Of the things not to miss when making a stopover in Cooktown is the Grassy Hill Lookout. Stepping back in time this was the chosen vantage point of Captain Cook and Joseph Banks back in the 1770’s, and it is easy to see why as you get 360 degree views of the Endeavour River as well as Mount Cook in the background. I was secretly hoping we would get to see a pod of whales heading south but maybe they are aware of the treacherous reefs, unlike Captain Cook and give this coastline the wide berth it deserves!! 😉

Another spot definitely worth a visit if you want to brush up on your flora and immerse yourself in the beautiful rich and rare botanical records created by Joseph Banks is the large interpretive centre, known as “Nature’s Powerhouse”. This stunning display is located within the Botanic Gardens. I was mesmerised by the detail reproduced in the copper plates and also the delightful watercolour illustrations created by Vera Scarth-Johnson especially her paintings of the Cooktown Orchid. No wonder this flower is Queensland’s native floral emblem.

Forgive me if I keep pinching myself to wake up but this dream I’m experiencing just keeps on getting better. Elm beach, a remote Indigenous camp site has sand almost as white as the well renowned “Whitehaven” and lets not forget the coloured sands the area is best known for. This hidden gem is about an hour north of Cooktown, access via mostly bitumen roads.

Finally, Mic loving every minute exploring this gorge. His suntan is almost a match!!!😍

Well, I may have told a little white lie in my last blog, i.e. no more beaches. But how can we just drive past beaches with names like Trinity, Palm Cove and of course Port Douglas?

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And better still our short stop over in Trinity Beach enabled us to catch up with some very special friends. We had a great day enjoying a very yummy lunch and as usual shared some great stories with plenty of laughs. Walking off the extra kilos, however, wasn’t so easy but views from the Earl’s Hill Summit Track was definitely worth the effort.

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It’s easy to see that inshore or offshore fishing is world class in this region due to the myriad of angling environments on offer. But for us we are very happy to reap the rewards of someone else’s pleasure and enjoy anything fresh and locally caught. In our case prawns straight from the trawler hit the mark. We are still on the lookout for the Barra fillets though!!!

Next came the Daintree River and National Park where the “reef meets the rainforest” or is it where “Tarzan meets Jane” ??? Such a beautiful relaxed area with more secluded beaches, rivers and waterfalls to pass the day. I’m trying to teach Mic some of the common botanical names of plant species found in this region so starting easy with the Fan Palm. It’s fronds can grow to 2m in length, now that’s the type of shade I’m chasing good for either sun or rain.

And finally, no visit to the area is without a stop over at the iconic Lion’s Den pub, just south of Cooktown. Next stop Cooktown, then onwards to the Cape with the school holiday travellers almost behind us.

Travelling along the coast of Queensland it’s easy to see that we have the most beautiful beaches in the world. No wonder everyone is chasing this slice of paradise. They are true classics, with coconut palms, crystal clear waters and oodles of golden sand that can give the worst cracked heels the best treatment ever.

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And when your done dreaming of where you should throw your beach towel next, for a change of scenery we decided to head to the “paddock”. This beautiful little camp spot is part of the Mena Creek Community and is between Ingham and Innisfail. It has everything a happy camper needs; traditional Queensland style pub, General Store with Post Office and a tourist attraction that retells the story of a Spaniard’s dream known as “Paronella Park”.

It’s a peculiar find as you learn about a very energetic Spaniard that’s driven to recreate a castle like home for his family in a rainforest adjacent to Mena Creek Falls. Jose Paronella gave it his “all” building picnic areas, tennis courts, tunnels, bridges, a hydro electric scheme and planting numerous tropical plants and trees. He was a pioneer in sustainability; living and breathing the 3R’s as he wasted nothing. But above all else this man was a show man outdoing “Saturday Night Fever”. In the 1930’s, he sourced a gigantic mirrored ball to create a disco, it featured bright pink and blue lights. Definitely gives a new meaning to a blue light disco. You just have to see it to believe it!! And you can experience all of this again at a night time show.

Our final stop this week was Cairns for a quick dip and cultural experience at the local gallery. The gallery was recently opened in February this year and has been beautifully restored. It’s well worth a visit.

We are now approx 1200km away from the tip of Australia and very excited to swap the saltwater for the freshwater falls. Life’s a beach, but it’s now time to hit the top end!!

Well, stopping here was a real sweet treat. A blistering hot winter’s day and mango sorbet on offer. We were very good and shared a cup of this yummy dessert. It did spark a debate, however, as to which mango sorbet was better. I feel Grandad Warner has to win hands down for all the right reasons, taste, quality and price (because they’re free from his tree!!! 😊)

This wonderful little bay known as Horseshoe bay was voted in the top 10 beaches of Australia and it didn’t disappoint. Here we were able to explore beautiful corals and fish while snorkelling just metres off the beach. There’s a submerged artwork to feast your eyes upon which is proving popular for the local fish as they nibble on the weed. A short walk along a local trail to the cliffs edge will enable you to take in the magnificent views of adjacent bays (Murray and Rose Bays). And to top off a great day out make sure you stop at the cafe which is nestled into the cliff to grab a coffee.

After a short stay in Bowen we’re back on the road again as Mic’s keen to make tracks reaching the Cape early July. But on our way through to our next stop we are struggling to believe our eyes!!! Chalkboards displaying fresh cooked prawns $12.50/kg, fresh green prawns $15/kg and bugs $35 each. This has to be the bargain of the century or King Neptune has gone mad. Everyone is stopping to stock up and Alan the proprietor, who has lived his life in the little town of Home Hill, conveniently located next to the BP service station in the main street of town, couldn’t be more pleased to help us. He was once the Green Grocer but has swapped out this occupation to sell shellfish. It’s easier and he has less overheads. Not to mention this time we are the winners because all the delicacies he has in store would normally have been shipped overseas to China. Prawn sandwiches for lunch and curried prawns for dinner. (Mic says it’s the best meal I’ve made all trip and he’s right!! My mouth is still watering from the taste. Simply superb and definitely worth the stop.)

With lots of dirty washing and a desire to visit Magnetic Island, or more fondly known by the locals as Maggie Island, we have decided to check into Townsville for 4 nights. As per usual there is no rest for the wicked when you’re married to an explorer/adventurist whose taken up semi-retirement as his new occupation, because there’s a full itinerary of activities for each day and none of which revolve around sitting at the camp site reading a book.🥺 So, in a nutshell day 1 – 20km of riding, visiting the Strand, city centre and climbing Castle Hill, day 2 – 20km of riding to visit the Townsville University Hospital for Mic’s final injection and some retail therapy for me!!!, day 3 – a further 20km of riding to catch the ferry to Maggie Island, bushwalking, snorkelling, coffee and breakfast at another Horseshoe Bay and day 4 packing up to be back on the road again. I must say I’m secretly glad I’m married to such an active soul as life is never boring. 🤗

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Without even blinking, another glorious week has flown past. With our journey to Yeppoon, Cape Hillsborough and now Proserpine, envoking a sense of adventure and further love to explore the great outdoors.

Adding to the whole experience was catching up with a dear friend Cindy. And together we were able to explore the Capricorn Caves. Unlike any other caves I’ve been to we were taken to a Cathedral. To appreciate the acoustics they played Alleluia, treated us to a dramatic light show which finished in total darkness. It’s a place they’ve held weddings and for this they roll out the red carpet just to keep the wedding dress pristine from “guano” droppings. What’s this you may ask?? It’s the polite way of saying bat shit!!!

It goes without saying our stay in Yeppoon was like being on the Gold Coast except this time we had this beautiful slice of paradise all to ourselves. The life guards, unlike on the GC, could blissfully fall asleep in their chairs, no annoying rug rats to worry about. Their only stress for the day was deciding on what their lunch time special should entail. Needless to say for me my bike ride along the esplanade couldn’t have been easier as I had the shared path all to myself. And for those who know me this can be dangerous as the distraction to admire the ocean views can land me in tragedy, as the guard rails can easily become my worst enemy.

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Our next stop was Cape Hillsborough which is nestled in the beautiful and tranquil surrounds of the Cape Hillsborough National Park. You could call this park the ultimate destination; freedom from the pace of everyday life as there is NO internet coverage. This spot tickles the fancy of nature lovers too if you’re brave enough to clamber out of bed just before sunrise as the Eastern Grey Kangaroos and their delightful buddies the wallabies enjoy their breakfast on the Casuarina Beach as they nibble on the mangrove seed pods which are full of minerals not found in surrounding grasses. There are plenty of bush walks as well but the one we enjoyed was the lookout which took in three vantage points. Turtle lookout was the highlight as the large green sea turtles are seen feasting on sea grass. And if I could spot them, they were in abundance!!! The National Park Ranger told us it was unusual to see them here at this time of year and that he couldn’t explain why they were still hanging around. I’ve got an idea though …. it was Covid!! No tourists and the ocean floor has also benefited. 😉 (okay kids I know what you’re thinking Google’s at it again)

And our final stop for the week is the Proserpine Dam. It’s a free camping spot with good amenities. Although, stopping in town to fill up with water is a good idea as all water at the dam is non-potable. There is plenty of room to park up having to choose from a lower and higher camping spots. Make sure though you have the Aeroguard handy as the annoying pesties are still around. There’s also a delightful gaggle of geese which will provide entertainment for the whole family. I was in stitches with Mic seeking his perfect shot and wished I’d caught it on video as one of the guzzlings took a fancy to Mic’s ankles and chased him right back to the van. 🤣 We were very fortunate no medical attention was required and believe he has learnt a very valuable lesson to never take a picture without giving something back, even if it happens to be a few crumbs of bread.

After many months of planning, the infamous travellers (aka MicnSarah Travels) are back on the road again but this time we are Australia bound. 🥰🇦🇺

Unofficially, we won’t be commencing our maiden voyage until the 7th of June. However, like any good travellers we are testing the waters to make sure our recently refurbished van can live up to our expectations. Mic did all the handy work and now I get to critique the lot…sounds like a match made in heaven!!! (secretly I have to admit he’s done a fantastic job but who said I’m biased 😇)

And there is no better way to enjoy the benefits of our local area but to spend it with our gorgeous friends Heather and Spud.  The property has been in the family for generations and endearingly named “Jackaroo”. Only 30mins from Maryborough, Aramara is the perfect spot to test out the kayaks, jump on the tractor or just take in those breathtaking views of Biggenden’s “Bluff”. Not to mention their beautiful steers. Inquisitive Brahmans with raspy tongues eyeing off Mic’s boots. Breakfast, lunch or dinner anyone??

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Our final camp spot after a very successful test run is Uncle Kevin’s and Aunty Margaret’s farm. It’s also been in the family for generations. It has a special name taking its origins from family heritage ties that link back to a German village in a small town named Lorche. And it’s a stunner too. The majestic Eucalypts, amazing homestead and hospitality we shared was a great way to finish our short but eventful weekend away. Nerves are still recovering though from the canon blast!!! And no it wasn’t the town crier firing the canon on market day nor the army detonating bombs in Rainbow Beach.

Coming Soon …. Australia 🚌.

After 180 days, 9 countries and 8600km touring Europe and the UK in our motorhome, it is time to pack up and return to our beautiful country, loving family and friends back in Australia.

Of note, we free camped 62 nights, house sat 35 nights, spent 63 nights at paid camp spots and the remaining 20 nights in AirBnB. We had no issues driving in any of the countries, even in Italy once you learn a stop sign & pedestrian crossing is just advisory, not mandatory 🤣. Mic couldn’t believe how economical our van was too, given we averaged less that 10 litres per 100km. That was fortunate because diesel prices varied from $2.00 to $2.70 AUD, with Italy being the most expensive and of course I can’t forget my 78 travel blogs to keep everyone updated 🥰. So with this, our journey has passed and after a quick clean we returned our motorhome to its storage base with Renee, which is cleverly located at the nearby Schipol Airport in Amsterdam.

40 hours later, we return to Australia and the pictures don’t lie, Australia /Hervey Bay / Toogoom is a pretty special spot!

Even our friendly Kookaburra’s where at home to say hello.

Finally, the 50th Golden Wedding Anniversary celebration at home for my beautiful in-laws Pat and Warren with life long friends, Les and Loella who came up especially to enjoy the Jubilee with our family.

Thanks also to all who have read and shared our blogs. We’re glad you’ve enjoyed the experience with us as much as we have enjoyed writing about it.

There is certainly no place like home, so until next time! 🙋‍♂️🙋‍♀️

Following our visit with Olga and family, we face the reality that our return to Australia is only 7 days away. However, we figure we can still squeeze in a few more destinations on our return to Haarlem. So we do, with our first stop being the Black Forest tourist destination of Bad Wildbad.

Another day and 200km north is the town of Shewetzingen, home of the remarkable Schloss Garten (or castle garden).

Then our final stop was inspired by Oscar and Heleen, who we met at dinner at Ciro’s, back in Loro Piceno. They both reside in Utrecht, which reminded us of our desire to visit the historical Dutch town. We weren’t let down either, as the town is buzzing with colour, canals, people, attmosphere and those Mannekin Pis french fries. It was interesting to learn that my childhood friend, Miffy, was born in the town of Utrecht. Very sweet! 🥰

So, this concludes our sightseeing with only the packing, storage and return flights to endure.

Thankfully, our final camp stop was a cracker too, over looking the Dutch canals and corn fields.

Unbelievably, we’ve been travelling in our motorhome for nearly six months and with only 9 days left before we return, it’s important for us to make the experiences as unforgettable as possible. And what better way to do it but to reconnect with Olga who we haven’t seen for 9 years. This time it’s a really special occasion as we get to meet her family, enjoy her local surrounds and hospitality.

Olga, Valentin, Violetta, Elias and Heidi (the family cat) live in Hilsingen near Lake Constance. It’s a stunningly beautiful area with the Swiss Alps as a backdrop. They are close to two borders, those being Switzerland and Austria. It’s a very fertile area with Apple orchards and vineyards in close proximity.

There’s also plenty of history to wet your appetite here especially if you take the time to explore the local castle ruins. The site was previously a summer castle used for hunting and housing important guests like the Lords of Homburg from 13th Century – 16th Century. It is still in relatively good condition if you consider Napoleon’s army had a hand in destroying it. But for us the cold drink and photo opportunity was more our style.

In the evening we were treated to a very special Russian BBQ and for dessert the traditional Black Forest Cake (Schwarzwalderkirschtorte). Simply delicious!

Undeniably, if life was meant for good friends and great adventures we certainly achieved our goal this week-end. As a lazy Sunday was spent on Mainau Island without the boys! A great girl’s day out 🥰

Thank you Olga and Valentin for an unforgettable week-end. Until we meet again 😘♥️♥️♥️.