So on the morning of April 29th, we left Sydney for our long drive up the Eastern coast of new south wales. This is a state in Australia. Anyways we wanted to break things up, have less time on the road and spend time in campgrounds and exploring. Our first campground was The Ruins in Booti Booti National Park. It was nice, pretty empty campground. The beach was beautiful, but the waves powerful, so we didn't swim in it. The next day we went to Seals Rock to a historic lighthouse, about 45 mins away. My first time driving on the opposite side of the road, it went okay! Seals Rock was so gorgeous, a few big beautiful beaches, the lighthouse and rock formations around it magnificant. We took some pictures and sun tanned and swam in the ocean, though the water was much cooler than in Fiji.
After packing up the following morning in the rain (uughh!) we drove to the next campground Arakoon State Park (Trial bay gaol campground). It was a busier campground but very nice amenities and great beach and bay to swim in. We were there only one night, then we drove to Woody Head campground in Bundjalong. We were at Woody Head for 2 nights. We met some fun Aussie couple camped beside us. Andy and Patti, they are middle-aged but were very friendly and helpful. Definitely a part of this adventure is meeting the different locals.
Bundjalong was a scenic national park with several good walks throughout it. We went for one walk about 3.5 km, it was very desolate. Didn't seem like it had been walked through for quite a time. The eucalyptus trees were unique. Then when we got back to the car, and took off our sandels we found 2 little leeches, one for each of us :P I just pulled mine off since my skin was sweaty, but Andreas had to light a match to get his off. Then your blood doesn't clot well for awhile, but thankfully we had bandaids in the car. The next morning we packed up in the rain again :( and drove to Brisbane, to stay with Andreas friend's sister. Sirkka and Markku hosted us for 3 days, 4 nights. After camping for 5 nights, it was nice to have a bed again. They were an incredibly hospitable and kind couple. It was a honour to get to know them, they had many interesting stories to share.
Friday the 7th we left Brisbane, early morning. This day was going to be our longest drive up to Rockhampton. 630 kms later we arrived at Martin and Rebecca's place. They will be our second housesit after this Townsville one. They have a large home with a large yard, 2 hyper dogs and 2 cats, plus 4 chooks (chickens). And a pool! This will be a nice housesit to have and the family were very friendly and helpful.
The next morning we left for Mackay and Seaforth campground. It was raining as we were driving there and we were not wanting to set up in the rain. But thankfully the rain stopped just as we were ready to set up camp. We met another nice Aussie couple who had quit their jobs, sold their house and were travelling in a caravan around the country. Neat couple! It rained abit later that evening, but thankfully was sunny when we had to tear down the next morning. Then we commenced our final drive to Townsville about 400 kms away. More about Townsville next blog......
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