Surfers paradise was great. I went to Movie World and Dream World where they film Big Brother. Had my photo taken on the Big Brother stage. Found the TT bike races in the arcade and was happy to find I can still win.

Got a bit lost in Brisbane. I went over a bridge and then went over it again going the same way as before, but I was sure I hadn’t crossed back over the river anywhere else. Saw an advert for some extra money:
“Research subjects wanted for sunscreen testing”
Didn't bother.

I went to stay with a friend in Maroochydore and dropped the bike again right outside her house. This time I was trying to park on a hill and I ended up under the bike – great! Before I could think about crawling out all embarrassed and shameful, a man was picking the bike up for me and a woman was picking me up and offering me a cup of tea – excellent! (Thank you both)
Went to see The Big Pineapple – got my photo and left.

The big pineapple.

It was getting a bit ridiculous each time I loaded up the bike. Lots of things that didn’t have a place in my luggage were getting wedged under any available bungee strap. It looked like something out of Steptoe and Son. So I bought a tank bag and it’s so good I shall be sending it home at the end of my trip.

At Tin Can bay I asked at the petrol station if there was anywhere I could camp for free. I was given directions and got on my way. Around the corner, left and left again and then the road ran out. I hate riding on rocks and dirt – I’m useless, but I gave it a go anyway. I was doing OK until I hit a bank of sand, wobbled a bit, then a lot, and then dropped the bike again. Good job I hadn’t replaced my clutch lever or else I would have had another knobble in my collection. My nice new tank bag now matched the rest of my things – old, used and dirty!

I took a road that runs from near Tin can Bay to Maryborough where it re-joins the highway. On the map it is a tiny minor road but it is as well maintained as parts of highway one – first note of map being inaccurate.