Greg & Debs place is a isolated, off grid, back to basics campsite. Although they do have a hot outdoor shower.

When we arrived we were warmly greeted by both Greg & Debs who pointed out the various camping sites and the facilities. They pointed out the various tracks and informed us we were free to wander around their grounds and to relax and enjoy ourselves.

They then left us to settle in informing us they would be back around 5:00 for happy hour.

We selected a site and set up our camp. I then took time out to unwind from the drive from Bundaberg.

After my rest I was ready to get up and go, so we wandered down to the stream and water hole. It wasn’t quite warm or deep enough to jump in so we walked up along the stream and picked up the track that looped around the property.

By the time we arrived back at camp it was nearly 5.00 so time for happy hour.  Greg & Debs arrived in their ute along with their dog. Greg lit the campfire and the beers and conversation started flowing. Both Greg and Debs are great hosts and make you feel you are at home, at no time did it dawn on me that the only one wearing any clothes was Jo.

I think the happy hour lasted somewhere near 3 hours, so it was dinner by moon light (well nearly) Even in the remoteness there are lights supplied and charged by solar power.

The following morning after breakfast we took a stroll along the road all in all a 4 km walk. Although I called it a road, which technically it is, it is more like a forest track winding it’s way through the trees.

After the walk I took a nice warm shower.

 

After another walk along the beach first thing we (I) decided that with all the camps along the beach area being full it was about time to head inland for a change. So we headed off to Greg & Debs place near Gin Gin. Jo was beginning to get worried as this is an off grid bush campsite. I phoned ahead to make sure there was availability as I didn’t want this to be a wasted journey.

So address loaded into the TomTom off we went. An hour later we arrived at Gin Gin and decided to stop for a coffee and get some provisions, it’s not as if we will be able to walk down the road to the pub tonight. After wandering up and back down the main high street, all 10 mins we decided to ask one of the locals which was the best coffee in town. Just out luck they are also visitors.

We take pot luck and manage to find a reasonable coffee then it’s off to the supermarket. One think I have noticed here in Gin Gin is that the town has a hippie feeling. Women with multi or brightly coloured hair. Men with long hair pulled back in a ponytail.

Back to the campervan for the final leg of the trip and it’s follow Greg’s directions (he had warned us that the TomTom would want to go the opposite way).

When we were almost there Jo started to panic again as the tarmac ran out and we were now driving on a dirt road, this last all of 2 km.

Finally we arrive at Debs & Greg’s gate, where the instructions were to ring to be allowed in. On calling Greg he laughed and said the gate is always locked, the sign was just to keep nosy parkers out. He arranged to meet us at the junction in the driveway and would then show us where we could camp.

Waiting at the junction they turn up on a quad bike Debs on the back wearing a t-shirt & Greg in front wearing only a pair of boots and sunscreen, his hair tied back in a pony tail.

 

 

After our beach walk and coffee at Hervey Bay it was time to up anchor and away, travelling North along the coast. We were heading up to Bundaberg. By the time we had reached this part of  Aus on our big tour we had just about had enough and by-passed Bundaberg.

We started off by following the coast to Burrum Heads. Although following the coast on this day meant travelling along a road with no view of the sea. When we arrived at the heads we looked at each other and both said ‘We’ve been here before’ I will check out our old tour route to check it out one day, but the place did look familiar. We also found out the only way out was a 7 km backtrack.

So it was back to the main as the only viable way to get to Bundaberg. We initially drove along the by-pass to get to the camping grounds at Burnett Heads only to find them both booked out. Not sure if that was due to school holidays or Grey Nomads. We did however get informed that there was space at Moore Side Park campground. So it was back through Bundaberg and north up the coast a bit more.

Driving through the town I can now see why Jo decided to bypass it on our last trip.

What a turn out, right on the beach so much better than anything over at Burnett Heads. Good walks along a prom, fairly short as it turned out, and along the beach. The campground also had a great camp kitchen, lounge area & tv. All included in the price and all for our soul enjoyment.

 

Having driven north yesterday and having a pleasant stay inland at  Boondooma now it is time to hit the sunshine coast. We are looking forward to be at the beach again and are heading over to Hervey Bay on the recommendation of one of our fellow campers. Although it might be a sign that although they live there they are currently staying some distance away.

Oh well we will soon find out.

Arriving at Hervey Bay we drive along the beach road trying to find a camp site. There are 3 camp grounds on the beach front but all are full, there are people everywhere and tourist type shops and cafes all along the front. I’m sure we came here in 2008 and were glad to leave it. The beach doesn’t look very nice as well.

Having driven up and down the fore shore road we try at a motel. They only have 2 rooms left. We take a look and for the price they are charging they are very basic and don’t have any cooking facilities. On the off chance Jo asks they owner if there are any other camp grounds around. He directs us to the marina where we find a site available for the night.

The campsite also allows a discount at the marina restaurant and bar. So having set up camp i.e. park up, we head out to take a look.

We find the building with little problem and enter. The brightness of the main bar area hits us, we take a look around and there is just no atmosphere. So we miss out on the discount and walk back out.

While were inside we did notice some interesting looking place a little further on. There appeared to be flames dancing about the tables. So we take a wander down and find a delightful restaurant. The owner seemed over the top camp, I think some of this is showmanship for the patrons. This was a good choice and we both have delicious meals.