Day 80: Rockhampton - Bundaberg

From Rockie to Bundie along the Capricorn Coast.

We couldn't stay in Bundaberg without visiting the Bundaberg Rum distillery. As soon as we arrived we parked up Henry and cycled over for the 3PM tour.

The guides took us through the necessary "How the rum is made" tour, finally leading us to the "How the stuff is drunk" finale. This we enjoyed very much. We started off with a Pink Polar Bear (rum liquor, cream, lemonade and grenadine, quickly followed by a rum liquor with cream, by the time we finished that one we had forgotten what it was called.

Only then did I agree (actually I suggested) to have my picture taken with an animal. No cute, cuddly koala bears for me... polar bears all the way.

The story goes, the bundie rum folks were looking for a new mascot for the brand and wanted an animal that lived in a cold environment to imply that the drink would ward off even the coldest chill. Unfortunately the Australian "Fairy Penguin" did not give off the right image so they settled on a big brave polar bear.

Emelie

Movie: Rockhampton - Bundaberg

Day 79: Rockhampton

Rockhampton is the beef capital of Australia as well as being smack bang in the middle of the Tropic of Capricorn.

With over 3 million cattle in the region, you would think you would be able to get a decent steak at 4PM in the afternoon, especially as bulls are everywhere you look, welcoming you into the town, offering valu-bull re-moo-ver-bulls and unbelieva-bull deals on your exporta-bulls. As it was, only one restaurant was open and a fillet mignon was not on the menu. We opted for the enchiladas, they were rather tasty.

We have done a fair bit of cycling today and the caravan park we are in is very nice which makes all the difference to our stay.

The sun is shining and all is well...

Emelie

Day 78: Mackay - Rockhampton

We got out of the awful camp site alive and had a really boring drive down to Rockie (as it's known to the locals).

Half way down, during a quick cup of coffee and toilet break we decided to try making a movie of the drive. (I have asked Oly to go into more detail in a separate post) We think it worked rather well and have great "plans" for future ones.

We picked up our Black Wolf Turbo Lite tent from BCF in Rockhampton and "oh my god" it is the best tent ever... it takes SECONDS to put up... SECONDS! It is all attached as one piece. You lock the four steel struts on the sides, then go inside the tent and push up the roof, it locks into place, and that is it. You can put on the outside cover with the awning, which we did, and that only takes seconds as well. This is tent is amazing.

Emelie

Movie: Mackay - Rockhampton