Delvy reunion

After six months of being locked in Fortress Queensland, we were looking forward to a reunion with Delvy, and with my mum. It was convenient that they were both in the same place. 

A return to NSW at last. Thanks Mum for looking after our second home.

After our last boat delivery leading up to Christmas, we didn't get up to much - a couple of bike rides along the shore of Lake Macquarie was the most energetic. The rest of the time we relaxed and hung out with mum; getting under her feet, lounging on the comfy couch. When you live on a boat (and a motorhome), a house is luxury and it is nice to just luxuriate. 

Lots of flowering plants in the gardens

Christmas light display down the road from mum's. They're already planning for the next one!

As the rest of the family started to arrive on Christmas Eve, the pace began to quicken. In between tasty meals there was no end of activity: boogie boarding, stand up paddle boarding, more bike riding, and some remote-control speed boating. The weather that weekend was splendid, and so too was catching up with family. 

Nobby's Beach is great for a boogie board

Learning to SUP on Lake Macquarie

The dog trying to chase the remote control boat

It was soon time to depart though; the neighbours too waving us off, a little surprised that Delvy does actually move and has finally relinquished a car parking spot.  

To avoid the summer holiday traffic, we opted to travel the inland route; it would also be cooler going that way, and after initial showers it would also be drier. And, I was taking a punt that the line up to cross the border would be near to non-existent. 

First though we had to drive up the Pacific Highway to drop something at Laurieton, a favourite place of mine. If I had to pick one place to live, this would be high up on the list. It's not time to settle anywhere yet though, so visiting in the motorhome is a great alternative.

With a front row view of the Camden Haven Inlet and the free public jetty (we'll bring our boat in here one day), it didn't take us long to get into Delvy mode. A stroll around the boardwalk, followed by a light dinner and a film on Netflix before retiring for the evening. However, for the first time ever in a free camp I had to wear ear plugs. A group of surfers stood around outside their vehicles, drinking and waxing lyrical until all hours. Not the reunion sleep I was hoping for but it did reinforce my decision to head inland and far away from people as possible.

A free camp on the waterfront

A few showers accompanied us to the B56, and stayed with us as we toured through the lush, green countryside, following the Hastings River from Wauchope.  Leaving the river, the Oxley Highway becomes steep and winding all the way to the top of the range. We didn't have too many cars stuck behind us, and were pleased when we saw the Aspley Falls turnoff. It's a big drive in a heavy vehicle.

So green!

Love a road trip.

Stockyard Creek Rest Area - halfway up/down the range

After fighting off flies over a BBQ lunch, we set off on the scenic Gorge Rim circuit walk, followed by the Oxley walk on the other side of the river for some more spectacular views. The air was crisp and dry - a stark contrast to the humidity of the lowlands.

BBQ King

Lower Falls in the Apsley River

Easy grade walking track with spectacular views.

We took it slow for the 20 kilometres into Walcha as the fuel gauge was way too close to empty. The 100-kilometre climb guzzled about 24 litres an hour: glad it was Gary's turn to fill the tank. We returned four kilometres east to the most picturesque roadside campsite. A blue and white patchwork sky, rustling eucalypts, long swaying green grass, flies buzzing, sheep baaing. This was more like it. No noisy surfing types here: just the delightful warble of magpies. This is freedom camping in Australia.

A scenic roadside rest area

As Delvy is getting old she needs a little work (don't we all), so we spent the morning removing a few rust spots. I then jumped on my bike and rode some bush trails back into town, and followed the bike path that meandered alongside the Apsley River banks. Meeting up with Delvy again, it was onto Uralla on Thunderbolts Way. Last time we were here was the summer of 2019 and it was as dry as a ship's biscuit. Not so this time, but the streets were devoid of people. Covid-19 is keeping everyone away. Masked up, I took the opportunity to visit the museum. Having all the exhibits to myself I learnt more about the local infamous bushranger Captain Thunderbolt, and that Australia's first world sport champion came from Uralla, beating an Englishman at his own game on the River Thames to become the World Champion Sculler. He also won 400 pounds. A lot of money in 1876.

Bike path alongside the Apsley River upstream in Walcha

Uralla museum at the restored McCrossins Mill

Continuing north now on the New England Highway, next stop was Armidale. Twice we've attempted to visit the MTB park here but bushfires have turned us away each time. It was rather ironic then that the trails are now overgrown and have been abandoned. Considering that there has only been continuing growth of MTB parks and trail networks over the last few years, it was a surprise to find this one let go. Undeterred, we unloaded our e-MTBs and rode along the pine forest service track and joined the bike path that leads into the city for an explore. 

Back on the mountain bikes, yay!

Long shadows of a long summer evening

The strong scent of pine and the wind swishing through the trees made for a peaceful night's sleep, and a big sleep-in as the tall dense forest blocked out the early morning light. It was onto Guyra for a morning tea stop and a look around the Mother of Ducks Lagoon. It's another wonderful RV Friendly Town on the growing list of places that embrace the independent and self-contained traveller. Strolling around the main street, I ducked into the butchers to get something for dinner and was greeted by an exhausted looking lady holding a cleaver over a pile of meat whilst trying to calm a baby in a pram beside. Talk about multi-tasking. The rissoles were darn good though.

Something different, and useful at the Guyra RV stopover

Onwards towards the Queensland border, now more accessible that Covid-19 RAT tests are accepted. Not that they can be purchased anywhere but thankfully my brother gave us a couple that he had leftover from a work contract.  We stopped at Stonehenge and clamoured over large boulders overlooking the valley, then passed through Glen Innes, pausing briefly to buy a pair of thongs from the $2 shop, then onto Beardy Waters Heritage Park for a New Year's Eve camp. No fireworks here, just millions of stars and an early night.

Stonehenge Recreation Area

New Year's Eve camp

On completing our RAT tests (both negative) and the convoluted Queensland government online questionnaire, we were ready for border crossing day. To psych ourselves up we stopped to view a magnificent old cork tree in Tenterfield, followed by a fortifying cuppa with banana bread at the Rotary Park before approaching the border crossing. Lining up behind one other vehicle, paperwork was checked, RAT result asked after, and we were waved through. Just like that, we crossed into Queensland in under 2 minutes. Phew. Now the borders are completely open so thank goodness we won't have to worry about any of that next time. For now.

Australia's largest cork tree, planted in 1861

Border control. Feels like going to another country.

A quick stop to say hello to old Christmas Island friends as we drove past their new abode in Stanthorpe before a big drive to Toogoolawah for the night's camp. The Brisbane Valley Rail Trail beckoned - this time riding north to Harlin, through the heritage listed tunnel, and return. A 32 km round trip, made complete with a magpie swoop and it's not even the season! Lucky me. It must have been after the bugs that were on my helmet.

Darling Downs region

Yimbun heritage listed railway tunnel completed in 1910 with the last train through in 1988.

The Brisbane Valley Rail Trail is 161km long.

Fabulous old wooden bridges along the way

End of the line for us today. Plenty more to explore another time.

It was then onto Kilcoy where we finally came across traffic, then down to Steve Irwin Way and a BBQ lunch at a rest area watched over by Mt Tibrogargan before finally reaching the sea again. A near 1000-kilometre trip in 6 days. Short but sweet but we’ll be back. Time to go sailing again.

A well deserved wash after a big trip

Sunshine Coast beach