Monday 25th October 2021
After a slow start to the day, a bit of chatting, some yoga and a bit more chatting. We headed on our way about 10.30am. Today’s destination is Bowen travelling along the Bruce Hwy about 132km.
Along the way we stopped at a WWII Radar Station on Charles Hill near Home Hill which had a lovely view out over the sugar cane farms. We then headed to Mt Inkerman for lunch and then on to Bowen – the northern part of the Whitsundays. We drove around the town and out to Horseshoe Bay, Rose Bay and to the lookout over North Head Island, Stone Island Gloucester Island and in the other direction to the Bowen Town centre.
We will stay at Bowen tonight and move on tomorrow.
‘Constructed by the RAAF in 1943, the No 211 Radar Station on Charlie’s Hill was one of twenty radar installations along the North Queensland coastline. These operated to give an early warning of approaching enemy aircraft during World War II.
When visiting this historic site, igloos of reinforced concrete which provided bomb-proof protection for the radar equipment can still be seen. The wooden towers which supported the transmitting and receiving aerials have been removed. The buildings are listed in the Queensland Heritage Register because of the site’s historical and military significance.’
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- Alva Beach is a patrolled beach. We wished we were a little earlier arriving as we are not sure where they put the flags..
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- ..as there is an outer bank where we assume the surf break is.
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- The surf club has been around since 1926.
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- The WWII Radar station..
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- ..inside the radar station – the walls were about 30cm thick.
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- Lunch at Mt Inkerman
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- ..An interesting historic story..
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- View across the farmland from Mt Inkerman Lookout..
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- ..eventhe bees are hot and in search of water.
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- Bowen township from the lookout..
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- ..then looking out to North Head Island, Stone Island and Gloucester Island..
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- ..it was a lovely view.
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- Alva Beach to Bowen – we drove 162km today, 132km south.