Day 222 - Monday 7 August - Sunshine Coast

Day 222

Monday

7 August 2017 –

Tin Can Bay – Gympie – Eumundi – Cooran – Cooroy – Noosa

8am and I stirred for the second time, this time up for the day. The night had been a bit erratic with the sound of heavy traffic passing throughout the night and waking me at different times. We read for a short while then it was out and into breakfast before we were ready to make the move.

We followed the road and then the big green signs to the centre of Gympie. This town is yet another gold centre set amongst the rolling hills and at times steep peaks. We navigated up and down a number of steep inclines before stopping for fuel and then making a stop outside a shopping centre. Unfortunately the only place to stop was halfway up a steep street. We pulled on the handbrake tight and entered the shop to do a quick sweep of required bits and then returned to the van glad to see it was where we left and not down the hill.

We attempted to heave the van up the hill, but with slick roads from a recent shower and the left hand tyres in the concrete gutter, she was going nowhere in a hurry, a cloud of black rubber smoke and squealing wheels alerting those around us that we were kind of stuck.  Our only option was to take the car off and with the tonne of weight released we were able to move up the hill, all be it still with a squeal.

At the tip of the hill there was a flat spot outside a school where we could load up the car and continue on the up and down roads happy to finally be back on the highway and heading on to Eumundi.

There were two RV spots in Eumundi to choose from and we checked out both before opting for the showgrounds where we could stay as long as we wanted and have power for $21 a night. Paul manoeuvred the van into our spot and we set about setting up.

I did a check of breweries around the Sunshine Coast and then we had lunch and a shower before heading out for the afternoon. Our first spot was Cooran on the off chance that a relocating brewery, Bonsai, would be open, but unfortunately they weren’t.

I set the GPS for Noosaville and as we followed the road through Cooroy, I noticed abuilding stating they were a brewery so we turned around and parked outside Copperhead Restaurant Brewery. We weren’t gong to have any luck here either as they have their grand opening tomorrow and could only take Paul’s details with the possibility of us being able to return later in the week, two strikes.

We continued on to our intended destination at Noosaville, stopped in at BWS to stock up on essentials and then drove on to Noosa where we parked along the main strip so we could get out and explore. My first impression was it reminded me of Port Douglas but on a far more pretentious scale. This spot is obviously for the well to do.

We wandered along the boardwalk that skirts the beach. I marvelled at how many were on the beach, it is winter after all, but it was a lovely warm afternoon. We cut back into the town, stopping at the tourist info for pamphlets on what to do and then we walked along the opposite side of the street. The restaurants were full of cocktail drinkers in their designer best, it really wasn’t our scene, feeling like the Balga Bogans that we are.

We grabbed an ice cream and continued on to check out the canal area and the homes lining the water with their own boat moorings, plenty of money in these parts. We walked onto a small jetty watching fish dart around below and a hungry egret just waiting his turn.

We finished our quick dessert and returned to the car, making our way back to Eumundi. We decided to stop in the town centre and check out the main drag. I spotted a sign saying “Brewery” and Paul was off, however it was strike three, as the Imperial Hotel is just putting the finishing touches on their new establishment. We were shown around by the manager and we were both taken with how funky the hotel is with its painted walls and quirky decorations. We vowed we would return for a meal later in the week.

We continued our walk down the main street and crossed over once again, stopping to check out the real estate window and wouldn’t you know Paul found a brewery for sale in town. He was keen to check it out now, but I suggested some other time. I think he was seriously contemplating buying the establishment.

We both enjoyed the feel of the town, being away from the coast, it is a little less full of itself and has great charm to it. I am looking forward to checking out the markets on Wednesday. We both decided we would need more than the three days we had booked in for.

Once back at the van, I put through the photos while Paul read the tourist brochures. We both needed to work on our step count, so we took off for the rugby field and walked three laps, watching the large, full moon begin its ascent from the mauve horizon to the midnight blue above.

Once the bugs came calling, we returned to have dinner and then relax for the evening, the sound of large lorries passing by our back window at even intervals, as the sports ground backs onto the main highway. I hope it becomes a soothing background noise and doesn't keep us awake.