Warrumbungles by 4WD then 5 star Hayman Island.						Hayman2013.htm
These are two trips in vast contrast. We first did a 4WD camping trip to the Warrumbungle mtns
in NSW, doing it rough, followed up by a visit to the 5 star Hayman Island resort, in the Whitsundays.
Warrumbungle trip, by 4WD and camping.					Hayman Island trip, by plane and fast Cat.
Only camped for 2 nites, due to vast bushfires					Plane landed in Hamilton Island, then took
in NSW National Parks.					fast cat to 5 star Hayman Island resort.
Warrumbungle Trip.		We wanted to rough it in some NSW National Parks, including  the Girraween,
Mt Kaputar, Warrumbungles and Cathedral Rock. We just made it into Girraween and the
Warrumbungle's, before the massive bushfires in NSW closed all the camping areas.
We hadn't been camping for several years now, so were curious how our bodies and equipment
would bear up ? As it turned out, both went well, still being able to set up camp, ready to cook, within
about 30 minutes of stopping for the day. As usual, we had pencilled out a rough itinerary, which
was a guide only, to be varied as circumstances and inclination dictated. Our first stop was indeed
the Girraween National Park, which had a very pleasant campsite.
Camp setup at Girraween. Took 30 minutes.					The cook was relaxing with some wine.
Everything worked, after several years storage !					Tables and chairs make cooking easy.
After Girraween, we headed South west, via Torrington, Mt Kaputar, which was very spectacular,
and on to the Warrumbungles with the Observatory and mountain views.
==============================================================================
Radio telescope near Narrabri, NSW.					Mt Kaputar, well worth the steep drive up.
The large Optical telescope, Siding Spring
Observatory, Warrumbungle Nat Park.
	Telescope details, inside the Dome---------->
Lovely camping site, again with tables and stools.					Burnt trees from previous bushfires. The
					Bungles had bad fires a few years ago.
After the Bungles, we kept hearing "severe" bushfire warnings on the radio. All the National Parks
camping grounds were closed due to severe heat and bushfires raging in many places. We could see
the palls of smoke all around us, so we decided to head for the coast for safety.
Went down the escarpment at Dorrigo to Bellingen and stated looking for a seaside motel to relax.
Found a nice place at Coffs Harbour, then went on to Surfers Paradise, because our planned route
via O'Reilleys or Binna Burra was cancelled because of fires and smoke. You wouldn't believe we
couldn't get sea view accommodation at Coolangatta or Tweed Heads, with all the new high rise
developments there. Found a very nice place at Tugun, with sea views and "luxury" comfort.
==============================================================================
Pelican Sands, Tugun, nice change from					Yollie admiring the sea view and wondering
tents and camp cooking.					which restaurant to eat at, that nite.
We got home the next day, a short hop to the Sunshine coast. Then began a 5 week period of HARD
work, renovating/repairing all the awnings around our house, which had suffered rot and deterioration
for many years. No professional builder would have attempted what we did, as they would have
pulled all the old sections out and replaced them all with new. Since we were both retired, with plenty
of time on our hands plus the requisite skills, we decided to renovate/repair ourselves.
Painting the timber, after all the rotten awnings					Note the safety strap for the "geriatric"
had been repaired/replaced.					rigger. Working overhead was very difficult.
There were about 31 metres of "Queensland Awnings" on each side of the house, plus two large
covered areas to fix and paint. Most of the work was "overhead" which was quite difficult for an
elderly  geriatric with an elderly assistant. Anyway, after the hard work was completed to our
satisfaction, after much cursing and sweating, we decided to give ourselves a treat at the 5 star
resort at Hayman Island. This time, we flew to Hamilton Island and got the fast cat from there to
Hayman Island, enjoying the views of the Whitsunday Islands and Airlie Beach. I had lived at Airlie
Beach for some 7 years, some time ago, and had visited Hayman previously and was impressed
by the location, facilities and service. We were not disappointed this visit, and much had been
improved. The prices I must say, were 5 star standard, Australia. (not Turkey !)
The staff were extremely polite and efficient, and in vast numbers. Even at their prices, we couldn't
see them making much profit, with the enormous expenses they must incur....transporting everything
from mainland to Hayman, by barge or ferry, the staff to guest ratio, the luxury appointments, etc.
There was much to do on the island, including :- Walks, kayaking, sailing, reef trips, scenic flights,
tennis, golf, swimming in pools or sea, just lazing around the Pool area and so on.
We chickened out at the 1st walk, when we saw the steep narrow track leading up to the lookout.
Having climbed "Pulpit Rock" in Norway a few years ago, we reckoned our climbing days were over.
We concentrated our efforts at the Pools and the Poolside bar. The meals were superb, with
breakfast included. The buffet dinners at the Azure lounge, started at $95 each, before drinks !!
==============================================================================
The fast cat, from Hamilton to Hayman Island.					Can sit inside or outside the Sun Goddess.
Takes about 50 minutes, free booze. The					Moves along, as do all the fast cats.
last "cheap" treat you get this trip.
View from captains deck, very welcome.					The rooms were well appointed with aircon,
Bit faster than the 14 footer with 50 hp Merc					flat TV, terrific views, everything you need,
that I used to travel around with here.					including a safe for valuables.
We were on the top floor, near the far end.					Had to be sun wise, beside the pool.
Best pools I've seen in any resort !					Drink waiters were very efficient.
The booze prices were slightly above airport standard. We paid about $20 for one 4X gold and one
scotch and soda or glass of wine. These were charged to your room, so you didn't need to carry
cash around. The rooms were supplied with safes, for you valuables, but from the quality of staff we
observed, theft would be unthinkable in the resort. I doubt I have ever experienced more helpful or
capable staff, anywhere. Everything was done with a smile and courtesy, very impressive.
This trip, there were very few foreigners compared to previous visits. I guessed about 50%
overseas visitors on previous trips, and maybe 10 % this trip. High Aussie Dollar ?
==============================================================================
View from our room window......not bad eh ?					Yollie feeding the cockies. (not allowed)
The scenic seaplane. The helicopters also					On the way home....great relaxing trip.
did a similar service.
We found that at our age, we no longer feel like running around like chooks with heads lopped off !
Just relaxing around a pool or pleasant bar or dining room seems quite appropriate. I guess its just as
well we both got some fast/hot mileage done, before we got burnt out !
Can thoroughly recommend Hayman Island and the Whitsundays. Its a year round resort, but you
need to be careful booking in January to end March, to avoid cyclones. It may pay to take out good
travel insurance, if you have to travel in these months.
====================================================================								END HOME