After four wonderful days in Noosa, we waved goodbye to the rich and elite of the Sunshine Coast (!), and started our journey north to the tropics of Northern Queensland.

Before we left Andy managed one final 10k run along the Noosa River and must have covered every last street and esplanade in Noosaville.

We were showered, breakfasted, packed and in the car by 9am and well on our way up the Bruce Highway to our first stop of the morning, a small town called Tiaro where we took on caffeine and a cake before going for a short walk to explore the Main Street and surroundings.

This interesting coffee shop, come retro store sold an assortment of goods from the 1960’s and 1970’s including those airline satchels with the logos on them – Qantas and British Airways being the most notable.

After a further hours drive we arrived in Hervey Bay and drove down to the main coastline where Scarness and Torquay beaches meet and lead down to Urangan Pier.

The town is renowned for whale watching as well as nearby Fraser Island (K’Gari), the largest sand island in the world. Having visited Fraser on three prior occasions, we have decided to focus instead on the other attractions in the area, notably the wonderful beaches and esplanade walk that leads down to the historic Urangan Pier.

Also located on the Esplanade is the Wetside Water Park, popular with the young and the old, with slides and interactive fountains.

Once we’d parked up we went for a stroll along the Hervey Bay Esplanade which offered picturesque views and access to the numerous cafes and restaurants.

The beaches here are famous for being so pristine and they don’t disappoint. We had a dip and can confirm the waters are getting warmer as we head north.

Our stroll went on longer than we realised and after a couple of miles we arrived at the Urangan Pier, stretching over a kilometre into the ocean. It’s ideal for leisurely walks and fishing. More of this later.

As we started our walk along the pier we came across a number of the local kids fishing off the pier, one had just hooked himself a Puffer fish that isn’t edible and is poisonous, so he left it squirming on the floor as we caught a photo before its sad demise.

Our walk out along the pier became increasingly windy the further out we got, and also hotter as the early afternoon sunshine heated up. Andy was already shirtless by then and looking for an opportunity to get in on the fishing lark.

Andy didn’t pick up the fishing rod, but was keen to be photographed with one close at hand to give the impression he’s a proper Aussie on his holidays!

When we eventually returned to Torquay beach, we were greeted by a large flock of Australian White Ibis who were just hanging on the beach fence. None moved even when we got up close, such is their confidence that food could be on offer.

With an hour or so to spare, before we checked into our latest accommodation, we went for a snooze on the beach then a further walk along the Pines Park beach up in the direction of Point Vernon.

After checking into the Talisman Holiday Park we then went for a final wander along the esplanade and found ourselves as honorary members of the local ladies walking club, who we accidentally walked with for a mile or so. Amazing ladies who outpaced us despite being in their mid-60’s and showing no sign of slowing down – good for them!

Tonight we planned our next steps up the coast which include visits to Woodgate beach tomorrow morning before driving up to Bundaberg to join a tour of the ginger beer distillery.