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Published: July 17th 2009
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Day 81 - Finch Hatton Gorge to Mackay
Our wake up tune is 'The road is long, with many a winding turn' and today we hauled our tired little backsides out of bed at 6.30am, the tune began at 6 but it was just too cold to stir from the warmth of the doona! It had sounded like people were talking late into the night but as we crept from the caravan we realised that it was the creek chatting away! What a wondering sound it was.
Off to the bush shower we trot to see if the water was warm enough and it was! We opened the wooden door and stepped inside, no frogs or creepy crawlies around, just the rainforest right next to us! The water was beautifully hot despite the outside temperature being chilly but with such a great view of the bush it was the best way to start the day!
Next it's over to the platypus viewing pool but no luck this time, they’re very very timid here and people were already down there standing on the sand bar so that may have been enough to put them off. But hey, we really
wouldn’t get a better view of them than we had yesterday!
We packed up the caravan and then wandered round the camp taking some photos along the way. We said goodbye to the Germans and the Chinese/Australians and hope that we’ll meet them somewhere in Cairns before they all go home in 3 weeks.
The journey back to Mackay brought us sugar cane fields as far as the eye could see and the excitement of the sugar cane train! There are postcards with that on so it’s clearly a big deal!
We’re back at the Central Tourist Park in no time at all, it’s a funny camp but it’s near to town so it’s convenience camping more than anything else! We set up the caravan and then hot foot it over to Cape Hillsborough National Park which is about 20 kms north of Mackay. It’s a mixture of rugged, rainforest clad hills plunging to rocky headlands of rhyolite boulders and yes, that came straight from the guide book! The area is still in traditional use by the Yuibera Aboriginal people due to the rich natural resources here.
It's great to be able to explore the areas
and we choose to walk the Andrews Point track which takes in four lookouts, Twin Beach, Turtle, Double Point and Andrews Point. The views from Double Point are obscured by trees these days, probably why it’s not mentioned on the walking trail board but the others give great views over Casuarine Beach and Beachcomber Cove which are separated by Division Rocks. From Turtle Lookout we saw two Brahminy Kites, a Wedge Tail Eagle and of course a few turtles. Following behind us was a group of 3, I thought to start with that the older guy was a tour guide because he was bouncing around the place so enthusiastically it was almost like he was selling the joint! Turns out that the younger couple are his niece and her partner over from Austria and he was originally from Yugoslavia but moved to Oz in ’87. He originally went to Perth, then Mount Isa and now lives in Mackay working in the mines which he says is a well paid job. His laughter fills the air and can be heard for miles and his enthusiastic shout outs for the ‘sea eagles’ and a turtle which was actually a rock had us
howling! We lent the young couple our binoculars and helped them spot actual turtles, we didn’t have the heart to correct him on the birds - what do we know, we’re only tourists!
Back down on the beach we wandered past Wedge Island and marvelled at the huge rocks covered with mussel shells (we think!) and the tiny balls of sand that are left behind when the tide goes out make interesting pieces of artwork until the tide returns and swallows them whole!
Surely it's time for an ice cream treat?! We think so and sit under the trees at the top of the beach, all the while we are watched closely by a Kookaburra!
I’m hangering for a curry so tonight we search high and low in Mackay for an Indian restaurant. The lady at the caravan park had assured me there were a couple but after 45 minutes of searching we asked a taxi driver and found that the only one and recently closed because it just didn’t take off. Instead we choose Bana-na Thai and treated ourselves to Curry Puffs, Satay Chicken, Cashew Nut with chicken and a Yellow curry for Dar. Splendid! Very
tasty and I’d recommend it to anyone heading to Mackay!
We’ve got TV tonight so we’re able to check how the Ashes are going, we’re pleased to hear that England are fairing better and truth be told, the Ozzies were struggling to begin with but seem to be clawing their way back at the moment. Maybe we’ll hear from Grant this weekend if that carries on but maybe he’ll hear from us if it doesn’t!
Another great day in the Australian winter sun, it’s no wonder everyone heads to Queensland!
Night all
Dar and Sar
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Allie J
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So jealous!!
Hi Both, I am so jealous of you both, it sounds like you are having a fantiastic time and making the most of your travels. I read you blogs with interest and share them with Kev. The Platypus were amazing you are both so lucky to see such gorgeous creatures so close in the wild. Enjoy, take care and you are being missed. Lots of love. Allie & Kev xxx