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East Coast Australia
  • Walshies Down Under
  • Jenny Walsh
Feb – May 2019

East Coast Australia

Travelling up the East Coast of Australia with our Campervan in tow. Read more
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  • East Coast Australia

    Drop off at Whitsunday Airport

    April 5, 2019 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C

    DRIVE: Mackay to Airlie Beach, Whitsundays via Proserpine Airport (158km).

    Today Jen has a 10.55am flight from Whitsunday Airport (Proserpine) back home to Melbourne for a couple of days. She is catching up with Jaime and going to see the footie at the MCG on Saturday, Collingwood vs West Coast. I will keep you posted on the score. Its a short visit and I will pick her back up Sunday morning.

    The airport doesn't look very big so maybe she's catching a crop duster or something.

    I continue a few more kilometres to arrive at Airlie Beach, the gateway to The Whitsunday Islands. Airlie Beach is a meeting point and in the past has been tagged as backpacker central. The main shopping centre is still catering for backpackers but in recent times, two years after the devastating Cyclone Debbie in March 2017, a lot more up market development has taken place, especially around the marina. Even the renowned Daydream Island which was obliterated in the cyclone has now undergone a complete refurbishment and re-opens next week. I am sat at Denman Cellars Beer Cafe having a choice crisp lager overlooking the marina.

    CAMP: Big 4 Whitsunday Tropical Eco Resort / 9 nights
    We have decided to literally "park the bus" for 9 nights so that we can sit, relax and enjoy everything the Whitsundays has to offer. The Whitsunday Tropical Eco Resort is a few kilometres past Airlie Beach on the way to Shute Harbour and it's absolutely perfect, away from the busy town and surrounded by lush tropical plants.

    Just me to set up today and as I check in early, the nice lady at reception recognises my accent (Manchester) and gets excited because she's from Bolton. After a good chat about 'back home', I must have made a good impression, she gave me the best site in the park to set up. It's a tropical oasis so very happy considering we are staying for a while.

    We have plenty of exciting things to do in The Whitsundays, a catamaran cruise, two nights camping on Whitehaven Beach, a jetski tour of the Islands and a reef snorkelling adventure. We have been to these parts a few times before and stayed at Hamilton Island so we are choosing different experiences and locations to explore.    Read more

  • East Coast Australia

    Port of Airlie Marina & Shute Harbour

    April 6, 2019 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C

    With down time On my own, I load the washing in the laundry but lose my coins so have to go get some change from the local supermarket. The washing is done and as I pull it out from the machine I discover my bag of coins, whoopee, I am rich again, at least enough for another beer later on...

    I decide to drive into Airlie and explore a bit.

    Port of Airlie Marina is a new development and the starting point for Whitsunday Cruise Transfers to Hamilton Island and the newly refurbished Daydream Island. It’s home to many luxury yachts and the chosen destination for tropical mariners worldwide.

    This is where I Had a beer yesterday at the beer cafe so why not, I have loose change, let’s have another go.

    Situated on the same latitude as Rio De Janeiro and Tahiti, Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays enjoy a year round tropical climate.

    After exploring the Marina, I walk to the Main Street Airlie Beach and mingle with the backpackers who are busy curing hangovers and booking adventure tours.

    Prior to the arrival of Europeans the area was occupied by members of the Darumbal Aboriginal language group. In 1904 an early settler, Thomas Abell, took up land at Airlie Beach to grow vegetables and fruit. In 1935 the Queensland Lands Department offered land beside the beach for sale. It was named Airlie Beach which was probably a reference to Abell's home in Scotland.

    I settle at “The Deck” restaurant and bar for pizza and beer and watch the world go by.

    In the afternoon I drive a short distance from the caravan park to Shute Harbour. The Harbour looks worse for wear after the cyclone but the council are spending 28 million on redevelopment. This is where we get our transfers to Whitehaven Beach on Tuesday.

    The harbour is a perfect picture and I drive up a hill to view properties with outstanding views of the harbour, the Whitsunday Islands or both. There a a few properties or land for sale and they could be a good investment given the harbour development and the push in general to preserve the unique tourism and environmental attractiveness of The Whitsundays.

    Now I promised you the Footie score as Jen and Jaime visit the MCG for last year’s Grand Final clash rematch, Collingwood Magpies vs West Coast Eagles.

    Collingwood 11.10. (76), West Coast (15.8 (98)

    The dedicated PIES supporters had a great catch up and fun time regardless of the score.    Read more

  • East Coast Australia

    The Worlds Most Paranoid Creature

    April 7, 2019 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C

    Now the award for the most paranoid creature on the planet must go to the prehistoric looking bird, the Curlew. They spend their time and energy darting a few yards, stopping like a garden statue, then nervously looking around for danger. They must have 270 degrees vision. It’s like a game of “freeze” and they are good at it too. I say take a chill pill but obviously their survival instincts are wired into their DNA.

    I admit that from the videos it looks like I am stalking them so no wonder they are running scared being followed by an iPhone Predator...

    THE BUSH STONE CURLUE
    Burhinus grallarius Burhinidae

    If Bush Stone-curlews are nearby you may hear their eerie, high-pitched wailing at night. This ghost-like call is their contact call, and may be given by several birds in a chorus. Rendered as weer-lo, it is repeated four or five times, sometimes culminating in a trilled, screeching crescendo. It is sometimes also heard during the day, when stone-curlews are usually inactive, standing quietly in the shade with their eyes half-closed, or squatting on the ground where their cryptic plumage makes them difficult to see among the leaf litter.    Read more

  • East Coast Australia

    Snorkelling Pearl Bay & Langford Isld

    April 8, 2019 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C

    Fortunately, there’s a break in the weather and we have lighter winds and no tropical rain for the start of our Catamaran Cruise on Illusions 2. We selected this tour as it goes to Blue Pearl Bay, Hayman Island and Langford Island, two well known reefs for snorkelling and diving.

    Skipper Joe and Naomi are our hosts and briskly set sail from Airlie, Abell Point Marina at 7.30am.

    The ride out is a little choppy taking a couple of hours to reach Blue Pearl Bay. Hayman Island, the more exclusive of all the islands is still undergoing renovations from cyclone Debbie and is estimated to reopen in August.

    Once a jewel (or pearl) in the crown, Blue Pearl Bay was the best inner reef location in The Whitsundays to see coral and tropical fish. The cyclone smashed all the coral and reminants of crushed coral cover the beach. It’s still a beautiful location to visit and the reef and fish are slowly rejuvenating the area but it will take some years to recover. Undeterred, we go exploring and view a range of fish and sea life.

    Langford reef is a narrow slice of sandy beach like a sand dune which sticks up just above the sea level in the middle of the ocean. Turtles feed off Langford Reef but today, visibility is poor and not great for snorkelling. The sail back to the mainland is rough as the wind has picked up past 25 nots. We sit on the Bow of the catamaran and get frequently splashed by sea spray and waves.    Read more

  • East Coast Australia

    Stranded and Alone on Whitehaven Beach

    April 9, 2019 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C

    CAMP: Whitehaven Beach, Whitsundays, 2 Nights

    Today is perfect sunny weather for our transfer to Whitsunday Island and the magical Whitehaven Beach. We have 2 nights camping on Whitehaven Beach so we have loaded up our hiking packs including the hiking tent and an Esky full of food plus our kayaks in tow.

    You can camp on many of the Islands in the Whitsundays and booked via the Queensland National Parks website.

    We depart Shute Harbour at 8.30am with a company called Scamper Island Transfers. We are the only ones going out and it takes an hour to our destination, passing Hamilton Island on the way. Once we hit unprotected ocean, we cascade up and down some serious waves and at one point, half the ocean came over the bow and soaked us.

    We reach the point and turn into view of the brilliant white sand of Whitehaven, the seas become calm and the wind has dropped.

    The boat we are on is like an amphibious army personnel carrier with a massive cargo drop bridge at the front. It’s like the opening shot of Saving Private Ryan. As we reach the beach, myself and Jen are charged with unlocking the cargo door and it lowers perfectly onto the crisp white sand for us to invade the Island.

    As we unload our gear, campers are waiting for their return transfer to the mainland and we suddenly realise that tonight, we are the only ones left camping on the island, so it’s gonna be total isolation.

    ISLAND CHALLENGE
    So here’s a challenge for our most dedicated followers... You are sent to a deserted Island, water, coconuts, olive oil, salt & pepper are plentiful. You are allowed unlimited supply of 5 foods, i.e a cow would be food which would cover meat and dairy or flour would be food or tomatos. It’s up to you. What will you Bring?

    Post your 5 things on our blog Under this footprint.

    For now, the main beach is buzzing with day tourists, tour boats come and go, sailing vessels are anchored within paddling distance of the shore and a seaplane lands just off shore carrying bespoke passengers to paradise.

    As we are the only campers, we have choice of camp site and select a perfect site within metres of the beach overlooking Whitehaven shoreline.

    We assess the direction of the sun for afternoon shade and protection and set up the tent.

    We are greeted by a goanna who’s checking us out for food and a seriously large and hairy Huntsman spider on a wooden post as we enter the site.

    Once set up, I turn on the hiking stove and put the kettle on for a morning coffee and we unwind in the camping chairs with our his and hers beach towels, a gift from ‘R Kid”. This is the best view ever and look no further for paradise.

    We had been to Whitehaven beach in September 2017 after Cyclone Debbie had flattened many of the trees that line the beach for miles. It’s great to see that the beach and landscape is recovering and the rangers have upgraded the camping and visitor facilities whilst maintaining the pristine look of the beach. Pirates Of the Caribbean 4 was filmed here at Whitehaven Beach to take in its outstanding natural beauty but only a few seconds of footage made the cut.. In fact Whitehaven has been voted one of the top two beaches in the world because of its super fine and vivid white silica sand.

    Slowly, the tourist depart the beach and sail away back to civilisation. We watch from our vantage point until we are the only ones left, “WILSON”. Stranded and alone on Whitehaven Beach, from here on, ours are the only footprints left on the island.

    Jen takes the kayak and paddles along the coastline. Suddenly she shouts out, there’s a baby shark... yeah well where’s it’s mother...?

    The sun is soon setting and its my favourite part of the day as I love to watch the colours change as the shadows on the beach begin to lengthen.

    It’s a perfect sunset and it lingers creating pink and blue fluffy clouds on the horizon above the distant but prominent Esk island out to sea.

    I take advantage and set the drone on another mission to capture the sunset moment on Whitehaven Beach.

    Soon a quarter moon has replaced the sun and thousands of stars appear as there is no light to obscure their intensity. All we can hear are the gentle waves lapping the shore as we tuck into a roast chicken and a glass of red wine, oh and the occasional rustle from the bushes which reminds us that we are not alone after all....

    I am definitely having roast chicken on my deserted island (well real chickens at least).

    The Huntsman spider has moved on but the pythons are active at night so Jen insists that we zip up the tent tonight... All good.

    WILDLIFE:
    Goannas, Giant Huntsmen Spiders, Baby Reef Shark, Pythons, Roast Chicken.    Read more

  • East Coast Australia

    Whitehaven Beach Sunrise to Sunset

    April 10, 2019 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C

    Sunrise is officially 6.14am but we want to see it from the other end of Whitehaven Beach at Hills Inlet. It’s a 7km beach hike from camp so we wake up and set off at 5am at a brisk walking pace.

    It’s darkness but the stars and the moon reflect on the ocean and we follow the shoreline by the sound of the waves. Its currently low tide. We have headlamps but we switch them off as its much more fun in the dark and after 3km into our hike, the sunrise sky to the east is already making yellow, orange and red tones.

    5km In, I decide that it’s a perfect time to capture the sun with the drone just before it peaks out over the distant islands.

    It’s a magnificent view and we continue the further 2km to Hills Inlet to see the full sunrise. Sunrise happens quick and all too soon, we are viewing blue sky and aqua waters and the temperature is already on the rise.

    7km seemed a shorter distance in the dark and our return trip felt never ending and the moored yachts close to camp seemed to never get any closer. That’s a long hike before breakfast so we are pretty much tired and hungry.

    The rest of the morning is spent resting in the hammock or beach chair and avoiding the sun Lots of midnight blue butterfly’s with white spots gently pass us by.

    In the afternoon, we grab the snorkel gear and walk the 50m to a cove at the start of Whitehaven Beach, the place where Jen spotted a reef shark yesterday. Visibility is great and we spot a number of tropical fish including many black and white Collingwood stripey ones and a stingray hiding under a submerged oyster rock cliff.

    There’s a short hike to a lookout overlooking Whitehaven and across to the other side at Chance Bay. We wander up the sandy path as the sun cools and meet Leo and Dougie. They came across to Whitehaven today with a mechanical digger and supplies to excavate a new pathway up to the lookout.

    Leo is a National Parks ranger and an Aboriginal from The Ngaro tribe who are the ancestral owners of the islands in The Whitsundays. Leo is a kind, passionate and respectful fellow who supervises any work to be done in the National Park. Dougie is a glowing older gentleman with a straw brim hat and a tanned lined face that show he has worked hard on the land. Aptly named, Dougie digs for a living with his excavator and is a real modern day pioneer as he forges hiking trails through the National Park. Both of them are tasked with excavating a 36km trail from Chance Bay to Tung Point on Whitsunday Island. A test run of 1.5km took 3 weeks to dig...

    We reach the top of the lookout and view Chance Bay. A tall sculptured rock Island dominates the Far horizon.

    Back at camp, our last activity for the day is a short kayak during sunset and then I prepare a tasty chicken pasta on the hiking stove. Gee, it’s still only 6.30pm. Time moves pleasantly slow here.

    Layered up with mozzie spray, I sleep out under the stars in the hammock tonight with the occasional large bat swooping into the trees above.

    WILDLIFE:
    Butterfly’s, Collingwood Fish, Stingray, Kukkaburras, Bats, Goannas.    Read more

  • East Coast Australia

    Return to Civilisation

    April 11, 2019 in Australia ⋅ 🌧 25 °C

    Before we left our beach paradise on Whitehaven, as all stranded folk on a deserted island do, I left a message on the sand.

    Our transfer back to the mainland picks us up with precision timing, 10.00am. A storm is due so we are racing against the darkening clouds behind us as we dart through the channel past Hamilton Island, South Molle Island and Daydream Island. (See the Whitsunday map for our journey).

    The view ahead is clear blue skies but the rain clouds are moving in, typical of a tropical storm. We almost make it home before the rain, but at once, the temperature drops and the rain engulfs us. It’s like a warming shower really and only lasts 5-10 minutes and the blue sky and sun return.

    Back at Shute Harbour, we unload our sturdy vessel and transfer the gear to the car for a short return trip back to our Eco Resort.

    Jen has been eaten by mozzies and flies even with repellent on so they must like the taste of her blood.

    We are a bit tired and dehydrated as expected when you have to live a spartan life on a deserted Island for a few nights. A cool refreshing shower and a few beers will fix that.    Read more

  • East Coast Australia

    Tropical Eco Recovery 101

    April 12, 2019 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 25 °C

    Here are the 7 prescribed steps to recover from being stranded on a deserted tropical island for two days.

    1. Drink plenty of fluid. Turn the esky down to almost freezing so the beer and cider is ice cold.

    2. Have a long cold shower to cleanse the spirit, remove the sand from hard to reach places and soothe away the insect bites.

    3. Turn on fans and air conditioning and be totally inactive. Hibernate from the heat, noise, people, all civilisation in general at least until midday.

    4. Reintroduce oneself slowly to the rigours of normal life. Try a hat on... go get a strong coffee or a real hot chocolate, sit at a cafe with a view and find some food with sugar in it.

    4. Return to your sanctuary and take a long siesta on a comfortable mattress whilst a tropical storm passes by.

    5. Re-energise with a sunset cocktail overlooking a harbour whilst listening to reggae music.

    6. Get some red meat and replenish the body accompanied by a bottle of decent red wine.

    7. Retire to bed for an early night to maximise full recovery.    Read more

  • East Coast Australia

    Last Day In Paradise

    April 13, 2019 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 25 °C

    After recovering from heat exhaustion yesterday, we visit the Saturday markets at Airlie Beach. I was surprised as there was no barista serving fresh local coffee. I could have made a fortune even with my little Nespresso machine...

    Our final day in The Whitsundays was spent mooching around and viewing some of the hillside properties overlooking the marina and beyond to the Islands. Magnificent views.

    It’s not a great day for water activities as the wind is up so we will have to do our planned Jet ski tour on another visit. On windy days, the backpackers park themselves in Airlie at the local pubs, bars and cafes so it’s good for the on land economy.

    We enjoy the rest of the day surrounded by tropical plants and rainforests listening to the occasional plane take off back at our resort. I even find a banana plant with a bunch of under ripe bananas hanging invitingly, to be picked on another day.

    There’s something peaceful and relaxing about a tropical paradise and we even like the warm tropical down pours which come and go frequently, always to be followed bay a ray of sunshine.    Read more

  • East Coast Australia

    The Pretty Seaside Town of Bowen

    April 14, 2019 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C

    DRIVE: Airlie Beach to Bowen via Hydeaway Bay (132km)

    Today we have a leisurely pack up after spending 9 nights at Big 4 Whitsunday Tropical Eco Resort, Airlie. Sad to be leaving as this has been the best caravan park we have stayed at and it’s been a relaxing and peaceful tropical oasis.

    It’s always exciting to be moving on though so that we can explore a new destination. We detour to Hydeaway Bay which is a short hop up the coast from Airlie. Hydeaway Bay is picturesque and looks out to the Whitsundays. Most of the properties here are beach houses with great views of the ocean although it does have a caravan park named “Hideaway Caravan Park” with an i, not a y. In fact, there is some dispute over the spelling of the name and the locals insist Hydeaway with a ‘y’ is historically correct.

    Further up the coast is the pretty seaside town of Bowen. Looking on my weather report, it’s 28 degrees and sunny here all week long although there are welcome signs that the breeze is cooling the humidity down as winter slowly approaches. Not to worry, winter is a cool 26-27 degrees up here so we are timing our trip to enjoy a change in season.

    CAMP: NRMA Bowen Beach Front Caravan Park.
    We had pre booked a beach front site a long time ago so that we can chill for 4 days and Bowen seems like the perfect place for it as we look out over Queens Beach.

    Bowen is renowned for its award winning beaches and close proximity to the Great Barrier Reef. It’s also known as the salad bowl of Australia due to its diversity of crops and fresh produce. Home to the Kensington Pride Mango, we passed “The Big Mango” on our way into the town.

    Swiftly set up, (we are experts after 58 days), we grab our neglected bikes, not used them for a while and take a relaxing bike ride following the shoreline pathway to Horseshoe Bay catching the sea breeze on the way. No awards for working out why it’s called Horseshoe Bay and we are pleasantly greeted by beige and orange rock formations and boulders surrounding a small but magnificently formed bay. The waves lap in to shore as we traverse some of the rock formations on the south side of the bay.

    It’s a little blustery today but on a calm day, these waters are crystal blue with opportunity to snorkel so hopefully we will see the bay at its most vibrant.

    We explore a bit and as super hero’s, ”The Un-Incedibles”, we find a large distressed boulder hanging from a ledge that is about to fall. We smell DANGER and quickly move in to support it from the effects of gravity. I have a go first but Jen finds the perfect hands free balancing trick to render the boulder safe... all in a days work and another lizard’s life saved.

    Returning on the bike path to camp, it’s definitely time to put the feet up, chill out and watch another sunset. The simple things in life are the best so... sausages and red wine for dinner.    Read more

  • East Coast Australia

    10 Historic Murals Of Bowen

    April 15, 2019 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    Today we parked the car in Bowen town and walked the streets to hunt for Bowen’s historical murals. There are 28 in total depicting diverse history from the town’s early settlers to modern day.

    We managed to view 25 of the 28 murals, 10 of which are presented in pictures for your viewing pleasure.    Read more

  • East Coast Australia

    Baz Luhrmann's Australia Filmed in Bowen

    April 16, 2019 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    In December 2006, it was announced that Bowen was chosen as a filming location for a third of the production of Australia, directed by Baz Luhrmann and starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman, portraying the look of Darwin.

    A film set was built and production of the iconic movie commenced in May 2007.

    A number of the historic buildings in Bowen featured in the movie including The Grandview Hotel. Jen was excited to visit the hotel as this is where her heart throb, Hugh Jackman spilled sweat, blood and tears making the movie. Alas he was long gone...

    In its lifetime, The Grandview Hotel was destroyed twice by fire and twice by cyclone which only adds to the charming resilience of this astonishing building. With a recent chic modern touch to the design whilst preserving the history of the building, the hotel continues to hold a commanding corner position on one of Bowen's Main Streets.

    We take a trip though history and enjoy a beer and dinner at the hotel, soft shell crab for me and salt n pepper squid for Jen.    Read more

  • East Coast Australia

    A view of the Bays of Bowen

    April 17, 2019 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    Bowen has some spectacular beaches and ocean views. We start the day on top of Flagstaff Hill which commands views out to the Whitsundays and across to the rugged mountains that surround Hydeaway Bay. It also has a panoramic view of the town of Bowen.

    Situated less than one kilometre from the Bowen mainland, at the entrance to Port Dension is North Head Island and home to one of Queensland's oldest lighthouses. ... The lighthouse was home to a family for a short period of time - the children enjoying a daily canoe to the mainland for school. During low tide in Winter, you can walk across to the lighthouse.

    We move on to Rose Bay and return to Horseshoe Bay to climb the lookout and watch sunset. There is a 4.5 km hike starting at Horseshoe Bay popular with the locals. In fact, after spending a few days in Bowen now, we realise that it’s a quiet town that has not been burdened by mass tourism and the locals live a happy life surrounded by beautiful beaches.

    It’s a balance I know as the little town relies heavily on agriculture to sustain its community so although the tourism dollars are greatly welcomed, it’s refreshing to sea a beach town that is unspoilt by over development.

    I pose for a panoramic as the sun goes down and Jen finds a swing to sit on overlooking the bay.

    We have really enjoyed our stay at Bowen, the place grows on you and the weather is ever so perfect.    Read more

  • East Coast Australia

    YHA Magnetic Island

    April 18, 2019 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    It’s amazing, the longer we travel up the coast of tropical Queensland, the younger we get. It must be the sea breeze or something. So we have ditched the campervan and left it on the mainland in Townsville and have taken the car on the ferry to Magnetic Island.

    We are staying at Magnetic Island YHA. In case you missed that, Youth Hostel Australia. Of course we fit in really well as our well travelled youthful glow and colour rinsed hair blend in seamlessly with the transient backpackers circling the bar like sharks for happy hour. Don’t be deterred, you too can fit in as there are young and old, families and people from all walks of life staying here.

    DRIVE: Bowen to Magnetic Island via Townsville (202km).

    CAMP: Luxury, an A framed cabin at Bungalow Bay Koala. Village, YHA, Horseshoe Bay, Magnetic Island / 2 nights.

    The Magnetic Island Ferry takes about 40 minutes to cross from Townsville. Blue sky and sunshine all the way with a nice breeze to catch.

    Magnetic Island was named by Captain Cook in 1770. As The Endeavour passed by the island, Cook’s compass went haywire so he documented the epiphany by naming the island “Magnetic Island”.

    We arrive at Nelly Bay ferry terminal and immediately seek something to eat as we had left early from Bowen this morning.

    We find a popular outdoor pirate themed cafe called Scallywags, a perfect pit stop for brunch. Everything with eggs and hot chocolate for Jen and a double shot latte for me. It’s taken me a while to find a decent coffee and this place hits the mark.

    Refueled and reenergised, we drive up the road to Picnic Bay and then drive back through Nelly Bay 4.5km all the way to Horseshoe Bay on the northern shore of Magnetic Island. This is the longest drive you can do on the island.

    We are a bit early to check in to the YHA so we grab a cold drink from the bar and settle on some giant bean bags...and mingle.

    Bungalow Bay Koala Village is set up really well with a range of shared, double and en-suite A frame cabins dotted around a tropical landscape. There’s also a camping area. The air con works a treat so I soon have our cabin ice cold.

    Horseshoe Bay is a short stroll from the YHA. Hang on, haven’t we just been to Horseshoe Bay in Bowen...? That’s right, another bay of similar shape but this one on Magnetic Island is an expansive orange sandy bay with a number of yachts moored in its protective cove. The street runs alongside the bay with palm trees and picnic benches on the beach side and a selection of cafes and restaurants on the other which have a real beachy vibe to them.

    It’s a cool place with los of activities to do from Jet Skiing to being towed behind a boat at speed on an inflatable. We decide to go for a kayak around the bay. The tide was low and on the eastern side of the bay are partially exposed coral reefs surrounded by seaweed. Jen spots three turtle heads pop up as we paddle around the bay, or it could have been one turtle head three times...

    After a happy hour cocktail at the YHA bar, mine was green and tasted like fairy dishwashing liquid, we walk to Horseshoe Bay for dinner.

    It’s Thursday night so Parma night at the local pub. Chicken Parmigiana plus a cold beer or glass of wine for $15. It’s a winner. Jen has the Barramundi even though it’s a Thursday... There are other places to eat by the bay but sometimes, you just can’t beat a good old Aussie pub meal.    Read more

  • East Coast Australia

    WWll Forts Walk With 360 Views

    April 19, 2019 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 29 °C

    One of the most popular tracks on Magnetic Island, the 4km return Forts walk leads to historic WWII fortifications and infrastructure.

    The fort complex was constructed in 1943 during World War II to protect Townsville harbour from a feared Japanese invasion of Australia. The fortifications were armed with French 155 millimetres (6.1 in) M3 guns and manned by The Australian Coast Artillery Unit until the end of the pacific war in 1945.

    From the top of the fortifications are 360 degree views of the island and out to the pacific.

    Jen finds and climbs the range finder pedestal which was used in the war to calculate required distance and trajectory of the gun’s missiles to reach their targets. I think she is working out the math to use me as a human cannonball...

    We spot a Koala on the return trip and then take a short drive to the village of Arcarda and a swim at Elma Bay.

    It’s a typical Aussie Good Friday and the beach is busy with families from the mainland and a surf life saving competition is in progress. The water as expected is warm and refreshing. Magnetic Island gets 300 days a year of pure sunshine.    Read more

  • East Coast Australia

    The Day Before Tomorrow

    April 20, 2019 in Australia ⋅ 🌙 25 °C

    DRIVE: Townsville to Lucinda (139km)
    It’s time to leave the YHA and Magnetic Island. It’s been a fun place to stay and packing up this morning was as simple as... throw everything in the car.

    Booked on the 11.40am ferry from Magnetic Island back to the mainland, we drive to Picnic Bay, source some good coffee and drive back to the ferry terminal. As luck would have it, an earlier ferry is just about to depart and there’s one spot left for our car so we drive straight on and off we go. That’s called ‘time travelling’ as we have gained an hour for our journey up the coast from Townsville to Lucinda, the starting point for our 4 day Hinchenbrook Island hike tomorrow.

    Townsville was severely flooded in February this year and although surrounded by mountain ranges, the area is quite flat and there are still signs of water receding in and around the sugar cane fields.

    It’s not a long drive today and we soon pass through Ingham and on to Lucinda.

    CAMP: Wanderer Caravan Park Lucinda
    We managed to grab the last site and the caravan park is chocka for the Easter holidays. It’s a big park and extremely well managed and has the best bathroom amenities we have come across.

    Lucinda is a fishing village and everyone at the park has a caravan, a twin cab 4WD and a fishing boat. The blokes walk around proudly wearing and displaying their favourite colourful fishing tee shirts promoting BCF or other marine businesses. You can see that they wear them like a badge of honour just like a footie or rugby top. It’s a different world.

    We are staying in Lucinda for one night and then storing the campervan here at the park for 4 days whilst doing our hike.

    It’s the day before tomorrow when we start ‘The Thorsborne Trail’ on Hinchenbrook Island, one of the best multi day hikes in Australia. We check our equipment and supplies for the hike and fill our hiking packs up to the brim. It’s all a bit heavy but we have to carry plenty of water, food for 4 days and our hiking tent. I sacrifice a few things and shed some weight but the emergency chocolate bars stay.

    We have an 8.00am ferry transfer to Hinchenbrook with John and Absolute North Charters. It will be Easter Sunday so we hope the Easter Bunny can follow our locator beacon.

    All of our food is packed away so we venture up to the local pub, there’s only one in town, and join the locals celebrating the long weekend. The place is packed inside, the rugby’s on the tv, beer is flowing and food orders are streaming in at the bar. We find one solitary table left outside and I go searching for a couple of chairs. It’s a vibrant place and everyone seems to be happy.

    As we tuck in to our grub, the full moon rises in the east and cars towing fishing boats are coming and going to the jetty as if changing from day shift to night shift. It’s the day before tomorrow and we are nervously excited about our hike.    Read more

  • East Coast Australia

    Hinchenbrook Island Hike Day 1

    April 21, 2019, Great Barrier Reef ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C

    Today is the start of our Hinchenbrook Island 4 day hike. We are uncertain as to what lies ahead and we document blow by blow to capture the highs and lows of our epic adventure.

    Shane from Wanderers Caravan Park loads us and our weighted packs in his Ute and drives us the 1km to Dungeness Marina. We have an 8.00am ferry departure to the island with Absolute North Charters. John, the owner and Brad are there to meet us and give us some tips on how best to traverse the island. Brad will be our skipper for the transfer. It’s not so much a ferry but a solid aluminium boat with inflatable sides.

    We meet Hannah and Nicki, two young fun adventurers based in Mackay who are also doing the hike, so we won’t be alone. They are studying medicine so they can be our mobile A&E.

    Access to and from the island is dependant on the tides. The sea is choppy as we ride each wave up the eastern side of Hinchenbrook. The view of the island is spectacular, with massive rugged peaks partially covered by foreboding clouds and rainforest that runs right down to the beach. Its like the opening scene of Jurassic Park, only in this place, crocodiles remain and the dinosaurs have long gone.. we think!

    The starting point for the hike is Ramsay Bay and Brad drops us off at the southern most point of the Bay due to tidal conditions. That saves us 500m of hiking and every step saved, counts on this island.

    Hinchenbrook seems to have its own climate with high humidity and plenty of tropical rainfall so we are happy that it’s a sunny dry day for the start of our journey.

    As we get close to shore, our instructions from Brad are to take hiking boots off, put our hiking packs on and jump in to wade through the near 2 foot of water onto the beach. Hearts racing and adrenaline pumping, we make it to the soft sandy beach and look back to see Brad and the boat disappear. Little did we know that this was the first of many steps we will take getting our feet wet.

    Now the official name of the hike is “The Thorsborne Trail”, an epic 4 day, 32km hike North to South on the East side of the island and graded ‘difficult’.

    There are designated camping spots en route mainly by the beach, usually with a fresh water creek nearby for supplies and all with crocodile signs warning of danger...!

    We decide to stick together with Hannah and Nicki and start the first section of our treck. Ramsey Bay to Nina Bay is 4km but will take 2.5 hours to complete as its difficult terrain and we need to carry 4 litres of water each. Not long Into the hike is our first obstacle, a fast and wide moving creek. We take our hiking boots off to stay dry but this became futile as around the corner was another creek, and another, so we ended up wearing them through the crossings.

    The second creek was rocky under foot and we hear a cry for help as Jen slips, her leg gives way and she ends up flat on her front with the heavy pack on top of her. We move in to rescue and A&E is administered sooner than expected by the girls. Worst for wear, with bruises, a bump on the head and a strained finger, Jen is patched up, shaken but not stirred, she bravely continues.

    It’s very humid and sweaty and with the weight of our packs, progress is slow and I think we drank about 1 litre water every 1.5km

    The 2nd section of day 1 is Nina Bay to Little Ramsey Bay, a 2.5km hike. At the southern end of Nina Bay, the trail crosses a rocky section by the shore and we slowly rock hop our way through and head towards the base of a small cliff. The trail climbs the cliff and follows the headland to Boulder Bay, now we are boulder hopping... and onto Little Ramsey Bay.

    We cross a creek flowing quickly into the sea and are relieved to see a campground sign. The campground is by the beach with an amazing backdrop and a fresh water creek running through smooth creamy brown rocks. There are metal rat proof storage boxes for our food and hooks to hang our packs away from the ground level... so why are we the only thing left on ground level...?

    We set up the hiking tent, take our soaking hiking shoes off and head up the creek for fresh water and a cooling swim.

    Before long, the sun disappears over the dark silhouetted mountain tops and we find enough energy to boil some water and make a freeze dried meal of Thai green chicken curry.

    Hannah and Nicki decide to try another camp site in a cove slightly further on and we flashlight each other from the beach in the darkness.

    It’s still humid and I decide to sleep in the hammock and keep watch for a while as the sound of the tide hits the shore. Jen is very sore and eaten by mosquitoes so she doesn’t get much sleep.

    Day 1 was exciting at the start but this was quickly replaced by soreness and tiredness as we realised how tough and challenging the terrain was carrying loaded hiking packs.    Read more

  • East Coast Australia

    Hinchenbrook Island Hike Day 2

    April 22, 2019 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    It’s 6.00am and the daylight streams through the rainforest as a wake up call. We have to cross the tidal river on Little Ramsay Bay before 7.30am so we take John’s advice from Absolute North Charters and pack up before breakfast to make headway into day 2.

    Feeling a little recovered from yesterday, we check our hiking notes on the app. and start today’s 10.5km hike from Little Ramsay Bay to Zoe Bay., estimated to take 6 hours.

    We pass a camp site on the opposite side of the tidal crossing and see Nickie’s hiking shoes drying on a line but no sign of the girls or their tent. Jen calls out but no answer so we continue on assuming they are tucked away sound asleep. We later find out that they didn’t really sleep much and had moved their tent further into the rainforest away from the beach as they had crocodiles on their mind all night long.

    It’s 8.30am and the heat and humidity is already uncomfortable as we rock hop some more. From the southern end of the beach the trail heads south-easterly through a small gully to the top of a ridge. It’s already hard going uphill so we stop for breakfast and a rest at a stunning waterfall.

    Jen is still sore from yesterday’s trip and enthusiasm is down a bit but we have to crack on one step at a time to avoid the midday heat. We refill some water bottles and load up the packs.

    The trail continues south, descending to the Banksia Creek crossing on to the saddle between Banksia and Zoe bays, then into the Zoe Bay Catchment. Each creek crossing is difficult to navigate with fast running water and slippy boulders on foot. I take my pack across this crossing then take Jens’s so she can just focus on getting herself across. It’s always difficult to find the exit point on the other side where the hiking trail continues and we wearily search for the orange triangle marker pointing us in the right direction. These orange triangles are our lifeline as the pathway is rough, not clear or well defined.

    We pass through a succession of vegetation types, from dry open forest to rainforest and mangrove swamps. The going is slow and heavy (trudging) with many undulations in the landscape and wet on foot. At this point Jen gets snagged by a rainforest creeper with jagged teeth and struggles to get free. “Get me off this f... island” is the response so we rest for a while, have a drink of water and some chocolate and being half way, assess our next steps. It must get easier.

    After some rest, we move on and immediately hit a clearing that is shin deep in dark, murky swampy water without any clear direction. This is worse. We are literally walking through a smelly swamp plain not unlike Frodo, Sam and Gollum in Lord of the Rings on their way to middle earth. This is a test of resilience so we slowly plough on.

    We find dry ground for 100 metres then pass through several disorienting water logged palm swamps in tall rainforest between North Zoe Creek and Fan Palm. I was focussed on not getting lost and Jen was watching her tired feet with every step.

    Difficulty shall pass and eventually we are heartened to see the sunlight beaming into the rainforests and the magnificent sound of waves hitting the shoreline. We have finally reached the clearing at the Southern end of Zoe Bay and we follow the beach like 2 drunken sailors the last few hundred metres to the campsite.

    It’s such a relief to take our hiking packs and our sodden shoes and socks off. We both agree, that was the hardest 10.5km worth of hiking foot steps we have ever taken. We are still standing and have made it through a most difficult test through rugged unforgiving wilderness.

    We set up camp and our spirits are lifted as Hannah and Nickie arrive safely a couple of hours later. Our team reward for effort is a short walk to the base of Zoe Falls and a dip in the refreshing clear water pools of South Zoe creek.    Read more

  • East Coast Australia
    1

    Hinchenbrook Island Hike Day 3

    April 23, 2019 in Australia ⋅ 🌧 23 °C

    We eat more food rations for breakfast and try to lighten the load by offering fruit to Hannah and Nicki but they are on to our tactics.

    Zoe Bay is a popular camping spot as there’s direct access by boat and its a short trek up to the top of Zoe Falls.. That’s our first destination for the day as we start the 7.5km hike to Mulligan Falls and our next camp..

    We drop our packs at the base of Zoe Falls next to the girl’s who had gone ahead and follow a track to climb to the top. It’s quite steep and one section has a notched climbing rope to pull yourself up on.

    Reaching the top, we are rewarded with the most amazing view of the island towards Zoe Bay. Plunge pools cascade over granite slabs and dive over the edge of the falls and we are soon sitting in a fresh water spa on the very lip of Zoe Falls.

    Moments in life make everything else worth while and this is one of them.

    Invigorated and re-enthused, we happily descend to the base by a slightly different track and realise that this track has an orange triangle on it.... oh no, we were meant to carry our packs up and over the falls. After a 2nd assent this time with the burden of weight, I suggest that we wipe our memory as if this was the first and only climb to the top today. Doh!

    Continuing along South Zoe Creek, the trail occasionally crosses narrow rocky tributaries. It then follows a distinct spur to the granite rock pavement of a saddle. We are soon engulfed in misty rain as we reach 260 m above the sea, the highest point on the trail. On a clear day the picturesque views include the Palm Island Group and Magnetic Island to the south. The misty rain at least keeps us cool and we stop to put our weather protectors on our hiking packs. The terrain is still difficult, our legs are aching but progress is more assured and we plod on.

    Reaching Diamantina creek which is wide and rocky and known to flood regularly, we rock hop, then decide to take the safest route across a fast flowing channel and get our feet wet.

    From here, the terrain takes a steady incline to open fern and grassy areas until it winds its way down to Mulligan Falls and our camp for the night.

    Mulligan Falls has a deep plunge pool at the base of a rapidly moving water fall. Its another opportunity to swim and refresh.

    Hannah and Nickie have “an escape from this island”” card and had pre arranged to get a boat transfer from Mulligan Bay this afternoon. So bon voyage to our great companions as we settle in to a night alone at Mulligan Falls.

    Freeze dried Coq Au Vin for dinner tonight with creamy mash so it went down a treat. Feeling a bit more up beat, we retire to the tent knowing we have one more morning to go.

    The rain pours throughout the night and it always sounds louder and more ferocious hitting the outside of the tent. It’s still warm though and those bloody mozzies or midgies. Whatever they are, they are annoying and no amount of mozzie spray has stopped them from feasting on our skin.    Read more

  • East Coast Australia

    Hinchenbrook Island Hike Day 4

    April 24, 2019 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C

    Yeah, we have made it to day 4 but it has taken some effort as we are tired, sore and bitten.

    All our equipment is wet but we are in no rush this morning and calmly dry things of as best we can and pack up camp.

    Alone, we take a skinny dip in Mulligan Falls and find our remaining fresh clothes to put on. It’s a 7.5 km hike down to George Point with 5km of it on the beach. The going is much easier and our pace is good as we need to cross the tidal creek before high tide kicks in this morning. We check the creek out and knee deep, take the shortest route across. Jen is startled by a fish and we joke that surely we can’t get eaten by a croc so close to the finishing line.

    I get mobile reception and txt John for an 11.30am pick up at Mulligan Bay camping area. The last part is always a drag and the finishing line can not come soon enough. We see Lucinda across the shore and the 5.7km long jetty which carries sugar cane to be loaded onto ships. Our shoulders are sore from carrying heavy packs so we stop and rest for 5 minutes. I pull my pack back on, take 5 awkward steps and spot the George Point sign on the corner of the bay, less than 20m away. We had stoped 31.88km into our 32km hike and salvation was just a few small steps for mankind...

    We laugh and celebrate survival, relieved that we have finally made it and our bodies can have a rest. “I’m not a celebrity, get me out of here” says Jen which kind of sums up how we feel even though we are elated to have completed the torturous hike on Hinchenbrook Island. We stretch out our backs on a lonely picnic bench etched with the names and dates of those before us or maybe in memory of those who never made it... Soon our ferry boat arrives and picks us up to transfer to... what another island.... aahh, it’s the island called ‘Australia’. Awe sweet!!

    DRIVE: Lucinda to Mission Beach via Cardwell (128km).

    After a much needed shower at the Lucinda caravan park, we collect our car and campervan and head up the coast to Mission Beach, stopping at Cardwell for a crab burger.

    CAMP: Big 4 Beachcomber Holiday Park, South Mission Beach.    Read more

  • East Coast Australia

    Face to Face with A Cassowary

    April 25, 2019 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C

    It’s so nice to be back in our campervan. For one, my Nespresso coffee machine has missed me and we had a comfortable sleep last night even though it poured outside with tropical rain.

    We set about cleaning everything in site. Jen does basket loads of sodden, smelly clothes washing whilst I pack away all the camping gear and give the campervan a good clean.

    It feels good to have some pleasantries and I find hidden away in the fridge freezer a couple of hot cross buns left over from Easter.

    The caravan park is right on South Mission Beach with views out to Dunk Island. It’s quiet as all the Easter campers have gone home.

    A large impressive Cassowary comes visiting from the bush land surrounding the caravan park. We had been told to watch out for them as the Mission Beach area is a Cassowary sanctuary.

    The Cassowary seems unfazed and used to campers as it scouts the camp site looking for food. In the wild, they can be aggressive so it’s good advice to just smile, be nice and stay well clear of its dagger like claws. It takes an attraction to the black body work of our car as it can see its own reflection so I bravely move in between it and the Kluger and direct the Cassowary away. It seems relaxed enough and moves quietly on without any resistance.

    The Cassowary is common to New Guinea and tropical Australia. As a flightless bird, It stands as tall a man and has a distinct blue face and a ridge atop its head.

    News just in... 53 minutes ago.

    “A Cassowary bird native to Australia will be auctioned off, after killing its owner earlier this month”.

    Well that says it all. Smile, be nice and stay well clear. It’s amazing how many animals from this land are extremely dangerous and even predatorial.; Snakes, Spiders, Crocodiles, Sharks, Jelly Fish and now we add the Cassowary to the list.

    Even a Wombat got into our tent a few years ago and stole our loaf of bread. It made a big hole in the tent so that’s predatorial enough for me...

    We drive from South Mission Beach to Mission Beach Village and esplanade. Mission beach is a series of coastal villages with a bohemian mix of local beach houses, cafes/shops, tourist accommodation, backpacker facilities and caravan parks.

    It’s quiet, laid back and tropical so just the place for us to recover for a few days.

    Today is Anzac Day so we have set up big TV and tuned into the Anzac Day AFL game, Collingwood v Essendon. Jen is barracking hard and for those from overseas who are not sure what that means, she shouts loudly at her team Collingwood especially if they do something wrong.

    Go Pies!

    We stroll up to the Mission Beach surf club and find a seat at their restaurant called Tuskers.

    The restaurant has been recently voted the best chips in far North Queensland. As we are desperate to replenish our protein levels, we order the award winning chips with succulent steak and red wine jus. The steak was huge and at the end, nothing was left on the plate. They are generally open Fri, Sat & Sun plus public holidays.    Read more

  • East Coast Australia

    A Short History of Mission Beach

    April 26, 2019 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    Mission Beach is a beautiful 14km stretch of coconut palm tree lined beach on the Coral Coast, 139km South of Cairns. It lies within the Cassowary Coast region of Queensland.

    Prior to the arrival of Europeans the area was occupied by people from the Djiru Aboriginal language group.

    Lt. James Cook passed these shores on 9th June 1770 and named Dunk Island off the coast of Mission Beach after the Earl of Halifax, George Montague Dunk. However, the area was first explored by Edmund Kennedy and his party who landed just to the south of Mission Beach in 1848.

    In 1872 it was alleged by two sailors (Wilson and Sullivan), that the captain (Stratman) and some of the crew of the ill-fated Maria which was wrecked in a "typhoon", were killed and eaten by natives north of Tam O'Shanter Point, a headland located on South Mission Beach.

    The first white settlers, the Cutten brothers, arrived in 1882 and established crops including coffee, mangoes, coconuts and bananas.

    Mission Beach was named after the Hull River Mission, an Aboriginal mission which was set up at South Mission Beach by the Queensland government in 1914 to house the remainder of the local indigenous population. In 1918 the mission was destroyed and lives were lost when a cyclone ripped through the area.

    Skip a few years and by the 1980s Mission Beach had become an important tourist destination. On 20th March 2006, Cyclone Larry caused extensive damage to the town and on 3rd February 2011, Cyclone Yasi destroyed much of the town. It had wind gusts of 290 km/hr and Dunk Island took the brunt of it.    Read more

  • East Coast Australia

    You Can Skydive onto Mission Beach

    April 27, 2019 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    Ok, so today there’s not much happening in the tropics and it’s a real lazy day. We are excited though as tomorrow we drive up to Cairns, pick Jaime up from the airport and drive up to our villa in Port Douglas for a week of R&R.

    I drive over to the Mission Beach village to watch the skydivers descend from the blue skies above and land on the beach in perfect succession. People pay good money for this, usually backpackers looking for a thrill as they go tandem with their instructor. The skydivers race down towards the palm trees and then do a sweeping turn into the wind, slow themselves down and gently land on the beach next to a big red flag.

    Watch videos if you are keen to give it a go one day.    Read more

  • East Coast Australia

    Port Douglas & The Possum Returns

    April 28, 2019 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C

    We timed our pack up of the campervan to perfection this morning at Mission Beach as moments after, the heavens opened up and we had tropical rain for our drive up the coast.

    DRIVE: Mission Beach to Port Douglas via Cairns Airport (203km).

    A FIFO is arriving today. For those overseas who may be unsure what FIFO stands for, its Fly In, Fly Out. It generally refers to remote station mining workers who do shifts away from home so they fly in and fly out.

    The FIFO arriving today from Melbourne to Cairns Airport is our beloved Jaime. Cairns Airport is on our way through to Port Douglas so we get there in time to grab a coffee and wait for possum to land and come through customs. It’s so good to catch up as we miss her and have been on the road for a while now. Jaime will be with us in PD for the week.

    We are looking forward to finally reaching Port Douglas to stay a week at our villa. We have a lovely 3 bedroom apartment at Cayman Villas on Mowbray Street, PD. It’s in a great spot too being 400m to 4 mile beach, 400m to the marina and a stones throw to the Macrossan Street and my favourite coffee hang outs.

    The 50 minute drive up to Port Douglas on the Captain Cook Highway, State Route 44 is one of the most scenic drives in Australia. It hugs the coral coastline with palm lined beaches on one side and mountain tops with tropical rainforests all the way to the shore on the other. It’s especially fun this time round as this is the last drive on our East Coast Trip and we finally get to drive our Victorian number plates up to Port Douglas. Yeah!

    We are greeted by Lee and Bryce, who manage Cayman Villas. I store the campervan and car in the underground car park and we quickly settle in to our villa with crisp white sheets and clean linen. I think it’s well deserved as we have been on the road for 70+ days now. Jen is looking forward to the rest.

    On Sundays, theres a live band playing at The Court House Hotel, one of our favourite hang outs in Port Douglas.. So we dress up “thongs, T-shirt and shorts”, and walk Port’s Main Street to the hotel on the corner of Macrossan Street and Wharf Street, overlooking Anzac Park and the harbour. It’s just before sunset so as usual, hundreds of birds are chirping in the trees as they settle in for the night.

    Built in 1878, “The Courty” as it has become affectionately known, is the oldest pub in Port Douglas and one of the most iconic pubs in Australia. It has a magnificent heritage Queenslander façade and wide open verandas. It’s the perfect place to sit with a crisp tall glass of Peroni as the sunlight fades over the harbour.

    Jaime can’t resist a good steak and myself and Jen enjoy a seafood curry.    Read more

  • East Coast Australia

    Cayman Villas Port Douglas

    April 29, 2019 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C

    Ok, I set my drone to work to capture some footage of Cayman Villas for the website. See the videos that I created. Our Villa, No: 22 is on the 1st/middle level corner overlooking the pool, directly in front as the drone enters the pool area...

    1. Welcome / Entrance
    2. Infinity Pool and Villas

    LUXURY APARTMENTS & VILLAS
    www.caymanvillas.com.au

    Set amongst lush tropical gardens and horizon pool, Cayman Villas Port Douglas offers families, couples and discerning business traveller’s modern and spacious apartments ideal for a relaxing holiday or a romantic getaway. Located within walking distance from the famous Four Mile Beach and the cosmopolitan town centre of Port Douglas, Cayman Villa’s offer newly refurbished contemporary one, two and three bedroom, fully self contained spacious 4 ½ star apartments.

    There you have it. If you are interested in staying in the off season, you can contact me direct on 0409133559 to check availability and mates rates...    Read more

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