Tannum Sands to Sunshine Coast

MONDAY, 5 SEPTEMBER 2016

Kookaburras sitting in the old gum tree

With Barry and Denise

Sunday morning had a more relaxed start to the day, being Father’s Day, and only have 140 kms to travel to Tannum Sands.  As Barry and Denise were staying there, we decided to join them for the day/night.  The Tannum Sands Caravan Park is across the road from the inlet and sandy beach, which meant sandy soil and dry grass.  Lots of trees provided plenty of shade, which we weren’t keen on, still being acclimatised to the tropics and plenty of birdlife to keep us amused.  The midgies living around our caravan were also well fed during the day!  The four of us enjoyed a meal on Sunday evening at the local tavern.

Today dawned very clear, after a rather cool night, but did become cloudy very quickly.  With distance to make up after yesterday, we were packed and hitched shortly after 8.00 am; a quick goodbye to Denise and Barry and we were on the road heading south – once again into a strong head wind!  The road wasn’t too bad, although there was a lot more traffic today and roadworks south of Gin Gin didn’t hold us up too much.  The biggest delay was caused by “Trevor and Shirley” in their twin cab towing a small caravan and doing their best not to exceed 75 km/h or allow anyone to overtake.  There were lots of mutterings (not very complimentary) over the two-way, especially from a very “patient” truckie.  Inconsiderate caravanners end up giving all of us a bad reputation.  We stopped just north of Gympie for lunch and were at the Big4 Forest Glen by 2.30 pm after following the park’s coordinates and ending up in their new lifestyle village.

We stayed here in 1983 with our children and the part was state of the art in those days.  Unfortunately, not much has been spent on it since, apart from some playground equipment, but the amenities are well maintained and very clean.  The sites are a real let-down, being terraced and very steeply sloped; we were unable to level the caravan lengthwise and walk uphill towards the kitchen.  Luckily it will only be for two nights.  This place is definitely not worth $48 a day and will probably be a lifestyle village in a couple of years.

Not enjoying the much cooler temperatures …