Our concerns about the narrow roadways at the Happy Wanderer Caravan Park came to life this morning and we had to ask the chap opposite to move his vehicle and then we had to reverse into the site behind us in order for us to escape from Hervey Bay. Oh the joys of a big rig!
The GPS took us via the Scenic Route out of Hervey Bay towards Maryborough. It was an interesting drive on another beautiful sunny day. On the way to Maryborough we saw the results of the fires we experienced on the way in, and some of the bush was still smouldering. Although we didn’t stop at Maryborough we did do a bit of a lap around town to get some sort of feel for the place.
Our morning coffee stop was at the small town of Tiaro. This is the sort of town we love as caravanners. There is a small free camp just off the main street and several shops including a nice little coffee shop, a tourist information centre and art & craft shop, a decent amenities block, a grog shop, a hippy clothing shop, and a butcher.
The butcher supplies exactly what caravanners need and we bought several vacuum sealed packages of a variety of meat products each containing just a few slices or portions. Tiaro is a town that understands the needs of caravanners and is obviously reaping the financial benefits that vanners bring to their town!
Coffee Shop & Butcher in Tiaro
From Tiaro we headed further south down the Bruce Highway and stopped for lunch at a rest area about 6 kms north of Gympie. Again this was a well set-up area with 6 specifically defined caravan sites and several other large sites, an amenities block and even a playground. Although this was a great place to stop for lunch it would be very noisy here as an overnight stop as it is quite close to the highway.
Rest Area near Gympie for Lunch
From Gympie we were pleasantly surprised when the Bruce Highway upgraded from being the single lane A1 highway to the M1 motorway with dual lanes, divided road and a 110 kph speed limit. Unfortunately it reverted to the A1 after a while but changed back to the M1 sometime later and presumably stays a motorway through Brisbane and beyond.
Much Improved Roads
Much Improved Roads
Finally we came to the Maroochydore turnoff and the GPS somehow found its way to the Cotton Tree Caravan Park. Our friends David [Downunda] and Faye have been here for a while and had organised a site for us near them. They met us as we arrived and were of tremendous assistance in helping us get into our site and setting up the fiver.
After a cup of coffee/tea and a catch-up at their caravan, we all picked up our chairs and liquid refreshments and headed to the beach/river bank for a happy hour while the sun set.
Downunda Comes to Shorty’s Aid in Setting Up the Fiver
Downunda and Faye at Happy Hour
Sunset at Cotton Tree Maroochydore
Then it was back to the fiver for a meal cooked on the BBQ. We’ll sleep well tonight.
Still living the dream!
Shorty's RV Adventures 