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Cape York 2022
  • Bec Taylor
Aug – Sep 2022

Cape York 2022

A 45-day adventure by Bec Read more
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  • Bec TaylorTravelerCape York 2022

    To Port Douglas

    August 28, 2022 in Australia ⋅ 🌧 24 °C

    About 40 minutes to our accommodation at Port Douglas, so glad we have an airbnb for 2 nights, the rain is not great. We're staying in a privately owned room within the Ramada Resort with a pool view. Once we eventually got our luggage into the room it was shower time, we were soaking wet and cold from the rain. We freshened up and had dinner at the resort's restaurant. It was well worth it, I had the prawn capellini and Ben had the steak and veg. Soooo gooood! We stuck around for a few then headed up to recharge.Read more

  • Bec TaylorTravelerCape York 2022

    Mossman Gorge

    August 29, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

    Had a bit of a sleep in this morning, the tent is pretty comfortable, dont get me wrong, but a king bed with fresh sheets, oooh. This morning we grabbed fuel then headed to Mossman Gorge, only about 20 minutes away. It's set up very nicely, a big visitor information centre and Cafe, shuttle buses to run you into the gorge as well. It's very different to the other gorges we've seen this trip. We decided to do all of the tracks, a few shorter ones to the gorge itself, a creek and the rainforest loop track. Only a few kms. It was pretty humid on the bigger track, but so green and pretty. A few people were braving the water at certain points to have a swim despite the warning signs, not croc related at least. We got the shuttle back to the visitor centre and headed off.Read more

  • Bec TaylorTravelerCape York 2022

    Port Douglas

    August 29, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C

    We headed right into Port Douglas for lunch at the Tin Shed. A popular spot, we grabbed a buzzer to alert us when a table was available and headed up to the bar. It didn't take long and we were seated for lunch. We got the spring rolls, crocodile, barramundi and prawn, strange but tasty! We also got the seafood basket and fish burger to share. Since the rain was holding up, we went upto the lookout and lighthouse. I'm sure it would be nicer on a sunny day, but it was still good to see. Four Mile Beach is patrolled which surprised us, we didn't think they encouraged any beach swimming up this way at all. The lighthouse was in a bizarre spot, right between 2 houses. Went for a walk through the the shops and found Mocka's bakery. There are a lot of signs around about them being award winning and their menu is quite extensive. It was about an hour before they shut but we thought we'd try our luck anyway. No dice on the Reuben or some of the others we had our eye on, but we got a kangaroo pie and a supreme pie, verrry good. Back to then resort for a quick nap and shower. Then the rain started up again when we were thinking about a swim, people were still happily swimming about but we just weren't feeling it. Dinner at the resort again, steak and Barramundi, another great feed. Watching a movie before bed. We check out tomorrow and head to Etty Bay.Read more

  • Bec TaylorTravelerCape York 2022

    Babinda Boulders

    August 30, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

    After checking out of Ramada we headed back to Mocka's to see if they had more options to try. Ben got the croc pie and the steak and Bacon, I had a quiche, sooo good. On the road to Cairns to dan murphys for a little stock up before heading to Babinda. We did the Devils pool walk to Babinda boulders, lovely but humid. The legend says that a young woman and man from different tribes fell in love but weren't able to stay together, so the woman threw herself in the water which became a torrent. They say her spirit is still there, enticing men to come in and join her. There have been many drownings here. We stopped in at Babinda bakery on the way out, we had heard that it's good and the big line up of people would confirm that. Just another pie each, it seems we're now on a pie/bakery tour of the east coast.Read more

  • Bec TaylorTravelerCape York 2022

    Josephine Falls

    August 30, 2022 in Australia ⋅ 🌧 21 °C

    The weather wasn't playing nice so we decided to head for our next campsite at Etty Bay instead of doing the skywalk. We did spot a sign to Josephine falls on the way, so decided to duck in. Another nice walk. The water levels are quite high, it looks like you can usually swim in parts when it's low enough.Read more

  • Bec TaylorTravelerCape York 2022

    Etty Bay

    August 30, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

    A quick stop at Innisfail woolworths then off to the campsite. The weather was crap and the staff thought we had a tent, and yet we were given one of the muddiest spots. Weren't thrilled about that but glad we have the rooftop and not the swag. It started pouring down and the mozzies were awful, so we just sat in the car, having a few drinks and snacks and watched netflix.
    Etty Bay seems to just be the caravan park and surf club, very small but nice, despite the awful weather. Their hashtag is #WhereTheCassowariesRoamFree, so hopefully we'll spot one tomorrow.    Read more

  • Bec TaylorTravelerCape York 2022

    CASSOWARIES!

    August 31, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C

    Had a few too many last night, so not feeling fab.. BUT! As we were driving out of Etty Bay, we came around a corner and saw the car ahead of us with their hazard lights on, stopped in the middle of the road. We quickly realised why! A dad and it's chick cassowary! Unreal to see wild ones!Read more

  • Bec TaylorTravelerCape York 2022

    Paronella Park

    August 31, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C

    A quick maccas stop before heading to our first destination, Paronella Park. Luckily the weather is much nicer today. The park was built by a Spanish man who dreamt of a fairytale castle to live in after hearing stories from his grandmother. So after working incredibly hard, moving to Australia, working harder again and saving his money, he bought the land and started building. It was so bizarre but a fantastic spot. Just a bunch of Spanish castles and buildings in a rainforest. We went on the included half an hour walking tour where we heard more about Jose's story, before heading off on our own. There were plaques on the grand staircase showing flood levels over the years, there have been some big ones! So many wonderful spots and very photogenic. You get 2 years entry with your ticket, so if we're in the area again in that time, we'll definitely be back.Read more

  • Bec TaylorTravelerCape York 2022

    Mamu Skywalk

    August 31, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C

    Next we headed to the Mamu Skywalk that we skipped yesterday, you can get a package deal ticket for here and Paronella. This is the highest rainforest observation tower in Qld. The lady let us know that it was a decent walk at 2.2km return. I think we'll be okay, despite the hangover. It was very flat too. We went out onto the cantilever which Ben bounced of course. Walked along the raised platform to the 37m high tower. 100 steps up and the views were amaaazing. We sat for a little bit before heading back.Read more

  • Bec TaylorTravelerCape York 2022

    To Cardwell

    August 31, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

    On the road for a little bit, we stopped at Tully for Subway and to see the golden gumboot. We didn't realise it was also an award for the wettest town in Australia, between Babinda, Innisfail and Tully. The boot is the height of their highest rainfall total one year at 7.9m. Back on the road to Cardwell, our next stop. Such a lovely caravan park. We parked right next to the camp kitchen which is very well stocked and makes it nice and easy. We did spot that there was a restaurant with beach views though and happy hour at 4:30. Once set up, I decided on a nap and Ben got a few things organised before going to happy hour. I joined him at the end and we went for a walk along the beach. The menu at Beachcombers looked good, so we decided not to cook tonight afterall. We shared a seafood marinara gnocchi and the duck, very good! Just the usual tonight, load of washing, showers and netflix. On to Townsville tomorrow to another airbnb.Read more

  • Bec TaylorTravelerCape York 2022

    Cardwell Forest Drive

    September 1, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C

    Took it slow this morning with no massive plans and hoping the sun would come out so we could have a good swim. We slowly packed up and sorted out our laundry before heading to the main street in Cardwell. Decided on the Seabreeze Cafe for breakfast, a roll and wrap to eat. We headed for the Cardwell Spa Pool, a beautiful blue, 'safe' swimming hole. It was a bit fresh though and there were warnings about swimming because of stagnant water. We decided to follow the Cardwell forest drive. We visited dead horse Creek, sounds great, I know, attie creek and up to the lookouts. I really like Cardwell, it just had a good feel to it. Reminds us a bit of Evans Head.Read more

  • Bec TaylorTravelerCape York 2022

    To Townsville

    September 1, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C

    A few hours on the road to Townsville, just checking out the local towns as we passed through. Had a quick stop at a sandwich shop then on to check in. We're staying at an airbnb on The Strand. The ute doesn't fit in the carpark which is a bugger but the on street parking doesn't seem to have a time limit, so see how we go. It's a nice spot, right on the water and our balcony has direct access to the pool if we decide to use it. We sat for a bit, just googling and having some quiet time. Quick showers and we headed out. We did see the Neuron scooters that I've ridden in Brisbane a few times, so we bought passes and went for a ride. So much fun! We ended up at the brewery, so had to stay for a drink or 2, then scooted back to the strand and checked out some options for tomorrow. We decided on Longboard for dinner, a nice spot on the water. We had mixed tacos and waffle fries. Back to the airbnb where we've just been relaxing. Spending the day in Townsville tomorrow.Read more

  • Bec TaylorTravelerCape York 2022

    Castle Hill

    September 2, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C

    We went to Happy place for breakfast this morning, Bacon and egg roll for Ben and vego breakfast for me. We then jumped in the car and headed for Castle Hill lookout. There were a few little walks up there, a great view of Townsville and Magnetic Island. We spent some time there before heading to Dans for a stock up for the last week and a bit, particularly for next weekend when we see Kristy, Brad, Dad and families, expecting a big weekend.Read more

  • Bec TaylorTravelerCape York 2022

    Jezzine Barracks, happy hour and dinner

    September 2, 2022 in Australia ⋅ 🌧 22 °C

    The weather has been a little lousy and I was in a bit of a funk waiting for news on Titan (Hugh had a little issue yesterday but had him in at the vet this morning), so we took advantage of a laundry with a washer AND dryer! Needed to do our sheets and pillowcases too, exciting stuff. We heard from Hugh and the vet, all sorted with antibiotics etc for a dodgy uti. Felt better after that so we headed off once the dryer was done. We jumped on the e-scooters again and cruised to and around Jezzine barracks, then to the Seaview Hotel for a drink, before heading to the room to freshen up. The Watermark was next on our list for a few drinks, then California tacos for dinner. A damn good feed! Would go back again and again! We decided we'd use our scooter passes again and headed to the Strand Markets that we had seen signs for. Now Ben hates markets, but the signs boasted a bunch of food trucks and I may or may not have seen a cannoli truck setting up earlier in the day. We had a quick cruise through, got our cannoli and scooted to the Queen Gardens, apparently they shut them, so there's that. The Brisbane and Melbourne gardens are 24 hours, so I just assumed, ah well. Back to the room to get organised, shower etc before bed.Read more

  • Bec TaylorTravelerCape York 2022

    To Magnetic Island

    September 3, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

    We had to be at the ferry terminal by 830 this morning, easy done being only 6 minutes away but also we definitely have a body clock happening, moreso than when I'm at work. We got the 9am ferry to Magnetic Island, similar but a bit smaller than the Moreton Island ferry from a few years ago. About 35 minutes, nice and quick. In the Kiosk a bloke asked for a round of beers but was sadly declined as they don't serve it until 10am (no that bloke wasn't ben). When we arrived we headed straight for West point and Cockle bay, 2 of the furthest points from our accommodation (a whole 18km, ha). Nice spots, but we kept moving. Next we headed to Picnic bay. We found the shipwreck and walked along the jetty, lovely spot!Read more

  • Bec TaylorTravelerCape York 2022

    Hawkings Point

    September 3, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C

    We did the Hawkings point walk, between Picnic Bay and Nelly Bay. The view was unreal! We could see the sailing event going on this weekend. Lucky we booked early. We were pretty hungry and ready for lunch, we'd already scoped out the Stuffed on Seafood menu and headed there. We got a platter and a prawn sandwich to share, so goooood. We walked around Nelly bay, lots of things set up for when the race finishes. We also spoke to a few people who were right into it and very excited that we were all watching the first finisher coming through, not that we could see where the finish line would be. Thrilling.Read more

  • Bec TaylorTravelerCape York 2022

    Geoffrey Bay wallabies!

    September 3, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C

    Alma bay was next, lots of people swimming, although there were warning signs about the marine stingers, the risk 'thermometer' was moderate at least, better than high? We ducked back (as I may have forgotten to tell ben where the turnoff was) to Geoffrey Bay to find and feed the rock wallabies. It took us a bit to find them nearby, plenty in the distance. All of a sudden they started to appear more and some even ate straight out of my hand. It was soooo cute! A few babies in pouches too which was really exciting. I loved this part of the day so much, we're hoping to go there again tomorrow morning on the way to the ferry.Read more

  • Bec TaylorTravelerCape York 2022

    Forts walk

    September 3, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C

    Next on our list was the Forts walk, about 4km with lots of history and old war buildings due to the great vantage point. We were hoping to see some koalas, as there is a large colony on the island, no luck unfortunately. It was a good walk, some steep sections, but well worth the views.Read more

  • Bec TaylorTravelerCape York 2022

    Happy hour!

    September 3, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    By the time we reached the car it was time to check in at our accommodation at Bundalow Bay. We do have a bed and aircon tonight before another week of camping. Happy hour is $15 beer jugs and $3 bubbles, dangerous. We took advantage of happy hour/s then decided to go for a walk to Horseshoe Bay for dinner, only a few minutes away. We ended up at Sandi's, shared a seafood pizza and crab pasta, another good meal. Wandered back for another few drinks and a few phone calls from mum/dad/the kids, then off to bed.Read more

  • Bec TaylorTravelerCape York 2022

    Visiting our friends before we go

    September 4, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    Awake but not really moving this morning, took our time before checking out and headed back to Geoffrey Bay. Found our little buddy in the cave again who was very friendly and definitely knows the sound of the paper packet the pellets come in. Ben fed a few this morning too. We hung around feeding a bunch of rock wallabies until we ran out of food for them. Booked onto the 10am ferry to Townsville, we had plenty of time so wandered over to the IGA for a snack. It's another gorgeous day but damn the breeze is cold today. We sat in the car for a little bit, boarded the ferry first and watched some netflix in the car as it was too cold outside.Read more

  • Bec TaylorTravelerCape York 2022

    To Airlie Beach

    September 4, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    On the road to Airlie Beach today, we had a lunch stop at Ayr maccas then a quick stop at the Gumlu Big Pumpkin and Bowen Big Mango. Arrived at the caravan park around 3, it's huge with a water park, putt putt etc, very family oriented, it's nice. We set up, went for a walk then I had a nap, pretty tired from those bubbles last night. We chilled in the camp kitchen for a bit, cooked dinner and had a chat with a couple who have been travelling for 7 months from Victoria, but they're on their way home now as the weather has been so up and down, they're ready for home now. Showered and netflix before bed.Read more

  • Bec TaylorTravelerCape York 2022

    Airlie Beach and Cedar Creek Falls

    September 5, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

    Up and moving this morning, popped into woolies for a few groceries and more bottled water. We did the Turtle boardwalk then headed right into Airlie for a bite to eat at Sidewalk Cafe. Went for a walk to check out the lagoon then on the road to Cedar Creek falls. It was too fresh to swim, but we walked to the top of the falls and climbed around up there for a while. Pretty cool spot, would be great to swim here in summer. Kept heading south and we've realised that the chip in the windscreen has finally started to grow, hoping we'll be right until we get home but it's definitely on the move. Lasted all of the corrugations and 4wd tracks, but couldn't possibly handle a cool night in Airlie Beach 🙄Read more

  • Bec TaylorTravelerCape York 2022

    Mackay

    September 5, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C

    Next stop was Lamberts lookout in North Mackay, damn cold and windy! We found the lighthouse down on the marina, there are a bunch of eateries there, looked nice. Then we just headed for The Park. One of the ladies I used to work with lives in Mackay and we were waiting to see what time she knocked off work and if she'd be available with her kids and everything for a catch up or dinner, so we delayed setting up and just relaxed for a bit. Got stuck with a number of semi/permanent residents of the caravan park. Lovely people, but they didn't know when to move on? We hadn't heard anything from Megan so we set up, got organised and had dinner. The hockey finals were tonight so I was getting updates from the girls and zoomed in to watch the shootouts, our Y2 team won their game, then my team Y1 won ours afterwards which is fantastic! Means my team goes straight through to the grand final on the 17th. Y2 still have to win their game next Monday to get through and verse us. See how it goes! We watched some netflix and went to bed.Read more

  • Bec TaylorTravelerCape York 2022

    Capricorn Caves

    September 6, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C

    A bit of rain overnight but nothing too major. Heading towards Rockhampton today, but realised we needed fuel first. Fueled up then stopped half an hour down the road at Sarina to get a photo of the big cane toad. We then plugged in the directions to our midday tour at Capricorn Caves and realised we were cutting it a bit fine. Due to arrive at 11:56, not allowing for the caravans and trucks we often get stuck behind. There was some aggressive but safe overtaking from Ben, lucky plenty of opportunities to get around them and surprisingly we didn't get caught much with the roadwork. We made it to our tour at 11:49, heaaaps of time haha. Cass was our tour guide, she was lovely and entertaining. We did the cathedral tour. In the actual cathedral part, she played some music so we could really grasp the acoustics. It was amazing. Cass did give us the opportunity to sing, but warned that Kasey Chambers was the last one to sing in here a few weeks ago, so we'd have a lot to live up to. No one in the tour decided to give it a crack haha. It was a great spot, a few other tour options we'd like to try another time.Read more

  • Bec TaylorTravelerCape York 2022

    The Criterion Hotel Motel

    September 6, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C

    Down the road to Rockhampton, we stopped at the Criterion for lunch. It's their historic pub, with lots of famous visitors coming and going. Ben of course had a casual 400g steak for lunch, not the peasant 250g. I had a seafood pasta, both meals were bloody good! We went for a short walk around the Riverside precinct. We really liked the feel of Rockhampton from the parts we saw, definitely coming back one day.Read more

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