Day 74 - 80 Returning the Campervan after 3 months!

Day 74 - 13th January 

Today we moved sites again, to a place called Beachmere. We booked in for 5 nights as we are close to Brisbane now for the drop off of our camper. 

We were a little disappointed when we got to our powered site though as we looked on the map of the camp site to see no swimming pool. There was one advertised on this site which is the main reason we chose to come here. 

It has been swealtering hot today, the tide was so far out and the beach was full of crabs so we couldn't go there. 

We went to Bribie Island which is a 30 minute drive from here. One site of the beach was completely still and murky water. And the other side was SO chopping and dangerous with sand flying everywhere! There were 10 life guards on duty at the sea that side so I think that proves how unsafe it was!

There's no shade here either so we are hoping tomorrow is a little cooler. 

Day 75 - 14th January

We drove to Redcliffe with the idea in mind to spend the day there. As we arrived we instantly knew we wouldn't be too impressed with the beach! Instead of the gorgeous white, soft sand we had been experiencing at places like Byron Bay and Jervis Bay the sand was really grainy and looked quite dirty with washed up seaweed, sticks and leaves everywhere. Nethertheless we had a dip in the (still and murky) sea as it was so hot and sticky so we needed to cook off! We had a good chat on the beach about things we want to do and achieve when we are back home. My partner will be looking for a job with one potentially lined up, and I'm getting the feeling I'm in need of a change as well. We will see what happens when we are home but my ideas usually get a bit carried away, then I end up disappointed!

There's really high winds this evening so the camper is swaying a lot. I'm hoping no trees fall near us!

^Beachmere

Day 76 - 15th January

Another day at Beachmere. 

We did our usual shop at IGA for the ingredients we need for tonight's meal. (That sounds much better than reality!) we've run out of ideas of what we can cook and every meal just seems so boring to us now! There's a max of about 5 or 6 meals we cook in the camper as we are limited. And I think we've over done it on every meal option now! There's only so much pasta one person can eat!!

It's been much cooler today which is so nice, it's still sunny but not muggy at all and nice and breezy!!

We got a quiche (for me) and a pie (for ben) at the bakery near IGA so that was breakfast/lunch. Nice to have something different and it feels like such a treat! It's the small things! 

I did a massive clean of the camper today in preparation to hand it back in just a few days time. Sad times. 

Day 77 - 16th January 

Another day relaxing in Beachmere. Such a strange little town everyone seems to know everyone! Even the people at the caravan site seem so strange around us. Makes us feel a little uneasy at times!

Had another sort out and clean up of the camper in preparation to return it soon. We need to find out where we can hoover it and wash the outside though. 

Feeling very apprehensive about going back to normality after such a long and lovely time and break away from it all. It will be so strange - this is our reality now and I don't want it to end!

^Beachmere

Day 78 - 17th January 

We were relaxing on the camp chairs outside the campervan when a man walked over. He gave us a business card and said we could go to his house and use his pool, it's just him there....

We of course thanked him. Then looked at each other because we both thought it was weird. It could of been just a nice gesture but in this day and age you can never be too careful. 

He even returned a second time in a different car to ask if we were coming or not. As much as we wanted a dip in the pool right now we are not idiots and would not be going to a strangers house - however pleasant they may seem. 

We cleaned the inside and outside of the camper today at an actual car wash! It's looking sparkly clean. Just one more day left after today! 

A really nice couple have parked next to us for the night in Beachmere. We've sat outside all evening chatting and drinking beer. I can't believe it's our second from last night and we are finally having a. It if interaction and conversation with another human in the same situation! 

^Cleaning the wagon ready for returning! 

Day 79 - 18th January

We left Beachmere and headed to Samford Showgrounds via Margate beach for a last beach sunbathe of the trip. 

I can't believe tonight is our last night in the camper. It has gone SO quickly and it all seems like a blur now which is really sad. I think as soon as you get used to anything, it becomes second nature and the beauty of it goes a little bit. We settled into the campervan very quickly and now it seems gone in a flash!

It's so sad to be packing up all of our items and emptying the cupboards and fridge. I will miss this van a lot!

^Margate Beach

Day 80 - 19th January GOODBYE CAMPER!

We got up early to have a final clean of the camper and to pack all of the last minute bits up. 

We spent around 3 hours in a park near our Airbnb before it was time to check in. 

It felt so strange to get into an apartment. Even sat in the park we both said how we felt almost free. Even though we loved the camper adventures so much. 

I'd taken full advantage of having a bath! And I'm so excited to sleep in a huge comfy bed tonight. 

We ordered pizza which was amazing and felt like such a treat. Happy days! 

Day 67 - 73. Fireworks, Noosa Heads & Bribie Island

Day 67 - 6th January

We are still in Hervey Bay for one last night and loving it. Due to the huge thunderstorm on NYE the fireworks were cancelled so we saw the display this evening. It was so magical. 

Today we spent most of the time at the beach soaking up the sun and taking regular dips in the sea because it's been SO hot !

Day 68 - 7th January

We left the camp site at Hervey Bay which was actually quite upsetting! The owner was so friendly and nice to us, he made us feel really welcome. As well as some of the permanent residents at the site. 

The site is called Shelley Beach Caravan Park and j highly recommend staying there if you're in the Hervey Bay Area. 

We made our way back to Tiaro Memorial Park where we will be staying tonight, it's set back from the road and has a free 3 minute shower which is great and very rare to find in a free site. 

^Point Vernon, Hervey Bay

Day 69 - 8th January

We headed for Noosa and arrived a couple of hours later. 

We wanted to stay at the sea scouts site as it was really cheap. However, we arrived there to be met by a big sign saying no camping and closed!

So we headed for the next closest one which is Noosa Caravan Park. We booked in for 2 nights at £74 all together. There's a lovely pool here and sun beds where I spent a fair while today! It's a top holiday park and our campervan keys have a top holiday park key ring on allowing a discount for us which is great. 

Day 70 - 9th January

We went to Noosa and did a similar walk as before around the National Park. It was so hot that half way through we had a swim in the sea, even though we had no towels with us and had to air dry it was so worth it! 

I got an iced coffee from the cafe there before headed back to the camp site. 

We had an afternoon swim and sunbathe. Both of us are so knackered today, I'm not sure whether we had bad nights sleep or whether it's the heat or the walk this morning. But I think an early night is in order!

I filmed a little bit of footage today that I will edit and post on YouTube once I'm home. 

When I was in Sydney at the start of 2017 I filmed clips everyday and posted 3 separate videos of the footage on YouTube then. 

^Noosa Heads walk

Day 71 - 10th January 

We moved camp sites to one near the Sunshine Coast. It's in land slightly so not here a beach, and a lot more expensive than we wanted. But it's hard to know where to go for a good price until you actually get the a caravan park to enquire. 

It's been extremely hot today so a lot of the day has been spent in the pool. 

We did a shop at IGA to get some supplies for the next few days. 

Day 72 - 11th January 

Still in the Sunshine Coast and not much has changed, so here's a list of things I miss from home, things I will miss here and things I won't! 

Things I'm missing from home

•family & dogs 

•hot baths

•comfortable bed

•kettle!

•drinking tap water

•kitchen space to cook 

•variety of home cooked food

•my coffee machine

•clean clothes

Things I'm going to miss here

•hot weather

•every day with Ben

•freedom of going wherever

•living minimalist 

•not waking up at 3am for work

•wearing no makeup 

•sitting outside on camp chairs until late

•wearing a bikini every day

•having no itinerary for the day

•deciding whether to swim in the pool or sea first

•not knowing anyone

•doing food shops with ben

Things I'm not going to miss

•thinking of things to cook

•sleeping in sleeping bags

•sand getting everywhere in the camper

•(sometimes) not knowing where we will be sleeping that night

Day 73 - 12th January

Just a week left in the camper! Can't believe how quickly it has gone, I will definitely miss this but both of us feeling ready to sleep in actual beds and feel a bit normal again!

I've felt quite crappy today, I think I'm getting a cold. I feel so drained and not 100%. 

We've had another day taking it easy and swimming in the pool. Onto the next place tomorrow as we drove closer to Brisbane to return the camper soon. 

^sunset from the camper 

Day 51 - 58 Christmas on the Gold Coast

Day 51 - 21st December

We left the camp site and had a day of aimless driving around little towns to find places to stop and chill. After this we headed back to New Italy rest area where we've been a few times before already. This was a couple of hours drive and is near Byron Bay again so we may spend the day there tomorrow. 

The rest area has a small museum which we had a look around, and a cafe where I got a coffee. I really miss my coffee machine back home and the costa I would buy almost every shift at work! 

^Kangaroos at Darlington Beach Holiday Park this morning. 

Day 52 - 22nd December

We spent the day at Byron Bay again. It was raining this morning so we weren't sure where to go. But I'm glad we went here as it was really lovely and sunny as the day went on. The forecast said it was supposed to rain with a thunder storm so I'm relieve that didn't happen!

I think we will spent the next couple of nights at New Italy again as it's just over an hour away from where we need to be fore Christmas at our Airbnb. 

We are planning on doing a food shop Christmas Eve to get all the supplies we need across the Christmas period. I'm planning on cooking a roast to take advantage of actually having an oven to use! 

We will get lots of treats as well to enjoy the festivities and forget the budget for a couple of days!

^Street graffiti in Byron Bay town centre 

Day 53 - 23rd December

We spent another day at Byron Bay. There were barely any waves again as there was no wind at all it was completely still. But the sea was crystal clear which was lovely. 

We are staying at sleepy hollow rest area tonight which I'm feeling a bit apprehensive about as we avoided it on the way down south because there were lots of comments saying watch out for the snakes and spiders! We haven't seen any so far which is good. Im quite comfortably sat outside on the camp chairs now and not too worried about it, which means I've definitely came a long way since the start of this trip as I would never of done this 2 months ago! Just goes to show it's mind over matter (besides the fact that it's too hot to sit in the campervan anyway!)

We did a spring clean of the camper as stones and LOTS of sand seems to get everywhere as the cushions on the bed are in 4 sections (see picture below) 

and underneath these are wooden slates that we slot into place to create the bed. So sand and dirt gets in all the nooks and crannies!! I'm glad we have a semi-clean camper ready for our return into it after Christmas. 

We are both excited to check into our Airbnb tomorrow morning. It will be so nice to sleep in a proper bed, electricity, and have showers and baths until our hearts content !! It's the small things...

^Byron Bay

Day 54 - 24th December.  Christmas Eve!

We got ready for the day slowly to kill some time before headed to the Airbnb. We got the directions from the app and no one appeared to be home. I then noticed that the lady didn't actually give us a house number and just a road name so i presume that google maps was just taking us to the middle of the road! We stopped to ask a man to help us and it appears he was acy the one meeting us there because the lady who owns the house is on holiday for the Christmas period. I'm glad we found the right place eventually but it's also frustrating that we wasted some time no knowing where to go. 

The house is lovely it's one level but detached so there's lots of privacy and a lovely garden at the back with decking. 

We went to Woolworths to do a shop for Christmas supplies then spent the rest of the day inside making the most of air conditioning and showers! 

Mince pie?

Day 55 - 25th December. Merry Christmas! 

What a lovely day. We had a very chilled morning pottering around the house, laying in the hammock, drinking coffee, and cooking fry-ups! Perfect. 

We got ready and headed to the beach for a little while, we wanted to go to the beach on Christmas Day but we didn't want to spend too long there as we have just today as our last full day in the Airbnb before we go back to the campervan. 

After getting back I warmed up some camernbert, French stick and cut up some carrots for lunch. 

We had a couple of beers and watched stranger things 2. 

I'm currently cooking a roast for this evening as it's tradition! So we couldn't not!  

I don't want this time to end in the Airbnb it's been sooo lovely!!

^Tugun Beach on the Gold Coast

^Our breakfast 🍳 

Day 56 - 26th December

We left the lovely home and got back on the road. We weren't sure whether to go back up or down the coast. We need to drop the camper back in Brisbane in a few weeks and we've definitely seen more down the coast so we decided to head up again. 

We are back at Sanford Showgrounds where we have been once before at the start of our travels. It's very peaceful and relaxing here so we should get a good nights sleep. 

Day 57 - 27th December

We are back into the swing of things in the campervan. It was bitter sweet coming back in here after staying in a beautiful home, but it wasn't long before we were used to it again! 

We drove for a couple of hours to Alexandra Headland near Mooloolaba on the Sunshine Coast. The journey was only supposed to take an hour but there were massive traffic jams all along the M1. 

It drizzled with rain on-off throughout the day but once arriving on the Sunshine Cost it was fairly warm and sunny. We had a little chill before heading to Belli Creek rest area. 

Hopefully we will be heading back to Hervey Bay tomorrow as we really liked it there before and are lucky enough to have the time to go back to the places that we enjoyed at the start- that was our plan and it's worked so far :)

^Alexandra Headland

Day 58 - 28th December

We made our way back to Hervey Bay where we stayed for 2 nights previously. 

Where we are staying has a pool and jucuzzi so we have spent loads of time in there today. We've been trying to book into another site around here for the next couple of day to cover new year, but everywhere is so full I'm not sure we will find somewhere. I'd love to be here for New Years because it's such a nice town, it's peaceful and isn't overcrowded and not too big. 

We walked into town from the site which was longer than I thought, I regret being the one saying 'come on, let's walk!'. I got a smoothie which we shared (it was more like a milkshake as it had ice cream in it, so much for a healthy smoothie!!)

Day 37 - 43 Hyams Beach, Wentworth Falls & Crescent Head

Day 37 - 7th December

Finally some gorgeous hot weather. We woke up fairly early, got ready quickly and headed to Hyams Beach. We had such a lovely morning in the sun. The water was still fairly cold (or 'icy' as we like to say!) but we managed to have a couple of dips. We even saw dolphins in the sea which were fairly close to us. At least I hope they were dolphins and not sharks! Haha. 

^Hyams Beach

Day 38 - 8th December

We drove for nearly 4 hours today to the camp site we stayed at already a couple of times at the Blue Mountains. Near Sydney there's a lack of free camp sites, so in order to get around Sydney as quick as possible this is what we decided to do. 

There's a free shower at this camp site so it's nice to have a good wash!!! Although I think I'm a little too-used to cold showers now!

Day 39 - 9th December 

We spent the morning at Wentworth Falls in Katoomba. It was fairly misty as the clouds were low and we were quite high up, but they shifted fairly quickly. 

Whilst we were there we walked all the way down to the falls, it took around 40minutes in total. There were lots of viewing platforms along the way so it was nice to stop and take some pictures. 

Going back uphill was quite hard and I think my legs are going to ache tomorrow! But good to have some exercise! 

We are currently trying to find an Airbnb for a few days at Christmas. We found a lovely one last night 20 minutes from Byron Bay, I spoke to the lady to check that the parking space provided would fit our hi-top camper. She reversed the dates for us and I got an email to say I had until 6am the next morning to accept the booking. I tried to do it there and then and the dates were no longer available. We then looked at that apartment on her availability calendar and it was booked from the 22nd all the way through, so we think someone else gave her a better offer than us! Charming!!

I've found another on the Gold Coast near the beach, and again just waiting for confirmation our camper will fit, let's hope we have better luck this time. 

^Wentworth Falls at the Blue Mountains 

Day 40 - 10th December

We left the Blue Mountains National Park and endured on a long 4 hour journey to Bulahdelah which is where we stayed previously for one night on our way down here. 

Once arriving we got out the camp chairs and sat for ages in the shade chatting and drinking beer. 

We made pasta bolognese for dinner tonight, we haven't had this in a little while so it's nice to have something different. 

It's been fairly hot today which is lovely, but not so nice when driving!

The camp area is self-contained only, and we don't have a toilet in our camper so I hope we don't get kicked out! I wasn't worried about this before but we are in view of the road on the bridge this time so hopefully no one will notice us! 

Day 41 - 11th December 

We had such a nice day sunbathing and doing so much swimming! We really made the most of the sea not being cold, I hope this is a common thing as we travel North again. 

We are staying here in Crescent Head tonight at a paid campsite for $43 a night. We may even stay for two nights. It's fairly expensive for camp sites as it's quite basic but I think any customer here is mainly paying for the beautiful location as it's so stunning. We are right on the cliff next to the beach. 

^The view just 20m from our campervan *left*

^*right*

Day 42 - 12th December 

Another beautiful day in crescent head. 

So much time was spent jumping and diving into waves in the sea! 

How can a day involving; sun, sea, hot showers, steak, ice lollies & sprite be any better? I've definitely learnt to appreciate the smaller things around me. 

However we did both have a small mishap; on the way back from the beach we have to cross a smaller part almost a river from the sea. It's over waste high and has a few rocks before the slope where the life boat enters. Both of us cut our feet on something in the rocks, I'm not sure if it was the shells attached to the rocks (possibly muscles?) that were broken and sharp. Or whether it was glass. Both of us had one bleeding and stinging foot each! We needed to clean them asap and get some antiseptic cream on. But all is well, that didn't ruin our fab day! 

^Crescent Head 

Day 43 - 13th December

Another beautiful day in Creacent Head. 

It was a little windy today, but still hot so it was nice and bearable. 

The first time we went into the sea we saw a big jelly fish so both of up quickly ran out! After a little while longer in the sun we needed to cool off in the sea. Lots of people were in there, so we braved it!

Both of our feet are sore from the cuts yesterday and sand in them probably didn't help, but the plasters didn't want to stay on!

^Crescent Head beach

Day 31-36 Rainy journey back North

Day 31 - 1st December

My alarm clock this morning was the sound of heavy rain hitting the campervan. Not the awakening I'd hoped of! We were expecting this as lots of locals and staff at the caravan park had mentioned that they were expecting a months rainfall over the weekend. 

On the way out of Phillip Island we stopped at Pannys Chocolate Factory where we had a little look around and a coffee in the cafe. 

We then started the journey back up the way Coast. Our first stop on the way back up is McLoughlin. We are staying at a free area near the sea. It's so windy tonight I feel like our little camper may tip over!!

^The sunsetting at the camp area

Day 32 - 2nd December

It's just sunk in that this year I don't have an advent calendar! That's definitely a first. Last year I treated myself to the Selfridges beauty advent calendar and this year I'm on a budget every day living in a Campervan! Swings and roundabouts I guess!...

We left the camp site in the rain. Last night it was torrential. That campervan was rocking from the forceful winds all night, so neither of us got a great nights sleep!

We are used the rainy day to travel for a few hours back to a rest stop in Murrengowar. We've been here once before already and quite liked it so we are back!

If both of us are honest we want to get closer to Sydney and then Brisbane again. Both of us definitely preferred it up there and I think this is because it's just more chilled, there are more free camp sites about, the weather is warmer there (well at least not torrential downpours!) and it was easier to go from beach-to-beach. Whereas when we travelled closer to Melbourne the beaches we went to weren't as nice, it was fairly dead and it was mainly National Park area. 

We cooked a spaghetti bolognese tonight which was delicious. It's feeling quite cold considering yesterday was officially the first day of Summer here. So tonight will be spent snuggled in the camper. And I don't mind that! 

Day 33 - 3rd December 

We woke up to the heavy rain... again :(

We decided to use a rubbish weather day wisely by driving nearly 4 hours. We are now near Batemans Bay again where we should be spending the day tomorrow before heading up a little further for the night. 

Now we are closer to the coast again we are really hoping for some nice weather for chilled beach days. Let's hope the sea is a little warmer here now. 

I felt really gross today and just wanted to wash my hair, we couldn't find a free public shower anywhere so 2 big bottles of water did the job of washing my hair nicely! We may of got a few funny looks in the camp site, but when push comes to shove these things have just got to be done!!

Day 34 - 4th December 

Yet another rainy and miserable day. I didn't want to say miserable but our morale did hit an all time low today. 

Everything seemed to stress us out and feeling cabin fever in our small camper didn't help as the rain means another day cooped up. Which we don't mind every now and then - but for 5 days on the trot now, well, let's just say we are over the rain now!

My boyfriend keeps saying 'come to Australia they said, it's boiling hot they said'. Which is so funny and true. 

I guess every country has rain but we didn't expect this in Australia's Summer season. Maybe it's our own faults for not researching the weather at this time! 

The other things getting on top of us today was mainly money/budgeting. My boyfriend has been amazing at the financial side of things. But when we work out our allowance per day, stick to it, at still somehow be over budget somewhat it's very frustrating. If we aren't spending money on food shops we are spending it on fuel. And this has cost us SO much. We havie been given an unleaded van, so it is absolutely guzzling the petrol. We have to be so on the ball with spending and careful with what we spend it on. 

I'm sure as soon as the weather brightens up we will back to our usually happy selves!! 

Day 35 - 5th December

We went to Hyams Beach in the rain this morning. This is actually where we went before in the trip when we thought we were in Jervis Bay. This time are actually followed the signs to Jervis Bay but turned around when we saw the payment booths to get into that area of the National Park. I know it's classed as ACT (Australian Captial Territory) but I'm not too sure why you have to pay to enter the park. 

Anyway, another rainy day it seems. I hope this ends soon! Earlier on in the trip when we came here it was so hot and the most stunning place. So sad it's not like that now!

Day 36 - 6th December

It was a little brighter today and only lightly rained a couple of times. We are still near Jervis Bay waiting for the hot day tomorrow (hopefully)

We got some bits for a nice pasta sauce tonight. It felt quite stormy and humid so neither of us felt too great.

I had another hair wash in the sink of a public toilet! We had a chilled afternoon in the camper.