First stop: the Visitor Information Centre so we could make a bit of a plan for the weekend.
We usually head south this time of year both for weather and family reasons, but the border crossing regulations seemed painful this year. So we decided on heading north instead, but not too far.
Hervey Bay going off with the New Year's Eve street markets.
Lots of people were gathering along the foreshore for picnics and waiting for the fireworks.
Hervey Bay is famous for whale watching at certain times of the year. The whales rest and play in the protected water of the bay on their way up and down the coast looking for cooler or warmer water depending on the season. Unfortunately, we were here at the wrong time of year to see them.
There were a lot of nice sculptures at the free beachside community water park though!
While we didn't see any whales, we did see 4 dolphins cruising up the coast on an afternoon walk. Unfortunately, I was not quick enough to get any decent photos.
Singing in the rain.
Then we are running in the rain. There was a great turnout for such a wet parkrun. This was early on New Year's Day.
A cool down run for consciouscat with her new buddy Steve, on the 800m long Urangan pier on, what was, a very windy morning.
Luckily, it cleared up nicely in the afternoon so we could go for a bit more exploring of some of the beaches.
The water is usually pretty calm on the bay but I suppose anywhere there is water there is always a risk. Here in Australia they always recommend swimming between the flags.
This was a minor creek crossing that caused us to turn back on our beach exploring to find more shells and pumice stone instead.
Torquay Beach at low tide.
So many shells. So much pumice stone. It was pretty beautiful actually.
Here I was on the pier again. This time I was at the far end, looking back.
An Osprey or Sea Hawk on the look for breakfast. This is the first one I have ever photographed.
Early takeaway dinner from Guzman Y Gomez, eaten by the beach.
Hervey Bay Botanic Gardens
Cicada insect shell. When there's enough of them the Cicada can make a deafening sound at times in the Aussie Bush.
This Goanna gave consciouscat a shock as it was really close to the path.
Track markers in the gardens.
Chinese Gardens
Barbeque and picnic area behind some more lovely flowers.
We dropped in at the Nikenbah Markets on the way home (with the Hive t-shirt and Rising Star cap on for... advertising).
consciouscat choosing some spices.
A colourful country, round about ride.
And then, the long trip home. See you next time!