomorrow, Wed. 1st July. Fishing & crabbing is supposed to be excellent, but we have picked the wrong time of the season. Crocs are known to be in the river, so one has to keep alert.

CARNARVON GORGE

20th June, and we are heading to Carnarvon Gorge National Park, (http://www.takaru.com.au/ ) south from Emerald on the Gregory H’way to Springsure then Dawson H’wy to Rolleston where we travelled 61klm. before turning to Carnarvon Gorge and another 40klm. along before taking the entry into the park. The last 20klm was gravel and dusty and a bit lumpy in places, although the country side was beautiful as we headed in. You would be advised not to travel here in any wet weather conditions as there is a few dips and creek crossings which do flood easily.
After arriving here at the park around 3.00pm. it didn’t take long for us to get settled and start by exploring the park and surrounds. This park, “Takarakka Bush Resort” is one of 3 in Australia, privately owned. It is 4klm. from Carnarvon Gorge Headquarters where you head to take the many walks available. The tour guide, Linda was giving an insight into the tours at one of the fire pits later in the day, although a bit early to light. So, we decided to do the 7klm. walk and info tour with her on Sunday morning starting at 8.00a.m.
We would recommend this to anyone as we did learn a lot about bush tucker and bush medicines used by the aboriginals, and they still work as she was collecting a plant for a work colleague who had a tooth ache. Can’t remember all the names, will have to buy a book!!!!!! At the turnaround point, and destination for this walk was the Moss Garden. We had 7 creek crossings, by stones, to reach our destination before turning for the return walk, arriving back at the park at 12.30pm. Although it was only 4deg. early in morning, it did finally get a little warmer, depending on which side of the gorge you were on.
After learning the history of Carnarvon Gorge it is very interesting and an amazing natural resource. So I thought I would quote some facts instead of my words.
“Rugged ranges and rough terrain made travelling this area difficult for early European explorers. Ludwig Leichhardt led the first European group into the region in 1844, passing to the east of the gorge. Two years later, Major Thomas Mitchell and his party passed to the west, naming the ranges after Caernarfon Ranges of Wales.
European settlers followed soon after. By 1863 grazing runs at Consuelo and the mouth of Carnarvon Gorge were established as part of the “Tableland Pastoral Holding”.
Carnarvon’s history mixes resourceful people seeking a life in a hard, remote area with colourful characters including cattle duffers. High country to the south of the Gorge was named “The Ranch”. Its surrounding side gorges were perfect for “lying low”. Harry Redford and the Kenniff brothers were among those who used the rugged terrain to their advantage.
The country proved too remote for some and in 1931 the pastoral holding was forfeited to the Government.
After lobbying by the Royal Geographical Society of Queensland, the Queensland Government declared 26,300ha of the Gorge as national park in 1932. The Society conducted expeditions to the gorge. Cattle were mustered from the Gorge regularly into the late 1960’s.
The many parts of Carnarvon National Park now cover 298,000ha of the Central Highlands and are favourite holiday destinations for many people.”

LAKE MARABOON

Lake Maraboon.

Well, it is really good to be in a place and have good communications, i.e. wireless internet with plenty of signal. It was a really good surprise the other day when we received a Skype call from family in N.Z.- Jody, Gerard, Ella & Patrick, and be able to see them through video. They are all looking great and Patrick is about to turn 6months and Ella 2yrs 4mnths. My how time flys.
The weather now here at Lake Maraboon is really good. Night time temperatures have risen a little from last week, to around 12deg. and the days approx. 25deg.

Some photos of the bird life around here. They are so tame and
beautiful. We have even had an owl come and sit in the tree
while we were by our fire.

Sat. D’Arcy went and set his crabclaw pots by using his kayak.

As the water temperatures need to be a little warm it was only
necessary to place in shallow waters. As Geoff had his out

before he & Robyn supplied the entree before our dinner of lamb
shanks, my specialty that I love to cook.
On checking them Sunday morning D’Arcy had a good

haul of 15, with one being really quite big, as per photo.

So with our combined efforts for dinner we had redclaw

& veges along with green curry prawns & noodles.

The rest of Sunday saw us head off to Sapphire and the gemfields

approx. 40mins. Away. Robyn & Geoff came along where we

visited the local market place and then on to the gemfields

for a bit of fossicking. After purchasing a bucket of

stones/rocks we were guided as to how to go about looking

for sapphires. It took us about 2hrs to go through a bucket. A bit

hard on the eyes, but worth it after finding a few pieces worth

cutting & setting. Nothing really big, but still we all had a great time. Then on our return to the park it was time to check and empty the pots of crabclaw.

Beautiful sunset as we returned to our

van before the cooking of the catch and dinner.
Monday evening here in the park was enjoyed immensely. A bbq sausagle sizzle was supplied by the park and entertainment. Geoff, our host has a very good singing voice and done a wonderful job,

as did other staff members. Open fires was the call of the night

along with dancing and video entertainment. These Monday

night sizzles is a gold coin donation which goes to charities.

This week stopping over in the park was Craig Goozee doing

a 12,500klm marathon around Australia to raise $1m.

For Childrens Cancer Research in memory of his eldest

daughter, Jessica, who died of cancer in 1999 at the age

of nine. They were really pleased and appreciative of the support

shown from the travellers here in the park as the total raised

was $1,001.30. If you go to http://www.a2b4c.com.au/ you can follow Craig’s journey.

TANNUM SANDS-LAKE MARABOON

To-day, Friday 29th May we left Bargara Beach

Caravan Park to spend the next few nights with

our friends Carol & Len back in Bundaberg. We promised to go the the Sugarland Tavern on Sunday night for a seafood buffett dinner, which we did and was really good. We also went to the markets again in the early morning to stock up on fresh produce, before we headed off on Monday morning to Tannum Sands, about 30mins. Drive south of Gladstone.
We booked into the Tannum Beach Caravan Village where we parked and got ourselves setup before meeting our neighbours,

Robyn & Geoff who are from Murwillumbah, N.S.W. not far from our own home town.

They invited us to join them for happy hour around their campfire. Well, that was the start of a good friendship. We continued to have drinks around the fire along with sausages cooked over the coals. The next morning D’Arcy was feeding the birds & because there was a magpie with a fishing line caught around his leg he decided the best way to catch it was with his cast net. When the moment was right he threw it and with the help of Geoff they cut the line loose. His foot seemed to be deformed, but over the next week he came around for food and it seemed to improve a little.
Wednesday saw the first State Of Origin football game, so we had a bbq & then watched the game on our big screen tv. Of course they are N.S.W. supporters and we Qld. Still remain friends even though Qld won.
Friday night we headed off to the Tannum Beach S.L.S.C for dinner and a raffle was being held so D’Arcy bought some tickets and one of them won a meat tray, so the next couple of nights it was bbq’s again.
The foreshore of Tannum Beach is beautiful. The bird life very variable around our camp spot. We have kookaburras, ducks, magpies, wild turkeys, kangaroos and even foxes, although I personally didn’t see one. There is good biking & walking tracks around & I also saw quail one morning on our bike ride. There is a small lake with lots of different bird life. The kangaroos are just beautiful and right in the middle of suburbia with some being really huge.

Didn’t want to get too close, didn’t know how friendly they would be.
We took a drive to Lake Awoonga, only about 40min. drive west. It is stocked with barramundi and other species of fish, but apparently now is not a good time because of the cold weather. Season starts at end of September and goes through to April/May, but a chance to see the dam and decide that we wouldn’t venture out and camp there at this stage. Maybe later in the year. There is a houseboat & leisure hire also picnic & bbq facilities. Another very pretty spot. Although the caravan park is a bit ordinary.

Refer to http://www.lakeawoonga.net.au/

In Gladstone there is the Aluminium Smelter which we could view from Tannum Beach. Aluminium is produced using bauxite from the opencut mines around Queensland.
Had a breakdown with our wireless modem. Took it to Telstra in Gladstone and was told it had to go back for repair, which would take about 6 weeks. Well, we can’t do without communications, so had to buy a new one. Not what we needed at the moment.
Monday night 8th June, had the pleasure

of Mike (D’Arcy’s son) come and stay with us,

as he was working in the area. Unfortunately,

his day was very busy so didn’t get to us until about 10.30pm. It was still good to catch up with him. He was able to come back again for lunch the following day before he had to head off and catch his plane home. Also, helped me out with a p.c. problem while he was here. Sorry Mike, but thankyou.

Wednesday, 10th and we were packed up and off again by 8.45a.m. heading for Fairbairn Dam, Lake Maraboon, via Emerald. Travelled north to Rockhampton approx. 135klms. Before turning west onto the Capricorn Highway, where we stopped after another 84klm. at Duaringa rest stop for lunch and a break before continuing onto Bedford Weir for an overnight stop. After going through Blackwater for 2klms. we turned nth. for 25klm. to the campsite, which we thought would not have too many travellers. How wrong we were. On arriving the caretaker came to guide us to a spot to park up and invited us to join everyone for happy hour by the fire at 4.30pm. A bit before our 5.00pm starts, but what the heck it is getting really cold now.

We’re serenaded by a traveller with his guitar

with his dog by his side. During his break,

the joke telling started.

There was probably between 20-30 people.

Happy hour turned into 2.

As our trip the next day was only a short one,

and the morning was fairly cold, temperatures

getting down to freezing in some areas, we

didn’t rush off for our journey onto Fairbairn Dam.

The road surface on the Capricorn Highway

is not the best for most of it. A little bumpy.

On arriving at this park which is a Top Tourist Park, we were guided to our site by our host Geoff , who proceeded to get trees trimmed for our van to fit comfortably. The park is managed by Geoff and Andy who are very accommodating. We then discovered our tv had jumped off its bracket. Luckily no damage as it is still working. Then along comes another staff member with a hose and power cord for us to use. Although we have our own they said to use theirs as it is in a spot that is used by vehicles. Very populated by vans too and our friends Robyn & Geoff are here also.

Our first night was spent around their fire

again with sausages cooked on extended forks,

given to us as a gift from them both. A beautiful gesture and much appreciated.

We also had chicken & steak, tomatoes & onions slowly cooked over the coals. Dessert was marshmallows courtesy of Robyn. Because this is red claw crayfish country, D’Arcy & I went into Emerald to buy a few pots to try our luck at catching some of these. Emerald is only 18klms from here.

The park has a restaurant and Friday night is buffet, $20 per head for a 3 course dinner. Pumpkin soup, plus a variety of meals, followed by pavlova or choc.cheesecake. Of course D’Arcy wanted a bit of both . A wonderful night.

Keep you updated from Lake Maraboon..........

11th May cont.....
The rain eased off late in the day and we were able to light the open fire. It is just lovely sitting around a fire. Joined by a few of the campers where different conversations were had.
Just on dusk we looked across to the fish cleaning table & a guy was there with his catch, as per photo, so now we know there is barramundi in this lake. It went over 1m in length, but wasn’t sure on the weight. Nice fish though. This particular person comes fishing here 3 days a week from Brisbane and everything he catches he snap freezes and takes back to raffle and the proceeds goes to the Children’s Hospital. Lovely gesture.

12th May.
Well today it is raining and not a lot we can do outside, although D’Arcy is packing away a few things outside between showers.
13th May
Packed up and ready to leave for Bargara, when we receive a phone call from our friends Carol & Len in Bundaberg, wanting us to call in on our way past for a cuppa. Well, it was great to see them and they insisted we park here at their place. They are on 11/2acres and very beautifully laid out with lots of paw paw trees , fruit and other vines. With only a few minutes to the Sugarland Shopping complex and just about everything you want without going all the way in the CBD of Bundaberg, only about another 10mins. & sometimes busy. The local airport is practically next door although they are not on the flight path so we don’t hear the planes. We got set up and of course the celebration drinks came out before a rest and then a lovely bbq dinner.
14th May
Very fortunate here as well as a great site we have for the van they have a gym set up in the garage so I was out there first up thismorning to give it a shot. It really felt good.
As D’Arcy had lost his wallet it was time to head to town to all the places for replacement cards. As Len & Carol guided us it all went really smoothly. My turn to cook dinner, so it was lamb shanks simmering away in the afternoon. Very good, even if I do say so myself.
15th May
After doing all the mundane things, like the washing and cleaning we headed into town so as I could visit the hairdressers. You need these things sometimes, well I do!!! As the footy is on tonight we decided to go to dinner early at the Chinese Restuarant in the Brothers Leagues Club just up the road and head home to watch it. Unfortunately The Titans, our choice didn’t win against the Broncos, Carol & Len’s choice, but a good game anyway.

17th May
Up early and off the markets at 6.30a.m. Nice & crisp this early now, but the produce we purchased was really top class and lasts longer. Carol & Len had their grandson, Cody for the day, who is 8yrs and a really top kid. So polite. D’Arcy had fun showing him how to fly his helicopter and at the end of the day decided to give it to him. He was over the moon.

Monday we had the F250 serviced at the local Ford dealer.
Wed. 20th.

D’Arcy’s birthday. I took him to lunch at a local cafe in town, overlooking the Burnett River . A very casual day. I cooked roast beef

for dinner using the DreamPot and turned out
just beautiful, along with roast veges. Carol W. made a pavlova and a good night was had.

Friday 22nd
We moved out to Bargara Beach Caravan Park- http://www.bargarabeach.com.au/ Only 30mins. From Carol & Len’s but a lovely small village atmosphere with good walking track. As you walk along the pathway they have imprinted a message “Have You Done Your 10,0000 Steps Today?” with signs posted every 800mtrs with the number of steps you have taken to that point, e.g. 800mtrs-500 steps. Sign posted all the way to Kelly’s Beach the distance each way is 4000mtrs. As I only have short steps I figured I done more than the 500, but still didn’t make it to the 10,0000. Oh well, the bike riding made up for that. Sunday Carol & Len came down for a visit to bring us some mail and we had lunch down at the local hotel. Lovely woodfired pizzas, with thin crispy base. Cody was also with us as he spends Sundays visiting with his nan & pop. Butcher bird enjoying leftovers.

We took a drive out to Elliott Heads, just a little south of here. A pretty spot normally, but the wind was blowing and didn’t look very inviting on the water, as you may see by the photo.

On the way came across this sign.

How’s this for a bargain???????? Ha Ha

Today is our last day here at Bargara so have added a few pics around here.

Bargara Village
Rock Pool Neilsens Park

Turtle Playground