Bowen, Northern Queensland.  Paradise.  This where they filmed the "Darwin" scenes in "Australia", the movie.  Didn't see Hugh Jackman, unfortunately ;)  Sections of the Great Barrier Reef are accessible by just snorkelling off the beach.  We were here at the end of July, so no nasty stingers.  It was just divine. Sigh.

The journey takes the Sea Soul Studio Caravan to central Q'Land and we discover "Nob Creek Pottery" (www.cqnet.com.au/nobcreekpottery) just north of Yeppoon, tucked away in the rainforest.  They make a staggering array of pottery and it is all fired on site in this HUGE woodfired kiln which takes 4 days to fire, then a week to cool down!!

They have three galleries spread amongst their stunning gardens, encouraging you to stroll, take your time and enjoy.

I really loved these bathroom basins (there were matching splashbacks for some of them).

A truly inspiring spot!

I have studio envy: this is my Aunty Kaye's studio in her backyard in Hervey Bay.  It's bigger than my house!  Complete with chillout zone (Buddha sculpture, chaise lounges, inspiring books and music), ensuite and kitchenette.  Think I might move in.

Sea Soul Studio

Rebecca Roth

On Hastings Street in Noosa is a fabulous little shop: "Lamington", selling Australian wares, new and vintage. Check them out at www.lamington.net.au

We bought this tea towel to mount on a canvas and hang at home, also these gorgeous flying ducks, how cool are they?!

Opening night of Rebecca Roth's "A Winter's Brooch" exhibition.  My pieces are in the very right hand side of the window, on the perspex block is "My Little Petal" and below it is "Crystallized Coral".  How exciting!!

When in Bellingen, if you stop nowhere else, stop HERE: "The Vintage Nest". For fabulous coffee and treats and delightful vintage wares displayed with flair.  Check out Sea Soul Studio (on facebook) holiday album for more photos. Loved it!

So we stopped for a loo-break in Macksville, I wandered up the street with a sugar craving and came across this fantastic antique/vintage store, sugar craving forgotten I decided on these cute love-heart doilies, an excellent vintage rolling pin with RED handles (love!) and a beautiful japanese peacock vase. Now to pack them safely to survive the next 10 weeks in the bus.

Vintage vignette; Macksville, NSW

Wicked bickie tin

Retro kitchen bits

You never know what you're gonna find out on the road!!

We had the most perfect day in Port Stephens.  Here I am getting my glow on in the afternoon light (or is that after 2 glasses of sav blanc?) modelling one of my favourite brooches.

Got the paddle boards down off the bus for the first time on this trip and my Tassie legs got a little sun!

Just missed the pelicans flying past in this shot!  Maverick's on the waterfront, what a spot.

So we survived Sydney, bus and relationship intact; nerves slightly frayed.

We were rewarded with the most beautiful campsite at Wiseman's Ferry on the Hawkesberry River

We happened across the Mangrove Mountain monthly Market so we pulled in and set up our little table. Had a lovely day in the sunshine mingling with the locals.

South Coast NSW, oh how I love you...

Coffee at the Waterfront Cafe, Merimbula.

Cute fishing boats at Bermagui; can you see the pirate flag in the window?  I feel some nautical/pirate inspiration coming on.

Fantastic seafood.  3-Fish Cafe at Bateman's Bay does the best grilled seafood platter; chilli-coriander prawns and squid, lightly herbed crumbed fish, octopus, generous chips and salad.

Catching up with friends: this is Buster the border collie who sings when his master plays harmonica; he's getting to know Phil and our dog Gemma who eats anything and apparently can sleep anywhere.

Uncle Johnno (living Oz rock history!) and new pup "Horse", a great dane mastiff cross who is fast growing into his feet and his name.

Divine Turkish ceramics and lamps in "Turkish Magic", an amazing shop in the one-horse town of Stratford.  So many beautiful things, so little room in the bus.