On the road surprises-The journey up to Brisbane

It was Monday the 12th May and we were moving up the coast to leave New South Wales behind and heading for Queensland. We had stayed overnight in a camp called Sundowner Park and Football Motel, of which I have no recollection, unless it had a lake and painted toilets and chalets??

We passed through Fredericktown and I suddenly realised that we had passed Freddo Pies, with a Marilyn Munro statue outside. We quickly pulled in and purchased one each, for luch. Pie eating is one of the, 'How Australian Are You? tests. These pies have been voted consistently in the top three for a few years, so they were worth treying. I had Broccili, Cauliflower and cheese. Lee had Steak and Mushroom. There were gormet versions but we were staid in our choices. They were good. I even got a picture of Lee beside Marilyn, but not until he had eaten his pie!

The next port of call was, 'The Pub With No Beer", at Taylor's Arm, some 25 kilometers off our track, from Slim Dusty's 1957 hit. My aunt had a copy of this that I used to sing along with so I had to go and have a picture taken for her. I am glad to report that they did have beer but it tasted bloody awful! We continued on our way. At the Nambucca River there was a magnificent flight of about 20 pelicans overhead in 'v' formation.

One thing that is really strange is the dearth of English place names all piled up on each other in the wrong place. We passed through Swansea, Newcastle, Jesmond, Gateshead and left to Cardiff! No wonder I don't know what day of the week it is!!!

Coffs Harbour had a neat, small park with lots of live-ins, but at $25 we were not complaining. At the entrance there was a Dutch clog-barn. Why? I do not know. It was possible to watch clogs being made, daily. We stayed one night and had a look at Coffs Harbour as we left. It was a wonderfully sunny day and the beach and Harbour were a delight. I really enjoyed strolling around in the sunshine. It was clean and tidy, you could buy freshly caught fish then cook it in the adjoining parkland on the barbies. In Australia everything is provided for outdoor living: superb cycle paths along promenades, picnic benches, seating, shaded areas, toilets, plently of parking space and no charges! I was sad to leave but we were heading for Byron Bay.
Teach your Aussie...
Beautification=clean up to attract the tourists
oppy/oppo=charity shop
sqiz=a quick look
arvo=pm.
Chick poo/Alpaca poo=manure