Qld mid coast trek

We've been away from civilisation (well, 3G) for a while and so have a bit to catch you up on.

After leaving Airlie Beach and it's pretty surrounds (in particular Cape Gloucester/Hydeaway Bay) behind us, we took the advice of Mick (the guy living out of his car/swag) and found Boulder Creek. Yes, it's a different place to The Boulders of a little while ago. This is another really pretty location which is made available and kept mowed by a generous cane grower (apparently an ex US Lawyer who has had a sizeable "tree change" in life). Another local who lost his son in a car accident nearby this location lobbied and had a built toilet and has kept it clean/maintained for over 15 years along with a picnic area as part of a monument to his son. Wonderful and sad all at once!

The creek had pristine water which was spring fed only a few hundred metres before the campsite, so we had no shortage of water!

One of the peculiar joys of this camp was the local dog Rex - the photo looks like there is mist around however it's an angel's halo. He is a brilliant natured dog - other campers had heard of the place when they were 500km away because of Rex. His poor owner is most upset as she has to send her husband or children down every night to collect him as he loves camp life so much, he returns every morning. He gives a hearty and welcoming bark to every new arrival and we had the joy of him crying at the front door until we got up and paid him plenty of attention.

This camp is a good base for exploring Finch Hatton Gorge and also the general area through to Eungella.

This photo gives some idea of the might of a river in flood. The tree is massive and was ripped out and travelled a considerable distance crashing into and through large boulders, coming to rest after destroying the small stepping stone path to it's right.

There were also several waterholes that at a warmer time of year would be extremely inviting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 We had been told about a free camp right at Carmila Beach which is between Mackay and Rockhampton. We didn't like our chances but headed there in hope of getting in and low and behold, folks were just departing from the pick of the sites. So we settled in for some serious relaxing for a few days. With the beach 14 steps from the door of the van and the next nearest camping site around 20m away, we were in heaven!

 

Yep, this was the view we arrived to!

There were a fair few optimists (fishermen) however their hopes went largely unrewarded. The exception was this bloke (seated) who did ok. Problem for him ... the tide goes out a long way and when he was still in the same posi on the beach 3 hours later and the tide was out some 500m, it was a giveaway that he'd also probably enjoyed a few ales and the sun a little too much!

Sun rise in paradise!!

We again packed up to continue our "smorgasbord" experience of life on the road, this time making a one night stop at a location only 4km off a "highway" that no one we had met to date believed existed. Lake Victoria is a joy compared to many places and especially a road side camp. We got to meet three couples (2 brothers, one sister, together with spouses, all early to late 70's and having a ball) who were escaping the cold of Braidwood and Yass. With 30+ metres of caravan "5th wheeler" living area between them, as well as gazebos and all manner of gadgets, they were intending to stay put until a promise of bearable weather at home.

Next day, we stopped for a wee break at a rest stop and ran into a couple we'd been camped next to at Rollingstone. He pointed to debris caught in a tree some 5 metres or so above ground level where they had floated to during the floods. A short distance along the road, a huge branch was wedged into another tree at a similar height. Note to selves (as if we weren't already fully aware) .... no camping in Qld valleys when there are flood warnings!

Cania Gorge was yet another word of mouth recommendation. There is a peaceful caravan park and another different and equally enjoyable set of walks through the gorge. We were lucky that on our long day's walk (3.5 hours), we met a couple at the start and walked with them for the full gorge walks. She was only in her 70's, he was about to become an OBE (over bloody eighty). We mostly kept up, only having to get them to slow down a few times (only joking, but did they get along well!).  This photo of The Overhang definitely does not do the beauty of the gorge justice.



On to Borumba Deer Farm. It was ok, with only a few sites being used and we found a very quiet spot down by the river to settle. Jane made her first "on the road" fire which was a ripper. Again the power of a river in flood was highly evident. For those caught in the floods, it would have been terrifying.


 

We were thinking the location was "only ok" until the morning when we had four deer grazing around the van. Whilst they wouldn't' t let us touch them, they came to within a couple of metres.

 

So now we are on to the "tourist park" section of the trip with at least the next week in parks. Four nights in Caloundra were very relaxing, walking on the beach, watching whales (mother and baby) and doing day trips. The stop at Caloundra was, to date, and probably forever will be, officially our shortest day's drive on the "black top". We had to move sites as we'd only booked two days, so we bid our neighbours farewell and moved 200m to the other side of the park!

 

The northern side of Caloundra around Dicky Beach has managed to avoid the high rise developments and remains a lovely place to holiday. This photo is of nearby Currimundi Lake

The view from the headland near Point Cartwright back towards Caloundra is also not too shabby.

 

We've not had a single day's rain for weeks and appreciate why folks make their way north for winter. We've had all the benefits of a bit of rain in the days before we arrived without the inconveniences. How lucky are we for this and everything else!

Lesson of the week

 You can't over rate sunshine .... but much more time doing this and we'd both look like our hides had been tanned.