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March - July 2022
A 143-day adventure by Lyn and Warren Read more
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    Bundaberg to Sarina

    March 2, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 34 °C

    It begins….

    Bundaberg to Sarina the 8 hour drive sped by and seemed to be over in a flash.

    Car and van performed well with no incidents.

    Surprising number of coffee vans on the route. Morning tea coffee and donuts at the Retro coffee van at the Calliope river rest area - awesome.

    Stayed at the Sarina Show grounds last night. Warm night and grateful for the air conditioning. Nice spot quite well maintained. Would stay again.

    Tomorrow heading to Cape Hillsborough.    Read more

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    Cape Hillsborough

    March 3, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 35 °C

    Following Sarina is a couple of nights at Cape Hillsborough.

    The bush walks abound with lovely butterflies of all sizes and colours. The views over the bay are spectacular. At low tide you can walk to Wedge Island where there is a variety of soft and hard coral and rock pools to investigate.

    At sunrise the local mob of Kangaroos and wallabies come down to the beach to search for mangrove pods and the food put out by the ranger.

    The spot the van was parked had views of the beach and nice breezes. Weather here very warm with temperatures at 34, although Warren swears it is hotter.

    Big drive today off to the official trip start Etty Bay.    Read more

  • TravelerGapYearLap
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    Etty Bay

    March 5, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    Etty bay is a beautiful spot with the ocean on one side of us and the rain forest on the other.

    The visit was specifically to see the cassowary. And they didn’t disappoint. Within minutes of setting up camp one rather large bird wandered by. And it was certainly a shock when the sneaky chook decided to share our fish and chip dinner.

    After watching the sunrise Warren even managed bacon and eggs.

    We are off to investigate the neighbourhood today maybe find a water fall for a swim.    Read more

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    Waterfalls

    March 7, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 34 °C

    Waterfall hunting is pretty easy in this part of the country.

    Josephine falls was the first stop. Favoured swimming spot, with icy cold water when the day is hot. Yep we had to join to locals for a dip. With the number of people at the falls it was surprising to have a snake cross the path when heading back to the car. Just, goes to show to be vigilant on any path in the bush.

    Next Murray falls, between Tully and Innisfail. Has a splendid camping ground and very easy walk to the falls viewing platform. We stopped to cool our toes at the swimming hole.

    Then comes Wallaman falls. After travelling a narrow winding road through thick rain forest it was a short walk to the viewing platform. And well worth the look. Wallaman falls is the permanent largest single drop waterfall in Australia at 269mtrs.

    We decided against the walk straight down to the base of the falls. The day a hot 39 degrees.    Read more

  • TravelerGapYearLap

    Etty Bay wrap up

    March 9, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 32 °C

    We have had our time at Etty Bay and we both felt sad to be moving on. Destination I would truly recommend. It is quiet, the bay beautiful, people friendly and helpful and there are cassowary and speedy little ghost crabs.

    Super pleased we visited and will certainly visit again.

    Mum and dad left on their trip yesterday and we are looking forward to catching up in Cairns soon.

    The car needs maintenance so off to Mareeba.    Read more

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    Cairns, Daintree and Cape Tribulation

    March 14, 2022 in Australia ⋅ 🌧 28 °C

    Down the range from Mareeba to Cairns. In Cairns we are catching up with M&D and niece Pahge and family.

    Next day despite the rain we headed to Daintree. The rain is not cold so off we went.

    Wet wet wet was our trip through the Daintree to Cape Tribulation.

    The rainforest takes on a completely different character when it is raining. Dark but still more beautiful with misty mountains full fast flowing creeks and around every corner is a new waterfall.

    After a very wet walk through the discovery centre. Where Nanny wisely decided to stay dry at the coffee shop. We headed for the cape.

    Upon arriving at the cape and the weather indifferent we wandered to the beach. The rain forest gave way to a mangrove forest then a windswept beach. A flock of little sandpiper birds fed happily on the receding tide.

    Lunch at the Ice Creamery and onto the ferry and back to Cairns.    Read more

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    Georgetown

    March 17, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 32 °C

    Heading to Georgetown, we leave the rain forest and lush greenery behind and head into the bush where the anthills become a dominant aspect of the landscape.

    Georgetown on the Savannah Way is home to around 320 people and was originally established to support gold and copper. The town offers a community pool and fitness centre including a very well equipped gym all for free. Surprising us we stayed in Georgetown for four nights.

    After settling in we had a walk around the town. Then a drive 20klm west to Cumberland dam. I didn’t know tailings dam could be so lovely and we spent sometime birdwatching and try to guess what bird is that, luckily there were signs to help. On the site is the remnants of a chimney all that is left of the gold battery. Back to town for a nice cool swim.

    Next day, some serious gold detecting. We arrive at Flat Creek Station set up and have a cup of tea. Rusty decided a snooze in the car was the better place to be.

    Then the detectorists got busy. The haul was three tiny bits of scrap metal and one shot gun pellet.
    Then it was time for a bite to eat and another cup of tea. Enough detecting for the day and back to the pool for a swim then off the the pub for pizza.

    Day 3. Copperfield gorge, Einasleigh and Forsayth . A scamper across the rocks provides a nice view of the gorge and the many fish that call it home. MAD walked upstream to the waterfall and us downstream to the beach.

    Then across the road to the pub where the beer is on ice not on tap we met Percy the pub pig. Normally the kids bring home a kitten or puppy nope they bought home a pig so it had to stay. The pub is full of all sorts of memorabilia, a room of miniatures and a fairy tree out the back. Certainly worth a visit. We stopped at the Forsayth park for a picnic lunch. The park has a meandering path dotted with tree carvings and a display of diesel train engines.

    So now we move on to Karumba.    Read more

  • TravelerGapYearLap

    Karumba

    March 20, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 32 °C

    Karumba on the mouth of the Norman Rive, known for Crocodiles, Sunsets over the ocean and Barramundi.

    Coming into Karumba the area was vast and flat. Wetlands covered in pretty yellow flowers with birds birds and more birds. I think a bird book may be a useful purchase.

    The sunset were magnificent despite the cloud dampening the colours. After watching the sunset from the aptly named Sunset Tavern back to the van for a pizza dinner and football.

    The next day adventure was a fishing trip. A crocodile was lazing on the river bank and quickly disappeared into the water as the boat passed. The Barramundi proved to be elusive however the fish caught will feed us for a while. It was a lovely day on the water. Jerry from Karumba fishing charters went above and beyond to ensure we all had a great day.

    Leaving Karumba in the morning heading for Gregory Downs.

    Final photo taken in Normanton of Krys the crocodile    Read more

  • TravelerGapYearLap

    Gregory Downs

    March 22, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 35 °C

    It’s HOT HOT HOT.

    So went for a dip in the Gregory River to cool down. Best to stay wet.

    Tomorrow we are heading to Lawnhill National park MAD we will meet in Mt Isa in a few days time.

    Change of plan broken Blackhawk and water over road results in detour to Cloncurry for parts. Maybe do the top part of Qld on another trip..Read more

  • TravelerGapYearLap
    11

    Mary Kathleen, Mt Isa

    March 23, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 34 °C

    Heading to Mt Isa for van repairs we stopped at Clem Walton Park free camp overnight across road from Mary Kathleen turn off. Road nasty to the park, so just pulled up at the dam. Great opportunity to take the kayak for a paddle. The dam was pristine with a huge array of bird life, turtles and a few freshwater crocodiles. With a clear dark night the stars were sparkling like diamonds and as with birds we played what star is that. Next time we are in the middle of nowhere I will get the good camera out and test my night photography.

    Mary Kathleen - two periods of mining now all that’s left is streets, concrete slabs a plaque in the town and 6klms down the road the mine pit. The lake at the bottom of the pit is the most vibrant blue. Amazing what contamination can do. Mine rehabilitation maybe not such a big thing in those days.

    Mt Isa, dinner at the Isa where the steak is always good.

    We have separated from mum and dad while they await caravan awning parts. Meet up again in a few days. We are heading to the Northern Territory to Alice Springs, Uluru etc then meet up again with MAD and will head up north.    Read more

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