Our unit overlooks the water and it’s sparkling this morning. The early birds, Kath and Pam were up with the sun and captured a beautiful sunrise as they walked the headland making me a little jealous.

They also had a swim in the lagoon just around the headland near us. They thought it was a little cold but when they spoke to an 85 year old lady who swam there everyday of the year they didn’t complain!

Within any travel group there are a variety of ‘paces’. Some are up early walking and finding the best coffee places using an app called Bean! Others meandering later after a short walk and then there’s the injured who don’t get up and sieze the early start. Steve and I fall into this category at the moment. With my new knee I’m not walking too far , Steve has an ankle injury, so we both get up and do our exercises!

Tomorrow I’m swimming!

After breakfast on the verandah we all met at the best coffee place. The Journey. These places are always down lanes – not the big corner spot with chairs and views.

They are run by friendly but somewhat trendy young tattooed people who sometimes curl their lips disapprovingly if you ask for coffee extra hot! Something about burning the beans.

Fortunately these young people didn’t curl lips except to smile.

Great coffee.

Following coffee our group of 14 split. Some to Mon Repos turtle centre, some to wander the main streets of Bundaberg and most of the men went to explore the Hinkler Museum.

I went to the turtle centre with Jill. It’s housed in a beautiful timber building behind the beach at Mon Repos. It’s well set up and has a good selection of interactive activities to discover things about turtles.

Great for children. There is a theatre for the short film and then a ranger gives more information about turtles, their nesting & hatching and answers questions.

You can walk out onto the beach, where during the nesting and hatching seasons you can visit at night to watch closely in the dark as these ancient looking animals start laying eggs.

Only thing missing was being able to see turtles! I realise they don’t keep them in captivity but it made the experience a bit underwhelming.

Next stop was the Patchwork House. No, I haven’t taken up quilting but several of the girls are very keen. It was a big house with so many beautiful fabrics. It was was almost enough to make me take up this craft. But I resisted!

After so many patchwork decisions it was time to eat lunch. ‘Indulge’, a little cafe / restaurant in Bundaberg had come recommended, so the girls headed there and got tables under the trees in the middle section of the road. It was cool and due to covid seating restrictions not crowded.

The lunch was delicious and served by the most gorgeous Belgium girl who came to Australia on a working holiday and married the owner of the restaurant.

Next stop, with lots of excitement was the Bundaberg Rum Distillery. What a slick operation it is. We’ll set out with an informative museum , film and tour of the distillery.

About 50% of rum drunk in Australia is consumed in Qld. We love our dark & stormy ( rum with ginger beer )

Our tour with Adam included two tastings. They loosened us up. And prepared us for the next stop.

The KALKI Moon Gin Distillery where it turns out the owner of the distillery worked at the rum distillery for many years – so as well as making gin he makes rum – but it takes much longer so meanwhile the gin business is growing.

◦ We learned the secrets of gin making and then got into tastings. Very delicious gins. I like mine with soda and lime. I bought Steve their signature Old Navy Gin at 57% alcohol. That will knock his Fathers Day socks off!

The couple who run the gin distillery were so helpful. They had been closed for tours due to covid but were able accomodate our group of 14 after hours.

We were nicely warmed up for dinner at Kelly’s restaurant back in Bargara. A lovely meal, a glass of wine & great company finished off a fun day on tour.