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Need Time Away | Al and Bec
A BIKE RACK CARRIER FOR THE CARAVAN We just love A BIKE RACK CARRIER FOR THE CARAVAN We just love tinkering with our caravan and improving the usability and functionality of all aspects of the van wherever possible. One mod we did late last year was to add a bike rack carrier to the caravan. We already had the Shingleback 2B90 bike rack (which we love!), but we wanted to be able to carry it on the caravan as well as transfer it to the Landcruiser when needed. We didn't want to mount it to the rear wall of the caravan as we had been advised by Jayco that it wouldn't support the weight of our bikes (and we wouldn't have been able to use our Shingleback rack if we did). We ummed and ahhed about whether we could fit it on the front drawbar or if it had to go on the back of the caravan. We measured, and measured, and measured again. We purchased some ball-weight scales to determine what the difference would be for each option. And we weighed up all our options carefully. After much to and fro, we decided that our best option was to mount the bike rack on the back of the caravan. This meant that we needed to add a new rear bar to the back, reinforced and extending inside the chassis so that it could carry the extra weight. Enter Shane from Kawana Machining who did a stellar job (with a small amount of assistance from yours truly). We talked about moving the spare tyre, currently mounted on the rear wall, to either sit underneath the caravan or inside under the bed. In the end, we left it where it was. Getting the clearances just right so that we were within legal limits in length as well as clearing the spare tyre was challenging, but we did it. In the end, we have a fantastic bike rack that is within the legal length limits of the caravan, and by tilting the rack down we can still access the spare tyre (and it makes it easier to load the bikes on). How do you think it came up? If you want to know more details about how we did it, let us know in the comments below.
🦇🦇Just look at all these bats! 🦇🦇⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ This is one of our regular "home" picnic lunch areas. The last time we were there there were what seemed to be millions of bats (but in likelihood was only a couple of thousand maybe??)⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ I think they are Little Red Flying-foxes?? (but please, someone correct me if I'm mistaken). ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ I was just in awe, watching so many bats roosting during the day. ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ #needtimeaway #sunshinecoast #bats #redflyingfox
Does anyone know what this guy is called?⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ These photos are both of the same insect, just different backgrounds. ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ He was making his way around our lunch table, without a care in the world 😀⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ #needtimeaway #insect #whatisthisinsect #bugslife
We have lived on the Sunshine Coast for over 20 ye We have lived on the Sunshine Coast for over 20 years. And even though we had passed through this area many times, we never realised this little gem was here. Mapleton Falls National Park is home to a 120m waterfall that plunges into the rainforest gorge below. It also provides spectacular views of the Obi Obi Valley beyond. ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ We took advantage of the early hour and packed a picnic breakfast. While the picnic tables don't have the spectacular views that the lookouts have, it was a lovely peaceful outlook and the birdlife was very evident. I have no idea what sorts of birds there were, but it is meant to be home to wompoo fruit-doves and the peregrine falcons, to name a few. We even saw the most enormous rabbit that ran around the corner of the path heading straight for us. I think he got just as much of a fright seeing us as we did seeing him (and I'm sure he wasn't supposed to be there :-)).⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ While there are a number of walks within the national park, we unfortunately couldn't do them on this visit. But we plan on returning as soon as we can to explore a bit further.⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ #mapletonfallsnationalpark #runningcreek #creek⁠ #sunshinecoasthinterland⁠⁠ ____________________⁠⁠ Our adventures inspiring yours⁠⁠ @need_time_away⁠⁠ #needtimeaway⁠⁠ ____________________⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ #camping #campfire #campcooking #campingtrip #campinggear #outdoors #travelphotography #travelblogger #exploringaustralia #offgrid #traveldiary #roadtrip #travelaustralia #thisisthelife #visitqld #thisisqueensland
We have lived on the Sunshine Coast for over 20 ye We have lived on the Sunshine Coast for over 20 years. And even though we had passed through this area many times, we never realised this little gem was here. Mapleton Falls National Park is home to a 120m waterfall that plunges into the rainforest gorge below. It also provides spectacular views of the Obi Obi Valley beyond. ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ We took advantage of the early hour and packed a picnic breakfast. While the picnic tables don't have the spectacular views that the lookouts have, it was a lovely peaceful outlook and the birdlife was very evident. I have no idea what sorts of birds there were, but it is meant to be home to wompoo fruit-doves and the peregrine falcons, to name a few. We even saw the most enormous rabbit that ran around the corner of the path heading straight for us. I think he got just as much of a fright seeing us as we did seeing him (and I'm sure he wasn't supposed to be there :-)).⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ While there are a number of walks within the national park, we unfortunately couldn't do them on this visit. But we plan on returning as soon as we can to explore a bit further.⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ #mapletonfallsnationalpark #waterfalls #scenicview⁠ #sunshinecoasthinterland⁠⁠ ____________________⁠⁠ Our adventures inspiring yours⁠⁠ @need_time_away⁠⁠ #needtimeaway⁠⁠ ____________________⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ #camping #campfire #campcooking #campingtrip #campinggear #outdoors #travelphotography #travelblogger #exploringaustralia #offgrid #traveldiary #roadtrip #travelaustralia #thisisthelife #visitqld #thisisqueensland
We have lived on the Sunshine Coast for over 20 ye We have lived on the Sunshine Coast for over 20 years. And even though we had passed through this area many times, we never realised this little gem was here. Mapleton Falls National Park is home to a 120m waterfall that plunges into the rainforest gorge below. It also provides spectacular views of the Obi Obi Valley beyond. ⁠ ⁠ We took advantage of the early hour and packed a picnic breakfast. While the picnic tables don't have the spectacular views that the lookouts have, it was a lovely peaceful outlook and the birdlife was very evident. I have no idea what sorts of birds there were, but it is meant to be home to wompoo fruit-doves and the peregrine falcons, to name a few. We even saw the most enormous rabbit that ran around the corner of the path heading straight for us. I think he got just as much of a fright seeing us as we did seeing him (and I'm sure he wasn't supposed to be there :-)).⁠ ⁠ While there are a number of walks within the national park, we unfortunately couldn't do them on this visit. But we plan on returning as soon as we can to explore a bit further.⁠ ⁠ #mapletonfallsnationalpark #waterfalls #scenicview⁠ #sunshinecoasthinterland⁠ ⁠
We have lived on the Sunshine Coast for over 20 ye We have lived on the Sunshine Coast for over 20 years. And even though we had passed through this area many times, we never realised this little gem was here. Mapleton Falls National Park is home to a 120m waterfall that plunges into the rainforest gorge below. It also provides spectacular views of the Obi Obi Valley beyond. ⁠ ⁠ We took advantage of the early hour and packed a picnic breakfast. While the picnic tables don't have the spectacular views that the lookouts have, it was a lovely peaceful outlook and the birdlife was very evident. I have no idea what sorts of birds there were, but it is meant to be home to wompoo fruit-doves and the peregrine falcons, to name a few. We even saw the most enormous rabbit that ran around the corner of the path heading straight for us. I think he got just as much of a fright seeing us as we did seeing him (and I'm sure he wasn't supposed to be there :-)).⁠ ⁠ While there are a number of walks within the national park, we unfortunately couldn't do them on this visit. But we plan on returning as soon as we can to explore a bit further.⁠ ⁠ #mapletonfallsnationalpark #picnictable #picnic⁠ ____________________⁠ Our adventures inspiring yours⁠ @need_time_away⁠ #needtimeaway⁠ ____________________⁠ ⁠ #camping #campfire #campcooking #campingtrip #campinggear #outdoors #travelphotography #travelblogger #exploringaustralia #offgrid #traveldiary #roadtrip #travelaustralia #thisisthelife #visitqld #thisisqueensland #sunshinecoasthinterland @sunshinecoasthinterland
One of our highlights when visiting Montville in t One of our highlights when visiting Montville in the Sunshine Coast hinterland is this lovely park, the Village Green. We always take a break, grab a drink or something to eat (usually from the Waeco in the back of the Landcruiser) and just soak in the vibes.⁠ ⁠ Just beautiful 😀⁠ ⁠ The history behind the fig trees is fascinating. There are six trees, planted in 1923 by children from the Montville State School as a memorial for the six local men that died during WWI. These trees are nearly 100 years old!.⁠ ⁠ Amazing.⁠ ⁠ #montville⁠ #sunshinecoasthinterland @sunshinecoasthinterland
🌳💥⛺ STANDOWN PARK ⛺💥🌳⁠ ⁠ "A Pe 🌳💥⛺ STANDOWN PARK ⛺💥🌳⁠ ⁠ "A Peaceful Place"⁠ ⁠ That is the way that Standown Park is described on their website. And I have to say, I wholeheartedly agree. ⁠ ⁠ Standown Park, located about 25 km north-east of Gympie, originally came to life as a place for Veterans and their families to get away from it all and enjoy some R&R. It became so popular that it was opened up for the general public to visit and to give everybody a chance to soak in some of the serene atmosphere. ⁠ ⁠ Located on 18 acres right next to the Toolara State Forest, Standown Park has a lovely, welcoming feel. We stayed with a small group of family and friends next to the dam. It was very relaxing to be able to just sit and watch the wildlife come down to the water. On Saturday evening, campers gathered in the camp kitchen for socialising, eating, drinking, and meeting new people. There were even board games involved 🎲😄🎲.⁠ ⁠ Perhaps one of the most beautiful parts of the park is the Memorial Walk around the dam, which really brings home the fact that this started as, and still is, a Veterans park. This homage to current and past serving members of our defence forces was extremely well presented and touched our hearts. ⁠ ⁠ Although we didn't venture further than the boundary fence on this trip, Standown Park is the perfect home base for the area. Tin Can Bay, Rainbow Beach, Hervey Bay and Fraser Island are all close by. Grab a strawberry cider from the Cooloola Berries Cafe or stay for "Paella in the Paddock" on Sunday afternoons, just 15 km away. A further 20 km away is Salmon Lookout, which gives fantastic views towards the ocean.⁠ ⁠ Special discounts are offered to Veterans young and old, current and past serving members of the ADF, and emergency personnel. A discount is also offered to CMCA members.⁠ ⁠ While we could only stay two nights, we certainly would have spent longer given the opportunity. We will definitely be back.⁠ ⁠ ✅ Optus and Mobile reception⁠ ✅ Pet friendly⁠ ✅ Powered and unpowered sites⁠ ✅ Toilets, showers⁠ ✅ Camp kitchen⁠ ✅ Laundry⁠ ✅ Dump point⁠ ⁠ 📍 91 Radtke Road, Kia Ora QLD 4570⁠ ⁠ #standownpark #needtimeaway @standownpark #camping #caravanning
How cool is this!⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ This car was sittin How cool is this!⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ This car was sitting in the office at @goodyearautocarewarana. Made from bits and bobs, it really caught our eye. After talking to Aaron from Goodyear, he told us that it was made by one of the guys at @uhaul_australia. Very creative. Very awesome. Wish I had talent like this.⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ We just love coming across little engineering gems like this.⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ A big thank you to Aaron and the team for keeping our Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure’s (which we love) in tip-top shape.⁠⁠ ____________________⁠⁠ Our adventures inspiring yours⁠⁠ @need_time_away⁠⁠ #needtimeaway⁠⁠ ____________________⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ #camping #campfire #campcooking #campingtrip #campinggear #outdoors #travelphotography #travelblogger #exploringaustralia #offgrid #traveldiary #roadtrip #travelaustralia #thisisthelife #105series #105landcruiser #landcruiser #toyota #4x4 #4x4travel #goodyear #goodyearautocarewarana #wrangler #tyre
FLASHBACK!⁠⁠ This morning we took the Landcrui FLASHBACK!⁠⁠ This morning we took the Landcruiser and caravan over to @goodyearautocarewarana as we wanted to make sure that everything was a-okay before being parked up for the duration of Al's surgery and rehabilitation. ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ While we were waiting, we got breaky from our old local, The Cool Spot Takeaway, and took it down to La Balsa Park.⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ Lo-and-behold, what comes steaming up from the rock walls, but our old boat! Al had the "Predator II" built by Alison in 1995, and we had it until it was sold a few years ago. It was a real treat, albeit a bit nostalgic, to see it again. Still looked exactly as we remembered!! Glad to see it being used and hope the new owners are getting as much pleasure out of it as we did.⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ And gee, hasn't the Landcruiser changed :-)⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ #needtimeaway #boating #boat #fishing #nostalgia #missmyboat #AlisonFisherman175⁠⁠ ⁠⁠
You may have noticed that we always use our Solars You may have noticed that we always use our Solarscreen covers on our windows, especially during summer. ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ Summers in Queensland get HOT, and these do such a fantastic job at reducing the internal temperature of the car. ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ We started with the Touring set which includes all the covers behind the front windows. But we noticed a considerable difference immediately, so purchased the Cab set for the front windows and windscreen. When we are parked up we put all the covers on and the temperature inside the car instantly cools.⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ A very big plus when you have a 95-litre Waeco living in the Landcruiser as well. ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ This has saved us on battery power with the Waeco not needing to work quite as hard in our hot summers 🥵☀️⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ @solarscreenaustralia ____________________⁠⁠ Our adventures inspiring yours⁠⁠ @need_time_away⁠⁠ #needtimeaway⁠⁠ ____________________⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ #camping #campfire #campcooking #campingtrip #campinggear #outdoors #travelphotography #travelblogger #exploringaustralia #offgrid #traveldiary #roadtrip #travelaustralia #thisisthelife #105series #105landcruiser #landcruiser #toyota #4x4 #4x4travel #outback #outbackadventure #outbackaustralia #solarscreen
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