Week 1: Tour de Oz (NSW – QLD)

With the first week of travelling and over 2700 km behind me, I must say: the time has passed so quickly! And the bike is so comfortable that it didn’t even feel like I’ve done so many k’s.

So, let’s start from the beginning…

Goodbye NSW

I started my journey on 28th March, choose the in-land twisty roads from Sydney – ’cause soon I won’t have a choice and will have to stick to the highways.

I spent the first night in Uralla at a free camping spot in the bush, then off to Nimbin – a very relaxed and laid back hippy town. I got a few rocks in my tyres, but managed to avoid getting stoned!

I spent my last day in NSW in Byron Bay at the famous Blues & Roots Festival – and yes, I did plan my trip around it, and yes – I was super excited for weeks that I finally got to see my beloved: Robert Plant, Robert Cray and Taj Mahal! Brilliant event, great day, love the blues!

Hello Sunshine State!

After the festival I didn’t have to ride far to the Gold Coast (only 90km) where I got to hang out with my mate Dave who’s an adventure rider as well. It was a great catch up with lots of bikes talk – thank you Dave for the hospitality!

Heading further North I managed to find another free spot close to the Sunshine Cost; nothing fancy, just a rest area next to the main road. I saw one caravan already parked for the night and thought “that should be a safe spot” and that’s how I met some fantastic people (shout out to Heather & Kevin from Kununurra!). Later on the others started showing up for the night with their tents and vans: it’s amazing how all these people know where to just pull over for the night!

Vrooooom!

So, here’s a lesson I learnt from a night in Marlborough Van Park: DO NOT set up your tent next to the highway cause these bushes and wire fence feel ‘safe’ but they WILL NOT stop the noise! It felt like trucks were running over my head all night – so thank goodness for silicon ear plugs!

Townsville and beyond…

Heading further north still … and welcome to Townsville! After 650km of riding I finally got to Townsville!  I really like this town and went ahead spoiled myself with a stayed over at Adventures Backpackers where I slept in a single room for $45 – pretty good deal!

The next morning I caught the ferry from Townsville to Magnetic Island (which marks the start of the Great Barrier Reef) – but I’ve got to run now so I’ll tell you all about it in my next post!

Supporting the Shepherd Centre

Please sponsor my ride: http://everydayhero.com.au/onherbike