Xmas 2012–Yamba

In Yamba we stayed at the Yamba Waters Caravan Park, which is off the beach. Arriving around lunch time on our first day we set up camp at our ensuite site i had decided to spoil Sara and the kids a bit, so no walking down to the showers for the next 5 days.
Unfortunately, due to the time of year, the minimum booking time at many costal parks was 5 nights, otherwise we would not have spent as much time here. That said, we were confidant we could fill our time somehow.
As we drove in we also noticed that there was to be a night market in town, and when booking in, besides confirming the market we were also told a carnival was in town, all within walking distance of the park. So, after setting up and having tea, off we went on the 15min walk into town.
The walk turned out to actually be about 25, but it was a nice evening so no problems. The market, on the other hand comprised of only about 6 stalls, so not much to write home about there. We picked up some ice creams and headed back to the carnival. We also noticed, on the way back, a rainbow in the clouds. With no rain present this was an unusual sight and it turns out rare as well. More photos and a good description of the phenomenon can be found here.
The carnival was in full swing when we arrived so the kids got their customary Cha Cha ride before we headed back to camp for the evening.
We didn't really have much planed when we picked Yamba other than staying somewhere new. In the few days we stayed here we took a drive back up north to Byron Bay, which was amazingly busy to the parking was unavailable at many of the local sights and walking was the only way around. The kids had their hair braided with feathers in the main street and we picked up some trinkets.
After Byron Bay that day we headed inland to have a look at Lismore, with a plan to drive through to Grafton, via Casino. We decided after walking around Lismore to head back home as it would be after 5pm getting to Grafton so the town would be shutting down. We will be heading out through Grafton on our way to Tamworth.
We spent another of our days fishing, at a recommended spot, but yet again, not much luck. Bianca did catch an undersized Bream though so we did manage to catch something.
Lastly we found a great local beach that was great for Kayaking, so we spent a few hours there also. We had hoped that Dolphins we had seen there whilst walking would be around, but not the day we went out.

Lastly, as per normal, the kids spent quite a few days in the pool, with the purchase of an underwater camera providing some amusement. As the water was not clear, no real good photos came of it.

Next stop, Tamworth.

Xmas 2012–Poona–Bundaberg

One of the reasons for travelling so far up the Queensland coast, besides visiting the Dolphins at Tin Can Bay, was so we could visit the Bundaberg Rum Factory. We needed more of the Royal Liquor you can only buy at the cellar door.
The other reason we were to leave Poona was to head into town to purchase a new spare wheel and replace the last old tyre on the van. We had done a few K’s on these tyres and in hindsight i probably should of got new ones before the trip. We were lucky and lesson learned here. We managed to get both in Maryborough so that was some relief. We also found that Maryborough runs a weekday (Thursday) Mall in the main street. We purchased some fruit and homemade hot Sausage whilst there, as well as having a bite to eat.

After that t was on to Bundaberg. We had hope that we could have a look around after the Rum factory as well but after doing the factory tour and the taste testing at the end we did not have much time before we needed to e heading back to Poona.
One disappointing part of the factory tour was that no photography was allowed so the only photos we have are below.


The next, and last day in Poona was planned to be another “Relax by the pool” day but when we woke it turned out to be a nice, mild for the morning, day with the bay looking very calm. We therefore decided, along with everyone else in the park it seems, to get the Kayak out again and go for a paddle. I took off first for a look around the bay. When i returned, Caitlyn was waiting for her turn and the “beach” was loaded with swimmers and water craft of all sorts. Bianca also got in on the act as can be seen.



Lastly, just a quick pick of our setup here at Poona, before we started packing up. We would love to visit again.