Wrap

 Trip Maps, Summary and Wrap-Up:

Route Map....

Highlights:

• We had many walks on many beaches and in many rainforests. 
• The many waterfalls that we saw were mostly spectacular.
• First time visit to Kurrimine Beach was excellent.
  
• Photographing and identifying 90 species of birds was an added bonus. Click here to see the full list.
  
• The many murals and art forms were thoroughly enjoyed, particularly 'Outback Sculptures' in Roma.
• The local fresh and cheap fruit in Northern Queensland was great.
  
• We had a hell of a lot of fun, while seeing some of the great parts of our great country.

Trip Summary and Wrap-Up:

• We were away for 98 nights and 99 days. 
  Last year it was 108 nights and 109 days.

• We travelled 9513 km, around 96 per day.
  Last year we did 18006  km an average of 165 per day.

• We used around 1260 litres of diesel at an average cost of $2.20.
  Last year the average cost of 2600 litres was $2.01. 

• The range of prices was $1.68 to $2.56 per litre.
  Last year it was $1.66 to $2.88 per litre

• We stopped at 33 venues - at an average cost of $40 per day. Around half of those stops were for one night - which means that we were probably in transit from one spot to another.
  Last year it was 51 venues and an average of $37. 

• We had a number of excellent campfires and campfire dinners.

• Our mishaps were minor and did not define our holiday.

Disappointments:

The quality of roads seems to be getting worse.

I hope you enjoyed the journey. 

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Chapter 15 - The Trip Home

Day 94 – Sunday 30 August - Hervey Bay to Tara Lagoon - 427 km

Saint Christopher, the patron saint of travellers, worked over time today. His first success was to ensure that Shirley was fed and dressed and sitting in the passenger seat as we pulled out of our Torquay caravan park at 7:44 am. Yes 7:44 am. It was not of my doing, so it had to be St Chris.

His second achievement was to ensure excellent driving conditions - for 98% of the day. 

Shirley and I achieved some stuff by ourselves. A coffee at Woolooga, cheap diesel and a quick break at Kingaroy (although we missed the peanut man) and lunch at Darby.

Over lunch we decided on a 65 km detour to try out Tara Lagoon RV camp for an overnight stop. Possible peace and quiet v. a busy camp on a busy highway - and the camping cost was $11 for the night - toilets and showers. We were there by 2:40 pm.

Twenty km from Tara I thought that the blog update would be minimal with no photos. How wrong could I be.

We drove around a sweeping bend and in the distance I could see a large road kill covering our half of the sealed road. As I usually do - if safe - I drive around the road kill - just in case. St Christopher guided me.

Around the same time Shirley and I realised that the 'large' road kill was a goanna trying to drag the road kill off the road (or maybe just trying to pull meat off the carcass).

I drove passed the spectacle then did a U turn and came back. It was unbelievable. Luckily the road shoulder allowed me to pull over and get a few photos. St C again.

Above: Taking a bite. Swallowing. Looking for more.

Not long after that we pulled into the Tara Lagoon RV park. The local council has done a superb job setting up a virtually free RV park. It is excellent.

Above: Tara Lagoon

We needed a walk so we headed off to check out the lagoon. Birds competed for air space. Corellas, galahs, ducks (various species), Little Friarbirds, Butcherbirds, Noisy Minors, Honeyeaters, Magpies, Common Mynas, Rainbow Lorikeets and my prize photos below.

Above: Red-rumped Parrot

Below: Scaly Breasted Lorikeet

Dinner was organized around reducing our vegetable inventory as we head into NSW tomorrow. Breakfast will reduce our fruit inventory.

Our route today: Maryborough, Tiaro, Woolooga, Kilkivan, Goomeri, Kingaroy, Bell, Dalby and Tara.

Day 95 – Monday 31 August - Tara Lagoon to Narrabri - 392 km

My favourite patron saint did well again today. Believe it or not we pulled out of Tara Lagoon RV park AGAIN at 7:44 am. Yes 7:44 am. I think Shirley may have messed up the time as it was a lovely sunny morning.

Driving conditions were again excellent - for all of the day. 

We had a coffee in Goondiwindi and lunch in Moree, where we purchased condiments for a camp fire meal in the Warrumbungle National Park tomorrow. 

We pitched camp at the Narrabri showgrounds around the same time as yesterday's stop - just after 2:30 pm. I don't think we saw a cloud all day and any wind was behind us.

Just short of Narrabri we saw two good looking raptor-style birds - one was captured on film - a Brown Falcon. The other escaped. Not long after setting up camp an Eastern Rosella posed for me.

Above: Eastern Rosella & Brown Falcon

We relaxed outside until the sun dropped low and we lost its warmth. However we enjoyed the sunset.

Route today: Moonie, Billa Billa, Goondiwindi, Boggabilla (NSW), Moree and Narrabri.

Day 96 – Tuesday 1 September - Narrabri  to Warrumbungle NP - 155 km

It was our coldest night for some time, but it quickly warmed up as soon as the sun appeared around 6:30 am. Very appropriate for the first day of Spring.

Some Magpie Geese flew overhead as we got ready to depart.

We were on the road by 8:15 am and were in Coonabarabran by 10 am. We had a coffee, bought diesel and were on site at the Warrumbungle NP (site 81) by soon after 11am.

We relaxed, had lunch, then relaxed, then Shirley said that we should try out the walk at the end of the camp ground. Quick research suggested 1.5 km. Fine. Let's go. Around 5.6 km later we arrived back at camp. Weary. Many scenic sights were seen. Many kangaroos (some huge), many goats (some magnificent), lots of butterflies (see below). A couple of Rosellas, a few Kookaburras, some cockatoos.

Above: Some of the fauna that we saw

Below: One of the (many) views that we saw

It was time to light the fire then (soon after) add beef, onions, capsicum, mushrooms, carrots, broccoli, zucchini, tomatoes, beans, potatoes and an assortment of sauces into the camp oven. Not all at the one time.

Some time later some damper scones were added to a second camp oven.

We relaxed while keeping the fire in good cooking mode. A neighbour appeared as the damper came out and was presented with a sample. He rushed back to his camp to get some butter.

As the photo below suggests, the weather was superb. No wind.

Above: Relaxing at the fire-side

Below: Fire, stew and damper

Dinner was pretty good. Our 'relaxing' day turned out to be quite busy.

Day 97 – Wednesday 2 September - Warrumbungle NP to West Wyalong - 405 km

The overnight showers had changed to sunshine by the time we sat down to breakfast. We moved off site just after 8am with some sadness. Our last campfire, camp-dinner and damper for this trip were behind us. We just needed to drive 974 km in three days - or not. 

We travelled through Tooraweenah then Gilgandra, then stopped for coffee in Dubbo. We then passed through Tomingley, Peak Hill and Parkes. Lunch was had in Forbes. Diesel was purchased.

West Wyalong was our camping spot for the night. We had had our best tail wind of the trip. Superb driving conditions.

We are 559 km from home.

Route today: Tooraweenah, Gilgandra, Dubbo, Tomingley, Peak Hill, Parkes, Forbes. 

Day 98 – Thursday 3 September - West Wyalong to Tocumwal - 309 km

Back to reality.

As has been the home-bound trend Shirley was in the shower early and we were on the Newell Highway before 8:15 am.

Sun was replaced by cloud. Heads winds replaced tail winds. However we have had a good run.

The 'hay' trucks of the last two days continued - maybe 25 to 30 in all. Friends travelling south down the Kidman way reported the same thing.

Above: Narrandera Water Tank Murals

Camp was established in Tocumwal just before a rain shower dampened our enthusiasm to go for a walk. However we did get our walk once the rain stopped.

Route today: Grong Grong, Narrandera (coffee), Jerilderie (lunch), Finley.

Day 99 – Friday 4 September - Tocumwal to Home - 260 km

We are home after 98 nights away and 9513 km.

We were on the road by 8:20 am and soon started to play the new Victorian game of "Pothole Roulette". North of Shepparton the 'good' potholes are circled with 'high-vis' paint so that you can play roulette at night.

Our neighbours had hung a 'Welcome Home' sign and tidied up the back yard ad deck. 

I got home in shorts - no jeans for over two months. That was about to end.

Click here to see the highlights and a summary of the trip.

*** This chapter is in progress ***

Last updated at 9 am on Saturday 5 September 2026

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Chapter 14 - Hervey Bay - Week 2

Day 87 – Sunday 23 August - Hervey Bay 

Another lovely day in Paradise and just six more to go. This time next week we will be on our way south towards home.

It was the sabbath and so we rested. The morning disappeared without much activity at all.

The afternoon started with a pleasant beach walk to the Scarness Jetty - just under 2 km - and back. I scored a photo of a Pied Cormorant, and later found out how to tell the difference between the Pied Cormorant and the Little Pied Cormorant. The Pied Cormorant has black trousers. Refer to the following photos.

Above: Pied Cormorant (with black trousers) and the Little Pied Cormorant (19 June)

Just after 5pm we headed to the beach for a sunset photo. We scored a bonus of a pod of dolphins that swam from right to left across us. It was hard work trying to get a photo.

Above: Our quick view of a dolphin

Below: Our sunset

Day 88 – Monday 24 August - Hervey Bay 

We liked the slow start of yesterday so much that we did it again. Exercises were completed in time for a 10 am coffee.

Over coffee the events coordinator advised that our inactivity needed to cease - and that we needed to go for a drive to Toogoom and Burrum Heads. Which we did. 

It was a pleasant outing, the main feature being Red Emperor and chips on the Burrum Heads foreshore. A couple of nature walks kept our exercise activity up to par.

Day 89 – Tuesday 25 August - Hervey Bay 

The dawn clouds obscured the sunrise so I went back to bed.

As has been the trend lately it was a slow start and the 'Minister for Health & Hygiene' decided that the range hood was due for a clean. So that happened. Shirley was too eager and cut two fingers, and it was all my fault. Knitting could be a problem.

The botanic gardens was the focus after morning coffee, for two pivotal reasons - the orchid house and the pie shop over the road.

A 60 minute walk around the gardens was rewarding with flora and fauna on display.

Above: One of the many turtles seeking attention

Below: Three of the butterflies who stopped long enough for a photo

Bottom: Some the plants that we saw around the gardens

We chatted to the volunteers in the orchid house who explained how many orchids they have in store-rooms ready for display when they are in bloom. They have a display 12 months of the year.

Above: Just a few of the orchids on display

A change of scenery into the pie shop and a pie and a vanilla slice later all was good - or maybe better.

We chilled out for a while back at camp then decided on Shelly Beach for our second walk of the day.

Above: A Sacred Kingfisher and a White Faced Heron add to the walk

Late afternoon Shirley took her chair & book down to the beach and I joined her in in time for the sunset.

Day 90 – Wednesday 26 August - Hervey Bay 

The few overnight showers had disappeared by the time I emerged and the view over the ocean was picture postcard stuff 

Above: Picture Postcard View off Torquay Beach at 8am

By the time breakfast was done the sun was full on and it was another magnificent day.

Some shopping provided an apple cucumber (which I love and rarely have), a pair of Skechers bowls shoes and 1.5 kg of local prawns.

After some lunch we went researching caravan parks for next year and had a walk from Shelly Beach to the Urangan Pier - beside which is an ice-cream shop.

The local council is spending $2.4m on reinforcing the foundations of the concrete storm wall at Urangan. It was interesting watching the way stones were 'bagged' then placed beside the wall.

A bit of trivia. The service station close to our caravan park - that we have visited on previous trips - is temporarily closed because they were caught selling illegal tobacco. 

Day 91 – Thursday 27 August - Hervey Bay

Possibly my last chance for a beach sunrise photo this holiday appeared at 5:40 am - so I took it. With track suit and trusty Canon I headed to the Torquay jetty (seen in my sunset photo two days ago). It is about 100 metres from where I typed these words. There was not one cloud in the sky - the first time this holiday while near the beach.

There were two teams of six in outrigger canoes vying for pre-dawn honours. A pod of dolphins seemed to have their own competition. Birds flew overhead and one lady fishing was running out of patience.

The sunrise was around three minutes late, but that may have been caused by K'gari (Fraser) Island being in the way.

Above: One outrigger canoe 12 minutes before sunrise

Below: Sunrise over K'gari from Torquay Jetty

With the washing on the line and Shirley in the shower by 7:25 am it was an early start for team Kelly.

Exercises, then coffee then a long beach walk (for us) in superb walking conditions. We smiled at the guy fishing from a surfboard.

Above: Grey Nomad in serious contemplation on Torquay Beach

Below: Either a surfer or a fisherman - or both

Shirley then pottered about while I found a car wash to remove some Queensland salty residue off the car. We both succeeded.

Lunch then reading, then more reading, then a drive to Point Vernon where I scored a photo of a bright pink Galah. Only in Queensland.

Above: Queensland-pink Galah

Some later research indicated that Queensland galahs and crows are genetically different from Victorian galahs and crows and this is shown in brighter galahs and shiny crows on Queensland.

Dinner was some local king prawns, lightly cooked on the BBQ, with salad and a fine red wine. Life is Ok.

Above: Our dinner, as bought and as cooked

I bought too many so we may have something similar tomorrow night.

Day 92 – Friday 28 August - Hervey Bay

Not that I heard it, but we had a heavy shower of rain in the early hours of the morning. 

By the time we had finished breakfast it was a magnificent sunny day. It later became maybe our hottest day of the trip.

Some pre-departure shopping was done. Some pre-departure chores were completed to leave more time for beach walks tomorrow. Last banana bread of the trip - this time with blue-berries - was cooked. The Weber was stowed as was the butane burner. Side awnings were folded neatly and stowed.

We relaxed as it was too hot for a beach walk. After afternoon coffee - with banana bread - we went for our walk - and very pleasant it was. It was a full-moon low tide.

Above: Low tide looking towards Torquay from near the Scarness jetty

Shirley made dinner of prawn curry and rice with our remaining prawns

Day 93 – Saturday 29 August - Hervey Bay

Our last full day in Hervey Bay started with bright sunshine and a cloudless sky. Shirley was in the shower by 7:20 am. It is market day.

😀

Shirley went to market. I cleaned the top of the awning and packed a few things. Diesel was purchased - $2.47 per litre. Shirley came back from the market - with a smile on her face.

Around noon we headed off for our farewell lunch at "Enzo's On The Beach". The food and the views were just as good as last week.

Above & Below: Two views from our table at Enzo's.
The bean-bags below had people lounging in them with a drink by the time that we left

Above: Very enjoyable seafood dishes for two at Enzo's.
Note that it is hard to smile when you are trying to swallow a chip.

It was time for a rest, so we did. Later our farewell beach walk - again very enjoyable.

Above: The beach on our farewell beach walk

By 5pm we were packed ready to depart, except for last morning stuff.

Our relaxing holiday is coming to a close. We have a 1900 km drive ahead of us, starting tomorrow.

This chapter is now complete.

Our stats after 93 days: 7546 km, 81 km/day, diesel $23 per day, accommodation $41 per day, time in car 1.7 hrs/day, Av fuel cost $2.13 per litre. Over the next week one of those numbers will decrease, the rest will increase.

Last updated at 5 pm on Saturday 29 August 2026

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Chapter 13 - Hervey Bay - Week 1

Day 80 – Sunday 16 August - Gin Gin to Torquay - 133 km 

Again we were on the road just after 8 am. Dark clouds turned into a few showers that cleared by the time we arrived at the Nikenbah Markets, just outside Hervey Bay. As we still had the caravan connected a park was difficult so we had to park about 250 metres away.

By the time we got into the market it was pouring with rain and we were wet. We sheltered under a marquee that had the van pictured here just a few metres away. 

We have tried Darryl's donuts before. We bought fruit that was now in short supply, including a pineapple.

The Visitor Centre was visited just in case something was new since 2024.

We were setting up on our site just after 12 noon. It took longer than usual as the site was much tighter than usual. The small crowd of onlookers were full of suggestions. I held my cool and showed how a Kelly backs in a caravan.

We mucked around for some time doing odd jobs and lunch. The southerly wind was annoying. The showers came and went on a regular basis.

We scored a short beach walk in between showers. Longer walks to come.

Above: Our local Torquay beach

Shirley said pasta for dinner so the Weber was set up for herb damper. It was pretty good.

Day 81 – Monday 17 August - Hervey Bay 

The day started with rain and that theme continued. Luckily we had let our food supplies run down, so it was a shopping day - maybe even for things that we do not need.

We went shopping. We did not buy anything that we did not need. 

The day continued with rain and that theme continued. We survived and dined on home made pizzas for dinner.

I was still wearing shorts.

Day 82 – Tuesday 18 August - Hervey Bay 

The same theme continued - rain, sun, rain, sun etc.

That theme changed mid morning and it turned into a superb day. Our first serious Hervey Bay beach walk (for 2 years) happened.

After lunch we headed to the Anembo Lakes area. It was a lovely spot with plenty of water birds and turtles.

Above: One of a number of lagoons at Anembo Lakes

The birds that we saw included Magpie Geese, Black Swans, Radjah Shelducks, Pacific Black Duck, Australasian Darter, Little Black Cormorant, Pelicans, While Ibis, White Faced Heron, Great Egret, Swallows, Noisy Minor and Common Myna.

Above: Turtle, Dusky Moorhen, Black Swan

Below: Magpie Goose, White Faced Heron, Little Black Cormorant

The Weber managed a piece of roast pork for dinner - as the rain returned.

Day 83 – Wednesday 19 August - Hervey Bay 

The washing was left in the washing 'basket' as the rain tumbled down - as usual, in between short bursts of bright sunshine.

The 'Pier Market' was the attraction and off we went (with umbrella just in case), but it was a shadow of its former self. Maybe the weather was a factor.

The pier then became the focus and sea birds were around in numbers. We were able to get a few photos before (and after) a huge windy front swept in from the south east. Luckily it was a 'political' front - more wind than substance.

Two majestic Osprey were perched on the top of two poles before hovering over us for a photo in flight. The strong wind allowed them to virtually 'sit' motionless above us in flight for a short time.

Above: Osprey at rest and in flight

Also present in numbers were Crested Terns, Silver Gulls and Pelicans, not to mention heaps of swallows and a few 'Tree Martins'.

Above: Tree Martin

We wandered around a shopping centre to keep out of the inclement weather, then headed home for lunch.

After lunch Shirley decided that we should stroll through Mungomery's Vine Forest Reserve. We did not see birds but the walk and the beach were pleasant as we seemed to be protected from the wind.

Above: Eagle Beach

Below: Adjacent Mungomery's Vine Forest Reserve

On the way back to civilisation we passed Arkarra Lagoons where a Royal Spoonbill was chatting to mates.

Above: Royal Spoonbill

Just after 5pm I headed to the beach for a possible sunset photo. While I waited a few dolphin frollicked not far from the beach.

Above: Sunset behind Torquay Jetty

Day 84 – Thursday 20 August - Hervey Bay 

By the time the clothes came out of the washing machine a sun shower sent me inside. Shirley slept on. I progressed the photobook that will come from this blog.

The sun appeared and we looked set for a great day. Shirley appeared as the clothes hit the line.

We delayed a walk on the beach for a mid-morning coffee. It was lucky that we did as the heavens opened and our clothes got another rinse - we did not.

That was the theme for the day. Rain, sun, rain sun. 

Our 2 km walk to lunch at 'Enzo's on the Beach' became a drive as we did not trust the weather - and that worked out to be a wise decision.

The lunch (courtesy of a birthday voucher) was superb.

Above: About to eat at Enzo's

Below: What we ate (ragu pappardelle & prawn & scallop linguine)

Above: Our view from Enzo's

Around mid afternoon we scored a walk - but along the shopping strip - just in case. Clothing shops slowed us down, as did the ice-cream parlour.

On our way back we passed a place called "The Salty Axe" where the core business is throwing tomahawks. Patrons are given some lessons then encouraged to throw a tomahawk at a target.

Above left: The arrow indicates a tomahawk in flight

Above right: The tomahawk stuck in the target

Day 85 – Friday 21 August - Hervey Bay 

The start of our 13th week was a magnificent morning, and it looked like staying that way. It did and was our best day for some time. 😊

The morning was shared between exercises, coffee and walk on beach.

The afternoon was shared between reading, coffee, beach walk and reading.

Above: Grey Nomads on Torquay Beach

Day 86 – Saturday 22 August - Hervey Bay 

It was fresh and overcast and the 'Pier Market' was the first port of call. The Saturday version was much better than the Wednesday version. Fruit and veggies were purchased.

We drove back to camp and walked 300 metres to the Torquay market. The fresh food was just as good there. Shirley honed in on her favourite Hervey Bay (locally made) clothing stall. I was dismissed and headed back to camp.

On the way back I called into the Torquay Hotel to use the ATM. It was 9:55 am and the Mackay cricket test against Bangladesh was about to start. I decided to watch the first over and saw Mitch Starc get a wicket with his first ball.

Shirley arrived home 35 minutes after me with a grin from ear to ear. Success. By then Starc had 5 wickets. Wow.

It was not a brilliant day for beach walks so we tried two nature walks - looking for flora and fauna. We visited Vernon Conservation Park and Pir'ri Conservation Reserve We saw flora but not much fauna. We walked over 5 km.

Above: Some of the flowers on display

We celebrated Carlton's win over ladder-leader Fremantle with an ice-cream. Shirley conjured up some rissoles & veggies for dinner.

*** This chapter is now complete ***

Last updated at 9:15 pm on Saturday 22 August 2026

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