Airlie beach today

Our koala spotting yesterday meant that we walked a lot and my nose got sun burnt, annoyingly, as I’d been so good up to now.

We caught the ferry back to the mainland, then motored up Castle Hill, a really steep hill and prob not really suited to motor home driving.

Anyway turns out it’s where the locals keep fit / work out / instrument of torture as people jogged, walked, hobbled (or in our case) drove up. There were so many people on the up and downward legs. Ascent takes about 30 mins on foot but am sure much longer for the uninitiated. Amazing views at the top, but I was also in awe of the effort made by everyone getting up the steep incline. I imagine going down is only marginally easier.

We’ve been driving in Matty for over a week now (already!) and we’re still in Northern Queensland, as each hop has been a small one. We’ve driven approx 600k in that time.

Today’s end point is 3 hours away and is the gateway to The Whitsunday Islands, where Col hopes to dive soon (I’m more than happy to stay on dry land!)

We’ve passed through Ayr and Bowen and enjoyed a fruit salad of big fruit photo ops along the way. It’s prob the hottest day since we’ve been here: 32 degrees C.

This site is big and busy but we’ve ‘upgraded’ and gone for a an en-suite loo/shower as we’re here for 4 nights! Our facilities are in a little cabin right next to our pitch.

Our neighbours are old hippies, so right up our street. There are loads of white parakeets patrolling about, in search of morsels. I am in heaven.Read more