The rain was down to an occasional spit this morning so I finally had the chance to do the tourist thing. I drove down to the foreshore, a whole 300 meters from where I had spent the night. There were surfers getting into their gear and some already in the water.

I decided to take a stroll along the breakwater. At the end of the breakwater there was a walk linking Mutton Bird island to the mainland. I had an overwhelming urge to put my feet onto the island. The spits of rain were becoming more frequent and I had no rain gear with me. I took the gamble. I’ll just put my feet on the island and then turn back. But the Forrest Gump in me just kept walking. I followed the path to the lookout on the island’s summit. The spotty rain was replaced with a brisk wind that blew and swirled around me. And the view, it was well worth the walk. On my way back I noticed the many Shearwater bird burrows. I had read about them on the boards at the entrance to the island but didn’t expect to see one. There must have been hundreds. Amazing.

A view from Mutton Bird Island.

Some Shearwater (Mutton Bird) burrows.

Coffs Harbour jetty

A sheltered beach

Leaving Coffs Harbour I couldn’t resist the temptation to stop and take a photo of the iconic big banana. Opened in 1964 it was one of the first big things (the banana) in Australia. The owner originally wanted something that could get people on the Pacific Highway to stop at his banana stall. I was amazed at how it has grown since then and what was now available. Apart from huge water slides, an ice rink, laser tag there is also cheese making workshops and candy making. I’m adding it to my list of things to do next time.

Many years ago a family I knew moved to Yamba so that was my next stop. It looked to me very much a fishing town, both professional and hobbiest. I liked the town. It had quite the country feel but also had a huge waterfront caravan park full of holiday makers.

It had its dramatic coastlines and serene beaches.

After the GPS took me to a closed road and a ferry that was no longer operating I abandoned my quest to see Ballina. But on the way back I found the smallest, cutest post office with equally small and cute outhouse opposite the Empire Vale Public school.

Byron Bay. Totally not what I expected. It was chaotic. The traffic,the people, the non existent parking. After driving around I felt like I was in the middle of a huge herd. Not game to stop moving and not knowing how to get out. I eventually made my way to the lighthouse thinking I could relax there for a few minutes but it was just as bad. No stopping, hooray, one park available. A quick look around a few quick photos and I headed back down into the herd again.

After finding my way back to the Pacific Hwy I put Hervey Bay into the GPS. Then the nearly non stop rain began, torrential at times. With the view through the windscreen one of white water and outlines of white I couldn’t find a place to stop and wait it out. I was tempted to take a road to somewhere, anywhere just to be able to get off the Highway. Finally a Pit Stop with a Maccas. Now I was able to do a bit of research and find what was nearby. I found that I was only five minutes from Pimpama. I escaped to its safety. After buying dinner I asked a young girl in the tavern if she knew of any local accommodation. She was precious. She didn’t but she looked them up for me, made a phone call and gave me the address of the motor inn in Coomera.