16th October to 30th October 2012

 

We spent two weeks in Bundaberg. Arrived at Bundaberg at about 1000 and were directed straight to quarantine berth.  It took about 2hrs to clear in.  Quarantine went around with small torch and went through just about cupboard on board, looking for fresh food and wood boring insects.  We have been registered as a high risk vessel, because we have so much wood on board, and we have stayed at a lot of islands in the Caribbean, Panama and Pacific that have wood boring insects that the Australians do not want imported.  If we stay in Australia longer than twelve months we will have to have another inspection.  They took pictures of the inside of the boat and the outside, if we want to dispose of any of our wood we have to do it via them.  Everybody was very pleasant though and we eventually tied up to a berth at about midday.  Karacool just across the pontoon from us.

 

The marina sits near the mouth of the river Burnet and is about a mile from small town called Burnet Heads.  You can walk to supermarket, buy your goods and they operate a minibus which will bring you and your foods back.  We experienced our first drive in bottle shop in Burnet Heads.  Most supermarkets do not sell alcohol so you have  go to a shop to get it (obviously). Usually shop is next door to supermarket – don’t get the logic myself but hey.  Some bottle shops are drive thru’s like that in Burnet heads.  The supermarket minibus driver kindly took us  through to collect our wine.  We had had some of ours confiscated by customs since we were over the limit.

 

Our first site of land after crossing from New Caledonia.

 

 

One of the many leading marks into Bundaberg.

 

Lighthouse at Burnet Heads.

 

Mont Repose beach which is a turtle laying beach.  Season starts 19th November, at which point beach is closed but you can book a night trip to watch the turtles laying their eggs..

 

The whole area is totally flat apart from this small hill – about 92m high.  This is rich farmland, as you can see from the picture.  Crops include sugar cane, strawberries, potatoes, ginger.  We visited Bundaberg ginger beer brewery.  All non alcoholic and we have become totally hooked on it.

 

We experienced a local fete Burnet Heads. Exactly the same old stuff as the UK.  Crystals, cloths, candles, food etc.  Although you don’t get the diggery do layer at home.  Paul bought a CD, very repetitive,I’ve hidden it.

 

The Australian donkey – me or the camel I hear you ask.

 

Paul caught this diving bird (gonna have to buy a bird book) off the end of the pontoon.  Birds here not afraid at all.

 

 

Bundaberg Marina lawn. The marina is miles away from the town of Bundaberg but you can book a seat in a free minibus which will take you to the own.  It doesn’t bring you back again though.  last bus on schooldays is 1510, otherwise its 1415.   

 

 

This is the Australian magpie.  These guys are everywhere and really cheeky.  They also dive bomb cyclists and you often see people with cable ties attached to their cycle helmets –compulsory in Australia – the helmets.

 

Bundaberg marina: