Qld Holiday Day 3 - The Gap to Hervey Bay

Not too much of a New Years Day alcohol problem this morning, probably because we all slept solidly because of it. Even so, we got ourselves up early (not really a problem for me, as I seem to still be on work-time and being awake well before 7.00am), packed up what we needed, and started our next trip, up to Hervey Bay. We were once again accompanied by the stories of Roald Dahl and the music mash up of a couple of generations of musical tastes.

We stopped off just outside Nambour, to check out The Big Pineapple. But what a white elephant it has become! Both Helen and I remember from our childhood, and even from our own trip here in 1997, a thriving establishment full of colour and excitement. Now, with the Nambour Bypass in place, we pulled into a gigantic car park, with only ourselves and one other car in it. Now, I know that it is New Years Day, and that many people would not have planned to make a visit today, but it came as quite a shock.

It is all very tired and run down. Even to get on board the train that does a quick trip around the 'plantation' and past the 'animal zoo', it would have cost us $50, and we just weren't willing to part with that much money for such little reward. It was nice to take the kids there (and probably the most entertainment they got there was seeing two peacocks up close) but we won't be going there again.

The temperature was extreme again - upwards of 35 degrees - which was fine in the air conditioning in the car, but tough outside. We stopped off at Gympie and headed into the cool and empty premises of Red Rooster for lunch, which despite his reluctance to eat anything on the menu, Josh appeared to enjoy.

From here we heading into Hervey Bay, and found our accomodation on the main road right up against the sea wall. The apartment is terrific, the location is wonderful, the pool is marvellous... well done number one husband/father. Another win.

After settling in, we headed down to the marina to book a tour for Fraser Island tomorrow. Wow, not cheap. A family of four was $520, though the guy on duty saved us another $115 by "insisting" Josh looked as though he was four years old, so he wouldn't have to charge him. A bonus.
Also out the front, we added to our collection of photos at "Big" things, though we couls only locate half of this whale...

On our way back we went to Woollies and stocked up on some supplies, like basic food stuffs and scotch. Of course. We went for a swim when we got back, and met the family who arrived at the same time we did. They also have three children. Now - this is no word of a lie. Their eldest child is a daughter called Jessica. Their second child is a daughter called Madeleine. And their third child was a son called... yep... Josh. This was a somewhat novel things to have happen - I mean, really, you couldn't possibly believe it. However, it really seemed to freak this other family out, and they weren't sure how to take us. It was like they thought we were stalking them, and taking on their names. A bit crazy really.

This was the view from ground floor balcony, overlooking the harbour. Just amazing.