Australia Day Weekend Adventure at Hanger O

 Australia Day Weekend Adventure at Hanger O

Australia Day long weekends are made for adventures, and this year, we packed up the caravan and headed to Hanger O, a hidden gem just outside of Gympie. With the caravan prepacked, we hit the road early Thursday morning, excited for a weekend of exploration, relaxation, and a little history.

 

Hanger O: A Piece of Aviation History

 

Hanger O is no ordinary campsite—it’s steeped in history. Originally an aircraft hangar, it’s been transformed into a unique camping destination. The site boasts a mix of open spaces, shady spots, a large swimming pool, and even a pond for kayaking. The hangar itself serves as a communal space, perfect for gathering with fellow campers for drinks and music. Its connection to aviation history gives the place a rustic charm, making it a one-of-a-kind destination for families, couples, and solo adventurers alike.

 

Day 1: Serenity and Solitude

 

When we arrived on Thursday, we discovered we had the entire campsite to ourselves. Bliss! After setting up our cozy little spot under the shade of gum trees, we wasted no time diving into the pool. With the sun shining and no one else around, we had a private oasis to cool off and unwind. The day passed in a haze of relaxation, punctuated by dips in the water and quiet moments enjoying the peaceful surroundings.

 

Day 2: Exploring Gympie

 

We woke early Friday morning, greeted by a chorus of birds and the promise of another sunny day. After another refreshing swim, we decided to venture into Gympie.

 

Our first stop was Mary Street, the heart of Gympie’s historic district. The charming street is lined with heritage buildings housing boutique shops, cafés, and local treasures. A gentle breeze accompanied our stroll, and we found ourselves browsing through unique stores, picking up small mementos of our trip.

 

By the time we returned to Hanger O, the campsite had begun to fill up with fellow weekend adventurers. We ended the day with a sunset swim, sharing the pool with a few others as the sky turned a brilliant mix of orange and pink.

 

Day 3: All Aboard the Mary Valley Rattler

 

Saturday kicked off with an early breakfast at SoMa SoMa Café in Gympie. This quirky café is a must-visit. With its eclectic decor, friendly staff, and a menu that offers everything from hearty breakfasts to specialty coffee, it set the tone for the day. The vibe was warm and inviting, and the food was nothing short of amazing.

 

After breakfast, we headed to Gympie Station for a ride on the Mary Valley Rattler, a heritage train that takes passengers on a scenic journey through the lush countryside of the Mary Valley. To our delight, pets were welcome, so our pup, Shari, joined us for the ride. The train chugged along, offering breathtaking views of rolling hills, quaint villages, and verdant farmlands. It was a step back in time, and having Shari along made it even more special.

The evening back at Hanger O was lively. The campsite was bustling, the pool was packed, but we managed to squeeze in a swim before joining others at the hangar for drinks and music. The atmosphere was festive, and it was a great way to unwind after a day of exploration.

 

Day 4: Relaxation and Camaraderie

 

Sunday was a slower start, finally giving us a chance to sleep in. We spent the morning meeting and chatting with fellow campers, swapping stories, and making new friends. The afternoon was all about water—kayaking in the pond, cooling off in the pool, and soaking up the last rays of the weekend sun.

 

As night fell, the campers gathered around a communal fire. The crackling flames, laughter, and clinking glasses created a sense of camaraderie that perfectly encapsulated the camping spirit. It was a memorable evening of storytelling and relaxation.

Check out our Reel

 

Day 5: One Last Dip

 

Monday morning brought a bittersweet feeling as the long weekend came to an end. As other campers packed up and headed out, we found ourselves alone at the campsite once again. We took advantage of the solitude with a final morning swim, savoring the quiet and cool water one last time.

 

Before heading back to camp, we returned to SoMa SoMa Café for lunch. Just as with breakfast, the food was outstanding. We couldn’t resist lingering a little longer, enjoying the relaxed vibe of the café before running a few errands in town.

 

The afternoon was ours to enjoy, and we spent it by the pool, appreciating the rare luxury of having the space entirely to ourselves. As the sun set, we reluctantly began packing up, knowing that the workweek was waiting just around the corner.

 

A Weekend to Remember

 

Our Australia Day weekend at Hanger O was nothing short of spectacular. From exploring Gympie’s rich history to making the most of the campsite’s unique features, every moment felt like an escape from the hustle of daily life. Whether it was the charm of Mary Street, the nostalgia of the Mary Valley Rattler, or the peaceful swims under the stars, Hanger O delivered an unforgettable experience.

 

If you’re looking for a camping destination that blends history, relaxation, and a touch of adventure, Hanger O is the perfect spot. Until next

 

A Night to Remember: Blush – Circus for Grown-Ups

 A Night to Remember: Blush – Circus for Grown-Ups

Some nights are so extraordinary they deserve to be immortalized in words, and our evening with Robbie, Kylie, Damien, and Sass was precisely one of those nights. The allure of the night was Blush: Circus for Grown-Ups, a provocative, boundary-pushing spectacle promising a blend of daring acrobatics, bold performances, and risqué humor. But before the curtain rose, our adventure began with a lively dinner at the Plough Inn, South Bank.

Beginning the Evening: A Feast at the Plough Inn

Nestled in the heart of Brisbane’s vibrant South Bank precinct, the Plough Inn is a beloved heritage pub steeped in history and buzzing with energy. On Sunday afternoons, the place comes alive with their iconic live music sessions, offering the perfect backdrop for a laid-back meal. As we arrived, the melodies of acoustic guitars and soulful vocals floated through the air, setting the tone for the evening.

Over hearty pub classics like steak sandwiches and beer-battered fish and chips, we shared stories, laughter, and a few too many fries. The outdoor beer garden provided the perfect spot to soak up the atmosphere, with fairy lights twinkling above and the hum of weekend revelers filling the space. Fueled by good food and even better company, we set off for the night’s main event.

Showtime at QPAC: Blush – Circus for Grown-Ups

A short stroll along South Bank’s scenic riverside paths brought us to QPAC, Brisbane’s cultural hub. The anticipation was palpable as we clambered to our seats, guided by the commanding voice of ringmaster Paul Westbrook. “Remain seated for your own safety,” he instructed with a mischievous grin, a warning that proved entirely justified.

Blush is no ordinary circus. Marketed as “circus for grown-ups,” it fuses traditional vaudeville elements with modern flair, creating an electrifying showcase of human strength, sensuality, and sheer audacity. The performance is intimate in every sense of the word—close enough to see the performers’ sweat glistening under the spotlight, like raindrops landing on the audience.

Act One began with a seductive ease, easing us into the world of erotica with humor, grace, and breathtaking physicality. But it was Act Two where Blush truly pushed boundaries, plunging us into a world of animalistic fetish. April Dawson’s dominatrix-inspired costumes—complete with whips, chains, and a cheeky carrot strap-on—added an extra layer of shock and delight.

Stripped of smoke and mirrors, Blush relies on the raw talent of its performers. Every act was a testament to their artistry, from daring aerial stunts to sensual contortion. The lighting and sound design amplified the experience, adding a modern edge to the traditional circus format.

By the time the final bow was taken, the room buzzed with energy, applause echoing long after the lights dimmed.

A Stroll Through South Bank

As we parted ways with Robbie, Kylie, Damien, and Sass, the night wasn’t quite over for us. Wandering back through South Bank, the lively atmosphere kept the spirit of the evening alive. Tunes from DJ filled the air, mingling with the chatter of friends enjoying an outdoor movie, table tennis, and the sprawling maze that seemed to beckon every passerby.

The parklands were alive with joy and laughter, a testament to the communal magic of South Bank on a summer night. As we walked hand in hand, soaking in the sights and sounds, it felt like the perfect way to wind down after such a spectacular show.

Conclusion

As the night wound to a close, we couldn’t help but reflect on what made it so special. It wasn’t just the jaw-dropping stunts or the electrifying atmosphere of Blush; it was the seamless combination of all the elements. From sharing a meal with close friends at the Plough Inn to immersing ourselves in the daring, evocative artistry of the show, and finally strolling back through the vibrant heart of South Bank—it was a night where every moment felt alive.

Blush reminded us that art can be bold, thrilling, and unapologetically daring, just as nights out with friends can be unforgettable. Whether it’s the laughter we shared over dinner, the awe we felt during the performance, or the quiet contentment of walking through South Bank’s glowing parklands, these are the moments that stay with us.

So here’s to more evenings filled with wonder, laughter, and the thrill of stepping outside the ordinary. Nights like this remind us that the best experiences are the ones shared, the ones where boundaries blur, and the ones that leave us feeling fully alive.

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