It was time to move on, after spending six months in Atherton (doing farm work) we deciding to move on down to Surfers Paradise. We took two camper vans with four people in each and gave ourselves 12 days to do the trip. We were lucky with the weather too and only had maybe two rainy days. We hardly had a plan, except some of the popular stops along the East Coast but it worked out great. I loved van life just like I knew I would!
The google map I created with highlights of things to see here
For the first night we decided to head to Port Douglas with some other friends from our working hostel as an extra farewell. We stayed at Dougies and went to the beach for the night, the moon was so big and bright. We sat / danced under the stars for hours. The next day we went to Four Mile Beach with everyone and ended up having an afternoon barbecue which lead to sunset watching which then lead to us staying an extra night at Dougies and making a plan to go to Cape Tribulation the following day.
Cape Tribulation - Mount Alexandra Lookout
This was the first stop in Cape Trib and what a beautiful stop, we admired the view for awhile then hopped back in the cars to the next stop (we only had one day here so had to squeeze everything in)
Everyone was up for a dive in Coopers Creek! Natural clear blue waters.
A brisk walk on Thornton Beach, halfway between Cape Tribulation and The Daintree Rainforest.
Beautiful Cape Tribulation beach
One more search for crocs before heading on the ferry and making tracks towards Townsville. We actually stopped at a free campsite for the night as we left a lot later than planned. The next morning we will set off for Townsville to get a ferry to Magnetic Island.
Our first point of call on ‘maggie island’ was the bottle shop then sunset viewing. Afterwards we headed to camp and I made the campers a curry and we enjoyed a few beers under the stars.
Waking up at 6am to catch sunrise was a highlight, we were recommended this spot on a cul-de-sac next to some houses.
We walked around the forts walk and finally saw some very cute koalas.
Then we had lunch at Horseshoe bay beach and then drove to Rocky Bay (I didn’t climb down to the beach though)
Agnes Waters and town of 1770! Finally, we heard some amazing things prior to coming here and I totally get it now. What a great chilled out place!
Star gazing at the camp
Paperbark Forest Boardwalk, a short 10 minute loop so we went round twice!
Coastal walk around 1770
We then headed towards Noosa Heads but decided it was best to go back and spend the night in Rainbow Bay, because we had to get up really early to feed dolphins in Tin Can Bay.
Brekkie at Little Parliament in Rainbow Bay, we actually had brunch next to the Hemsworth brothers.
We fan girled hard, and couldn’t believe it (still doesn’t feel real).
Rainbow bay
From our lovely campsite in Noosa Heads near the lake, the best campsite saved for the last night. We sat and watched this amazing sky-set and the birds and the boats go by.
Noosa National Park walk, our last stop on the journey to Surfers Paradise.
The best trip ever, with some great friends. Missing van life badly right now, take us back!
Travelled to Surfers Paradise from Atherton Tablelands in a campervan
