Sunshine Coast

So we've been in Australia for 2 weeks, doing the family thing. On the 7th Mom, was flying back to the US, so I booked flights for me, B & L to go to the Sunshine Coast and catch up with some friends who I haven't seen since at least 5 years ago when I was here last.

We only had a couple hours wait with Robbie before we were on any easy 2 hour flight to Maroochydore. We were picked up by Tawnie and taken to the Kern's house. Kern, Robbie, Luke, & Luvvo I've known for 35 years, and they've known each other longer, so even after 5 years, when we get together, it's like it was last weekend. Kern has a couple of boys, SK & BK, around B &L's age. They were weirdly wary of each other for about an hour, when they started playing a game on the trampoline. That was it - they were as good a friends as the adults were. They were inseparable for the weekend. After spending the afternoon at Alexandra Headland Beach, we had an evening in at the Kerns and were joined by the Luvvos, the Marshes and Creany. Just fantastic to see everyone.

S, L, B & B at Alexandra Headland Beach, Queensland

Saturday morning was BK's soccer match in the morning, then we headed up to the Cooroy Bowls Club. Taken over by Your Mates Brewery, this casual Bowls Club does a barefoot Saturday afternoon for all and sundry. So about 20 of us had a bowl and a couple of beers. B & L did really well for 2 kids that had never heard of bowls before today. The did Grandddad Great proud. Fun afternoon in a Queensland "winter".

Your Mates Brewery @ Cooroy Bowls Club

After bowls it was off to Noosaville and a night at the Luvvos. As soon as we got there, all the boys (kid boys, not adult boys - gotta distinguish that now) headed into the backyard and were playing soccer like theyd known each other 24 years - not 24 hours. Luvvos, Kerns, Marshes, Creans, Robbie and even Hayden and his 2 girls enjoyed the evenings barbie, music and catch up around the fire. A tinge of sadness that I don't do this more often couldn't beat the overwhelming happiness of the night for me. Catching up with great mates and a second generation forging new friendships. Very cool. We all stayed in various parts of the Luvvo house. A couple of caravans parked in the driveway, B, L & I had the guest house, while the main house filled out with a tom other people.

A barbeque breakfast made for a slow start to Sunday morning, but once we cleaned up, it was back to the Kerns for lunch before Kern, Robbie & I went out to Mudjimba Beach and hung out for the afternoon. The kids were somewhere in their own world. From there we took Rob back to the airport, and then spent the evening at the the Kerns in Buderim.

Me, Bob & Kern @ Mudjuimba Beach

On Monday Queensland kids went back to school after their winter break. This was the perfect opportunity for L, B & I to go to Australia Zoo. Just an absolute ripper of a day. Perfect weather and barely anyone in the park. We saw literally every animal as B controlled the map. And we spent a full 7 hours in the park. The highlight was wathcing the boys feeding and patting the kangaroos - not something they'd get to do most days. Also was a big fan of the Crocoseum. You can definitely see the legacy of Steve Irwin when you seen the show they put on. One last, exhausted night with the Kerns. What a treat! It was special to finally meet his boys and see the life they have set up for themselves on the Sunshine Coast. And to see our boys mucking around like we did as kids (and in out 20's) was just the best.

L & B @ Australia Zoo

Obligitory Koala Picture @ Australia Zoo

Kangaroo Feeding Area @ Australia Zoo

On the Tuesday morning, after the Kerns left for work and school we were picked up by Aunty Trish and driven out to Mooloolabah, where we met my cosuin and her family for lunch at the surfclub. It was great to spend time with Trish, Kara, Cameron and Archie. Again, these trips back to Australia only come about once in a blue moon, so any chance for a catch up is a blessing. Trish drove us out to the airport and the boys and I said farewell to a magic 4 nights on the Sunshine Coast - their first venture ouside Sydney and the Central Coast, and only my 2nd visit there (the first in nearly 30 years).

Till next time

Big Day Out @ Gold Coast Parklands

Went back to the Gold Coast and to Parklands for the Big Day Out. An absolute scorcher of a day, but definitely a good day out.

Magic Dirt set a scorching tone to start the day.

I sought shelter in the tent to se Shihad, Something for Kate and Beth Orton.  Beth Orton was beautiful, really mellow and very different to mst BDO bands.

Primal Scream were better than I thought (again in the shade of a tent).  I was surprised by how many songs I knew.

But definitely the highlight was the Hellacopters. With only a small crowd, under the tent, while everyone else was at the Red Hot Chili Peppers, they whipped up a rock and roll frenzy – a wild end to a great day.

Big Day Out, Gold Coast

Magic Dirt

Atari Teenage Riot

Something For Kate

Hellacopters

The Crap Facts

This is my 180th concert.

Gold Coast Parklands is the 44th venue I've seen a concert in.

Southport is the 33rd city I've seen a concert in.

This is my 2nd concert in Queensland.

This is my 177th concert in Australia.

This is my 6th Magic Dirt concert.
Atari Teenage Riot are the 236th band I've seen.
28 Days are the 237th band I've seen.
This is my 6th Shihad concert.

This is my 5th Something For Kate concert.
Something For Kate are the 350th time I've seen an Australian band.

Beth Orton is 238th band I've seen.
Primal Scream are the 239th band I've seen.
This is my 2nd Nine Inch Nails concert.

Nine Inch Nails are the 500th time I've seen a band in Australia.
This is my 2nd Foo Fighters concert.
Hellacopters are the 240th band I've seen.

Whitsundays Cruise, QLD

On the 11th, I took 2 weeks off and headed to Queensland. I flew to Hamilton Island with Bernie to meet up with everyone else (Bert, Kern, Reggae, Julie, Cam, Tim, Lena, Luvvo, Caryn, Dave, Bob, Linda, Toddy, Mick, Barnesy and Fitz) for a night at Airlie Beach before setting sail for 9 days around the Whitsunday Islands. What a trip! Was so relaxing enjoying the sun, sea and company. We took our 2 boats, Scholamanzi and Miss Elly, from port to port and spending day and night in total relax mode. The main highlight was our night out in Hamilton Island, which was with Woody – who I hadn’t seen in ages. After I docked the boat and an afternoon discovering the island, we headed out for dinner and partying on the island’s nightclub.

Barnesy, Linda, Robbie, Reggae, Julie, Woody & Bernie, Hayman Island, Queensland

 Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Islands, Queensland

Hamilton Island, Queensland

Boat Trip Crew, Whitsundays, Queensland

While I left the boat a day early, on the 20th, it wasn’t the end of my holiday. I flew back to Brisbane and made my way down to Lennox Head to catch up with Chris and Charlene Davy, before heading inland to Lismore and visiting Marieka and her mum.

Livid @ Brisbane Showgrounds

What I remember (in 2024)

Went and stayed with Robbie & Linda, who lived within walking distance of the Showgrounds in Fortitude Valley.  Their friend Katina was there that weekend as well.

Damien Lovelock did a spoken word set.  Told an awesome story about surfing in Hawaii with Pam Burridge.  He had been reporting on an event for 2MMM and didn't take any of his own surfing stuff.  He borrowed a pair of pink Speedos and had to walk past a bunch of locals sitting in their cars watching people surf.  To get into the water, he and Pam had to jump off a concrete wall and have the backwash drag them out. Pam timed her jump perfectly.  Damien was a second behind her, but didn't catch the backwash.  He then spent the next 30 minutes trying to paddle out, and just kept getting pounded.  Finally he gave up and caught a wave from where he was, but there was no beach to land on, just an 8 foot concrete wall, which he hit and scraped down.  Eventually he got out and walked back to his car, past the locals again.  Big Hawaiian men who had fallen out of the back of their cars, they were laughing so hard.

I remember just feeling pure joy watching Devo.

The Crap Facts
This is my 132nd concert.
Brisbane Showgrounds is the 35th venue I've seen a concert in.
Fortitude Valley is the 29th city I've seen a concert in.
Queensland is the 3rd state I've seen a concert in.
This is my 132nd concert in Australia.
Webster are the 168th band I've seen.
This is my 2nd Shihad concert.
This is my 2nd Tomorrow People concert.
Damien Lovelock is the 169th band I've seen.
This is my 6th Spiderbait concert.
This is my 2nd Reef concert.
Bloodhound Gang are the 170th band I've seen.
Veruca Salt are the 171st band I've seen.
Cake are the 172nd band I've seen.
This is my 3rd Dinosaur Jr concert.
Devo are the 173rd band I've seen.

Hayman Island, QLD to Fortitude Valley, QLD

Docked in Hamilton Island, after a leisurely cruise on the Sun Princess, I have to wait half an hour before I board my flight back to Brisbane. The dessert of the trip was seeing the coral reefs for one last time. Even from the plane, the water is so clear you can see all the features of the Whitsundays. Am very stoked that we had this week. Not only for the sights and new friends, but for also catching up with Woody. I’ll have to do this again sometime soon.

Hayman Island, QLD

The most perfect of days. Lazing around the pool, taking it easy – just being on holidays. We tried to get into the resort to have a look around, but Woody could not get permission – this is the only downer of the trip. We were, however, allowed to go to the Beach Pavilion for cocktails. The Beach Pavilion is an open cabana, which is on the beach and serves cocktails during the afternoon and sunset. Talk about perfect. Luvvo, Woody, BJ, Pubby and I spent all afternoon there with Megan serving us. I think we had at least one of every cocktail on the menu. A great way to end our week in paradise. Later on we went back to the staff bar and went crazy, being our last night and all. Everyone had a blinder. Pubby believes that Ansett, who own Hayman Island, get forty percent of staff wages back through the staff bar. And from what I’ve seen, this is not hard to believe.

Hayman Island, QLD

Had a relatively slow start to the morning due to the previous nights debauchery, but spent the afternoon on the Reef Dancer. The Reef Dancer is a glass-bottom boat that chugs around Arkhurst Island (just to Hayman’s west). The boat goes into a couple of small coves in the island, which allows guests to dive in and snorkel around. I stayed in the boat and watched the others. I can’t for the life of me adjust my breathing to snorkel, which consequently puts me in a panic. Still, just sitting in the boat was amazing. With the water so clear I could see plenty just fine. The view of the coral and the brightly coloured fish everywhere is breathtaking. We were meant to go on a boat to the Great Barrier Reef today, but the weather didn’t allow for it. This is such a shame, because if it is this beautiful so far away from the Reef – that place must be beyond description. Went on a sunset walk with Luvvo, as he wanted to take some photos. Then we did our nightly ritual at the staff bar.

Airlie Beach, QLD to Hayman Island, QLD

Spent today on South Mole Island. The morning boat from Shute Harbour takes about 45 minutes. Once on the island you can treat it as though you are a guest of the resort and use all of its facilities. We spent the morning playing a round of golf. Lunch was a huge all you can eat buffet. And the arvo was spent lazing by the pool. I always pictured South Mole Island being an exclusive resort, but it definitely seems like a more affordable, family-style resort. Still a great place and somewhere to keep in mind for a future holiday. We get back to Hayman in the afternoon. It’s another barbeque night and once again the staff bar is open and more than happy to take my money.

Hayman Island, QLD to Airlie Beach, QLD

A day of recovery – sitting by the staff pool and waiting for the afternoon water taxi to Shute Harbour, for a night out in Airlie Beach. The weather on the way over was the roughest yet, causing some problems in the water. It is the closest to seasick I have ever been. Airlie Beach was chockers full of backpackers. We went to a pub/hostel, Beaches, not dissimilar to the Coogee Bay Hotel, i.e. it had a huge beer garden and was full of Poms. The place was packed for the Wallabies vs Lions rugby match being shown on the big screen. It seemed like we were the only ones cheering on the Aussies, but at least there was a great atmosphere. The place was relatively quite by the end of the night though as the Aussies won the rugby and all the Poms went home to sulk. We wanted to kick on after Beaches had closed but could not find anywhere else with a good vibe, so we ended up back in the hotel by 1am.

Hayman Island, QLD

Friday was our coolest day weather wise, so we took advantage and did a hike around the island. This hike is approximately 9 kilometers long, but quite relaxing. There are 4 main lookouts, and the chapel along the way. The outlook from the chapel is south, overlooking the marina and the Whitsunday Islands. It seems like a beautiful place for a wedding. The Marina Lookout was three kilometers off course from the track we were on, so we gave it a miss. Dolphin Point faces north, and you can see the mainland from here. It is about thirty metres above the ocean. The view is just awesome, and so relaxing. The main lookout, on top of the island, faces south, and Woody reckons that on a clear day you can see right down to Hamilton Island form here. Unfortunately, we were not so lucky today. 3 hours later we had finished our trek and were ready for a feed. Friday night is “cook your own BBQ” night, so there are steaks, rissoles, sausages and chicken aplenty. You pick what you want, buffet style, and then throw it on the barbie and cook to your liking. Another plus is that the barbie is in the staff bar so, needless to say, we spent the night and got absolutely wankered. Luvvo and I decide we are going to start a band, Vomiting From All Orifices, and have a name planned for our first album – 30 Cone Screamers. I told you we were pissed.

Hayman Island, QLD

What has Woody got install for us today? Drink beer!!! Pubby, Lethal and the gang of 4 went to Blue Pearl II Beach on the western side of Hayman, with an esky full of food and beer. It was a glorious day weather wise. Basically all we do all day is relax on the beach, swim and snorkel. This is one of the perks of being here and visiting a staff member – it all comes cheap for us. Because we are with staff we are the last group to be picked up. Fortunately it is right on sunset. A spectacular view of the sun setting over the mainland as we head back into the main bay. Dinner in the dining room, where staff can get their 3 cooked meals a day, and then an evening of frivolity at the staff bar.

Coogee, NSW to Hayman Island, QLD

Our flight arrives at 10.15am. I had flown to Brisbane and met up for the second leg to Hamilton Island with Luvvo and BJ. We board the Sun Eagle, Hayman’s $5 million boat, and travel to Hayman Island in overcast weather. From the outset we know that this island is going to be something else. We meet Woody and his mate, Jase, at the dock and head up to the staff quarters. Our room is not ready, but Woody is prepared. We head over to his room and start on the six cartons of Crownies Woody has stashed. The afternoon is spent with the four of us, and Pubby (Woody’s roommate), drinking until it’s time to go out. Wednesday night is the only night staff are allowed into Hernie’s (Hernando’s Hideaway), the island’s nightclub. So, as apparently is standard, tonight is a huge night. Hernie’s looks like a homestead and is only open between 10pm - 2am. Very swish. But if you close your eyes – you could be back at Bayrock on any given Friday night. Met tons of people – Lethal Lea, Gazza from Wamberal, Poida, Megan (Pubby’s Mrs) – and had a blinder of a night. Everyone was more than happy to make sure we had a great night.

Surfer's Paradise, QLD

What I remember (in 2024)...

Flew up to the Gold Coast with Roberta for a vacation.

Michael & his girlfriend stayed with us for a couple of nights.

Stayed until December 20.

New South Wales v Queensland @ North Sydney Oval

Match details

Toss: Australia, who chose to bat

Result: New South Wales 8/273 (50 overs). Queensland 262 (49.4 overs).  New South Wales won by 11 runs.

Player of The Match: Michael Slater (New South Wales).

Crowd: 15,870

Gold Coast, QLD

What I remember (in 2024)...

This was my first flight.

Went with the McCallums for a holiday on the Gold Coast for 11 days.  Originally stayed with Deano and Corky, but there place was so rancid, we ended up back at Mr & Mrs McCallum's apartment in Mermaid Beach.  Much more civilized.

One day was spent at Movieworld and Brett and I had a night at Juptier's Casino - don't really remember too much else.

Flew home on 10 November.