Author: Libby Withnall

My little friend came to visit again.

Breakfast was a toasted sandwich from McDonalds. Then Athena and I said farewell to Kevin & Christy and drove up into the Hinterland.

The sat nav took us the scenic route and we ended up going up an incredibly steep road. The photo doesn’t quite do it justice.

Our first destination was the lovely town of Mapleton…

where I got to meet the lovely Jackie, who will hopefully return to world of blogging again. Guess what??? She has :-). We had a lovely morning tea with her and her daughter, Luci.

Then it was onwards with our journey. Can you believe I took this next photo from the shop car park?

We made a few purchases in Montville and took some photos. I’d heard it was a good shopping destination so was surprised it was so small…. until we “left” and realized most the town (and shops) was just around the corner :-).

 

Then it was back in the car for the drive over to Maleny….

My YouTube friend, l, had chosen this spot for lunch. And I could tell why when I saw this view of the Glasshouse Mountains.

 

We took some photos and enjoyed the area while we waited.

In the meantime Kevin bought himself a new hat…

they had lunch out, and Christy went for a ride on a jetboat (there was only one place left or Kevin would have gone as well).

The cafe we had lunch at was so lovely. And it was wonderful getting to meet – such a lovely, young lady. Bit sad to realize I am twice her age!!!!

And my lunch… well just look at that! Absolutely delicious.

On the way back we stopped to photograph these cows.

And a quick stop at a Cheese shop, but since we were leaving in the morning we couldn’t really buy much.

 

We stopped again at Montville to visit some of the shops we had missed earlier.

 

Back home, Kevin & Athena went out to fetch some dinner and Athena snapped this sunset.

They mucked up my order of potato scallops so I made a wrap to have with my chips.

Then it was time to do a bit of packing before we head home in the morning.

Todays vlog :

WARNING : Photo overload ahead.

Today we had a rather early start, having to be outside our apartment at 6.30am. Unfortunately Athena was really sick with a cold so we didn’t think it was wise for her to come on a such long and rough day of driving.

First up was the stunning hour long drive along the beach.

Before we arrived at the coloured sands.

Just stunning. Really reminded me of the with the red sand against the blue skies.

The last time I was here I was about 10.

The beach was beautiful.

Back on the bus and on the ferry over to Fraser Island. It was strange driving onto the beach to get to the ferry.

We had made to Fraser Island.

After some more beach driving it was time to stop for morning tea. Wish I could have a view like this for all my morning teas :-).

The water here is stained with tannin from the trees.

Kevin was impressed he could still get internet on most parts of the island.

Finally we headed inland and for the more bumpy part of the trip.

To get to Lake McKenzie.

Unfortunately we didn’t see any dingoes.

It was a short walk downhill to the lake.

which was just magical.

And incredibly clear.

and icy cold.

But we all went in, eventually getting used to the temperature.

Such a special place to swim.

The sand was amazingly fine.

 

After our swim we got dressed again and went to the lunch area.

Which thankfully was in the shade as it was very warm in the sun.

While we waited we made a new friend.

and took some selfies :-).

Lunch was really delicious, even if they had forgotten to cook me a veggie patty.

More bumpy roads (not so good after lunch), before we stopped at a rainforest for a walk around.

More friends.

And a strangler fig.

A closeup by Kevin.

And a gorgeous staghorn.

More driving, then back on the ferry.

Where we spotted some dolphins.

Back on the mainland there was one last stop for afternoon tea and lamingtons.

Kevin had a rest and Christy had a little play at the playground.

Then was rather a lot more driving until we arrived back in Noosaville. Tired but very happy. And thankfully Athena was feeling better after her relax day. Dinner was soft TVP tacos.

My little friend come to collect crumbs again. Breakfast was some scrambled eggs on toast, eaten outside on the verandah.

Today Christy stayed behind and the rest of us headed to the Eumundi Markets.

Absolutely loved these Frozen dresses. But alas I don’t know any little girls to buy one for.

Wished we were having lunch as I’d love to have gotten a burger.

Loved this tree. Just gorgeous.

Apparently it was just 99 days to Christmas so I thought it was time to pick up the pace with the Christmas shopping.

Snack time – love these little pancakes.

Loved the colour of the scarves. Didn’t buy any though as I have quite enough.

After a few hours we headed back home. We didn’t buy a lot but did get a few things, like a huge stuffed puppy I fell in love with :-).

We headed back to the apartment, collected Christy and walked around the corner to meet with fellow YouTuber, and her hubby Peter.

It was so lovely to meet her and we had the best time chatting while enjoying lunch at Sirocco.

I was a bit nervous about the gnocchi with blue cheese sauce. But it was SO AMAZING. Best gnocchi I’ve EVER had.

Dessert was equally as good.

Christy got a little bored with the adult conversion and ended up looking like this.

I really appreciated that Ada and Peter travelled up from Brisbane to have lunch with us and all too soon it was time to say goodbye. Ada had been kind enough to bring gifts for us. She got some lovely earrings for the girls and I got some nail polish. So sweet of her.

We walked back to our apartment, got changed and drove, stopping to get some snacks, around to collect our boat for a few hours on the water.

This was a great boat. Super comfortable, super quiet slow, and easy to use.

We motored around looking at birds and some of the luxury home on the waterways.

Then found a little beach to stop. Christy was the only one to brave the cold water.

It was rather murky looking, but apparently just last week it had been crystal clear!

As we headed back the sun was starting to go down.

These dogs out on a sandbar were having the best time.

After 2 hours we returned our boat, having thoroughly enjoyed our peaceful and relaxing time on the water. We drove back to our apartment, where we actually went for a swim. The water was a little on the chilly side however, so it wasn’t too long before we went in the spa.

Tonights dinner was a simple one of soup and bread roll, eaten out on the verandah.

Todays vlog :

Not quite the view I was waking up to on the Gold Coast, but a visit from a Willy Wagtail helped to make up for the loss.

Breakfast was a roll with cheese & tomato.

When everyone was ready we drove into Noosa, found some parking and went for a walk around.

Eventually we found the beach and walked along the boardwalk.

Of course, I had keep stopping to take photos and video.

After the beach we walked back along Hastings St, the main street, stopping at Boost, where I got a Kinky Kale Juice (which was delicious).

What a family! Both on their phones and Christy was waiting across the road, also on her phone!

 

 

We then went for a drive around. So gorgeous. When I’d wanted to come to Noosa it was to do some of the amazing walks around here, but alas my lungs won’t permit that.

We went back to our apartment. Having tried to unsuccesfully book an everglades tour, we decided to head out to the Ginger Factory and then go the beach. Athena has been suffering with a cold, so opted to stay behind and rest.

Yep, he’s still on a mad selfie kick..

First up was lunch at the cafe.

Christy got a hot chocolate,

and I had a delicious sweet potato & lentil soup.

Had to laugh at these muffin cases we saw in the shop.

After lunch we did the Super Bee experience. I never realized our native bees were so small.

 

We leant all about the hives work. Such amazing animals.

Then the Overboard ride – kinda like it’s a small world, but without the Disney magic. It was surprising well done.

Next was the Taste of Ginger Tour

where we leart all about how they process the ginger.

And got to do a taste test. Everything was delicious.

We wandered through some shops. Thought we should buy this for Athena 🙂

Lastly we rode the Ginger Train.

As you can see the grounds here were beautiful.

On the train trip all these chickens came running up to the train. We realized why the driver threw food out for them. They were so funny (check out the video below to see them in action).

We also spotted a family of ducks. So cute.

And of course, we had to buy some gingerbread men.

We ended up being at the Ginger Factory for over 4 hours, so we missed out on the beach. But we had really enjoyed our time here. We headed back to the apartment and got dinner organised. Like last night we ate on the verandah.

Kevin thought it was too dark so got his headlamp – as you do…. And yep, he’s wearing his onesie again…

Todays vlog :