TOURIST TUESDAY: FINGAL HEADS, ESCAPE THE MADNESS

I had booked a couple of nights at the caravan park at Fingal Heads, back at Easter. But then it rained.  A LOT. The caravan park got flooded, and cancelled all bookings. Plus, the storms damaged my van. So we delayed, and delayed our weekend away. Then it came to the point I knew our little family needed a break. On a whim I called and asked if one of there Luxury Safari tents were available. Because, we wanted to go mid-week we got lucky.

One night. Two days. It was never going to be enough. But, wow! It was still amazing to get away. Plus the beauty of going mid-week is that we had the beach to ourselves, for most of the time we were there.

Long days on the beach. Fish and chips for dinner. Night walks on the beach. All things needed to nourish the soul.

One day, I will live near the ocean again...

Side Note: Relax in total seclusion at Tweed Coast Holiday Parks Fingal, an idyllic beachfront getaway with the Pacific Ocean and kilometres of white sandy beaches at your doorstep. With mild winters, warm waters and beaches that are patrolled all summer long, every day is a beach day at Fingal. Located just 10 minutes from central Tweed Heads, the quaint township is famous for its brilliant surf breaks and fishing locations, all within proximity to the park. Accommodation ranges from large well-grassed tent and tourist sites to Surfari tents, luxury cabins and villas overlooking the beach.

TOURIST TUESDAY: ROAD TRIP TO SOUTH AUSTRALIA, DAY EIGHT

The last day of holiday blues were felt this morning. So it was fitting that the skies were dark and stormy. But then, it all cleared for a last dash to the beach and swim in the pool, before it was time to hit the road and drive back to Brisbane.

I could have stayed an extra week, so could have Jarvis, he loved the pool and caravan stay so much.

Only one stop on the way home, because Justin wanted hot nuts. 

But then didn't end up getting them? Macadamia Nut Castle, another iconic road stop along with the Big Banana and, Big Pineapple. What are your favourite cliché stops/landmarks? 

TOURIST TUESDAY: ROAD TRIP SOUTH AUSTRALIA DAY SEVEN

Day seven was a tough day! Ha...not.

 A perfect day alternating between, laying around. Spending time at the beach. Swimming in the pool. Or playing games. Uno is still a firm favourite with Jarvis.

Caravanning at Sapphire beach was... relaxing to say the least. Still my favourite caravan park to date. If only it was that touch closer.

Anyone have any other caravan parks that they would recommend?

TOURIST TUESDAY: ROAD TRIP TO SOUTH AUSTRALIA, DAY SIX

Waking up at the Station Creek rest area was different. I was either so exhausted I fell into a deep sleep, or the rocking of the van lulled me all night.

After a quick (very basic) breakfast, we were on the road again. According to google maps it was only going to be a quick three and a half hour drive to Coffs Harbour. Nothing! Especially after all of the driving we had just done.

Unfortunately, we got stopped mid way on the highway for almost an hour, the fires were too close to pass through some areas. Lucky, for us, being stopped on the highway with the van attached meant I could just get out of the car, and go back and make us lunch.

We thought that we could not go through Coffs without a stop at the Big Banana. Coffee for Justin, and icecream for Jarvis and myself. Plus, we had to buy a fridge magnet for the caravan.

From Coffs it was a short drive to Sapphire Beach Caravan Part and Resort. Yup, this was the place! Holly Molly I loved it. Right on the beach, lush green grass and garden, with a pool. As soon as we set up the van, we decided that we were staying more than one night.

What a difference, the night before it was the roar of the traffic and smell of car fumes. To the roar of the ocean, and that distinctive small of salty fresh air....

TOURIST TUESDAY: ROAD TRIP TO SOUTH AUSTRALIA DAY ONE

With a combination of jetlag and excitement, we started our trip to South Australia. We all woke, way, way too early.

Justin to drive his Mum to the airport so she could fly back to Townsville. And me to pack for our week (or more) road trip. When Justin returned, we just transferred a sleeping Jarb into the car.

I packed super light, as far as clothes, but filled the boot, and most of the back seat with food, and drinks. My logic was on a long road trip, not only is the food and drink normally crap, it is expensive. After our trip to Hong Kong, and the purchase of the van, I needed to keep expenses to a all time low. So I packed food for breakfast, lunch and snacks. Thinking we would eat a take away dinner while we were on the road.

We were aiming for about eight hours of driving, so with stops that was going to be around a twelve hour day. First stop was breakfast in the park, nice place to picnic, and good for Jarvis to have a play and stretch his legs.

We had to stop in Stanthorpe to take photos of apples and dinosaurs, plus a much needed loo break. I have a dream of traveling Australia, in the caravan and taking photos of all the "Big Things". I have even since purchased a map of Australia which marks out all of the big locations. What is your favourite? 

Lunch was a random park, where we took the time to play soccer with Jarvis.

The longest stop of the day was in Tamworth. What started out as a stop for coffee, ended up with us going to Super Cheap where we bought presents for the caravan.

My favourite stop of the day was our last in Coonabarabra. We found a dodgy motel. I love the "Bates Motel" feel of these old style motels. Makes me feel as if I have stepped back in time, or walked onto a movie set. 

It was also my favourite stop of the day as it was our last stop. We all shoved a greasy pizza into our mouths, and then collapsed into a greasy, 12 hour drive, exhausted sleep.