Day 64. Parry's Beach

Valley of the Giants.

Triceratops (and Scarlett)

Ouch! I woke up with a 'slight' headache this morning. I'm sure it had nothing to do with me mixing my beers with the large glass of Jamison's Scotch that I was given by our new fireside friends last night. Oh well, I guess I need to suck it up!

After a slightly late start due to pass-a-bys dropping in for a chat about our travels; including questions about our Jayco Expanda, we were off heading towards Walpole to do some serious exploring!

First stop was the Denmark Dinosaur World, Parrot Jungle Bird and Reptile Park. This place is a family run business from home and is a great little stop off. Scarlett was amazed by the Dinosaur fossils and statues, however she was disappointed that there were no animatronics making the dinosaurs move and roar! It must be hard being a kid and having all these expectations! Most of this collection has been collected from China, but that didn't worry Scarlett, as her favourites were here: T-Rex, Velociraptor, and Triceratops.



T-rex, Bec and Scarlett! (all very scary)

 Next we met the local reptiles and spoke with the owner about his personal collection of snakes and lizards. I think after meeting a Simpson's Python up close and personal, both Bec and Scarlett have decided that this is the next snake for our collection. 

Rebecca and male Eclectus parrot







The bird collection was amazing, and Bec and I fell in love with the Eclectus Parrot. I think Bec is starting to come around and enjoy birds in general, as she made the comment that she now wants to own a male Eclectus Parrot!

Scarlett and Sun-Conures

 Next we visited the Valley of the Giants, where we explored the 'Tingle' forest floor while doing the Ancient Empire Walk, and then we ventured into the tree tops after lunch when we did the Tree Top Walk. We even checked out the Wilderness Discovery Centre where we saw models of large insects of the forest.



Ancient Empire Walk



We ended our day exploring by going to a lookout on the side of a mountain, visiting the 'Giant Tingle Tree' and then the 'Circular Pool'. Everyone was getting tired by this time so we started to head home as Scarlett was hosting a movie night and we needed to get back and start preparing for her night of fun and friends!

'Meeting' some extra large Bull Ants

When we returned to the van, Scarlett helped me buy a wheel barrow full of hard wood for $5. I started a small camp fire so the adults could sit around a enjoy a few drinks while the kids (all 6 x of them) could watch a DVD on the TV (as I had it set up outside the van). Bec prepared heaps of popcorn for the night, Scarlett brought out her glow sticks and bracelets for all the kids.


Tree Top Walk - Walpole



Giant Tingle Tree

Needless to say the night was a great success! The kids started by cooking marshmallows over the fire (yummy), then sat down a watched 'Home Alone 2' while digging into heaps of freshly popped popcorn (even more yummy). The kids laughed all the way through the movie, and when it was finished, they all played with Sparklers that Bec dug out of some hidden recess in the caravan.

The parents enjoyed having some time off; not having to worry about their kids, and Scarlett and kids all had a great time. They even asked if they could come back tomorrow!

It was a big day, but we all survived and as Scarlett commenteed "We all stink from the smoke!" Bring on tomorrow! Posted by Shane. (I don't know why it says Bec - I thought I logged on as me!)

Our camp at Parry's Beach