Cairns Fishing Charter Trip - April/May 2025

 Day Four - 21st April, 2025.

Alva Beach - Kurrimine Beach

Up new and early today, we've had 32mm of rain overnight 😮  Had a coffee and decided we didn't need to be hear any longer, too busy and too noisey.  Unfortunately sometimes when you get a large group of people staying together somewhere, they can sort of think they own the place and just do whatever they like, this was the case.

Barney the sticky beak

A bit of gossip for you all, last night on my way back from the showers, the police were talking with a couple of people in the breezeway at the amenities - no idea what about, but had to excuse myself to a very friendly police officer as I passed by due to the pathway going right past them.

On the road by 8.30am this morning, no breakfast we'll grab something along the way.  Today's destination is King Reef Resort and Caravan Park at Kurrimine Beach, which I booked about a month or so ago.  They have a bistro, so we might head there for lunch once we're set up.

The roads have finally gotten better between Townsville and Kurrimine Beach today.

The weather did not get any better though, overcast and drizzling all day.  Driving into Kurrimine Beach reminded us of driving into Poona or Boonooroo between Tin Can Bay and Maryborough on the Sandy Straits.  Quiet, quaint and small.  Found our way to the park and booked in.  The gentleman at reception was lovely, very friendly and happy to help.  He showed us to our site and explained that our site was long and we could stayed hooked up.  The site was long enough we could set up lengthways, with the back side of the van to the road and still have heaps of space around us - what a great site!

Headed off to the bistro after setting up for some lunch - we're starving!  Dog friendly on the veranda and grassed seating area, which both look out toward the ocean.  Must be the local pub and bistro for the town, because it was very busy.  A very relaxing and friendly atmosphere (well except for the family at the end that everyone had to squeeze past)  even though it is overcast, it's still a lovely outlook, it would be spectular on a fine and sunny day.

Lunch was absolutely delicious - Craig had Calamari, Salad and Chips and I had a Parmy (which there was enough to feed 2) and we partook in a drink or two, while enjoying the lovely outlook.  

Sorry,  he ate his calamari quickly 😄

With our bellies full and leftovers packed into a takeaway container, finished talking to some friendly locals and the dogs stopped smelling each others butts, we took Barney down to the beach for a run around on his long rope.    This is Barney's first beach experience and we can honestly say it was a overall huge successful for him.  He had a fat time, playing in the sand, running around, in and out of the water, saying hello to absolutely everyone and he was plum tuckered out afterwards.

After a nice relaxing afternoon and after such a big lunch, we just made squeak and bubble for dinner out of the leftover Parmy, chips and knackwurst sausage.  It's quite muggy, so we cleaned up, had showers and retreated inside the van in the Air Con and watched the Formula Ones.  The humidity, the roads and Barney are making us quite exhausted and testy each day, not how we have travelled on previous trips.  Barney has not travelled brilliantly thus far.  He's still whining and whinging, it gets very bad when it should be his nap time.  Eventually he sort of goes to sleep, it looks like we need to stop about every 2 hours and let him out for a wander and it's probably good for all of us.

Barney certainly travels completely different to Boris and we are all still getting used to it.

Cairns Fishing Charter Trip - April/May 2025

 Day Three - 20th April, 2025.

Brandybottle Caravan Park & Golf Course - Alva Beach

Lets just say this morning was a late rising for all concerned, we'll leave it at that shall we 😉  Coffee was notably required as soon as one arose to greet the world this morning, I would not say there was any elegant swaning as one arose from the caravan, rather a plea to Husband of "is my coffee ready yet my loving Husband" 😎  

Breakfast this morning, will not be consumed at camp prior to hitting the road. let me explain.....  back in 2004 on our first trip up to Cape York, we stayed at Carmila Beach overnight and stopped at the BP Servo in Carmila for fuel, where I grabbed a couple of Sausage Rolls for smoko or breakfast or just because they looked awesome!!  Anyways,  the memory of that delicious morsal that we ate back in 2004 has always stayed with us, SO, of course we had to partake in these little morsals once more since we were just down the road (🤞they are just as delicious). 

However, first things first - it bucketed down rain overnight and Craig left his tool bag out and the tray of the Hilux open, so we both jumped up (yep I know what you're thinking, ya just do it regardless of the amount of alcohol you have consumed 😵‍💫)  So inside the van looked like a tool shop, with tools and power tool batteries drying out for the remainder of the night.  We also dropped the corner of the awning so the water ran off and we did not suffer the same fate we did in Stanthorpe!  Mate it poured down and I did not see this coming on the radar.

After cleaning up all the tools and putting them back away in the usual spot, we got away around 10am this morning, then stopping the get fuel and the sauages rolls and pies (couldn't help myself) our arrival at Alva Beach is going to be a bit later then originally planned.  Decided due to it being school holidays still, it might be worth ringing and making sure we can get a site - all good.  Upon arriving at Alva Beach Caravan Park, we found out that there was a group of fishing people with Quad Bikes and ATV's (park owner rolling eyes and smiling, while saying they were leaving tomorrow),  if we had of been told that when I called we probably would have  gone somewhere else.

Got settled in our site, we've had rain while travelling today and it was still overcast and muggy.  Very thankful that we have Air Con in the van, had it running every night.  It was really busy with all the Quad Bikes and ATV's and people moving around, not the tranquil park we remembered from 2004, but it is Easter and we stayed off season in 2004.  We had an early dinner of fish tacos, cleaned up, showers and then retreated inside the van to the air con where it was much more pleasant, and watched the Formula One qualifying.   We were intending on taking Barney for a walk down to the beach, but with so much quad bike and ATV traffic, decided against it.  Barney's still not settling well moving every day

Alva Beach Caravan Park is a lovely little park, quanit with all the facilities and pet friendly.  Powered sites $45.00/night and unpowered $35.00/night.

Cairns Fishing Charter Trip - April/May 2025

 Day Two - 19th April, 2025.

Miriam Vale - Carmila Hotel Brandybottle Caravan Park & Golf Course

Today's plan is to move on to Carmila Hotel and camp there tonight.  Also meeting up with Craig's brother Donny and his partner Francis for the night.

So quick easy breakfast this morning, pack up and we're on the road.  Barney is still getting used to camping and moving each day is new for him.  We've only done weekend camps with him so far, where we set up at a spot for 2 nights, so not much changes for the 2 nights.  He doesn't have his routine, so his little life is out of sorts which creates whinging and whining at the campsite, however he has been travelling better in the car.

Road conditions on the Bruce Highway again today are crap, poor Barney looks like he is having head tremors constantly when he's sitting up in the back seat 😄

We finally arrived at the Carmila Hotel around 1pm I think.  I went in to ask about camping and unfortunately I was told no camping this weekend, due to them setting up for the rodeo next weekend 😞  We have camped at the Carmila Beach area many years ago and I have read they have upgraded the camping area there and being it's Easter we figured it would be pretty crowded.  We had seen a sign between Clareview and Carmila for a place called Brandybottle Camping which Craig did remember seeing on Wikicamps, and I had saved it.  Gave them a call to see if we could get 2 campsites for the night and thankfully they had space.  We couldn't reach Donny, so left a message about what we were doing and we headed off south 12klms back to Brandybottle Camping.

Well, what an absolute pleasure it was to arrive at Brandybottle Camping.  From the moment you turned into the driveway, you just relaxed and is was just pleasant.  Following the instructions I was given on the phone, we proceeded to the reception and waited.  We were greeted by Storm the Owner and her daughter (I truely hope I have that correct).  She showed us to our site that we'll share with Donny and Francis and Storm said just to come up once they've arrived and pay. 

There is a golf course to use which is free, along with the golf bats, if that's what you like doing.  You also have toilets, showers, power and water available and you camp on lovely green grass.  Another bonus is they serve meals and alcohol at the Clubhouse and there is a huge communal firepit that Storm's Dad lights every night to sit around, if you choose.

Once Donny and Francis arrived, we had a couple of drinks and a chat, then wandered over to pay our camping fees - $35.00/night powered.  Had a lovely chat with Storm and another team member, the Donny announced they wanted to pre-order dinner, so we thought oh well, we may as well also.  For a small establishment, it's a really good menu.  Donny and Francis ordered a pizza, Craig ordered Lamb Shanks and of course I had the Hawaiian Parmy.  While talking with Storm she mention that we could let Barney off the lead for a run around if nobody was playing on the course beside us or we could go to the other area over the road.  So, bonus time for Barney off the lead chasing the ball around next to where we camped, that is until Barney heard some kids laughing in a tent just up from where we were camped and that was it, he was off like a rocket (Barney loves kids) to their tent, followed somewhat at a distance by Craig, running, which in his words " I don't need to run again, there were bits giggling that never used to giggle, it was rather un-nerving"  😂  Anyway, Barney barrelled into the kids tent jumping on them, giving them lots of kisses, much to the kids delight.  Craig said when he got to the tent the kids were laughing and squealing.  Barney looked rather proud of himself when Craig brought him back, yes Barney still needs work on his recall when kids are around.

We'd booked our table for dinner for 7pm, at that time Storm mentioned there was only one other booking.  We headed over about 6pm to sit around the communal campfire that Storm's Dad had collected timber for in the afternoon and lite for someone to enjoy - that was us! 

 The Bistro was starting to fill up, while we ordered some drinks at the bar and had a chat with Storm's Mum and Dad who were bartending.  They were both very engaging, entertaining and certainly friendly!  We took our drinks over to the fire and relaxed for a bit. 

 I think Storm will have her hands full tonight, the tables were chock-o-block now.   It's  a lovely area to seat and eat dinner, with a couple of options.

Our meals were huge and delicious.  We had a very enjoyable evening eating at the Bistro and chatting to Mum, Dad and Storm.  

I must admit in full disclosure, because I feel I need to share with you all 😃, I may have slightly over indulged in the partaking of alcoholic beverages over the afternoon/evening period 😆  I headed off to bed before the others and may have tipped out not long after 😶probably for the best, otherwise I would have felt very average in the morning.

Brandybottle Caravan Park is a great campground, if we're up this way again we will definitely stay and would definitely recommend it to y'all.

Cairns Fishing Charter Trip - April/May 2025

 Day One - 18th April, 2025.

Home - Calliope Rest Area Miriam Vale

Our big 3 week adventure is finally here.  We're heading off the Cairns, so Craig can go on his 6 night Fishing Charter with his mate Dave and eight other punters (it was his Christmas/Birthday present).  We are working our way up to Cairns over the next 4 days to arrive in Cairns on Tuesday, where I will stay and work remotely while hubby goes off to catch da fish 🐋🐟

I know what you're thinking, you're leaving on Good Friday are you mad - well yes, but it is necessary to get up there for the charter and it's okay we made sure we have covered all the public holidays Easter, Anzac Day and Labour Day 👍

We had a few things to finish up around the property before we head off, including mowing at the last minute so we didn't come home to a jungle full of slivering 🐍😮 and yes, we left about  an hour late.  Quite surprised at how quiet the roads were heading north from the Sunshine Coast, not that we were complaining, trust me.

 

I have plotted our course up the coastline to reach Cairns Tuesday morning, which will give us until Thursday morning to set up, go buy a few things for his charter (Oh, I don't know like a new fishing rod, tackle, alcohol and ear plugs apparently😂) and for me  and Barney to eat and drink, you know just the basics.

We got away at 12pm, traffic was reasonable northbound on the Bruce.  Stopped at Gunalda United for some fuel, lunch and to release the hound for a wander so he stops whining and whinging in the car (does it for about for the first hour, get him out and then he's good - weird).  Geezus, it was busy and people were so rude, it reminds me why normally we would not go anywhere over Easter.  I did come across a little old Staffy tied to the post near an entrance to the shop patiently waiting for his/her owner.  Gave him/her a scratch and made sure the knob pulling into the park in front wasn't going to hit him/her.

Crickey I'll be glad to get out of here!

Back on the road, knocking off the kilometres until we reach good ole' Tiaro.  We stopped not far after leaving the servo, the traffic was crawling.  Half an hour it took for us to reach Tiaro finally and there was just no reason 😡 Since it was Good Friday Tiaro was dead absolutely nothing open, nobody there, no one crossing the road, no roadworks were going on, so I have no idea WHY ?

Due to this little set back to our plan, we re-assessed our arrival time at Calliope would be around 6pm and decided we would stop at Miriam Vale for the night, since it'll be near on 5pm by the time we get there.  I haven't made our journey each day any longer then about 4 1/2 hours, we stop about every 2 hours to give everyone a break, but especially Craig as he is driving.  I'm going to put my little soapbox down on the earth for a little moment and just have a wee little whinge about the Bruce Highway!!  Holey Crap it is in disgusting condition, from rattling your teeth out of your head, giving you a headache and neck ache to making the dog look like he's continuously having a head tremor, the poor little fella, they really do need to fix this road up for crying out loud.

Right, soapbox put away again.  

I called ahead to the Star Roadhouse and Caravan Park in Miriam Vale to make sure we could get a site, yes I know it's not exactly a destination but it is Easter.  I would have preferred to have stayed at the Miriam Vale Pub, but of course it wasn't open being Good Friday and the RV park which is basically a bitumen car park didn't excite us, so for the sake of paying $25.00 and we'd have power and water, plus a lovely hot shower and sit down flushing loo, caravan park it was.

It's a small Caravan Park with a couple of cabins and about 8 sites, pool, dog friendly and updated amenities.  You can get pizza, burgers etc., from the servo for dinner if you choose until 8pm.

We just had an easy dinner of hot dogs, enjoyed our hot shower, then retired to bed.  Craig was somewhat tired and Barney is over stimulated and being a complete pain in the a*#e.

Getting Barney to go to sleep and stay asleep was difficult and it's not what you would call a quiet park, being it's on the Bruce Highway.

It's all good, just a part of the adventure!

Blue Gums River Retreat

14th March - 16th March 2025

Stopped in at Tiaro for lunch of course on our way, we initially stopped at the pub in town but unfortunately they didn't have gas and a limited menu, so we headed over to the Hideaway Hotel again which was on the way to our weekend camping ground anyway.

Blue Gums River Retreat is our destination this weekend with our good mates The Razzles.  We have seen this place on the Camping in Qld facebook page and had earmarked it to try.  We booked Site 4 which was big enough for both caravans and our other mates Tommy and Jill in their campervan, but unfortunately they weren't able to make it due to Jill not feeling well.  The sites are massive, there are 7 sites in total, with Site 6 and 7 being on their own over a little gully.  There is a loo to service Site 1 - 5 and another over at Site 6 and 7.  You camp right on the river, lovely and grassy, each site has a firepit and you've got a pontoon to fish from, swim off or throw your kayak into the Mary River.  It's also dog friendly

We really enjoyed our stay here, very peaceful and pleasant.

We both did lamb on the fire Saturday night, Razzles in the camp oven with roast veg in the other camp oven, while we did a rotisserie and roast veg in our camp oven.

Plenty of room to play a roaming game of bocce, or kick a football, throw a ball for the dog (they do have to be on a leash at all times. 

We stayed Friday and Saturday night and basically just had a relaxing weekend.  The owner Tracey popped in for a chat, lovely friendly Lady.

Hideaway Hotel

A lovely crossing over the Mary River

Blue Gums River Retreat

We will come back.

www.bluegumsriverretreat.com

Cost:  $17.50 per person per night.

Swinging Bridge Park - February 2025

 Friday 28th February, 2025

This weekend we are off camping with our mates Doreen and Razzle, who have picked up their new Swag Caravan pop top SCT16 and we are off to Cooyar for the weekend.  

Swinging Bridge Park is a free camp (there are a couple of power hook ups, that you pay for at the Cooyar Hotel, I am not 100% sure but I did read somewhere it's $5.00/night but don't quote me on that).  There are no toilets at Swinging Bridge Park, however the rest stop across the road from the pub does have toilets which are about maybe 150m from the entrance to Swinging Bridge.  You'll find bins, workout equipment, playground and of course the Swinging Bridge.  There are heaps of spot to camp and level.  You can have a campfire in a firepit  that is elevated off the ground.

Firstly though,  we will par take in lunch at The Exchange Hotel in Kilcoy since we have to go right past it - be rude not to!!

Arriving around 2pm ish at Cooyar, we drove through the park the find a spot for our 2 night camp.  I like the first area on the right as you drive in, nice open area not too many trees and lots of sunlight for the solar but someone was already camped there right smack in the middle.  We ended up right down the end of the park, nice spot on our own with good distance between us and the next camp and big enough for 2 vans 

Set up was done at a leisurely pace with a beer in hand for one of us.  The Razzles arrived about 3.30pm and of course the first thing Craig did, was hand Razzle a beer so he could get into the camping relaxing groove 😆 Helpful isn't he......

What do you call a couple of Swags in the wild 🤣  I call spotto, spotto, spot toe 🤣🤣  Swag caravan owners joke LOL

Swinging Bridge Park is a very relaxing place,  it had been mowed recently so the grass wasn't overgrown.  There is an information board about the swinging bridge, which is an interesting read.  Also the grave of a little girl, who drowned in the creek ( I did not feel right taking a photo of her grave).

Tried Lasagne on the Baby Q tonight, pre-made the Bol sauce during the week, took fresh pasta, bechamel sauce and the grated cheese.  You know what,  it worked out pretty good 👍  The evening is so peaceful sitting around the campfire and chatting with good friends.

Saturday 1st March, 2025

There was no real desire to rise early this morning, however Barney does seem to get excited to greet everyone in the morning and have everyone join in with him to start the day - bless is little cotton socks, he's such a cutie. 🥱😴

Nothing spectacular was going on today, keep Barney getting used to being on his long rope, give him some playtime and games - this takes up a fair amount of time.  Razzle and Craig mucked around with the caravans, Craig putting a few saddles around the van to attach shade walls to and playing with Razzle and their new van.

We did take Barney for a walk up to the swinging bridge.  The bridges history is interesting.

The playground, exercise equipment and shade shelter are just near the bridge. 

Here are some photos of Swinging Bridge park

Where you plug into the power is just near the bridge.

Tonight's dinner was going to be on the rotisserie over the fire, however the low off the Queensland coast is whipping up a bit of wind today, so we'll change tack and do the chicken in the Baby Q with the roast vegetables and broccolini.  Turned out really good, but unfortunately I forgot to take photos 😆

Another peaceful night sitting around the campfire and chatting.  A bit windy tonight, so we pulled the shade walls down before nightfall came just in case we had to get up and quickly wind the awning in.

Sunday 2nd March, 2025

As usual today is pack up and go home day.

Overall, another enjoyable camping spot.  While we didn't go to the pub (yes I know, how could we not go to the pub that's just not Australian), we have been to the Cooyar pub before and had lunch there, which was good.

We will come back and stay again here one day

See you around the campfire again soon.