O'Reilly's Rainforest Trip

On another fine, clear Probus day Bob arrived with the bus and we set off for O'Reilly's Rainforest Guesthouse resort.  Our first stop was to see Lahey's Canungra Tramway tunnel, and several of us explored the old sawmilling tunnel, now very silent and abandoned.  Then it was morning tea in the park at Canungra and a look round the shops and buildings.  Some of us were able to get maps and do some giftware shopping.  The Rosemount Alpaca Rainforest Gallery and stud farm was our next call and we marvelled at the soft woollen fashion garments made of alpaca wool and some lovely art and crafts on sale there.  Our keen photographers were able to take the views from there and from the Kamerun Lookout.

Then it was on to  O'Reilly's  through the narrow, winding road with (sometimes very close-up),  views of trees and vines growing on the steep slopes of the Sarabah Range in Lamington National Park.  A nice meal at the restaurant was enjoyed by some and others had a picnic lunch in the extensive grounds of O'Reilly's  amongst some very friendly bower birds, parrots and bush turkeys hoping for a few crumbs.  Many King Parrots and Crimson Rosellas were hungrily feeding on bought seed and some of our Probus members were adorned with birds in their hair, on their shoulders and hands.  The treetop walk gave us some magnificent views of the rainforest canopy and an experience of walking on a moving surface on the suspension bridge.  The botanical gardens is set amongst the rainforest trees and some huge ancient boulders and provided a pleasant walk.

After leaving O'Reilly's Bob took us on one of his diversions, driving the bus down a 4WD track as far as Luke O'Reilly's dairy farm lookout and giving the back seat passengers a thrill by backing up a narrow cutting to turn the bus around.  Then it was on to the Canungra Valley Vineyard winery where all tastes were catered for - wine tasting, tea and coffee or ice-cream were available.  We had just settled in for the rest of the afternoon when it was time to go.  A short stroll looking for the elusive platypus in the creek running through the grounds, sadly, produced not a sign - could it have been Probus members laughing and talking which scared them off?

Our thanks to Bob for another splendid day out, giving us all so much enjoyment.

Hervey Bay Parkwood Probus Getaway Holiday 2005

 http://dkd.net/herveybay/

The day finally arrived, after a great deal of organizing and hard work put in by Bob. We set off for Hervey Bay on Thursday 28th July. Our "surprises" began early and we were all asked to meet at 21 Thompson St. to go to the train, but at 8.15a.m. low and behold our usual coach arrived to take us all the way to Roma St. which made life much easier with all the luggage. However, "somebody" was not listening, and after a mad panic. Bob decided to pull in at Helensvale Station just to see if they were there. Lo and behold, the culprit was waiting for the train; we finally got it all together and set off.

All smooth sailing from then on, having booked our luggage through and time for a cup of coffee, before boarding the tilt train, a very comfortable ride, we had our seats all together and it was a very pleasant journey. At Maryborough West station, the rail-link coach met the train and took us for a pleasant drive to our destination, the Riviera Resort on the Esplanade at Hervey Bay. Excellent accommodation with spacious rooms and everything you could wish for. After settling in at the Resort, we took the free RSL Courtesy Bus, to the R.S.L. Club, and having tea, and then those who wished played on the pokies before returning to the resort. Security at the resort was unusually early 9 o 'clock lock out, needless to say even with two sets of keys per room this was a little difficult for 6 people. One couple nearly had to sleep in the courtyard, but one of the staff came to the rescue. 

FRIDAY –

A day on Fraser Island, coach from the resort down to the ferry and across to the island where we were met by a 4 wheel drive coach and driver. He certainly knew all the sandy tracks through the island and gave us a very interesting commentary on the logging that went for years at Central Station, also the amazing size of the various trees. We took a walk through the rain forest and saw rare king ferns growing in the Wanggoolba Creek.

After an enjoyable lunch at the Euroong Beach Resort, we set off for Lake Birabeen, with its white sandy beach. Most of us washed our jewellery in the silicone sand and it came out sparkling.  Tonight we walked round to the Bowling Club and enjoyed another three-course meal to satisfy our hunger. 

SATURDAY –

The Whale Watching was the highlight of our holiday, and we were not disappointed, we set off on the "MV Kasey Lee" on a perfect day. On the way out, we sighted Dolphins and Dugong families. Travelled for a couple of hour before sighting the whales, but from then on they gave us a magnificent display of their talents, so close to the boat you could almost touch them and lots of tail flips, roll-overs all around the boat on both sides. Finally, we had to head back along the Coast of Fraser Island. When we returned to land, a number of went to The Boat Club for a meal, watching the "Blessing of the Fleet", followed by a fireworks display. Some went to the “Hoolihans Irish Restaurant”.

SUNDAY –

Today we set off for the Childers Festival, collecting a few extra passengers on the way. We had a short stop at Maryborough to have a look at the “Mary Ann” 1873 Steam Locomotive, with some of the group having a ride on the miniature train, which needed a helping hand at one stage, just as well they were miniature. On to Childers where we found "wall to wall”, people all along the main street, which was closed to traffic and full of stalls with lots of different things for sale. The Backpackers Hostel, now known as The Palace, a memorial to those fifteen backpackers who died in the tragic fire had a wall of three-dimensional photos with the names of all who had died. Quite unusual, very simple but evidently, that is what the relatives and families requested. A short stop at the ice-cream factory on the way out and back to the resort, where we went next door to the “Prince of Whales” British Pub Restaurant for our evening meal.

MONDAY-

Getting picked up with the rail coach for the station and a twenty minute break at the shopping centre to pick up extras. Some of our group did not realise just how close they were to being left behind, Bob even had their rail tickets out, and the driver said 10 seconds. Thank goodness they all made it.

Home on the tilt train once more with our coach waiting at Roma St. again, this was really appreciated, as it would have been peak hour on the trains.

* We hope everyone enjoyed their four day break, and I am sure you would all join with me in thanking Bob for his untiring efforts both before and during the trip, which resulted in a very trouble free and happy holiday.

Doris