Quick drive around Hervey Bay - loved the massive Urangan Pier, and the Marina.
Stayed with our Contiki friends ... big night! Then off to Gympie for a few nights with Donna's family and some much needed down time and handyman practice!!. Meanwhile, the bushfire alert in Queensland and NSW was hitting unprecedented levels ... but we managed to avoid them.
Then headed to the Mary Valley for a few days - beautiful part of the world. Stayed in Kandanga, with arguably Australia's best Bowls Club next door, and drove around the valley. Very hilly, beautiful trees and vistas everywhere, nice walk through the Strangler Tree Forest, and nice little country towns sprinkled throughout ... Imbil, Kenilworth, and Mapleton were all fantastic.
Next ... the famous Eumundi Market. Super market - although not the world's cheapest. It was jam packed with stuff we don't need. Was also very very hot and humid - so we retreated to the Eumundi Pub.
As we headed off – the heavens opens up and pelted us with hail. Damage to both the van and car whilst we can't believe the windscreen wasn't smashed - quite scary really. The type of day when you are thankful for insurance.
Had a great night with the Blackwells near Noosa – old Sorrento friends. After 4 months where we had maybe 10 drops of rain it total ...it was actually very nice to be sitting out watching the rain with a glass or 10 of Savvy Blanc ... another rusty day followed!
Then it was into Noosa for a couple of days – although we really needed a week or 2. Noosa is a fantastic spot. Had an afternoon at the Surf Club (after another massive storm) with Pittsy – an old Sorrento mate, and a lovely dinner in Noosaville with my old Price Waterhouse boss. Also hired a boat and cruised past the beautiful houses lining the Noosa Canal, and cruised down the Noosa river – attempting to catch fish … and failing again! Also wandered down Hastings Street – which is really Sorrento with better restaurants and weather.
Another big night followed at The Johnstons - more old, old, old Sorrento Friends - at Sunshine Beach. Nice beach and lovely area.
Then drove to Maroochydore for a couple of quiet days. Maroochydore is massive. Stayed at a great park next to the beach. Drove to Mooloolaba for a super seafood lunch at the wharf. Loved Mooloolaba - will be back for sure - fave spot along the coast!!!
Next -headed to Australia Zoo ... fantastic spot - very well done. Spent the whole day there - outstanding!
Left to visit our old Uni friends - Wendy and Graeme - who live in the Hinterlands. Beautiful secluded spot in the hills. Another big night of socialising!!!! Drove to botanic gardens and bird park in the Hinterlands which was also great.
Time for a break from socialising .... drove to Caloundra - another seaside town. Nice spot. Stayed at Dicky Beach, and walked in along the coast into town for lunch. 10km walk was great - but tiring.
Time to leave the Sunshine Coast ... so many great spots along the coast - we ended up rushing through more that we had hoped ... a taster really for a future trip where we will really take our time.