I was just having one of those days, lost in 'anywhere but here'.
I picked up the phone and dialed Kelly. She is my best friend. And yes quite often when we introduce ourselves - "Hi, I am Kali. Hi, I am Kelly." The response is a confused and puzzled look.
"I'm and A and she's an E,"I explain.
It doesn't help. What does help is that I am 5'9, half Chinese and top heavy and Kelly (makes me look like a giant) is 5'2", Caucasian coloured and pear shaped. There is no confusing us. But by some miracle we still do manage to share clothes as we fit into the same dress size, sometimes. Go figure, literally.
She picked up. I didn't even say hello. 'I have to get out of here'.
"Okay," she responds. She is used to this from me. "Where?"
"Anywhere there is sunshine. Let's just get on the cheapest airfare north. I'll look it up and get back to you."
"Sure."
"Grand." Not sure I actually said that, but it summarizes my thoughts.
I had traveled much of the world. Kelly (at this point) was a home body. Despite having been acquaintances several years, we had only recently come to be really, truly, good besties. My passion was starting to rub off on her. (Contagious.)
If you are wanting a cheap quick holiday, check out all the cheapest flights for internal Australia.
A good comparison site is Webjet. But only book on this site if you want two flights on separate carriers. For flights on the same carrier go directly to the airline site. Try these for internal flights in Australia.
Qantas - premium airline but sometimes gets overlooked but can have cheap deals and value for money.Jetstar - the budget airline of Qantas.
Virgin Australia - Part of the Richard Branson brand.
Tiger Airways - a budget airline from Singpore airlines based out of Melbourne.
The verdict of the cheapest flight north with Jetstar was -Hervey Bay. Hmmm, I had no idea what was in Hervey Bay and I had to google map it.
Our super cheap flights were a deal for early October, so we decided to make it a belated birthday trip for myself. We booked the Hervey Bay YHA hostel for 4 nights and decided we would eat cheap and lay on the beach.
October rolled around and Kelly I enjoyed our short economic plane ride to our summer theme song, 'Sweet Disposition' by The Temper Trap, from Kelly's favourite movie 500 Days of Summer.
We got a taxi to our hostel.
Taxi Cabs - Hervey Bay, QLD
PO Box 394, Hervey Bay QLD 4655, Australia
13 1008 
Kelly and I checked in and entered our prebooked bungalow. A clean spacious room, 4 comfortable single beds, a modern bathroom and a backdoor that opened onto a private patio. Everything we needed. We explored the kitchens, the common room, but what really impressed me was the stunning clear pool and entertainment area. I highly recommend this place for accommodation, even for families. It is a budget price but not a budget feel.
The hostel welcome desk was like a travel agent. The room covered in maps, photos and brochures of things to do and see in Harvey Bay. Kel and I let our eyes take in a feast of possibilities. Whale watching, bike hire, pampering spas. And there much to the naiveity of Kelly and I, a short boat road away was Fraser Island.
Our incredibly friendly host, wearing a festive Hawaiian shirt who had checked us in was super helpful. He made a suggestion for a 3 day tag-a-long camping tour with Unique Fraser.
It took some convincing as Kelly was not a naturally 'happy camper'. We were offered a refund for 2 nights of our already paid for accommodation at the hostel and put toward the tour cost and she was finally convinced to two nights 'roughing it'. NOTE: Don't be deceived by the simple website of this company. If I had researched it by the website, I would never have booked it. But the unique experience this tour company gave me was one of the the best of my life. (Stay tuned for the next blog.)
We went out to find somewhere to eat. In walking distance of the hostel, we had a yummy and moderately priced meal at the bistro of the Hervey Bay Boat Club. The seating overlooked the ocean, windows sprayed with salt. Our eating company was a sea of friendly senior citizens. This is when I realised Hervey Bay is a retirement community. An enjoyable holiday destination for families and couples over 50 on a third or forth honeymoon.
My favourite thing to do was riding a bicycle (conveniently the hostel had them for hire) and Kelly and I rode along the Charlton Esplanade. Gorgeous, especially early morning, sunrise if you can manage it.
The sleepy town is worth the visit as a necessary stepping stone to get to Fraser Island.
