maroochydore

Had a lovely week at maroochydore. Mum and dad were very surprised to see us. We had a little rain but nothing like the 10 inches last year. The expanda was certainly a huge improvement on the hawk as far as being rain proof. 

Had a fantastic day on Saturday, catching up with Dianne and Nathan and checking out the Redcliffe kite festival. Looking forward to trying out some new tricks. 

How to amuse yourself on a big drive

So while I was uploading photos I found around 100 selfies of the kids. When you're in the car for 11 hours, you gotta do something right?

HUUUUGE drive

Got away just before 8 this morning, heading for The Caves. For some reason we didn't do them when we were at Yeppoon two years ago. The were awesome! We had quite a small group so the guide took us through some extra caves that they don't normally visit on the hourly tour. Glad we did it this time of year while the bats are further north.

We decided to head  into Rocky and have lunch at Kershaw Gardens, by the waterfalls. We were so disappointed that the entire site has been shut down after cyclone Marcia uprooted trees and exposed old landfill, and they don't look like reopening at all. 

Snap decision to find somewhere to make a quick sandwich and head to Hervey Bay. We can totally do an 800km day. 

By the time we arrived at Emma's aunt and uncles, it was 7pm. 11 hours!!!! Thank god the road was a whole lot better than two years ago. I was knackered, the kids were incredible(admittedly they had the ipad for a good portion of the trip and ingested a kilo of strawberries among other things). 

Why push and go so far in the day? Mischief is afoot!

Mackay

Short trip down to Mackay, I'm not sure why I had higher expectations, but the place really didn't do much for me. Some of the views were nice but really nothing to rave about. I wish we had realised that Eungella national park was on our way and we would have stopped enroute. Next time! 

After Emma spent the afternoon on Saturday catching up with a friend, we decided to head off early the following morning. 

Must say, the fish and chips down at the harbour were rally really good!

We stayed at the Big 4 park near the harbour, great facilities but we were done the back near the lagoon and I swear the mozzies almost carried the van away! Was very thankful for the ensuite and Megan and Emma stayed inside come 5.30, they were still recovering from being attacked by midgies and there wasn't a whole lot left to bite. 

Heading South

The kids are a bit sad tonight. I can't say I blame them. They have had a fabulous time at Adventure Whitsunday Big4. So many hours in the pool, up and down the water slides and playing at the playground. Pancake breakfasts and picnic lunches by the pool. Even just cruising around on their bikes and chatting to anyone that would listen. We have all throroughly enjoyed our stay here and in Airlie in general. Em is struggling a little as she has been completely devoured by midgies and isn't getting much sleep with them itching like crazy. For some reason they haven't worried Peter or myself but Megan has a few bites too. Heading to Mackay next, Emma has organised to catch up with some friends and the kids will have other kids to play with for a couple of days. 

Another magic day in the Whitsundays

Can't say I was particularly enthused about visiting Daydream Island, but we got free transfers with our other cruise so may as well go.

Started the day hand feeding the fish at Lovers Cove, absolutely spewing I didn't take the gopro! And forgot to grab the snorkel gear too! Massive Parrot fish eating straight out of your hands. Megan was absolutely thrilled, rainbow coloured fish all around her. Peter wasn't so impressed with the slightly chilly water and rough coral beach. He spent more time screeching at the seagulls to "get out of it!"

Casual stroll to the other end of the island for lunch followed by a swim and soak up some glorious sunshine. 

Another picture perfect cruise back to Airlie at sunset. We are all thoroughly exhausted. 

And in very exciting news...the tooth fairy is visiting for the first time tonight

Airlie Foreshore and Shute Harbour

We are really enjoying the constant warmth here. The kids have been swimming every day, and we really enjoy being able to sit outside in the evening and have dinner or watch a movie.
Went for a drive back out to Shute Harbour today, bloody hell there are some massive houses out there, beyond ridiculous!

Then it was back in to Airlie for lunch and a paddle in the lagoon. Such a fabulous spot.