We are travelling north following the warmer weather and catching up with family and friends. First stop is Gympie, there are some great places and parks to visit so allow plenty of time for exploring. The Woodworks Museum is a must visit venue but a ride on the Rattler (steam train) is another.

We continue North and stay with family at Calliope, about 25 minutes west of Gladstone. Gladstone is an industrial centre but regardless there is a lot to explore. The port operational activities and effort is visible for all to see and its on a grand scale. The parklands provided by the Gladstone Port Corporation (chief contributor) and Council are amazing, family friendly, some supporting remnant native vegetation others are landscaped recreational parks, there are places to eat and relax at, a great place for children. Tannum Sands and the various lookouts along the coast, Calliope and Boyne River all provide good spots to stop and enjoy the coastal scenery, beaches, forests and islands also plenty of places to enjoy the native wildlife.

A very special place is the Tondoon Botanical Garden, hosting many native species and many are labelled (a great place to hone your plant identification skills). The rainforest sections are very good, representative rainforests from the local regions and greater Queensland. Likewise the Calliope Historical Village was worth the visit, and probably another two more visits required to soak up all the displays and information. The volunteers there are undertaking many restoration projects, its pretty impressive and deserves public support. They also make great scones.