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Novices on the road
  • Jacqui Zuidema
  • Jamie Zuidema

Novices on the road

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  • Novices on the road

    Leichhardt Lagoon

    July 6, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    Along the way from Gregory to Normanton we stopped for lunch at the Burke and Wills roadhouse. A very busy place and of interest to me as I am reading an autobiography about the first owner of this roadhouse.
    Rather than staying in Normanton we just camped for 2 nights at Leichhardt Lagoon. This camping ground was part of a station and had a caretaker from Geelong there for the winter. This was a beautiful and peaceful spot with bird life galore, sunsets and bathrooms!
    Managed to see a couple of freshwater crocs and large salty at the Weir about 800 metres from the lagoon.
    It was exciting to see the difference in sunsets over the 2 nights. Day 1 was very yellow and orange but day 2 has a decided purple tinge to the sunset. Jamie drove 20 minutes into Normanton the second day for reception and a couple of hours of some much needed work calls. I on the other hand rested and bird watched. Read and chatted!
    There was also an outback car wash station so Jamie took the opportunity to give the car a basic clean. We met a lovely couple who we chatted to regularly throughout the stay. They were very informative about places to visit and about the car. They had a Ranger as well and he had been a mechanic prior to retirement. He let us know that our car actually has a 240v plug in the back to charge laptops, cameras and other electrical devices. Who knew!.    Read more

  • Novices on the road

    Croydon

    July 7, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    A day of travelling on the Savannah Way from Near Normanton to Georgetown. Our first stop which turned out to be quite a long stop was in Croydon an old Gold mining town. The towns people and shire have done an amazing job or restoring some of the buildings, finding machinery and relics from the era and sharing their knowledge and stories of the past. We then had lunch and a beer in one of the oldest pubs in Qld before hitting the road again. We stopped at a couple of sites along the way but ended in Georgetown for the night. The main caravan park was full and we ended up staying in a basically closed park for the night. The owners were upgrading the septic facilities as it currently wasn’t coping! The park was ok but there was a decided smell! 👃Read more

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    Ravenshoe

    July 9, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C

    Once we set up camp at the tall timber roadhouse we set out to explore more waterfalls. Mill stream falls, Tully Gorge
    Koombaloomba Dam and Little Millstream falls. We are also lucky enough to have a beautiful creek running through the campsite with resident platypus. Who new I could sit still for so long, just watching and waiting for the little guy to put in his appearances. Very tricky to photograph as I was so busy watching him and then when I remembered he was just ducking back down. Early one morning, as I was forced out of the warm caravan so Jamie could work, I spotted some horses grazing across the other side of the creek. After a walk around, I discovered that the local pony club is across the creek. They have beautiful surrounds and are very well set up.
    We went on a trip to Herbeton and explores their Pioneer village. It was very well set up with stories of where the buildings were from and they all housed huge collections of things from tractors, to cameras, old grocery item packages, police uniforms and so it goes on. On the way back we stopped at mount Hypipamee crater. I was expecting a wide somewhat shallow hole but instead their was this really deep hole with water. It was created from some kind of gas explosion.
    Our neighbours for a few days were lovely. We had a Sunday lamb roast with Carol, Brian, Abbey and their dogs Audrey and Bella.    Read more

  • Novices on the road

    Undara/ Mount Surprise

    July 16, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    Mount surprise. We stayed the night at Bedrock caravan park which was a lovely grassed and well planted park in amongst the rock and savannah lands with great facilities. We booked a tour of Undara lava caves though them which proved to be very interesting and informative. Not just on the volcanos and geology of the area but a little of the history and farming of the Mount Surprise area.
    Undara lava tubes were amazing. The formation of these tubes were created when the volcano erupted and the lava flowed down the mountain. Over time the outer layers cooled and hardened, leaving the lava to flow internally.
    Where areas of the tubes had collapsed the ecosystem was very different to the surrounding plains.    Read more

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    Cobbold Gorge

    July 18, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    Cobbold Gorge was spectacular. We spent 2 nights in the camping area and did their guided tour. We also walked 2 of their trails and had drinks in the bar area overlooking their dam and pool. It was a beautiful outlook.
    Our tour guide, Graeme was very knowledgeable not only on the gorge but indigenous plants and history of the Terry family who own the property. Cobbold Gorge is very narrow in parts. They have built a glass bridge which Jamie actually walked over, this time! On our walk we encountered a horse who was very still the whole time, apart from when Jamie went back to say goodbye and startled him. . He looked old/ill/sad. Our campsite was on a rocky base which initially looked uninviting but we soon changed our mind when we had the best view of the sunset and night sky.
    On the second night Mark and Ange turned up in the site beside us. We had met them on the Undara tour and ended up having dinner and drinks around the camp fire with them. A very entertaining evening!😆    Read more

  • Novices on the road

    Atherton and surrounds

    July 21, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C

    We arrived in Atherton on Monday 18/7/22. On the way we were stuck in a bit of a road train sandwich and very slow going until we found a safe part of the road to overtake. We stayed here for 4 nights whilst Jamie did some work. A very quiet week for me with chores and a little sightseeing. Atherton is really pretty nestled in at the foot of some mountains. The view from the caravan park is of the mountains in the background. I explored the neighbouring towns of Malanda and Yungaburra. Mandala had a small falls and Yungaburra had a lovely stream and a pretty Main Street with many restored buildings in use. Whilst walking along the creek in Yungaburra I managed to see 4 more platypuses ( or whatever the plural of platypus is🤣) and some turtles. There is a very large very old curtain fig tree which was well worth the visit. A very peaceful walk. I also visited Gallo dairy for some cheese and chocolate.Read more

  • Novices on the road

    Cairns

    July 26, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    We had a lovely reset in Cairns and time to prepare ourselves mentally, at least, for the Cape York trip. Some actual research done but no bookings. We are just going to wing it. Day 1 was a lot of time on the scooter along the waterfront whilst the car and caravan were being serviced. This took all day. Breakfast and lunch along the waterfront then dinner was pizza from the pizza van at the caravan park. The cool waters caravan park was lovely. They have a stream with turtles and a fantastic camp kitchen with some entertainment. We attended the sausage sizzle to raise money for camp Australia and listened to, and sang along with the singer. Our table mates got into the swing of things and the wife was even more off key than me.(not sure that was true) Lots of fun.
    Whilst Jamie worked I rested, had a swim, went shopping (groceries) and went on a couple or walks. We were staying on a creek at the foot of the mountains rather than on the waterfront but very pretty. We had lunch and drinks at the Hemingway brewery at the pier. Nice gin tasting and some good beer. Had another day on the scooters but the Cairns mountains took there toll on the scooters and a few error codes and old school scooting was the result    Read more

  • Novices on the road

    Laura

    July 27, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    We arrived in Laura late this afternoon after leaving Cairns around 1pm. It was a pretty trip to Laura over mountains and through valleys. Back to cattle on the roads. Luckily we met the gentle kind, see road sign picture and not the kind that lift your car off the ground. On the way up we encountered a family of wild pigs crossing the road in front of us. The smallest piglets we’re lucky to make it. Stayed at the campground behind the Laura pub and enjoyed a great pub meal. Lots of lovely birds plus a few familiar ones.
    Met a family who had just returned from the Cape. Didn't fill us with confidence with their stories of doom and carnage to their car and van. While they were telling us one of the Gus struts on our van broke. Hopefully not an sign of things to come    Read more

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    Lakefield National Park

    July 28, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    Rather than driving all the way up the Peninsula Development Road we drove through Lakefield National Park for part of the way. There were plenty of lagoons and creeks throughout Lakefield. The road was a pretty good track. We had lunch at Musgrave where we rejoined the PDR. From here it all went downhill. The road was in very ordinary condition with sections with dust holes. It was near one of these where an on coming car flicked a stone, sounded like a rock, which hit and shattered the drivers side window. Although we couldn’t see out of it, at least the window held, so we went covered in glass and dust when we arrived in Coen. We camped off road just north of Coen for the night. Unfortunately to top a bad day off we opened the door to a van full of dust. A G&T restored our well-being Followed by an easy to cook delicious meal of lamb kofta wraps.Read more

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    Weipa

    July 31, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C

    We were unsure about when or if to visit Weipa on the ‘trip to the tip’, however the shattered window made that decision easy for us. Whilst the car is in having the window replaced Jamie and I are just taking a well earned break from red dust removal. Dust proofing our van is proving to be a challenge. No matter where we tape or put additional rubber seals the dust still gets in. We tried to get an air pressure stabiliser installed but were not able to get this done before leaving Cairns…. Or even anytime this year according to the person on the phone☹️ Today when I got my clean clothes out of the draw I realised they weren’t really so clean. Oh well…….a bit of a dust off will do! . No point washing it all until the dust is behind us. 🤣
    The weather is lovely about 30oC but there is a bit of smoke around as they are burning off bush. Not a lot to do in Weipa so a fair bit of footy and com games were watched. A scooter ride around town ended with a flat tyre. ☹️
    Although a lot of the road into Weipa is sealed, some of the unsealed sections were pretty rough. We ended up driving for long stretches off to the side avoiding the white posts and road signs when they appeared. This is much better in parts and no better in other places. At least our window didn’t collapse.
    The caravan park is lovely so a nice place to chill. It seems we,but more often I, am getting used to chilling out.
    A quick catch up with Michael Cousens before he started his night shift was a great blast from the past. Thanks Michael for dropping by.    Read more

  • Novices on the road

    Seisia to the top

    August 2, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    A very dusty trip up from Weipa to Siesia. It took the full day to cover around 400kms. We didn’t think we’d do the whole stretch in one day but we did after arriving at the ferry in plenty of time. A lunch stop at Bramwell station and later a short trip on the ferry across the Jardine river and onto Seisia. Due to lateness of arrival we stayed in Seisia for the night.
    Whilst we knew there was a lot of dust along the way, opening the caravan door to a van full of dust was very disheartening at the end of the day. It took us an hour to de dust. When I opened my clothes drawer I was very upset to see all our clothes were covered in red and the top layer was quite thickly covered.
    Luckily we are camped right on the water and a short stroll to the jetty and along the beach was refreshing, which helped me deal with the dust problem
    Day 1 we just hung out around the campsite dodging the rain.
    Day 2, we drove to the tip, sumerset, Then Punsand bay for lunch, and Loyalty beach. When we returned to Seisia we decided to go fishing. So out we went to hunt and gather with the bucket, bait and fishing rod. Well actually Jamie went out with bucket, bait, fishing rod and me. Whilst Jamie was trying to catch some fish off the jetty, I went to talk to the locals who were the only ones reeling in fish. They we really friendly and had lots of local fishing knowledge to share. In the end it was my chatting that gave us fish for dinner. 🤣 By the time I had my fish a crowd had gathered and the locals were very happy to demonstrate their fishing skills. They also feed the groupers and sharks under the jetty for all us tourists to watch and cheer.
    We enjoyed our Queen fish for dinner, cooking it according to Johnny’s instructions. It was quiet a nice fresh fish meal.    Read more

  • Novices on the road

    Torres Straight Islands

    August 3, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C

    We took a day trip to Thursday Island. We got off the ferry at a quiet, pretty beachfront area. We spent the first 1 1/2 hours exploring the main township and beachfront. We then had morning tea whist waiting for our Island tour to start.
    Lots of TI history on the tour and a little about culture. Lunch at the Top Pub the most northern Australian Pub. TI has 4 pubs and around 10 churches for a population of around 3000 people. Lots of government workers on Island as well is the indigenous locals. Around 200 islands in the Torres Straight. these islands are or rather were part of the great divide mountain range.    Read more

  • Novices on the road

    From the tip to Coen

    August 7, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    Well this day started beautifully and ended up our most terrifying and challenging so far. After waiting a little while for our turn on the ferry we headed to Fruit-bat and Elliot falls. We left the caravan at the entrance and just took the car in. Some lovely falls even viewed through the rain. After booking back up we drove to Bramwell where we pulled over for lunch and an ice cream. Hit the road again I think just after 2 pm and headed for Archer river. Along the way we had our little incident in a very unassuming ‘Dip’. Coming out of the dip we started bouncing significantly and then felt a huge pull. Once stopped it was very evident the van was no longer hitched. Luckily for us unhandy Zuidema’s 2 helpful and handy people stopped to help us. We jacked up the van and then re hitched it although the locking mechanism looked like it wasn’t working. We limped along for 2 hours arriving at Archer River roadhouse for the night. We set up camp with some of our rescuers, Ian and Pam who drove slowly with us to make sure we arrived alright. We had a few calming drinks and enjoyed dinner and a chat.
    When we woke up this morning Jamie was on the phone to RACV and Q to find out our options. We were going to have to wait a day or 2 and then it looked like we’d be towed back to Weipa. We really didn’t want to do this as the road to Weipa was horrible.
    Decision made: limp 65kms to Coen where we believed there was a mechanic and at the very least we could get a powered site. And be closer to bigger towns. It was a relief to finally arrive in Coen 2 1/2 hours later for the 65 kms. We are staying out the back of the pub and as we paid for our night we were introduced to the mechanic, Moody. He was one interesting man but we have a new hitch ordered and on the overnight truck from Cairns. Moody said we should be on our way by Sunday lunch time. But who knows. I feel anything could happen between now and then. We can only hope🤞🙏. I’m happy to have the past 2 days behind us and if it takes longer to repair then it takes longer. At least we have a nice spot in the busy little camp area. After all this a couple of beers and pub meal was just the thing to relax us for the night. A very busy pub so we sat with 4 young guys from near Emerald QLD. They were a bit of fun to chat to, then we retired to bed while I aaaume they drank the night away as they did every night of their trip! ……Well Moody came through!😀👏🏻. At 11:30 Saturday morning he walked into the campground carrying our new cruise master hitch. He sat down where we were camped and fitted it as well as fixing the wiring in the plug that was damaged. Moody then headed off to, or back to the pub. Jamie and I also celebrated with a couple of beers at the pub also. Seats were limited so we sat with an interesting couple and shared stories as you do. Every time we see these two road signs (cattle on roads) we laugh and wonder what makes some so strong and nasty that they can and want to lift our car just up the road versus the cattle who happily just cross the roads. 🤣🤣    Read more

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    Cooktown

    August 12, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C

    A very windy but beautiful stay in Cooktown. Jamie worked 3 days whilst I explored town and continued to wash away red dust. The first day we explored south of Cooktown and visited Bloomfield falls, drove some of the Bloomfield track, at lunch at the Lions Den and finished the day visiting Trevantham falls and Keating Lagoon.
    At the Lions Den it was lovely to run into and have lunch with some of our rescuers, Pam and Ian. They were very happy to see us and hear that everything worked out well.

    During Jamie’s work days I visited sights and walked around Cooktown. A very beautiful waterfront, some lovely back beaches on the ocean and a stunning Botanical gardens were some of the places I visited. Finch bay in Cooktown reminded me very much of Norman beach and tidal river at Wilson’s prom. Beautiful beach, large boulders and a river winding though the sand and out to sea. The differences were 🌴and 🐊. We viewed a sunset from grassy hill, but unfortunately it was cloudy and hazy. Still, very pretty.
    The day prior to leaving, Jamie wasn’t working so we explored north of Cooktown. We visited Endeavour falls, something across a road and the coloured sands at Elim beach. All was very beautiful, as we have discovered is the norm in the Cooktown region. We didn’t manage to find or drive far enough for Isabella falls but we did discover the pretty little falls across the road instead. Elim beach is tucked away but a lovely spot to visit. Like most beaches up here it is no swimming due to crocodiles. We walked along Elim beach to the coloured sands cliffs and then up, and down, 😅 a huge sand dune. A beautiful view from the top but a very hard very hot climb. Unfortunately I was not wearing a hat or carrying a drink, so I didn’t make it all the way to the gorge. There was no shade at the top of the sand dunes☹️We went on a date night🤣, as opposed to every other evening we spend together, which was a lovely dinner in town. My fish was sadly undercooked in the middle, so we were given dessert for free. What was cooked of the coral trout was lovely and all of Jamie’s was cooked. Luckily I had pretty much eaten enough fish. Dessert was pavlova for me and passion fruit cheesecake for Jamie.    Read more

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    Port Douglas

    August 19, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    It has been lovely to return to Port Douglas after several years. It was pretty busy in town and even busier when the cruise ships came in. The ships anchor out at sea and ferry their passengers into port. The caravan parks in town were full so we stayed at the Big 4 park about 7kms out of town. Pretty setting and able to easily drive or even scooter into town. Jamie worked 3 of the days and I managed to enjoy time in town as well as walking along my favourite beach daily. 4 mile beach is really spectacular and has that perfect tropical beach 🏖 🏝 vibe. Port Douglas market was fun to revisit but not the same without Liv, Eloise and Ali, Quinn and Freya.Read more

  • Novices on the road

    Cairns

    September 2, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C

    We have just returned from a 10 day visit to home, or holiday from the holiday. Dad had his bladder surgery so we visited for the surgery and his initial recovery period. We also managed to attend Courtney’s 21st Birthday party, be home for Liv’s birthday and have a night out with some friends. It was pretty much an on the spot decision to return home so we booked a Friday night flight and left Port Douglas at about 2pm to drive to Cairns. We left the car and van with the mechanic who was working on the van and Uber Ed to the airport. Unfortunately after checking in our flight was cancelled. But that meant we had a night at the Rydges resort in Cairns. We very much enjoyed a spacious room, showering without thongs and use of a bath mat. The simple comforts are much appreciated after using caravan park amenities for 3 months😌 I was also able to have room service and watch the Dees win the last game of the home and away season. ❤️💙

    It was great to see family and friends again and catch up in person. Thanks Liv and Jordan and also Tan and Deb for fun nights out. It was lovely to have mum staying with us and visiting Dad most days. I also managed to see my aunties in Mornington😀. The 10 days flew by with Jamie even getting some face to face work time in. With Dad looking and sounding much better, after several lessons in stoma care and the cold wet weather retuning to Victoria, we felt it was time to be reunited with our caravan and warmer weather. Even though it is raining today, we are not cold. 🤣🌴☀️.

    Back in Cairns for the past 2 days and a catch up with cousin Claire, Kyra and Belle. Today we hit the road again, although only plan on travelling a short distance depending on if we can get a site at Ellis beach. Time to pack up the van, unfortunately in the 🌧 ☹️    Read more

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    Ellis Beach

    September 2, 2022 in Australia ⋅ 🌧 24 °C

    I have wanted to stay here since we first came to Port Douglas. Typical that when we finally do stay it’s raining and very overcast. We did squeeze a Beach walk in , only getting a little wet. At least it’s not cold. Off to visit some of the other beaches between Cairns and Port Douglas this afternoon. We spent some time at Palm Beach, running into Claire and the girls again, then drove to Kewarra beach and Trinity Beach. All these beaches are beautiful tropical places and we took the opportunity to walk along them all, except Trinity Beach as it was raining heavily at the time.Read more

  • Novices on the road

    Daintree rainforest

    September 8, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C

    An extremely beautiful part of Australia. 3 very relaxing days at Cape Tribulation walking the rain forest and spotting Cassowaries. And then a final day driving to cairns and back. On what was to be our departure day we noticed that the tow pin and tongue had been stollen overnight so there was no way to leave with the caravan. We heard nothing overnight other than rain unfortunately. A trip to Cairns netted us the new towing equipment plus a lock. All fitted and on our way south now.
    The Cape Trib camping ground was lovely and our site was about 30m from the beach amongst the trees. I was very excited to see Cassowaries 4 times in the wild. The first spotting was a dad with 2 chicks.
    We visited the discovery centre and their elevated rainforest walk. Jamie vary bravely walked the 10m high walk and climbed 2/3 of the way up the 23m tower. Unfortunately the top level was a little much for him and his sweaty 🦶 😬 so I met him back at the bottom. We’ll try again on another skywalk in a couple of days 😂    Read more

  • Novices on the road

    Babinda and Etty Bay

    September 9, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C

    We have resumed the journey south heading to the cassowary coast ( Cairns to Townsville).
    Along the way we stopped in at babinda, which was a beautiful little counrty town and then went to Josephine falls. Both had lovely water holes where you could swim, although we didn't. I at least waded and enjoyed the cool refreshing water. The Babinda boulders waterhole was lovely and well established for swimming. The falls there were also amazing.
    Our first overnight stop was at Etty Bay but due to lack of internet we moved to Innisfail the next day so that we could watch the footy......unfortunately no real need due to the demons loss. And worse.... I was watching it with others who were supporting the Lions.
    Etty Bay was rustic but lovely. Although we didn't see cassowaries on the beach, we did see them in the paddocks on the way back to Innisfail. Very amazing birds and it doesn't matter how many I see its always thrilling. A little like the platypus in the Atherton tablelands.
    In Innisfail we stayed overnight at a cheep self contained site. We had a look around town and local beaches and waterways. I was very happy with the local produce stand on the roadside outside the van park. We came away with some beautiful fresh fruit and veg along with a fresh fruit sourdough loaf and some cassava which was delicious.    Read more

  • Novices on the road

    Paronella Park

    September 11, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    A slight detour inland took us to Mena Creek where we stayed at Paronella Park and took a drive up to the Mamu skywalk. Both were set in beautiful rainforest areas. I have absolutely loved the rainforests in FNQ. The patterns and layers of the plants is amazing. Once again it was only Me who climbed the 37meter tower, although Jamie did walk along the canopy walk.
    Paronella park is a ruined castle built on the banks of Mena falls. It was built in the 1930’s by the Spanish Jose Paronella. It was a lavish park at the times with cafes, a function/Ballroom and gardens containing views, walks, a kids playground and tennis. Unfortunately due to floods, cyclones and fire most of the castle has been destroyed. Jose also built the castle using sand and rocks from the creek below. This, although cheaper, wasn’t suitable building materials which also contributed to the castles demise. Jose had a dream to own a castle and after making his fortune in the sugarcane industry, he set about making it happen. Even though it’s mostly ruins the park is stunning and the new owners are slowly restoring what they can.    Read more

  • Novices on the road

    Mission beach.

    September 13, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C

    A very relaxing few days here along beautiful Mission beach. Lots of beach walking some swimming (yes even Jamie, but only because the water is so warm), reading, work for Jamie and me organising another trip home to spend time with mum and dad once dad out of rehab. There were some hopping visitors to the campsite as well as the usual bird life. Lots of insect unfriendly’s too. Also encountered a baby black snake on the way to the toilets one morning. I managed to attend a yoga class at the caravan park and Went to see a physio for my very sore stiff neck. Much better the following day. I have also organised things for my online course next month.
    I accidentally dobbed Jamie in to assist our neighbour to set up his new laptop. Luckily for Jamie he traded the help for a tub of delicious local ice cream 🍨
    I took a farm to plate chocolate tour to keep myself busy for Jamie’s work day. Then after lunch I followed up with a scooter ride and walk to a jetty where I watched the turtles feeding on sea grass. And amazingly I was up for a sunrise. What a spectacular morning on the beach it was. Jamie ran whilst I took photos.
    All in all a productive yet relaxing stay.    Read more

  • Novices on the road

    Cardwell to Townsville

    September 16, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    We stayed the first night after leaving Mission Beach in Cardwell. We arrived after visiting and swimming in Murray falls. Very slippery getting into the water and only just saved my phone. Jamie braved the cool waters to also wade around. Cardwell has a spectacular outlook over Hinchinbrook Island. We had lovely dinner and drinks at a motel restaurant/cafe thing, after vetoing the stingy smelly pub. Best decision ever with a lovely view and great meal. We stayed overnight night 4kms north of Cardwell at a very small caravan park on Meunga creek.

    The next day saw us taking a short trip south to Lucinda. It was 30oC at 10am so we stopped at 5 mile creek for another fresh water dip. The water was a very clear and beautifully refreshing. Lucinda is situated behind Hinchinbrook Island and on the moth of a river. It is a hobby fishing Mecca. There is also a 5km jetty for the shipping of bulk sugar cane. Fishing and photography at Dawn. One was more successful than the other🌅! Saw turtles and some kind of spotted sting rays as well as a sunrise over the ocean

    The next day we drove to a caravan park on the beach called Rollingstone beachside resort. It’s pretty impressive. Along the way we stopped at Big and little Crystal creeks. Too many people at Big Crystal Creek but a lovely swimming hole and camping area. The falls and little Crystal creek were beautiful. Lots of pretty Butterflies, spectacular scenery, a waterfall and swimming holes. I enjoyed a very refreshing swim whilst Jamie contemplated a dip.
    Rollingstone caravan park was big but all by itself on the coast. Great facilities with a fantastic pool.
    Onto Townsville after a stop in Balgal bay. A little walk along the beach but ideas of a wade cut short as I saw many stingers washed ashore.    Read more

  • Novices on the road

    Townsville and Magnetic island

    September 30, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    Jamie spent a week and a half in Townsville whilst I flew back to Inverloch. Townsville was surprising pretty along the waterfront.
    A day trip to Magnetic Island was amazing. Beautiful beaches, WWII history, great walks and a day riding a scooter 🛵 made this a memorable day.Read more

  • Novices on the road

    Charters Towers

    October 1, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    Time for a little more travelling inland, although we only have a week until we are booked into Airlie Beach and meeting the Marshalls on H.I.
    Stop 1 Charters Towers. We unexpectedly arrived during the Rush festival so took so time out to enjoy so music, drinks and Pizza.
    Tower hill lookout provided great views as well as some WW2 info. We also visited Burdekin dam and watched an eagle trying to fish, and took a tour of a Gold Battery.
    Many of the towns buildings are very beautiful and historic. All in all a great weekend 😀    Read more

  • Novices on the road

    Porupine Gorge

    October 3, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 32 °C

    After driving from Chatters Towers with a lunch stop in Hughenden we arrived at Porcupine Gorge NP. A bush camp for us this evening. A very warm afternoon on arrival so we waited until later to walk down to the gorge. A lovely swim at the bottom of the gorge in the one deep spot we found and lots of exploring the shallows. We returned to the top just before dark. The next morning we rose and completed the rim walk before 8:30am. We ate breakfast packed away the camp and headed to Winton for the night. In the way though Hughenden we discovered some tank art, which has prompted us to download the tank and silo art map of Aust. Some more things to do on the way home.Read more

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