19 September – Friday
Departed Yamba but had to change our plans to overnight at Glen Innes – the road was closed between 9.00am and 3.00pm for roadworks. Our next option was Armidale, via Coffs Harbour. We had another change of plan on the way and decided to stay at Coffs Harbour and visit the Big Banana, as we didn’t have the chance to stop at the Big Prawn in Ballina. We decided on the Emerald Beach Caravan Park, plenty of sites available for tonight but the question of cost kept being avoided. When we did get an answer, the girl wanted $37, as it was school holidays in Queensland. After many protests from us that the children were actually at school TODAY in Queensland, we considered it a rip off and would probably continue to Armidale. Surprise, surprise! The rate was immediately lowered to the off peak rate of $29, less our 10% Big 4 discount. Whilst it is a beachfront caravan park, there is plenty of wind shelter, the swimming pool is heated, a jumping pillow for kids of all ages, lovely camping area and plenty of play equipment. The amenities block is absolutely gorgeous – very recently refurbished, the best we have seen.
The Big Banana lived up to expectations and contained all the usual tacky souvenirs – and no bananas! Diesel was more expensive here than Queensland, $1.75 compared to $1.59 (something to do with state taxes). The price of unleaded petrol in Brisbane rises nearly $0.20 every Thursday, then drops again on Monday! After the Big Banana, we did a tour of the sites of Coffs Harbour and stopped at the wharf for the most delicious homemade icecream.
Today we left the sugar cane farms and macadamia plantations behind for the banana plantations of this area. It has been nice and warm today – 25 – but a thunderstorm is expected late afternoon.
Departed Yamba but had to change our plans to overnight at Glen Innes – the road was closed between 9.00am and 3.00pm for roadworks. Our next option was Armidale, via Coffs Harbour. We had another change of plan on the way and decided to stay at Coffs Harbour and visit the Big Banana, as we didn’t have the chance to stop at the Big Prawn in Ballina. We decided on the Emerald Beach Caravan Park, plenty of sites available for tonight but the question of cost kept being avoided. When we did get an answer, the girl wanted $37, as it was school holidays in Queensland. After many protests from us that the children were actually at school TODAY in Queensland, we considered it a rip off and would probably continue to Armidale. Surprise, surprise! The rate was immediately lowered to the off peak rate of $29, less our 10% Big 4 discount. Whilst it is a beachfront caravan park, there is plenty of wind shelter, the swimming pool is heated, a jumping pillow for kids of all ages, lovely camping area and plenty of play equipment. The amenities block is absolutely gorgeous – very recently refurbished, the best we have seen.
The Big Banana lived up to expectations and contained all the usual tacky souvenirs – and no bananas! Diesel was more expensive here than Queensland, $1.75 compared to $1.59 (something to do with state taxes). The price of unleaded petrol in Brisbane rises nearly $0.20 every Thursday, then drops again on Monday! After the Big Banana, we did a tour of the sites of Coffs Harbour and stopped at the wharf for the most delicious homemade icecream.
Today we left the sugar cane farms and macadamia plantations behind for the banana plantations of this area. It has been nice and warm today – 25 – but a thunderstorm is expected late afternoon.
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