Rockhampton to Hervey Bay

Rockhampton with its big, bold, majestic buildings was a treat. An easy afternoon walking along yet another Fitzroy River ( three in Australia. Popular bloke)named after the governor of NSW. Rockhampton itself is a name chosen in reference to rock formations in the river and to Hampton, England. Copper, tin and other minerals were the start of this towns growth and later came to include grain, sheep and cattle. Here we found the elusive majestic hotel Criterion. Staying here we were swept back in time to big wide verandahs, lace iron work , sweeping staircases, lead light windows, long window drapes and ornate old furniture. Rocky is a big beautiful country town and a great place to take a break before we head back to the coast.
Andrew had heard that Stanage Bay was worth a look and it was quite beautiful. Some 80 kms from the main highway and dirt road into a tiny fishing space surrounded by sweeping ocean vistas. Not great for camping though. To be honest we’d had enough of swagging it.
Thirty five years ago I had camped at a place called 1770 ( named after the year that rogue Cook landed ashore there). How the place had changed. From dirt road and fishing shacks to highway, shopping centres, van parks, people ( lots of them) and boats. It was still beautiful but busy! We had a gorgeous night at a fantastic airbnb overlooking the river. Here we tasted the best homemade tortilla chips with Mexican burritos as we watched sunset once again over the ocean. Divine. Breakfast the next day … three shots of Bundy Rum at the Bundaberg Brewery!! Yum
Hervey Bay was a little treat catching up with old friends and sharing laughs and stories of times gone by, walking the esplanade and the big old jetty.Read more