The constant question ‘now recognised’

Sweet little feral!

It was sad to leave the Whitsundays as we have always enjoyed the beauty and vibe of this place. It was even more sad for Dad as he tore a tendon in his shoulder from sailing. He just tried too hard to keep up with the young backpackers.  Fortunately, it appears to be only a partial tear but enough to restrict him from his favourite activities for the remaining few weeks. On the way down to Yeppoon we stopped off for a couple of night at Carmilla Beach with Mark, Kelly, Oscar and Ethan, who we had not seen on the road since Margaret River in WA. It was great to catch up again and spend time in this remote location. We free camped right on the beach and were lucky enough to experience the place of huge tides sandfly free.

Not long to go now old mate

Yeppoon is a lovely spot with its big long beaches and relaxed lifestyle, appearing to be catering for the aging population. We have pretty much stopped doing all the touristy stuff now and just enjoying the climate and the seaside. It’s a nicer place to stay than nearby Rockhamption, although we did manage to finally catch a rodeo under lights behind a local pub. We stood out among the big hats, tight jeans and boot wearing brigade, but had a great time enjoying the country spectacle.

What is it with Dad and his miniature cattle

Next stop was the beautiful Agnes waters / 1770 where we set up camp for five days right on the beach. Finally we found the first bit of surf on our way down the coast with the beaches reminding us very much of home. It was a good time to just chill out, enjoy the water and the climate, and for the kids to catch up a bit on their school work. We could easily have a holiday place here !!!

Agnes Waters

The essential item

Surfs up

Well almost

1770

Moving down the coast we decided to stay just outside Bundaberg for a couple of nights to take part in two important activities. First we got the opportunity with National Parks to witness the turtles laying their eggs on the local beaches – an event we will remember forever. Secondly, (more importantly for Dad anyway) we visited the Bundaberg Rum factory as well as the Bundaberg soft drink factory. Indeed, we paid homage to the liquids that kept us refreshed and sane during our journey around Australia.

Kids finally got to do their own tasting

After getting our car serviced in Hervey Bay we booked in for our last big touristy place on the trip – Fraser Island. The weather conditions were in our favour and we were looking forward to what was to be our last camping side trip. We stayed in a spot called central station and spent four days driving around all sites. The beaches were golden and the freshwater lakes dotted around the place were very unique and refreshing in the hot weather. We definitely have had some great weather coming down the Queensland coast and we were not complaining. Just a few less of those butchering march flies we found on Fraser Island would be our only request.

Off to Fraser Island

Lake Mckenzie

Breakfast!

It was time now to really hit civilisation as we landed on the Sunshine coast in Maroochydore – the place where cement meets the sand, and oh the rain. The place was crowded and reality soon set in that we were nearing the end of our trip. However it didn’t stop us from getting out there and seeing what was on offer. In between the showers we visited Noosa, Australia Zoo and loved the hinterland just to the west. For our final days in Queensland we avoided the Gold Coast as it was schoolies week. Rather, we headed inland to Beudesert just above the NSW/QLD border. This was a quiet country town that gave us access to the Lamington NP and Glasshouse Mountains. We enjoyed the walks and atmosphere in the mountains, oblivious to the carnage and sin festering in Sufferers Purgatory (Surfers Paradise) down below.

Noosa

Australia zoo

Lamington NP

We spent our last night in the Cooktown area at the Lions Den, a historic pub situated on the Annan River. This was a great little spot to unwind with waterfalls and freshwater swimming holes near the campsite, and good quality pizza served on the big deck at night. We were glad we made the effort to visit this area as most of it remains undeveloped, which suits us just fine. Next time we get up this way we hope to bring a boat and head further up into the Cape York Peninsular on the famous Telegraph Road Track. We are planning our next trip already!!!!

Annan Falls

On our way down to Cairns we stopped for a few nights in Atherton Tablelands. As much as we love the coast, the Walsh family enjoys the hinterland country just as much. If you are sick of Waterfalls do not come here as this is the area where God makes water. We stayed a cuple of days in the old logging town of Ravenshoe and then on the banks of Lake Tinaroo. The air up here is a lot drier and cooler at night – a perfect climate (we think) in this part of the world. Apart from doing some walks and swimming at the local waterfalls, we got into some mountain biking and visited the many small produce farms dotted along the country roads.

Millstream Falls

Little Millstream falls

Millaa Millaa falls

Coming into Cairns we decided to base ourselves in Redlynch, on the outskirts of the city. The caravan park we stayed  here for 5 nights was very impressive and situated in a beautiful valley. From here we visited Mossman Gorge, Port Douglas and Trinity Inlet to the north. It was also time to get back into the salt water, and we spent a day on the nearby Fitzroy Island.  The island was very beautiful, the water was warm and the snorkelling was better than we had anticipated (with many turtles to be seen). The kids got to visit the local turtle hospital and were very privileged to get up close to these amazing animals. Back in Cairns the kids made use of the swimming lagoons and the family got to eat out at a couple of good restaurants.

Mossman gorge

Fitzroy Island

Now was time to start the big journey south. It hard to believe here how beautiful and lush the mountain backdrop is to the sea. As well as visiting the coastal towns of Curramine and Mission beach, we spent several days travelling around the sugar cane towns of Tully, Lucinda and Ingham. What a contrast these struggling farming communities are with the white-shoe brigade developments just happening close by on the coast. Many days were spent enjoying this diverse region, which included the Frankland islands and Hinchinbrook Channel, across to the rural towns and into the lush rainforest yet again. This whole region displayed all the attributes of Far North Qld and we loved every minute of it.

Tully sugar mill 

Hinchinbrook channel

Franklin Islands

Heading south towards Townsville we stopped off at Wallaman Falls and Crystal creek before basing ourselves in town for a week. We didn’t realise just how big this town is, and a very liveable one at that. Wendy flew to Melbourne for a wedding so Chris took the kids over to Magnetic Island and lived in luxury for a few days. The island is very relaxed and not overly touristy. Apart from enjoying the comforts of a city life in Townsville, we visited the museum, were very impressed with the aquarium, hung out on the local esplanade and Dad caught up with a few old mates at the races. As usual the weather remains dry and perfect with no signs of the wet season build up upon us yet.

Wallaman Falls

Crystal Creek

Townsville

The Reef aquarium

Heading to “Maggie”

Our accommodation

Still studying!

Next stop south was Bowen, which is mango capital of Australia. It is also the town that played host for the filming of the Darwin scenes in the movie Australia. Most people ignore this place on their way up the coast or to the Whitsunday Islands. However, this quiet working town set in a beautiful position is definitely a place people should visit
.

Horseshoe Bay

We were lucky enough to secure standby rates for a 3-night cruise on the Whitsundays. The price was good value although we were a little bit hesitant as there would be 30 backpackers on board. However, we didn’t need to worry as they were a mature bunch whom absolutely loved having the kids on board. The weather was perfect with the focus of the trip being relaxing and snorkeling. It was magic – we finally got to dive on the outer reef and it was everything worth waiting for. We were the only boat there, the wind was still and the visibility was perfect. The crew looked after us all and guaranteed a trip we will always remember. I reckon a 38ft catamaran just might be a good way to spend ones retirement superannution – this place is paradise.

The crew

Whitehaven Beach

Hayman Island

Kids mixing with the ‘flashpackers’

The outer reef (Bait Reef)

Well after nine or so months and 35,0000km on the road we are grateful that everything is still running smoothly – well just anyway! Bertha is looking for greener pastures after the long slog on many roads, often with corrugations. Basically one side of the caravan structure has started to droop and bulge causing the inside dinette to distort and outside lights to pop off. We were lucky to reattach the awning before we had lost it out on the road somewhere. Nevertheless she is a tough old girl and with a little bit of TLC we are going to nurse her back home along the more hospitable east coast. On the human side, our personal gear is getting worn out (Chris has been through three pairs of thongs, t-shirts and shorts already) and our bodies are copping a beating as well. Exercise and stretching regimes are now well and truly entrenched in the daily agenda as we continue to feel the effects of living in confined spaces and sitting in the car for large time periods. But we are still loving every moment of it, and as Pink Floyd said “the show must go on”.

Still hanging in there!!! Ah oh!!

Good old cable ties!!!

There has been little rain in North Queensland and the inland areas of the Gulf of Carpentaria are particularly dry. To get some relief from these hot conditions we sought refuge at Lawn Hill National Park, on the way up to Karumba. This is an oasis, with spring fed water and a lush greed gorge in the middle of nowhere. Daytime temperatures were quickly rising, but it was great to camp near a running stream, paddle a canoe and sit amongst mini waterfalls in a beautiful and ancient part of the Australia. We even visited a fossilised dinosaur site in the area that had only recently been excavated.

Once out the National Park it was back into the dry and more long driving to get us up to the seaside town of Karumba. It was good to see ocean again, although this was not a place to swim with big tides and even bigger crocodiles. Most people come here to chase Barramundi but this year the fishing has been a bit quiet due to the lack of rain. We stayed in a caravan park for four nights right on the beach and watched the most beautiful sunsets. Being flat we rode the bikes around, enjoyed the outdoor watering holes, and got a bit of fishing as well. The whole family even got out on a local fishing charter one day and brought in enough blue-nose salmon to keep the fridges full.

Normanton

Karumba

Barra farm

The sunsets are pretty good this side as well!!

Continuing along the Savannah Way we stopped overnight at small towns like Croydon, Georgetown and Mt Molloy before arriving in the Cooktown area. We had never traveled above Cairns before and were looking forward to discovering some new territory. One thing we noticed straight away was the mountainous terrain and lushness that we had not experienced all trip. The climate was perfect for travelling with mild nights and warm days. We stayed for a few nights in Cooktown meeting up with the Stenhouse family and visited many of the local tourist sites. Waterfalls and deserted beaches were on the agenda along with a strenuous hike up to Mt Cook. We also visited a very interesting museum in town and were entertained one night by the local indigenous dancing troupe performing in the town centre. It felt good to be out of the dust and red dirt, with swimming, tropical weather and good travelling buddies back on the agenda.

Bloomfield Falls

Cooktown

Mt Cook

Cooktown Museum

We said goodbye to the Stenhouse family and headed up to Lakefield National Park, which will be most northern place we will visit on the east coast. We stayed a couple of nights at Laura, visiting an aboriginal art site as well as doing some nice walks in the National Park. We then hurried back to Cooktown as a three-day break in the strong south-easterly winds had abated. We organised a local guy to take us out on his boat to the secluded East Hope Island, only 11 nautical miles offshore. We took the swags, snorkeling and fishing gear, as well as food and water to this tropical oasis (the size of a football field). Well for 2 out of the three days we had the island to ourselves (a couple of yachts had visited on the first day). There was heaps of shade, no insects and plenty of good fishing and snorkeling done. It is these ‘off the cuff’ side trips that have really enriched our big trip around Australia, and shown us places that only a small proportion of the population get to experience. Queensland was never going to be a priority on this trip, but already we were entranced by its natural beauty and its unique characters – and this was just the beginning.

Lakefield National Park

On our way to Hope Island

View from the bedroom

Bye Bye Paradise