Middle-aged flash packers

We have arrived in Australia on the weekend before Australia Day, also the last hurrah of the kid’s summer holidays. It’s going to be busy.

On our last visit to Oz in 2016, Ian and Kylie lived in Noosa. The house they rented got sold for redevelopment and  a care home for the elderly has been built on the land. In a lovely twist of fate, Ian now works there. He took us for a drive down memory lane which included a gander at the home and if I ever end up in an old folks’ home, I want it to be like this one. In fact I want it to be that one.

I and K are now settled in a leafy suburb  10 minutes drive away. The house has Kylie’s stamp all over it but my favourite area is the garden – it’s full of little zones and decks, nooks and crannies, cute mosaics and comfy sitting areas. Ian has worked hard on the practicalities of bringing the house to life and between them they  have created another lovely home.

Sadly Myar the dog and cats Poo and Ginger have passed away but now we have Ruby the dog and Marcy the cat , both of whom have graciously allowed us into their home. Ruby has also let me share the back seat of the car with her but I do have to say she does take up more than her fair share of room. 

We have already had cocktails made for us, devoured huge barbecued steaks, walked up a mountain, paid a visit to Kylie’s mum, had a tour round the local area and beers at the marina. Today it was time to hike around the Noosa National park. The coastal route takes you past some stunning scenery with opportunities for a swim at various beaches. These beaches tend to be a bit quieter than the main Noosa one because there are no facilities or lifeguards. You do need to be careful re riptides and unpleasant things in the sea so we were glad to have Kylie with us to advise us.

We were sweaty and peckish by the time we got to Hastings Street, the shopping  strip behind Main Beach. We all had an açai based  “bowl” which actually came in a plastic cup. It was delicious and if ever an Oakley açai unit opens in the UK, I’ll be there.

We decided to walk to the marina nearest Tewantin where we could have a drink and Ian could pick us up. 

It was very hot and the walk felt long but it was good to see multigenerational gatherings along the river front celebrating Australia Day a little early and generally having a good time. 

We made it to the marina, all of us baking. Cold beer and cider never tasted so good. 

Ian very kindly picked us up and once home we  had a dip in the pool and a good laze in the garden. 

I’m hoping for something delicious for dinner and a cocktail or two might go down well. 

Very much enjoying staying at the Ozling luxury boutique hotel and no I’m not giving any of you their address.