Opposite Lock - Epping

FROM K’GARI FRASER ISLAND - DAY 17 - 10 July 2026

We left Bryon Bay after watching another morning sunrise heading for Port Macquarie.

And what’s a trip through Coffs Harbour without a stop at the Big Banana. And it has had some major development, now the Big Banana Fun Park. But what a nightmare of an intersection to get in and out of.

Port macquarie has seen lots of rain in the recent weeks and no opportunity to dry out. We stayed at Breakwall and there always something new to see at the painted rocks.

The LC76 and Caravan have been performing well. The Tough Dog Suspension Shock Absorbers have been adjusted but to 8, Airbag Man Air Bags are sitting 23psi, Clearview Accessories mirrors are fully extended. The top mirror is adjusted to see down the side of the caravan and the bottom mirror pointing to the caravan tyres for better width gauge.

FROM K’GARI FRASER ISLAND - DAY 16 - 9 July 2026

It was a rainy day in Byron Bay today so we decided to hit the shops and restaurants. A morning stroll through the town left us with the message from Twisted Sista cafe. Which we abided by:

“Cherish yesterday, dream tomorrow and eat like crazy today”.

From local cafes for coffees , Mexican and bakeries for lunch, pub for refreshments and surf stores, we supported the local community.

Straight after lunch we headed to Arts and Industrial precinct. Where those who were all shopped out, were looked after by the team at stoneandwoodbrewery for hours. While others spent time at vintage shops and locally products drinks. The standout was locally produced spirits by Luca (who opened the store after closing) for us to sample his liqueurs and Nitrogen Infused cocktails at byronbayspiritscocktails. All natural ingredients and everything, except the tequila produced on site. If anyone is interested in being a stockist, visit Luca when he is next in melbourne at the Fine Food Australia 2026.

The group at Stone and Wood were in the middle of their second sampler paddle when we rejoined. Unanimous favourite of the day was: Hinterland Hazy Pale Ale

Dinner was booked at Trattoria Basiloco Italaian restaurant. On the edge of the town centre, the waitress was new and was trying her best, from the list of 10 beers, only 2 were available, our martinis orders were incorrect, a glass of wine like someone had already skulled most of it, we were told there was no bourbon when there were bottles behind the bar, seaford dish not available, they ran out of Tiramisu but ……. It was the BEST homemade pasta we had ever tasted.

Dessert at the bluecowgelato and our contribute to the local community was complete.