Central QLD and Family Vacay!

Vern and Merle have hit the road again. With a new rig comprising the aptly named Ernie (a Jayco Journey caravan) and a Land Cruiser named Bert – because what else would go with a caravan named Ernie…

We decided to head for Yeppoon, and to visit a range of places on the way up and back, many that we hadn’t been to before.

First stop was Hervey Bay, where Merle was pleased to find new shopping experiences.

While it wasn’t whale season, Hervey Bay is still a pretty place to visit, with great cycling tracks right around the bay.

Next stop was Agnes Water which is the last real surfing beach heading north, and nearby 1770, a beautiful bay inlet. The weather was perfect and these are both really pretty and laid back coastal destinations. No wonder they are so popular these days.

Yeppoon was nice but very windy. Our favourite place in the area was Emu Park, where the locals have their own way of going to the beach.

Definitely in cowboy country now, we ventured to Rockhampton to try to get a nice steak for the BBQ – seeing as it was Beef Week there. After trying many butchers we gave up in frustration. Fair to say that Rockhampton is not top of our list of places we want to return to.

On to Tannum Sands, a quiet little beachside town just south of Gladstone, with beautiful parks and bike tracks along the waterfront. Had a lovely time riding to Canoe Point for coffee and treats. Couldn’t convince Merle to go for a swim for some reason though… 🤔

We had one of the highlights of the trip here, when a green tree snake decided it would be fun to scare Merle whilst she was having a shower. 🐍 At the time, it was difficult for her to channel her wildlife warrior instincts. Instead the shower was cut very short and she came scurrying back very quickly to the caravan with shampoo still in her hair. 😳 Fortunately no medics were required to attend. 😅

Our final stop was Cotton Tree, where Vern got to capture a beautiful sunset and simultaneous moonrise on the evening of his birthday. Cotton Tree really can be magical.

And finally it was lovely to enjoy a family vacay with kids, grandkids, the lot. It took two years to organise but for Nan and Pop it was well worth the wait. A great time was had by all!

We hope you enjoy these snapshots of our first big trip in Bert and Ernie!