I got up about 6.00, and had a shower to freshen up. Pete was already up watching grand prix stuff. Nick and Sharon weren’t far behind, and they started cooking some eggs and bacon for breakfast. Georgia got up and gave Nick his fathers day presents, which were amusing.

After a bit of dicking around, some farewell’s, and last photos, we got on the road about 9.00. We left full of beans and laughs, as we made our way to “The Big Matilda”, about 2 hours up the road, so a good stopping time. We used the facilities, and took a few photos.

Back on the road for another 90 minutes or so, and we reached our next rest spot, with an opportunity for a photo, and also some lunch. A chicko roll and a milk shake had me recharged for the next session.

We then continued on our way to our first nights accommodation – Hervey Bay. Our caravan park was already booked, so we were able to just go in and set up at our camp site on the beach. However the tide was out a long way! We unhitched the van, set up the swags, and sat down to enjoy a beer.

Then we took a walk along the beach and enjoyed the sun. Once we were back at camp it was starting to cool down a bit. We decided we would go to the pub for dinner, and being Fathers Day, we thought it could be busy, so we went in early – about 5.30. They had just had a cancellation, so we were able to get a table – lucky we decided to go there early! I signed up as a member so we got discounted drinks and food. So after a drink we all ordered the steak, and had another drink or 2. We decided to head off, and found a cocktail lounge, so stopped in there for a drink. After an (average) XPA, Pete noticed a bottle of 43. So after a small taste he decided he wanted some. They also served us soda water. We really enjoyed the place.

On the way back to the caravan I had to stop and get a photo of a chair chained to a pole…

We met a couple of local kids as we were fooling around. “That’ll be us in 30 years”…

Then back at the caravan park we sat and chatted a bit more, before going to bed about 10.30. It was a very enjoyable start to the trip.