Day 19 Thursday - Back to Brisbane

I woke early to a terrific rainstorm - not good news as we'd left washing outside. I went looking for coins for the communal dryer and luckily cafés open early here - for example 5 or 6 am, then close by early afternoon as heat builds to intense levels.  The rain stopped after about an hour and it was breakfast on the terrace which was a treat from the local bakery. 

 We also checked out the weather at home 😮

Once we'd packed the dry clothes we got a transfer to the railway station and then aboard for the 5 hour trip back to Brisbane. I was on the right side of the train for the Glass House Mountains this time - they were named by Cook after the glass making foundaries in Yorkshire.  There's several but the trackside trees make it hard to get a good view.

Unfortunately at Beerburram the rain caught up with us and turned into a thunderstorm. They had to stop the train for about an hour as it had taken out some signals ahead. Once on the move again we were another hour to Brisbane. We had planned supper in the city but after the delayed train decided on an Uber to the airport where we're now waiting at the gate - next stop Dubai.

Day 18 Wednesday - Bargara Beach

This morning we said goodbye to Simone who's been a great host and left Bundy for an 18 km trip further up the east coast. In this area they grow sugar cane and it's famously used to produce ginger beer and rum.  We could see tall fields of it as we passed through on the way.

On arrival at Bargara we had a cold drink overlooking the beach and were entertained to see a ladies craft group round one of the tables, doing their patchwork and crochet by the sea.

Once we'd settled into our cabin we decided to hire bikes to explore - the lady  in the air conned shop clearly thought we were mad and we wondered ourselves as we slogged in the 30 degree heat on "granny bikes". It was a 12 km ride to see the historic lighthouse at Burnett Head and we'd read about a good bakery for lunch.  We found and admired the lighthouse but the bakery experience wasn't to be, as sadly it was just closing.

On the way back we stopped several times to rehydrate and the thought of a dip in the sea kept us going - another highlight was seeing kangaroos in the surrounding bush. Some were sleeping but this big one gave us a stare then hopped into the trees.

Reaching our cabin with relief,  we peeled off our clothes (literally) then grabbed our swimmers and headed to the beach. The water was a lovely temperature and we bobbed about and watched people body boarding.

We went back for noodles then we were picked up and taken to the local Mon Repos turtle rookery.  We were the first group to go to the beach and in the dusk some hatchlings were emerging from their nest. These are loggerhead turtles famous for laying eggs in this area and now protected on a reserve.

We were down on the beach a couple of hours watching some 35 turtles leave the nest then make their way to the sea. They are tiny and perfect and watching their first steps on a long journey was moving.  They will eventually end up in the waters near Mexico but once the females reach 30 years old they will be mature and come back to lay their eggs on this same beach or close by.

Day 17 Tuesday - Lady Elliot Island

Today we were excited to be visiting Lady Elliot Island, on the southern tip the Great Barrier Reef.  It's 80 km away from Bundaberg and is reached by air in a small fixed propeller plane and this in itself was an adventure. When you land on the island the runway is just grass so bumpy!

Flying down we could see the glittering white beaches and green interior - it's an eco resort so all about giving sanctuary to the marine life and protecting the coral. We had an orientation session then got on a glass bottomed boat. 

Soon we were seeing lots of exotic fishes large and small and even a turtle. There's coral of all types and colours too. Next we put on our snorkeling gear and swam off the boat. What we could see was an amazingly rich underwater world! So many fish in electric colours and also sharks, luckily vegetarians in this case.  After about 30 minutes we went back to shore for refreshments. The island is very noisy with prolific bird life and you have to watch they don't steal your lunch. 

After lunch we walked to the lagoon which was at low tide. It was beautiful being on the pristine beach but so hot in the sun.

We decided it was time to get in the water again and did another snorkel session - it's spectacular seeing sholes of tropical fish swim just beneath you and we saw several more shark. 

Sadly it was time to leave the coral beach and grab a quick shower before boarding the plane - even smaller this time and only 4 passengers - here the pilot is lowering the steps for us to board.

As we flew away we got great views of the island and took away memories to treasure.  This island is fully protected and 1200 species flourish here - such a gem with great staff - what a dream job!

Day 16 Monday - Bundaberg

This morning it was sadly time for goodbyes with Fiona and Luke, then we headed to the railway station for the Rockhampton Tilt Train which left at 11 am for Bundaberg.

For the next 4.5 hours we travelled the 350 km east in comfort - much more civilized than UK rail experiences.  The weather has been wet today and we couldn't see much, but once outside Brisbane the line goes slightly inland and it's a very rural outlook.

On arrival at Bundaberg we got a shuttle bus to our accommodation and it's a cute cabin set in tropical gardens and there's even a Labrador called Storm.  The exotic birds are singing away in the trees and it's a big contrast to the city.

They've had lots of rain here last couple of days which they're grateful for after the drought...but now it's a bit flooded!

They've made the interior of the cabin very tasteful and we feel much at home so rather than go back into Bundaberg we're getting pizza delivered.

Days 14 + 15 Saturday and Sunday - Fiona and Luke's Brisbane

My reunion with friend Fiona was early doors as we met at our hotel 6.10 am - it was great to see her after some 30 years 🥰.  Because of the heat things start early and Fi was doing a Park Run 7 am and invited us.  It was at a lovely place called New Farm Park and having had an injury Fiona was walking not running, so we joined in and began to catch up on lots of chat!  This is us at the half way stage - only 5k circuit thank goodness as it was overcast but warm.

We completed our "run" then had a lovely breakfast by the river. The cafés have dog paddling pools and we had a look round the market and brought fruit.

Next we did a short supermarket trip then to Fiona's house in the Balmoral area of the city. We settled in, cooled off in her pool and met one of her cats, the other is very shy.  Later we met Fiona's husband Luke who had been racing his sports car but suffered technical issues.

After the early start we had siesta time then in the evening went to town for a lovely Italian meal and saw the city lights.

Sunday we had breakfast, then got onto the bus for town heading for the Gallery of Modern Art and saw an exhibition on the theme of water. The installations included a river bed and watering hole and other exciting and interactive exhibits!

Lunch was next, then we crossed to the other side of the river and walked past the city hall, treasury and saw some very cool Banyan fig trees.

Once we reached Story Bridge it was time for drinks then we met up with Luke who drove us home.  We had a restful evening chatting and eating and it's been brilliant seeing Fiona and Luke and getting a local guide round this beautiful city.

Day 13 Friday - Brisbane

NZ has gone too quickly but we're looking forward to new adventures in Australia and 7 am saw us taking off for Brisbane. All ran smoothly and on arrival we got a taxi to the hotel to drop luggage then headed off to the koala sanctuary which necessitates a trip up river first by public transport catamaran then swapping to a smaller boat.

When we got to the koalas the first thing we learnt is that they sleep 18-20 hours a day and you spot them napping in the eucalyptus - and they're very cute.

We even got to stroke one 🐨💕

There were other exotics to see and we enjoyed ourselves until it was time to go back down river - we got off at South Park and admired the public parks with lush tropical plants and there's even an artificial beach and bathing pool.

And some cool birds called white ibis.

After a drink by the river we got back on the boat and headed to Northshore where we'd been recommended Eat Street - shipping containers made into a village of food vendors with entertainment too!

There was a huge choice but we settled on Mexican and Greek and had great dishes before walking back to the hotel for an early night.  We've noticed a big difference in the heat and humidity here 🥵

 

Day 12 Thursday - Back to Christchurch

Star gazing down at the lakeside last night was superb. We lay on our backs and admired a dark sky full of bright stars - this area is a dark sky reserve where light pollution is banned by law and it makes a big difference.   Whatever constilations we saw they were beautiful and abundant.

Our first visit today was at Mount John Observatory for which you take a steep road that reminded me of Corney Fell (Gary will get this reference 😉).

At the summit it appears a very futuristic landscape with buildings housing powerful telescopes.  The view is a marvelous 360 degree vista of mountains, Mackenzie country and Lake Tekapo and town below.

Next we set off towards Christchurch and much of the drive was through farming country - we took the scenic route which was very quiet and had us counting sheep.

It took about 3.5 hours to get to the city and we dropped our luggage at hotel then returned the hire car.  Close to the airport is the International Antarctic Centre so we visited this for the reminder of the afternoon - and after 2 weeks summer heat we cooled right down as we experienced a simulated Antarctic storm in the snow dome, met husky dogs and penguins, had a ride on an all terrain vehicle around an assault course and saw a cool 4D movie where we got sprayed with water and snowed on!

We had Cantonese for supper, then back to do laundry - need clean clothes for Oz ✈️

Day 11 Wednesday - Tekapo

This morning we headed off from Twizel on highway 8 - soon after leaving town the road hugs the edge of Lake Pukaki with its icy blue water framed by snow capped mountains. It's hard to keep your eyes ahead with such glorious views and we stopped, sat and admired.

The next part of the road was pretty straight and routine apart from a duck family crossing to a creek!

We got to Tekapo after a hour or so and had lunch then a look round town including the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd.

We checked in to our accommodation which is a cabin on the edge of the turquoise Lake Tekapo. It was very hot this afternoon so I decided on a swim... brave idea as it's fed by glaciers ❄️

It was freezing but invigorating! I wasn't the only one - we met Nancy and John from Canada and had good chat.

After showers we headed back to town to visit The Dark Sky Project. It's famous here for star gazing so we learnt about planets and stars and saw their huge telescope.

Tonight we're planning to walk down to the lake at around 11 pm and do some star gazing 💫

Day 10 Tuesday - Twizel

Excitement abounded when we discovered we were getting breakfast at The Hermitage 4 star hotel above the chalets, and we ate plenty with two hikes planned!  Our chalet was quirky and we're glad we spent one night in the national park.

The first tramp was to the Tasmin Glacier Lake and was only half an hour's climb but the heat takes it out of you. The view was rewarding with the icy blue lake surrounded by mountains and a just visible glacier, sadly in retreat.

Next we headed for the Hooker Valley track which is a 'must do'. It's a 10 km alpine walk crossing the Hooker River three times via suspension bridges.

There's views everywhere you look including Mueller Lake.

However as we went onwards the clouds came down with drizzle which cooled us nicely but sadly meant the view at the end of the walk of the iceberg speckled Hooker Lake with mount cook in the background was a bit disappointing compared with the postcards - but that's mountain weather for you!

It took an hour to walk back and we returned to the village for a lovely cuppa with a view before heading out of the national park. The sun came out again and there's panoramic views of lakes and mountains round every corner.

Tonight we're staying in Twizel by Lake Ruataniwha and we have sheep in our back 'garden'.

Day 9 Monday - Mount Cook

This morning we headed for the Diamond Lake conservation area which is 18 km out of Wanaka.  The first part of the walk takes you to dramatic Diamond Lake.

Then the path got much steeper as we headed for the Wanaka view point. It's worth the climb, with a birdseye view of Lake Wanaka, Glendhu Bay and the surrounding mountains.

We headed back through town and spent some time on the shores of the lake before driving to the nearby lavender farm. As well as fields of lavender there were beautiful gardens and a teashop where we had lavender tea and lavender cake - delicious.

The weather today is sunny and about 30 degrees so we were glad of the car's air-con as we started our drive to Twizel via the Lindis Pass - a very empty and scenic road. There's sheep farms and mountains and that's about all.

After around 140 km we reached Twizel and stopped for provisions then it was time to take the road to Mount Cook and we started to get the most incredible views up ahead.

The road to Mount Cook Village is another 64 km from Twizel and it's national park so no buildings, just majestic mountains and jaw dropping scenery.

Mount Cook Village is tiny, just a hotel and some lodges for tourists and hikers.

Our lodge is an A frame style and characterful and we got settled in - and started planning tomorrows tramps.