I didn’t take too many photos heading back down the coast. I’m just not as motivated to take photos of places I’ve already been. Unfortunately, my lack of motivation means there is nothing to document our stay at the creepiest campground ever!!
After our brief stay in Agnes Water, we headed down to the much adored Noosa.
Oh Noosa. The hostels were booked so we turned to camping (which I prefer anyway). We decided to head out to the cheaper option which required crossing on a ferry (which negated the savings) to a more remote area. At reception when we asked about a site the man said something like, “Yeah, I think we’ve got a few open spots for you.” Implying… there are other people camping here too… right?
The camping area was fairly far from the office, back behind an archery field and other cabin-like buildings. Rolling up it was pretty clear… we were the only ones here. It looked like everything had been closed down for the season. We picked a spot, got set up, and started cooking dinner… until we got attacked by birds!! Flapping their wings in our faces…
Birds of every kind were all over us… turkeys, magpies, parrots, ibis, the works! Mike finished cooking while I tried to keep the birds away. We ate in the car. There were several expletives and jumping into either the car or tent during this visit. I was even swooped by a magpie when I thought its nest was a koala… (that sounds so stupid).
On top of the attacking birds, the games room at the park was on and abandoned. The flickering lights of arcade games in a nearly deserted area is really unsettling late at night. Especially when you have a long walk to the bathroom. I never felt at ease in this place. We both still shudder when one of us brings it up. Ugh.
After Noosa we spent a much needed night at a hostel in Brisbane. Sometimes it’s nice to live the city life and catch a movie (Perks of Being a Wallflower). Then we spent a night camping in Coolangatta, stayed for a bit in Lennox Head, a stop in Coffs Harbour, and finally reached Port Macquarie. That’s where I started taking photos again…despite having been there before. (1, 2)
At this point we were playing the waiting game. We had some house sitting lined up but still had five nights to kill. We found a campsite for a good price and didn’t want to risk the high holiday prices by going anywhere else ($50+ for a non-powered piece of earth?!).
We spent out time playing at the beach, browsing at the library, and taking nature walks. This time I saw three koalas! (No big deal).
At the end of this camping trip, we were ready to house sit. Proper bed and fully equipped kitchen, here I come!
xo, jill
Alexandra Campbell
Ahaha this made me laugh out loud. I’m terrified of birds though, so I can completely appreciate eating in the car. I may have slept in there too.
This also brought back traumatic/funny memories of every.childhood.summer.holiday. Dad trying to persuade us that camping on deserted unpowered dirt was awesome (with a creepy games room of course), and that hiding food from aggressive wombats and goannas was normal + fun. And evicting cockroaches/mossies/mice from the communal shower block was ‘character building.’ Except for the year we went so bush there weren’t any showers. I’m still trying to forget.
I love flying foxes in Australia – really, you have to remember to look up when exploring the country. Chances are you’ll see a koala, or a pretty bird or flying foxes, etc
Growing up on the Sunshine Coast most of my life, Noosa is one place you never get tired of. From the Noosa main beach through the National Park to the Boiling Pot Lookout that takes your breath away every time. It’s a truly magic part of Australia.