Mackay and Kinka Beach

Mackay was much bigger than we thought with plenty to do (as long as you don't want to go for a swim)! We soon got a look at the town centre which is quite old and starting to become overtaken by the massive shopping centre in another part of the town. We had to drop Mel off at the airport who unfortunately lost her Pop "Ronald Thomas" early in the week and was flying back to Sydney, then on to Wollongong to deliver the eulogy at his funeral. So the next 3 days Dad was chief entertainer, chef, taxi, teacher, timekeeper, swing pusher, dish washer, bike fixer, hook baiter and sook squasher! But to their credit the kids were awesome for the whole time! 

Not happy about the Lagoon being closed for maintenance

The rest of that day we had the task of picking out a new bike for Cammo to replace "speed", doing the groceries and finding our way out of the shopping centre! That is normally Mel's job! Separating the kids into different beds worked a treat as Dad, watched the footy, had a few mid strengths and built the new bike swallowing plenty of bugs courtesy of the swamp out the back of the van park. 

The next morning Glenno, Taylah and Cammo went on a big ride. Mackay has an excellent loop of the city, probably about 25km all up but we rode from the awesome 3 tiered blue water lagoon (closed for maintenance) to the botanical gardens and back, along the river, probably covering over 10km. The kids were tired but not tired enough for an hour at the park before lunch at the shopping centre where dad made them eat something different than nuggets and chips. Taylah was really good at catching up on a lot of homework in Mackay, spending most of what was left of that afternoon writing in her journal, and doing online 'mathletics' and 'reading eggs' while Cammo, you guessed it, rode his bike around the van park. Speaking of the van park, we stayed at the big 4 (only because we were members) and were told that the new pool and splash park would hopefully be opening on Monday (2 days time), but it was nowhere near finished and probably won't be open for weeks. However, it was being renovated and will probably look great in a few years, but still has a long way to go. The new 9 hole putt putt course was good fun however (for 10 minutes!), enough time for Cammo to learn how to NOT use his feet to kick the ball into the hole.

Cam's new bike "Dragon" on our big ride

Watching turtles in the Botanical gardens

The next day, Great Poppy's funeral day, we did what Ron would want us to do and went fishing off the old bridge that once was the Bruce highway over the Pioneer river. He would not be happy to know that we didn't catch anything but he would be happy to know that Taylah showed great patience and persistence, and even had a go at casting the line out. Cammo lasted 5 minutes and was throwing rocks and jumping over imaginary spider webs. We did get plenty of bites though which kept Taylah interested. Then we went to another skate park which was a little too big for our novice kids, and too dirty, grotty and badly graffitied. 

I took this shot within the 5 minutes Cam was sitting down

In the afternoon we got out the boogie boards and checked out Mackay beach, which was deserted apart from a couple of topless sun bakers and one other family obviously also from Victoria (because they were swimming). The kids caught a couple of nice waves and then had a go at standing on the boogie boards until they got knocked over! Unfortunately due to low tide the water was too far away from the topless sun bakers for Dad to get a good look!

Shallow Water surfing at Mackay Beach

The next morning we went to a great park at the Mackay Marina, obviously there to keep all of the hotel guests and their kids happy if they weren't out on the water in one of the 1000 boats in the harbour. We picked up Mum from the airport after lunch, the kids couldn't control themselves running through the "no entry" sign to giver her big hugs! We spent most of the afternoon showing mum all the things we had done over the last 3 days and giving her a quick tour of Mackay, now that we were locals!

At the Marina Park

Hooray!!! Mummy is back!

Our next stop was "Coolwaters Holiday Park" Kinka beach, about 4 hours from Mackay. Nestled between two very rich and thriving towns of Yeppoon and Emu Park. The van park was another of what we are calling "super parks" which means to a child they have an in built water park and awesome facilities and totally worth the extra $15-20. A small price to pay for entertaining kids while adults relax, or join them on the slides, to tire them out enough so they fall asleep straight away. We got there too late for the splash park and slides to be open but the kids still had a swim (too cold for the adults). In the morning we investigated the beaches close by which were a little disappointing, not to look at but no waves and a long walk doesn't look that inviting. We strolled along the Main Street of Yeppoon and were amazed by how big, modern and thriving it was. After much nagging from the kids we spent most of the afternoon at the slides and splash park, a few beers and wines with Jim and Cheryl, a couple we sat with on our Big Fury boat trip, then a late dinner and settled in to the slow regular tunes of the fat bloke next door snoring all night.

Kinka Beach, Bruce and Great Keppel Island in the background

The superpark pool

The superpark slides and splashpark

TIP: Ear plugs! 

When asking for a caravan powered site with children, do so at your peril. In our experience this has worked both ways, sometimes they give you the ones with the most room, away from everyone, but sometimes they give you the one near all the permanent bogans and Mel has been fantastic in getting drawn into a conversation with all of them!!!

Having lunch at Gladstone Marina

Airlie Beach - The gateway to the Whitsundays

We were told by a grey nomad not to visit Airlie Beach but being the adventurous people that we are we decided try it for ourselves. We are so glad that we did. It is beautiful, not just because it is the gateway to the Whitsunday’s but because of its vibrant atmosphere. The town is humming with people, restaurants and activity. We left Bowen with four bikes and arrived at Airlie Beach with only three. Somewhere along the short way Camo’s bike had fallen off the bike rack on the back of the van and we didn’t realise. Our minds can’t help but picture that poor dog on “National Lampoons Vacation” which was left tied to the car! “Speed” as Camo called his bike must have been scraping along the road for a while before he let go! We are currently shopping for a replacement.

Notice the black bar was still attached!

The giant chess game

An action photo of the two brats

We stayed at the Big 4 Adventure Whitsunday and it was sensational. By far the most expensive van park on our trip but if you are travelling with kids, this is the place to stay at Airlie. It has a large pool with two waterslides, two jumping pillows, tennis courts, mini golf, children’s play park, massive chess game and if you were still a little bored they have evening activities such as a movie night, however the park is so big there can be a lot of inconsiderate people being loud well past the noise curfew. Our kids were overwhelmed by all the activities but tried everything. We also booked a fantastic Whitsunday tour aboard the ‘Big Fury’ as we had heard from some friends that it was great. They also told us the company guarantees NO SEA SICKNESS. 

All dressed and ready to go

This was a winner for Mel. We were collected at 10am from the van park and taken aboard the massive 4 outboard engine raft style boat. We sped out of Abel Point Marina, past Hook Island to Border Island where we snorkelled with the kids looking at the gorgeous Great Barrier Reef. We saw a massive clam shell, vibrant fish and of course the colourful coral. We were informed that the reef is the largest national Park in the world and covers an area the size of Victoria and Tasmania combined (education lesson over!)

Glenno and Camo

A very large clam

 From there we cruised over to Whitehaven Beach for lunch. To our amazement we saw a python and eight large goannas lounging at our feet! The kids were in awe as we had to dodge the natives while eating lunch. Whitehaven Beach is known for its ‘white’ sand with silica in it and it is just gorgeous.

Loving Whitehaven Beach

What a day. The smile says it all

One of our friends joining us for lunch

One big happy family

Captain Camo

Like all things, our fun had to end and we raced home in another direction which lead us past a place they call the ‘washing machine’. This section drenched us when the spray came over the edge. As funny as it was we were prepared as the company asks its passengers to bring weatherproof jackets. We also raced past all of the famous Islands such as Hayman, Hamilton, Daydream and South Molle. Mel was whispering in Glen’s ear about visiting Daydream Island one day soon. Dream on Mel! Overall it was a fabulous day and probably the best one since we have been on the coast. Next Stop, Mackay for Glenno and the kids, Wollongong for Mel.

TIP: Don’t listen to the grey nomads – definitely visit Airlie Beach and have a day cruising on Big Fury around the islands. You won’t be disappointed. Always double check your car and van as you pull out of each van park. There is always something to adjust!

Beautiful Bowen

The big mango

We arrived at Bowen’s Big 4 and were pleasantly surprised at how neat and tidy the park was and the fact that it was smack bang on the water’s edge plus a large pool to jump into. We would recommend this park to anyone travelling this way. Although it doesn't have a children’s playground you can easily walk over to the large grassed area next door which houses two playgrounds and a bike track. We soon realised that we were one of two families staying in the van park while the rest were grey nomads who looked after us. They informed us of the best places to buy seafood (which is Arabon) and the best place to swim is (definitely Horseshoe Bay) and where the free splash park and lookout was. 

While we were enjoying the sights Glenno ran into a newly retired friend from school (Sue) who was babysitting at the splash park with friends and at the van park we were chatting to a grey nomad who just happened to be good friends with and live around the corner from other friends of ours in Moama! Small world. We enjoyed the seafood immensely and lapped up the sun, sand and sea water at Horseshoe Bay. We made sand castles, snorkelled and watched the kids try out their new boogie boards that Grandad had previously bought them way back in Darwin. 

On our second day we had news that Mel’s grand-father had passed away. It was an emotional day and brought us out of our own little bubble and back to reality again. We spent a lot of time reminiscing about her grand-father Ron and tweaking a few plans so that Mel can travel back to Wollongong on Saturday. Since Ron loved to fish we have planned to find a great fishing spot on the coast to reel in a big one just for him.

TIP: Never have a cheeky weekend away with your mistress or beloved other as it has been proven twice this week that wherever you go you will always be caught out by somebody who knows somebody you know! There is nowhere in Australia you can hide!

Building a sand castle with our Princess

Our little gromits riding the massive waves at Horseshoe Bay

View of Horseshoe Bay from the lookout above

View of the Islands from Flagstaff Hill

Fun at the splashpark

Hitting the East Coast

Ok friends and family. Apologies for not keeping up with the blog but when you are having fun in the sun what can you do. We had a little prompt to stop being slack and update the blog from our lovely friends the Zakic's so we will dedicate this one to you guys. We must warn you all it is a very long blog! Hope you enjoy it.

We finally made it to the East coast of Australia and what an effort it was. Tired but still excited to be on the coast we collected the part for our broken lock at Jayco and headed straight out of Townsville and up the coast. Mel was very keen to see the ocean and our first glance was at Cardwell. A small town with a beautiful view of the ocean although there are signs asking people not to swim because of crocodiles (Oh bother) so we kept driving until we reached Paronella Park. Thanks to our brother and sister-in-law who visited last year we were able to see this stunning place - one of Australia’s little secret treasures. The story goes something like this; In 1913 Spaniard Jose Paronella, immigrated to Australia in search of a better life. Leaving his fiancé Matilda back in Spain while he worked hard in the cane fields for 11 years He sailed back to marry her only to find she had married another (fair enough too). He met her sister Margarita and asked for her hand in marriage (awkward) and they came back to Australia together and built a cottage beside a waterfall. He had a dream to build a castle, ball room, ponds and tranquil gardens inspired by his childhood and totally succeeded at completing it. The most intriguing part of its history is the fact that Jose used the waterfall to generate electricity by way of hydro well before its time. They still use this today and feed the electricity back into the grid. The ruins are covered in moss and surrounded by tropical trees that overhang above creating a fitting scene for an Indianna Jones movie. The price includes your accommodation, tours, a piece of the wall that fell when cyclone Yasi tore through the place and a two year return visit pass. From our experience we were showered with quality customer service. After being greeted outside upon arrival then setting up the van we took an afternoon tour and a night tour, fed the fish, eels and snapping turtles. It drizzled with rain but the temperature was warm but it was quite lovely as we were under canopies of palm trees and other exotic tropical trees. If you get a chance, lookup www.paronellapark.com.au . If you can come and visit, you won’t be disappointed.

TIP: It's off the beaten track but well worth it. Book ahead to stay at Paronella Park as there are limited spots available. The owners also own the pub across the road and the Mena Canopy Walk. By next year they will have more van sites available behind the pub if there is no room at Paronella Park.They also plan to replicate the ball room one day.

The Waterfall setting

The soggy family having fun in the rain

What a beautiful place

After Paronella Park we drove an hour south east to Mission Beach. It was windy and rainy when we arrived but it didn’t deter the Stevos from exploring. We rode along the beach, collected some sea shells and had a go at flying Taylah’s parachute kite. It was great weather for it and we were all keen. But! The bloody kite only worked a couple of times. At one stage while Glen was holding it ready for Mel to fly, the wind picked up and it literally wound around in circles punching Glenno in the face several times. Another great moment of entertainment for the rest of us! Over the next couple of days we walked along the beach watching the soldier crabs making patterns in the sand and going on rainforest walks. There are many signs up asking people to watch for Cassowary’s so we were on the lookout for a one. On our last day we went for a drive and just as Mel said “I am beginning to think the odd looking Cassowary is a myth” we spotted one walking on the side of the road. Glen did a ‘Mel’ and didn’t capture a photo as proof that we did actually see one. We are even now!

TIP: Mission Beach is lovely (and probably even better when it is not windy). There are two caravan parks across the road from one another. If it’s windy we would recommend staying at the Hideaway which is across the road from the beach instead of the Council run one which is situated on the beach. It has a pool and you won’t get windblown.

Glenno flying the kite on one of three occassions

The Rainforest Walk but no Cassowary

The Rockpool at Townsville on the Strand

We progressed further south back to Townsville (3 hr drive). Since we basically drove straight through four days previously we went exploring. We found ourselves down at the Strand which is the main esplanade scattered with several kids playgrounds, an outdoor basketball court, three surf-life saving clubs, coffee shops and a splash park just in case you were bored with the other cool things to do. We decided to have a dip at the rockpool (man-made and nothing like an actual rockpool that Mel grew up with but that’s ok). The water was fresh and Mel chickened out but the kids loved it.

Over the next two days we ventured all over town, seeing the sights and shopping. We drove up Castle Hill which sits right in the middle of Townsville overlooking it from all directions (You would never be able to get lost in Townsville as you have the Hill to navigate around). Looking south you can see the Ross River snaking around and stretching beyond, the view to the West shows you the Military bases resting under the mountain ranges, North gives you a coastline perspective as well as the airport and the East view gives you a clear outlook of Magnetic Island and since it looked so inviting we booked two nights that coming weekend . We were also realising that we needed a break from living in the campervan. A much needed holiday from our holiday was needed! We must mention how fit people are in Townsville. There would have been hundreds of people walking along the Strand all day and many walking up Castle Hill (which is enormous). At the top of Castle Hill the Council have errected a shelter with water sprays for the fitness bunnys and a bench for sit-ups. Glen noticed a big green tree frog on the wall of the shelter and brought it to our attention. Of course we all had a careful little pat of it with our pointer finger. When it was Camo’s turn he literally picked it up with his chubby fingers. The big frog doubled in size stretching out its legs. The entire Stevo family screamed. After the heart stopping moment we asked Camo why didn’t he pat it the way he saw us doing and he replied ‘I didn’t think it was real’. Seriously, what kid would believe a fake frog would be strategically placed there! Only our Camo. Anyway, we drove back to the rockpool for a swim but found it was closed for repairs. The kids were devastated so we tried our luck at the splash park but found out it closes on a Tuesday and Wednesday.By then the kids were cranky, hot and quite frankly pains in the asses. Fish and chips from Harrods along the Strand was lovely as well as a visit to Reef HQ. The Aquarium is great and the kids learnt so much about the underwater world on the Reef. They watched the hammerhead sharks being fed, got to touch a star fish and saw the coolest little fish that glow a flourecent green colour. The area that glows is just under their eyes and it looks like they have a hood. Because Aussie's are so awesome at naming animals someone thought up this really cool name for the cool fish - They are called a Onefin Flashlight Fish.

TIP: Most of the campsites in Townsville are out of town (but only by 5-10km). There is one on the Beach called Rowes Bay but they only take bookings from 8am on the day. You can’t book ahead. We stayed at the Lakes (only 5km from the city) and although it’s setup for grey nomads we still had plenty of space. Each site has an ensuite. 

Stevie the Ocean Turtle who was rescued after being hit by a boat. They think she is 100 years old. WOW!

View of Magnetic Island from Castle Hill

Moving the van in the rain

 On the morning we packed up for Magnetic Island it poured with rain. We were allowed to store the van at the caravan park but had to move it to another site. It was raining that heavy that we left it set up on the chance that it would dry out before we came back in two days time. Fun times (for all of two seconds!).
 We managed to find a two night family deal at the Tropical Palms Inn at Picnic Bay that included car hire and breakfast on both days. The ferry ride over to Maggie Island as it is affectionately known to the locals only took 20 minutes. There was about a twenty centimeter swell and Mel was feeling a little under the weather once we stepped off. A quick cup of tea at the accommodation and she was ready to start exploring. While it rained we smiled the whole day. We had decided the rain was not going to dampen our tropical island holiday so we drove our hire car from one side of the Island to the other-Picnic Bay to Horseshoe Bay and it took a whole twenty minutes. We explored the four wheel driving roads to have a look at Florence Bay, walked on some other beaches then found the rock wallaby's. Camo was so impressed by these agile mammals eating from our hands that he cried when we said we had to go. 

Rock Wallaby's at Geoffrey Bay

Gorgeous Picnic Bay (Townsville is usually seen in the background)

The following day the sun shone for us and we drove to the Koala Bungalow, a small wildlife sanctuary. This was probably the best wildlife park we have been to on this trip. Every animal they showed us we were able to touch or hold. Turtle, Black Cockatoo, White Cockatoo, a shy and sleepy Wombat, Blue Tongue Lizard, Bearded Dragons, Frill Neck Lizards, Stumpy Lizards, Koala, Snake (Mel chickened out again although it slithered onto her lap and she stiffled a scream) and a baby Salt Water Croc. The kids were in their element. From there we did another bushwalk called the Forts. This walk is relatively easy but steep in places. We saw koalas in the trees and more lizard's but the main attraction is are the forts that were built during WWII. Once you are at the top of the Forts you are able to see the east side of the Island and its gorgeous beaches. It was a very tranquil walk.

Our fluffy friend

Cheeky Camo in his element

Our brave Taylah

Little Salty

Florence Bay

Dancing up a storm at the Arcadia Pub

We were also able to swim at the beautiful Alma Bay and the water temp was perfect. We tried to snorkel but unfortunately there was no visibility. Later that night we met our friends the Marinkovics at the Arcadia pub. It was a dodgy pub, service terrible, food average, but its funny how places like that make for a hilarious night. The kids watched two leggy brunettes stroll over to the stage and start playing in the band. That was it, the kids were up and dancing, running back and asking us to dance with them and of course we did. When in Rome hey! It was another memorable night.
Our days were packed of adventure and exploration and it was sad that our 'holiday from the holiday' was soon over. We stayed one more night in Townsville, not getting much sleep that night due to the council sprinklers from the park next door drenching our canvas for an hour at midnight. Next stop Bowen.

Swimming at Alma Bay

Broken things along the way (so far)

This is just a quick page to help us remember what tools were needed and what things may be expected on a trip like this. This page was done from a phone so it may look a little unprofessional compared to other posts!!

Ripped canvas (getting worse)

 Seats in van breaking. ( not yet fixed) left the drill at home!

Anderson plug had to be re-soldered twice. Sealed part too. It came that way. 

 Alligator clips x2 re soldered. 1 on the compressor, 1 on the solar panels.

Zipper glued and clamped on awning case (superglue!)

Canvas coming away from the track (not fixed yet)

D shackle rattled off

 Wiring for electric brakes must have been severed somehow. Re wired.

Door hinges broken rivets. Self tappers and locktite. (Borrowed drill)

 Blown fuse in DVD 12 volt adaptor. We blamed cam for this who went without for 5 days.!

Sunroof winder dropped off. No use re attaching. 

Also broken, but not photographed:

Van door latch snapped off. Taped up for 5 days. Ordered a part and picked up in townsville. $115. 

Taylahs flat tyre, tube lining, patch and green goo. 

Cams scooter wheel fell off, fixed and planned on giving to a little local boy but never eventuated! Still on the car roof. 

Broken seats and storage box hinges. 

Curtains constantly falling off the track. 

Switch for fridge in dash, pulled dash off and replaced switch. 

Mel's chair, thrown out and replaced.