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  • Day 142

    Exploring the coast by bike

    July 8, 2017 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    When you don't have a car the best way to explore the area is definitely by bike. You are able to see so much more and go so much further than on foot. That was our plan for today. After a quick stop at the supermarket to get suncream and have a tea we went and rented the last two bikes from the only shop in the area that offers this service. We cycled from Wongaling Beach where we are staying along the cycle route that leads to North Mission Beach. Here we cycled part of our journey on the sand and what a free and liberating feeling that was. The sound of the waves crashing, the sun shining down and the wind blowing past you, we couldn't of enjoyed it more. Shortly after rejoining the road was Clump Point view point where we enjoyed breathtaking ocean views while tucking into our sandwiches. After a short break here we hit the road once more and continued northwards where we entered the most scenic part of the ride. We road down the coastal road that has the ocean and tree lined beaches to the right and Clump Mountain National Park to the left. The whole route was so beautiful and with every bend we discovered a new little beach and rockpool area. We had our sight set on a cafe near Bingil Bay and after a steep climb away from the sea we finally made it after around an hour and a half. We sat outside overlooking the hill we just cycled up while we sipped on tea and caramel milkshake. We continued our cycle journey through the hilly landscape struggling up the hills and screaming with joy as we zoomed down the descents. All of 2 cars past us in 20 minutes so we felt as if we were kings of the road. There was a tricky last 10 minute part to the route that went over gravel and sand roads but finally we made it to Garners Beach which had so many beautiful trees on the side of a secluded beach. We spent time walking around and investigating the many shallows and rockpools. There were so many starfish on the sand and we saved one from drying out by returning it to the nearest pool. We also saw mangrove trees growing here and realised it's a sign of where the river meets the ocean here. The whole place was amazing and based on the footprints in the sand only one other person had walked this area today. The way back was tough and we did get off and push a couple of times but we did it. I also made Nick stop for a few photos but he's use to that now! As we rode back into town we saw more wallabies just before the road we are staying on. After some pizza wraps we spent about an hour talking with Heidi and Ben and it's a shame we are leaving tomorrow when we now feel so settled and relaxed around them. It was a bit too late to pack so we're getting up early for all the fun of travelling to begin again tomorrow. We couldn't of had a better day on this part of the East Coast.Read more