Australia - The Wilde Family

Last day in Mission Beach

The Wilde Family — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Today is our last day in Mission Beach, the sun is shining again (we have been very lucky with the weather seeing as, in these parts, this time of year is known as The Wet.)

Spent the day packing and tidying (in this heat you do everything slowly) and hiding in the pool.

Tonight we are going out for a final meal (kitchen has been cleaned and we, Shaun and kids, have been banned from that area.)

Tomorrow we go home but we are not sure which route to take as we have been told that the most direct route may be flooded and we may need to take a 2 hour detour via the tablelands.

Back to Mission Beach

The Wilde Family — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

After a morning of waiting for the rain to stop the sun eventually came out to play, so it was pool time, in between sessions of packing and tidying, and BBQ in the evening; sigh, it just had to be prawns again.

Gladstone to Cairns

The Wilde Family — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

We caught the taxi to the airport, the security at Gladstone is certainly different to any other. We arrived within 40 minutes of our flight and were checked in and handed our boarding cards to the same person at the gate 30 minutes later!

The funny part was on arrival at Rockhampton we all had to disembark and put our luggage through security! We then reboarded the same plane and sat in the same seats!!

The journey was Split into four parts 25 minutes between Gladstone and Rockhampton, 50 minutes between Rockhampton and Mackay, an hour between Mackay and Townsville. The last part of the journey between Townsville and Cairns should have taken an hour but due to a storm over Cairns we were held outside for about half an hour. We experienced quite a bit of turbulence, which we all thought was great fun - some of the other passengers didn't find it very funny though!!

We landed approximately half an hour late and decided to do some shopping around Cairns. Unfortunately the weather was pretty wet and we came back to Mission Beach after a few hours. We stopped off at Innisfail for some shopping and then drove to our exchange home.

On the way back we spotted our first Cassowary bird - in the middle of the road!! Every time we tried to drive on he kept coming back on to our side of the road!!

Heron Island back to Gladstone

The Wilde Family — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Well this was our last few hours in paradise, the children managed to do some more junior rangers and gained two badges for all their hard work. Shaun and Karen went for one last snorkel. The cases were packed up and we had to leave, but we spent every last moment in the pool and arrived on the catamaran dripping wet!!

A few tears were shed (by Karen) and none of us wanted to leave this fantastic place. But all good things come to an end and we will have to come back another year in order to see some of the hatchlings - which apparently weren't due until at least the 9th January this year!

We drowned our sorrows on the catamaran back to Gladstone and arrived there two hours later a bit wobbly (well Karen was anyway.)

When we got back to the hotel we went for a swim and tried to persuade a family that were going ut to the Island the next day that they wouldn't enjoy it and we would be more than happy to suffer the trip for them - it didn't work!! We went for a meal at the local Thai restaurant and listened to the noisy parrots for one last time.

Heron Island

The Wilde Family — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Shaun went off diving again in the morning, whilst the children did their Junior Rangers again. Karen sat by the pool and read her book ALL day (about time too says Karen).

That evening was the seafood buffet in the restaurant and there were mountains of huge prawns, Moreton Bay bugs, crabs, salmon and almost ever seafood you could imagine.

After dinner Shaun and Chris decided to go on one last turtle hunt. Sally was TOO tired and so she and Karen retired to bed - and missed ALL the action!!!

Whilst on the beach Shaun and Chris came across a Loggerhead turtle laying its eggs and had the opportunity to help the Ranger resite the nest (as the turtle had made her nest too close to the shoreline). This meant that once the nest was uncovered Shaun had to hand out each of the eggs so that they could be transported to the new site dug by the Ranger (129 eggs and one broken one - broken when laid and did not have a yoke.) Chris was one of the lucky ones who helped to move the eggs! Because the turtle had gone back into the water Shaun was able to catch the moment on film.

On their way back to the room they also passed two Green Turtles laying eggs and came back pretty full of themselves!

Heron Island

The Wilde Family — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Shaun had received a passout for diving again today and managed to see 2 octopuses (1 on each dive, if he hadn't have manged to photo them nobody would have believed him). The children became Junior Rangers for the day and went on a Turtle track hunt. They can now tell the different tracks made by Green and Loggerhead turtles. They also learn't about the different types of birds on the island.

Karen spent the morning doing the washing; not quite her idea of tropical paradise but it was all done by lunch. She then spent time at the pool drinking beer and reading her book! In between Junior Rangers the children spent time in the pool and made a few friends with other junior rangers Ben and Josh. Shaun joined them after his dives and had a crisp stolen out of his hand by one of the cheeky restaurant birds that prey on people with food. They in turn have to protect their baby chicks from the seagulls who unfortunately have a pretty good strike rate, we saw quite a few chicks being eaten!

Tonight Shaun went for a night dive and saw a BIG octopus (3 for 3 - poor photo alas), a shark and lots and lots of turtles trying to sleep on the sea floor! Karen, Chris and Sally decided to go for a turtle hunt around the island as the sun set - the turtles must have seen us go by because we later heard that loads had come up the beach as we walked by! We did manage to see lots of baby sharks flapping their fins around in the water so that helped make up for the disappointment.

When we returned to the room Shaun had just arrived back from his dive and told us about a turtle near to the jetty. So we went to see how it was doing, unfortunately it had chosen a spot where there were lots of rocks and it didn't succeed in laying its eggs that night.

Heron Island

The Wilde Family — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Today we set off on the catamaran to Heron Island. The journey didn't go to well as Sally had a nosebleed before we left, and as the sea was quite rough Chris' stomach didn't stand up too well - enough said! Apparently the sea had been so rough over the New Year the catamaran and helicopter transfers were cancelled for 5 days, the day we arrived was the first day the dive boat had ventured out to sea in a while (so Shaun was pleased).

We were out of Mobile phone and internet access for the duration of our stay in Heron Island which was HEAVEN! It was so nice to wander around and not listen to someone else's conversation!Although it did slow down the blog entries.

We went for a snorkel and saw some black and white tip sharks and loads of sea cucumbers. After a quick dip in the pool we got ready for dinner and prepared for the highlight of our trip - turtle watching!

We were very lucky to come across a Green Turtle who very kindly laid some eggs for us and we were able to watch which was truely amazing!! Unfortunately you are not able to use flash photography or lights on the beach in case you upset the turtle (and any others around) so we don't have any pictures to show. But it is definitely a sight to behold and we would strongly recommend it to anyone.

We were kept awake by some really noisy Mutton Birds who had laid eggs all around the island (and four outside our room!). The noise they make can only be compared to that of a wailing baby and they all join in with the chorus as the finale!!

Sydney to Gladstone

The Wilde Family — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

This was our last morning in Sydney so it was back to the packing and sorting for Karen. Shaun took the children out to have a go on a bungee trampoline where they both did a backflip! Shaun bought himself a Digereedo and was shown in the shop how to play it - so there should be some interesting music coming from the house when it is shipped back to England!

We caught a taxi to the airport and booked in for our flight to Rockhampton, we then drove to Gladstone and stayed in a hotel for the night in readiness to travel to Heron Island the next morning.

There were some EXTREMELY noisy parrots outside the hotel. Apparently the local council are trying to get rid of them and have chopped down loads of trees thinking they would fly away - unfortunately all it has done is concentrate them all in 3 trees and the noise was deafening.

Bondi Beach

The Wilde Family — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

To start the day off we went to the Maritime Museum where we saw the Captain Cook ship called The Endeavour. We also saw a warship (Vampire) and a submarine with massive torpedos (2m in length).We learnt about some of the maritime history of Sydney including some of the many shipwrecks that have happened over the years.

We then went to Bondi Beach (this time we used a taxi as it was much quicker than the public transport and time was running short). We saw some big waves and the current was very strong so we just played in the shallows and Chris got knocked over many times. You had to watch out for the surfers too!!

We then spent the evening around Darling Harbour which was near our hotel.As this was our last night in Sydney we needed to pack up our things in preparation for the next part of our journey - fly off to Rockhampton, drive to Gladstone and then off to Heron Island!

New Years Day

The Wilde Family — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

After our late night we slept in until 10am, well 3 of us did! Shaun took the children out for the rest of the morning (and lunch), returning at 2pm and waking Karen up!! Karen had not been asleep all the time she did manage to see the fireworks in London before dropping off! Even the Ozzie news people were impressed and thought their pyrotechnic guys had slipped out a few of their secrets to the brits about the way to do a great fireworks display!!

We then spent a couple of hours at the pool in the hotel chilling out - the children still appeared to have excessive energy, the adults being totally exhausted!

We plan to have dinner and get to bed early tonight.

New Years Eve (Part 2)

The Wilde Family — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

We booked tickets at the Taronga Zoo so that we could watch the fireworks from a good Vantage point and the views were well worth it and because it wasn't too crowded we all got a good view as we got to sit in the amphitheatre that overlooks the harbour.Word of warning to anyone wanting to do this in the future. The ferry terminal is chaos and you get little info on when things are running (if they are at all). It took us 3 hours to get to Taronga instead of the usual 20 minutes, as we missed the last (allegedly) direct ferry.

There were 2 sets of fireworks a smaller display at 9pm (for the kiddies) which was amazing. There were 6 sychronised displays throughout the city and the music was played through the radio so we could all listen to the music that went with the display.

The main fireworks at midnight also used the bridge as the centrepiece, along with the 6 other locations, and went on for 12 minutes. It was spectacular and a real sight to behold.

We met up with Shaun and Sally from back home and had a joint celebration with them and just had to have our photo taken with the flag in!

We had booked a taxi but it was a no show, so we started on a VERY long walk home! We managed to flag a taxi down and eventually arrived home at 3am.The children were very good throughout and Shaun, in a rather drunken moment, promised them some extra pocket money for good behaviour!!

Despite the journeys to and from the zoo we would strongly reccommend the fantastic views and lack of crowds - a really great memory from our holiday.

New Years Eve (Part 1)

The Wilde Family — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 14:00:00 GMT

After our late night we didn't wake up until 10am, so it was off for breakfast, whilst seated at the restaurant two very familiar people walked by taking photos (see picture). The big floppy hats, untanned bodies socks under sandals - surely it couldn't be Grandad Bill and Grandad Two? We will let you be the judge!!

We went in seperate directions today, Shaun, Chris and Sally went to the Sydney Aquarium, whilst Karen went off for her dose of retail therapy. The credit card survived the experience only $250 worse off - it could have been a lot worse!!

Shaun and the children returned from the Aquarium full of the sights they had seen.Chris' favourite fish was a ray shark, the front bit was like a ray and the back bit was like a shark. Sally's favourite were the large Rays, just like the teacher in "Finding Nemo". Shaun enjoyed playing with the urchins (of the sea kind not the kids!), they also got to touch a baby shark!!!

Exploring Sydney

The Wilde Family — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

We woke up rareing to go and after breakfast of waffles, ice cream and maple syrup we set off to the boats in the marina.

We thought we had come across a bargain ticket of $55 for a 3 day pass all around Sydney, unfortunately it turned out to be $68 for 1 day!! Still we set off for a cruise around seeing all the sights of Sydney, the Opera House the Harbour Bridge, Watson's Bay, Shark Island to name but a few. We hopped off the boat at Circular Quay and explored the oldest part of Sydney "The Rocks". We bought some goodies at the market, sat and listened to a live band whilst enjoying a well needed drink.

The weather here is not as sticky and humid as it was in Cairns, but it is still HOT.

We ventured over to Luna Park, a little bit disappointing as both children were not quite tall enough to go on some rides. The ones they could ride were met with looks of NO WAY, being far too babyish!! Shaun bought a pass and was able to accompany them on some of the faster rides - so that helped ease the initial disappointment.

We caught the last boat ride back to Darling Harbour and once again ventured to Chinatown for (you guessed it!) Chinese - this time we chose a locals restaurant and the food was much nicer. Chris had fun eating duck and veg wrapped in a lettuce leaf - making his usual mess along the way!By the time we had finished food it was 11pm, good practice for tommorrow's big night. So it was home to bed for all.

Cairns to Sydney

The Wilde Family — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Well today was spent packing and travelling from Cairns to Sydney in preparation for the New Year celebrations. The flights ran smoothly and we checked in to our hotel in Darling Harbour in time for some dinner.

We ventured out to Chinatown and surprise surprise ate some chinese! Not a lot to report as we were all shattered and went to bed early.

Day of rest (for some!)

The Wilde Family — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Today is our last day at Mission Beach as we are spending the next 10 days travelling around. Shaun managed to get another pass out to go diving, the children played in the pool and wrote some of the blog on Kuranda. Karen lazed around and did absolutely nothing - wishful thinking! Once again the washing and ironing beckoned, as did the packing. It didn't help that she managed to lock some clothes in the tumble dryer and still can't get them out!! Luckily one of the neighbours has offered to dry some things for us if needed. The other plus being Sydney has got lots of shops, and after all his diving trips Shaun has agreed to let Karen have a retail therapy session whilst he babysits!Watch out credit card (and baggage allowance - may have to leave one of the children behind!)

The rain has held off for most of the day but the wind is getting up, aparently a cyclone may be brewing for the weekend - just as we leave for Sydney thank goodness.

Whilst out diving I got to play with large grouper (which liked having its belly tickled) and some small shrimp decided I needed a clean. On the way back a storm whipped up and many people on the catarmaran got quite ill (not helped, I think, by me tucking into my lunch as I was hungry after diving).

Kuranda Scenic Railway

The Wilde Family — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Chris says "We went on a skyrail other a big rainforest on big hills and saw lots of birds. There was two stops before the last stop there was a bored walk on the first stop with a massive tree 37m high the next stop had the amazing barron falls".

Sally says "We went to the birdworld Kuranda we saw sun conure,Blue and gold macaw,Indian ringneck parakeet,Nicobar pigeon,Barbary dove,Scarlet macaw,Lution ringneck,Tri-coloured munia,Java sparrow,Zebra finch,Star finch,Crimson finch,Galah,Red-tailed black cockatoo,Rainbow lorikeet,Metallic starling,Magpie lark"

Before we went to the parks we had some lunch Shaun and Karen enjoyed their first Kangaroo burger which was really tasty.

The trip back down on the Kuranda Express was hot and sticky, but we had some fantastic views on the way back to Cairns. The children enjoyed counting the 15 tunnels that had been hand dug through the mountains.

When we eventually arrived back at Mission Beach we stopped at the pasta restaurant for dinner. Then headed home after a very long 13 hours for a quick shower and bed.

Boxing Day

The Wilde Family — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

When it rains here it REALLY rains!! We spent the day relaxing indoors (hoping that the rain would stop - it didn't!). Still we played some games at the table and the children played with their Christmas presents.

Not much else to report!

Spider

The Wilde Family — Tue, 25 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

This is a special entry just for Andy. We have a couple of these beauties in the garden and they are called (I believe) St Andrew's Cross spiders. There are about 3" across. Nikki (Andy's wife) would have to peel him off the ceiling after seeing one of these :) .

Christmas Day

The Wilde Family — Tue, 25 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Well the big day has arrived and Shaun and Karen thought they may get a lie in as the children had seemed so exhausted the night before - how wrong they were!! At 6am precisely Chris ran down to inform us that Santa had been - luckily for us Isabel had written a lovely note to tell Santa to still deliver presents here and he did! ( Thanks Isabel). Chris was really lucky and received a Nintendo DS with some games. Sally received an IPOD nano already loaded with her favourite music!! She has been entertaining us with her singing already this morning!?!

All the family received gifts from our exchange family. Shaun received a Mission Beach stubby holder ( a beer holder for those not in the know!). Karen received some Australian made soap with the Mission Beach butterfly on it. Sally received a cuddly Cassowary (which received an ahh! all round!). Chris got a book on Australian wildlife, so he will know all about the creepy crawly critters by the end of the holiday.

We phoned up the family in Cornwall to let them know that Santa was on his way, it was only 8.30pm so they still had a while to wait - tee hee!! Shaun also phoned his Mum and Dad to wish them a Merry Christmas. That's all for now as we still have the rest of the day to enjoy. A nice swim in the pool followed by prawns and barramundi on the barby to follow!

The weather remained hot, beautiful and sunny for the rest of the day. Shaun cooked us a lovely dinner starting with prawn cocktail and chips and dips. We followed it up with a selection of chicken, rissoles, barramundi and homemade burgers. As you can see by the picture Shaun got a little hot under the collar whilst cooking.

We cooled off in the pool in the afternoon and got soaked by the "splash monster" aka Chris! In the evening we popped on the air con and watched Eragon. Drank lots of beer and wine (coke for kids), and went to bed happy.

Christmas Eve

The Wilde Family — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Well it is Christmas Eve which feels pretty strange when you are sitting in this heat. Today Shaun received a pass out to the Great Barrier Reef to see his friends in the sea. At long last he swam with a shark!!

Sally is pleased to report that the Ozzie tooth fairy came and left her $2 which is apparently the going rate for a tooth down under.

Karen had some really fun things to do today, namely shopping, washing and ironing - yippee (not!).Not to mention checking Santa's list to see whether we'd been naughty or nice! Chris and Sally enjoyed a bit of down time and watched a dvd whilst the sun was REALLY hot. Once the shade covered the pool they jumped in for the rest of the afternoon - Karen watching on sweating with the iron in hand!

During the afternoon we listened to the weather reports and they explained that there was something unusual upsetting the weather fronts. Apparently Santa's sleigh was on the way! He had also logged his flight path with air traffic control and they showed how far he had got from the North Pole. Luckily for us in Australia he stops here early on in his travels!

We even had a visit from Santa in the afternoon the local firemen gave him a lift and he came around the streets of Mission Beach giving sweets to all the children.

In the evening we decided to check out one of the local restaurants and went to the Greek Taverna ( which also served Malaysian food). Karen ordered a Chicken Laksa and proceeded to break out into a sweat! Chris and Sally ordered lemon chicken and rice. Once eaten, Sally then fell asleep in the restaurant!

We also left out a pressie for Santa, which included a freddo bar (on an icepack) a stubbie and a carrot for the reindeer.