The best news this week. We received a call from Customs and Quarantine at about 11am on Wednesday morning to say the motorhome was ready to be picked up from the wharf in Brisbane. We would have to say that since putting the motorhome on the boat in Auckland, the Australian Customs and Quarantine have been brilliant. We experienced no Customs or Quarantine issues at all. There was no recleaning required and even the feathered cloak got through.
Jim and Rod sorting the new satellite system
Since getting the motorhome back to our temporary accommodation at Narangba, we have been packing in readiness for our journey north. Before leaving New Zealand we had to empty the motorhome of all food so it has meant a complete restock. We have only had one minor hiccup. We were hoping that our television satellite dish on the roof of the motorhome would be sufficient to receive satellite in Australia. Unfortunately it has proved not to be the case. In New Zealand we can get away with a 35cm dish where in Australia an 80 – 85cm dish is required for reception all around Australia. The new dish is in the jeep, the VAST decoder is fitted and a minor cabling job on the motorhome was completed this afternoon. Many thanks Jim of Brisbane Satellite for helping us with this.
Our last day of house minding is today, Saturday. We have been super fortunate in being able to stay at Wayne and Deb’s home while they are holidaying in the USA. Again many thanks guys – your generosity was really appreciated. We will miss your cats but look forward to catching up with you should you head north with your caravan on your return.
We start our trip north on Sunday by going as far as Maroochydore. We know its not far but we are meeting friends who hail from Orewa in Auckland and who are travelling the East Coast of Australia in their motorhome. As we have no fixed plan we are not quite sure how long we will stay. We also have other friends on the Sunshine Coast who we would like to catch up with.
We took a trip over to Bridie Island the other day. Bribie Island is a 31 kilometre long island and just 70km north of Brisbane. It is Queensland’s only offshore island linked by bridge and is separated from the mainland by Pumicestone Passage. The water around the island is home to more than 350 species of birdlife, dugongs, turtles and dolphins. The fishing is excellent and the good part is that housing can only be built on a small part of the island. The remainder is National Park. We visited the best place of course – some things don’t change!!
It’s worth a visit when you are next over this way.
Keep well everyone – ’til next time.
Dearne and Rod's Travel Blog 
I see you’re already appropriately dressed for the top end climate Rod – just watch out for those scary four legged handbags if you free camp anywhere near the sea or any estuary when moving up the coast – especially north of Cairns. Take care guys and drive safely
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Great to hear your news! Very jealous! Back from farm sad time but will all have to move on to welcome our ext little one. Pete has job in Wellington so they Re moving there in six weeks. All great news happening for us at the moment. Maybe lotto next week and we will be over to catch up with you.
Once again. Thanks for great night when you left and glad things have worked out for you with customs etc. love Sharyn and Len xxxx
Enjoy the start. How exciting! Quite a few months/years of planning and now you are off. Happy travels guys.
that is all great news. Gee I lived on Bribie for over ten years and I didn’t know all that lol. You will love the sunshine coast there is heaps to do and see have fun and safe travels……………x
Excellent news Rodders …looks like you got the A-frame sorted for the jeep too … enjoy yourselves and have fun, and stay safe ok
Great catching up with you guys last weekend
Cheers Dodger
I always knew my Wharfie Brothers wouldn’t let you down! Thanks for the visit and will catch up next time round. Safe travels and enjoy the adventure. If Dodger reads this- Hi mate.
Regards Brian ( Pilz) Edwards
Thanks for the SITREP guys, looks like you are both all set up for the job ahead, we will look after WHANGAMATA for you while you are away, hopefully the clubs and bars will survive without you 2 there keeping the place in line. The Rock ‘n Roll club will miss you I am sure. Don’t forget Beach Hop, it may be worth a week back home over the next couple of years……yours aye Stapes & Jude.
Hi to you both, Hope you enjoy your Aussie trip, but hasn’t it been wet, it has rained most days since we arrived, still probably worse back in NZ Karen hasn’t been well since we arrived, has been to Gold Coast hospital for 3 days and they kept her in overnight, but on the mend now. All the best Graham & Karen
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Hey Graham – will give you a call tonight. Arrived Sunshine Coast yesterday – hosing down since we arrived!!!