QLD 2023, 4-7 May: Redcliffe/Bundaberg/Yeppoon

We drive straight from Stokers Siding with only a (terrible) take away coffee stop to arrive at Burpengary, where we have booked our caravan into a dealer to install little airfans that we consider a necessity after our 5 day shake down in March when it was superhot. We drop the caravan off, put the bike rack onto the car and take the bikes half an hour away to a beautiful beach town called Redcliffe, located on the Moreton Bay. It’s quite a stretched-out town (or maybe just surrounded by many different villages). We park the car along the water on the northern end, and cycle along the water into the centre, where we eat our packed lunch on the water, with a decent take away coffee…. We discover that the Bee Gees grew up smack in the middle of Redcliffe, and one street has been transformed into a tribute to them and their parents. Their music plays and it’s a ‘mall’ area, so no cars; murals on both sides displaying photos of all of them and some of their incredible achievements, as well as statues of the 3 brothers. We admire this really nice piece of history before continuing our bike ride, which turns out to be a 16km long bike/pedestrian way along the beach/shore. As there is not sandy beach everywhere, there are other attractions. It really is a beautiful place.

We make it back to the dealer to collect our van just in time before they shut their property gates at 5pm! There is a ‘lodge’ with a large property only 1.5km from the dealer, and we’ve booked to camp overnight there, for very little $ (left in an honesty box).

Friday we set off for Bundaberg. We arrive around 2pm at the famous Bundaberg Rum Distillery for a tour and taste, which was good fun. Interesting how the rum is made with all the surplus molasses (sugarcane byproduct) that the sugarcane industry didn’t know what to do with and ended up dumped into the river. The other 2 ingredients are only yeast and water.

After that we head out to Burnett Heads, where we set up camp, and head out to a marina restaurant with a sensational sunset over the water. So far, we’ve clocked up 1350km, after our 4th day. We would have liked to stay a bit longer and explore the area, and think we may come back later this trip.

Meanwhile, it’s Saturday and time to move on to Yeppoon where we have 2 nights booked, and this town is lovely as well. So far, all the councils/shires where we have been have done excellent jobs of making their towns attractive. Yeppoon’s foreshore is laid out with lounges and seats set to capture the view; there are stylish pavillions with barbecue and other covered seats; loads of play equipment and water/fountain/sprinkler areas. All dressed up with aboriginal art and inviting cafes/restaurants along the waterfront. There is a nice vibe in the evening, and we’re lucky to see the full moon rise just before 6pm: a clear blue sky with an orange ball rising above the sea. We end up having dinner at an upmarket restaurant, called Vue.

Tomorrow we are taking it easy, and definitely avoid using the car. We will either walk or cycle wherever we want to go. There are 2 shopping centres within walking distance and we’re hoping to find transparent foil to transform at least some of the 13 (that’s not even counting the 5 white LED strips) white lights in the caravan to warm white. I am glad we always have our 2 lanterns, so at least we can create a bit of ambiance.

Sunday is a beautiful day, quite warm around 27 degrees, and we cycle along the waterfront, as far as the waterefront lagoon; an amazing (free) infinity pool right on the seaside, and being fully utiliised. We have lunch on the terrace of the Spinnaker Bistro with water views.

Arno discovers a Bunnings where he picks up a few little bits and pieces so he can hang up the things Jen needs in the van. We also find some yellow semi transparent plastic sheets and Jen manages to dim the bright white little reading lights. Not perfect, but a lot better.

Barbeque at home tonight!

This stretch’s route map: https://goo.gl/maps/C6sNx5zmzkAPzp6m7