Today we decided to be part of the local community and went to the annual world coeeee competition and school fair held in Tarangaba a small region of Yeppoon.
It was similar to our school fetes we have but there were several competitions to get involved in.We had a go at the thong throwing(flip flops)to you and me,you dont realise how hard this can be.Then there was the billy boiling,followed by the damper making(bread)and the world famous coeee competition.Coeee is an old aboriginal word that was used to call to each other in the bush and the idea was to shout as loud as you could and it was measured in decibels.
My husband actually won and is now the international Coeee Champion for 2006.We are bringing home a trophy.He just missed out on the Kookaburra calling!!!
It was a lovely day and we all enjoyed it.The weather was very hot today.Tomorrow we are heading East to Emerald for a few days to go Fossicking.This is digging in the open fields for gemstones.We shall stay overnight and explore the Capricorn Central Lands as they are called.

We have just returned from Emerald where we have spent the past few days Fossicking. This is the art of digging in the saphire fields then sieving and washing the stones to find gemstones.The whole area of Saphire and Ruby is rich in precious stones.As a tourist we visited the Blue Hollow Mine in Saphire to learn about the stones and what to look for.We were then allowed to go off on a 100 acre site and dig for the gems.You are allowed to use hand tools which you can hire.A brilliant day for the children aswell as us.We then purchased some bags of dirt from the mine and cleaned these.We found about 12 small saphires,Very small and two large enough to have a pair of earings made for me.
We didt make our fortune but throughly enjoyed the experience.Well worth the drive to get there.
www.bluehallowmine.com.au

Sorry www.bluehollowmine.com
And if you are ever in Blackwater which is a small mining town you must stop at the Japenese Gardens Cafe for breakfast.Excellent.
If you continue further on from Emerald you come to Longreach which has the Outback museum and the Qantas jet that was flown in by John Travolta.
The distances are big and there is nothing inbetween these towns so make sure you are prepared with supplies and fuel.

We have just returned from a 8 day trip driving up the East Coast from Yeppoon To Cairns a total of 3000kms.We have spent every day exploring the East Coast and i would recommend to anyone to drive the coast as there is so much to see and do.We also visited the Barrier Reef,Karunda Skyrail,Cairns,Port Douglas and the Daintree and Cape Tribulation areas.Absolutely stunning and Breathtaking scenery.

We are flying home to the UK on Wednesday so once i hvae more time i will go into more detail of the trips and sights to be seen on the East Coast.

Well the trip is over and its onward for plans for next year. Now we are home and have time to reflect on the trip i would recommend the following things.
I would definately drive between Brisbane and Cairns again.Avery long way but worth it to see the amazing countryside and fabulous beaches on route. I would stay at Airlie Beach not Bowen next time.That is about half way up.
A visit to the Daintree and Cape Tribulation areas is a must and crocodile watching on the Daintree river.
The barrier reef trip was very memorable and one of the highlights of the holiday.Quicksilver were very organised and catered well for all the family. I would suggest you book beforehand and take note of the weather and wind speeds.It can get quite choppy!!!
The Karunda Sky Rail is also a good trip there is plenty to see and do. My children enjoyed the poisonous zoo which had all the spiders and snakes they wanted to see.
We will be returning in the future as Australia offers so much.If you can put up with the flight it is well worth it.

Adrienne can you let me know how you organised house swap. Really interested. Love Australia. Been once and would love to return .... this way sounds good with the kids.