Gympie to Brisbane

NOOSA

About 60 km southeast of Gympie is the Shire of Noosa and town of the same name. The Noosa area was originally home to several indigenous groups. We read that

...although much of the culture and presence of the traditional owners of the Noosa district has been lost during the short period of white settlement, there still exist many subtle reminders.

...too subtle for us. The modern Noosa is a 'gentile' type of beach and waterfront resort and residential area. Population 52,000 and will enjoy the Centenary of its founding next year (2010).

We stayed only long enough to take a few photographs before pressing on.

NAMBOUR

Another 50kms and we have to stop and see the giant pineapple at Nambour.

Nambour's primary industry has been sugar, with extensive cane fields surrounding the town, and the Moreton Sugar Mill in the town centre. The mill itself was closed in 2003, and the long term future of the sugar industry in the area is in doubt. Other industries in the area include tourism, and the growing of tropical fruits. The Big Pineapple tourist attraction on the southern outskirts of the town reflects both of these pursuits.

Amongst the famous names associated with the town are Kevin Rudd, the current Prime Minister of Australia who was born here and Pat Rafter tennis player and winner of several grand slam titles who started his competition career here in Noosa.

We finished our journey in Brisbane and crossed the river (of the same name) which gave us a glimpse of the modern city skyline.

Bundaberg to Gympie

Our car ...a passport to land exploration.

It's a Ford Falcon recently purchased, fettled and ready for off. The plan is to take two days to drive the 350k to Brisbane.

Australia's road system is excellent (if a bit eccentric in white line markings - in the opinion of a humble Pommie). One facility we would like to see in the UK is the Driver Reviver stops. Manned by volunteers, they dish out free coffee to encourage drivers to have a break. It would be churlish to refuse I thought.

We spotted a new animal warning sign. Look out for Koalas!

GYMPIE

Our overnight destination was Gympie. Originally settled for grazing purposes, in 1867 the area became prominent when James Nash discovered gold.

At the time Queensland was suffering from a severe economic depression and the discovery probably saved the colony from bankruptcy. This event is still celebrated today in the Gympie Gold Rush Festival, held annually from the 8–18 October.

The town was originally named Nashville in his honour, but only for a year before the name Gympie was adopted.

The old mining museum with historic memorabilia is just outside town as well as the monument to the town's gold miners.

...alongside a beautifully maintained park area.

Sights of Bundaberg

Our time in New Zealand now just a happy memory, we have a little time to take a closer look at our nearest town or I should say City.

This section is mainly photographs of some of the buildings and sights that we think are interesting, starting with the centre and the imposing Post Office.

Opposite to the Post Office several shops with imposing upper storeys.

Just another bureaucracy now but this building is still fine architecture.

A touch of Art Deco;

And the old State School.

A city centre church.

A refurbished building. Formerly the Customs House, then a bank, now an Art Gallery. There was quite a 'to-do' when they painted it white, purple and green. We think it looks great with the blue skies and the palm trees.

This colonnaded offering in pink is in fact the School of Arts. A facility that exists in most Australian towns (from our vast experience of four states). From information gleaned on building plaques and museum pamphlets it would appear that in former years these institutions provided access to education for all ages. Now in most places they have found other uses.

Leaving town across the Burnett River you first pass the statue to Bert Hinkler a pioneer aviator who followed hot on the heels of the Wright Brothers.

He sits proudly at the entrance to the bridge, a picturesque steel bridge of several spans.

A New Year and a Birthday

A full day ahead, but there's always time for a spot of fun.

It's Master Noah George's first birthday and there were presents to be opened.

Then a mid-day party complete with party hats all planned and prepared, complete with a Pirate Ship birthday cake that required a little imagination to recognise immediately. Why does icing colouring always produce 'near black'?

Noah seemed to enjoy it however. Not a word of complaint did he utter. Probably 'cos his mouth was full.

In the evening, Shona and Earl (Kirsten's stepmother and father) were holding a barbecue and we managed to capture a few generations sitting together. Dean is with Ollie (Peter and Kirsten's little boy), Ian is looking after Noah and Ted is looking after me.

A Zoo Trip

Ian and Nikki took advantage of four very willing grandparents to babysit (we didn't need our arms twisting at all), whilst they sampled the scenic beauty of New Zealand's Bay of Islands.

But what to do? A trip to Auckland Zoo was proposed, seconded and agreed unanimously. A party of eleven when all votes were counted.

There were lemurs "...come on, move it! move it! move it!.."

...and Gloria the Hippo. What do you mean, "you've never seen Madagascar"?

Ted showed Grandmaboat how Meerkats live.

There was a train ride...

...and dinosaur eggs you could hide in.

Some amongst us, however, found it a little tiring.

A Wedding

Tell me again, why are we all here in New Zealand?

Because Peter (Nikki's brother) is marrying Kirsten in Devonport and we all want to be there!

It's the big day and all preparations... well, if they're not done now, that's it! Ted and Noah are smartly turned out, Ted in particular is a page boy so it's suit and tie for him!

After the Church the photographs are taken on the rocks by the waters edge with the islands as back drop.

Then a shot of the Peter and Kirsten with Peter's Mum, Dad and sister. Plus of course Ted and Noah.

At the reception apart from food, wine and speeches, there were photographs to be taken. Ted definitely got into the 'professional' mode.

Christmas 2008

Christmas Day, and guess what ...it's an early start.

But we'd have been disappointed had it not been so! Two boys thoroughly enjoying themselves.

In the afternoon - in true Kiwi fashion, it's barbecue time. Our hosts are Rae (Kirsten's mother) and Dean. Whilst there, we find time for a walk to the beach with Ian and Ted, from where Auckland's tall Sky tower can be seen.

It's seems it's nowhere near as tall as Ted though.

Then back to Rae and Dean's for more fun.

Pre Christmas

At last a chance to update ourselves with Ted and to meet Noah nearly one year on. There were parks and a playground nearby - a good excuse for a walk. It's summer here and I'm sure the boys are noticing the difference!

We celebrated Carole's birthday at the house, but there was a girls' afternoon out arranged too; high tea in a smart hotel. Actually champagne for some ...no names no pack-drill!

Then it's playtime again.

Although Ted insisted on working. There were paper chains for Christmas to be made!

Arrivals from Beeston

Sunday 21st December 2008 is a Special Day. First thing - to Auckland Airport, post haste. Ian, Nikki and the boys are due to land this morning after the long haul from UK and all four grandparents want to be there for the arrival.

The screens showed the plane had landed, then after what seemed an age, people came pouring through the arrivals gate ...and let's say they weren't the first through.

But we were delighted to see them. Jet lag seemed lotally lacking in the younger generation, who played happily during the rest of the day.

But even the stalwart Ted was struck down ...mid pizza!

And so to bed.