Day 2 of excursion.

After an early breakfast we set off on our journey up 75 mile beach. Again we saw dingoes along the waters edge. As the day went by we were to see many more. Our first stop was at the Maheno shipwreck. The ship was built in Scotland in 1905. Originally it was used as a cruise liner (having 6 decks) and later was commissioned as a hospital ship during the First World War. Shortly after the Japanese bought it as scrap metal it was hit by a cyclone in 1935. Its ruins now lie on 75 mile beach, and are quite something to see. Apparently 90% of the ship is now under the sand, but there is still plenty to see of the 123 metre long ship. We were allowed to paddle in the shallows of the sea near the wreck, but no swimming is allowed on the Eastern coast of the island - for 3 reasons - rip tides, stingers and sharks. 3 very valid reasons!
Next stop was at the Pinnacles, coloured sand formations (apparently 72 different colours are there - can't say we spotted that many). In days gone by the Pinnacles was a women- only spot on the island for the aborigine women. This is because the coloured sands reportedly had health benefits, which the women made use of.
We then drove a long way along the beach to reach the Champagne Pools, just north of Indian Head. We walked along the boardwalk and then down many steps and along rocks to reach the rock pools where the ocean's waves crash, bubble and fizz over the volcanic rock formations- the only place along the east coast where you can swim. The water was clear and pleasantly warm. Many fish also enjoyed swimming there.
Driving back down the beach we reached Eli Creek, a popular attraction on the island. The largest Creek on the island, with over 4 million litres of clear, fresh water flowing into the ocean every hour. We were each given an inflated rubber tyre which we used to float down the gently flowing water. The water was cold (as it comes from underground) but we enjoyed meandering along in our float. A picnic lunch was eaten on the beach next to the car park. As a dingo approached our group our guide waved a broom and shook sand at it. It quickly ran away and did not bother us again.
After a short break back at Eurong resort to freshen up we drove back across the island to Kingfisher Bay resort where we would spend our 3rd and final night on the island.Lue lisää