Eungella National Park QLD – Day 2

Thursday 24th August 2023

Once again we had a terrible night’s sleep again at Neem Hall, our camp is right on the road and the traffic starts at 5am and goes continuously. It is a 100km zone ans it sounds like an plane is taken off every other minute. It was a lovely campsite on the creek but unfortunately the traffic noise was too much to cope with.

Today we are doing part of the 56km Mackay Hinterland Great Walk. We had intended doing it all but it is an 1.5 hopur drive from beginning to end and there are no transport options. Instead we are doing the Broken River to Crediton section which goes beside the Broken River mosts of the way. It was a lovely rainforest walk, with a fantastic trail undulating the whole way. It was a 16km return walk and took us just iover 5 hours with a couple of long stops. Once to take photos of the king parrots high in the dense foliage and the second stop for lucnh by a pool. As we arrived at our lunch stop the first thing David saw very close was a platypus. We thought we were going to be entertained the whole time but unfprtunately we nevcer saw it again.

We saw quite a bit of wildlife today staring with the turkeys at Neem Hall. Once at the National Park we saw a Eungella Honeyeater, Whipbird, Australian King Parrots, either an Azure Kingfisher or a Little Kingfisher, Swamp snake, Wild Pigs, and many platypus. As we headed towards the Eungella Dam we saw a Pheasant Coucal on the side of the road. These are quite large birds and their tail feathers are amazing.

We drove the 25km dirt road to a beautiful camp site at Eungella Dam. There are only about 5 or 6 campers here besides us. We love it. We enjoyed a lovely dinner as the sun set and then I watched the stars for a little while. It is quite cold up here as we are about 600m above sea level.

: A very large turkey at Neem Hall Campground..

: ..The amazing tail feathers of one of the turkeys..

: The noisy airstrip landing outside our bedroom door, we have learned that we don’t stay on a 100km road..

: The beautiful scenery as we drive from Finch Hatton up to Eungella again this morning..

: ..We had only just left the carpark at Broken River to start our hike today when David spotted this Lewins Honeyeater..

: ..The fan palm was one of the most incredible plants prolific along the walk today..

: One of the pools of the Broken River along the Crediton Creek Trail..

: ..and a waterfall in the other direction..

: A beautiful smooth pool perfect for a platypus, David is always looking..

: ..An another amazing palm tree..

: ..As we walk through the beautiful rainforest..

: ..we saw some interesting fungi..

: ..and a 60cm Black-bellied swamp snake on the trail sunning itself..

: ..Some moss covered fungi..

: ..and a large snail of some sort..

: ..a moss covered tree – the green was so vibrant..

: I have been amazed at how these red leaves are always at the top of the foliage on this plant..

: A really large fungi..

: ..and its underside was a smooth bright white..

: This male Australian king parrot was so high in the trees it is amazing David spotted him..

: ..and his female friend. He heard their call and looked until he found them..

: ..we spent about 20 mins trying to get a good photo on maximum zoom which is very difficult…

: Our lunch spot, David devastated the platypus didn’t come back..

: ..me making lunch and keep a watchful eye in the shadows for the elusive platypus..

: Back at Broken River David caught a glimpse and photo of a platypus hiding on the bank..

: ..as another one does a dive down into the water..

: As we were driving out of town we saw a pheasant coucal on the side of the road, all I could catch after it flew away was its amazing tail feathers.

: As we arrive just in time for the sunset at another beautiful camp spot – Eungella Dam..

: ..and cook dinner by the dam. It was so peaceful.

: From Finch Hatton to Broken River, a 15km hike to Crediton return and then on to Eungella Dam, only 42km driving today.

Eungella National Park QLD – Day 1

Wednesday 23rd August 2023
Today we ventured into the Eungella National Park. It was a beautiful scenic drive up a narrow winding road. The view through the valley was spectacular. We enjoyed a couple of short walks – the Sky Window loop with a fantastic lookout, the Pine Grove loop and Cedar Grove trail. All the walks were through rainforest but it was very dry which takes away from some of its beauty. We also went on a scenic drive from Eungella to Broken River where we did some platypus watching, then drove a loop from Broken River through Credition. It was a very nice day.

: As we drove from Finch Hatton up through the scenic winding road..

: ..view halfway up the winding road we have just travelled..

: ..view from the Sky Window trail..

: ..and again from the Sky Window lookout..

: ..this was one of the trails we were hoping to walk but it has been damaged from all the rain this year. Maybe next time..

: Broken River platypus hole..

: ..and we were lucky today, we saw one quite a few times. This is where we stood in the rain for hours in 2010 without seeing a platypus..

: ..a Saw-shelled turtle in with the platypus..

: ..we drove through some beautiful forests..

: ..some flying foxes on the Pine Grove trail. They have furry faces..

: ..this was just one of the many trees with hundreds of flying foxes just hanging around..

: ..the Tree Arch..

: ..a Strangler Fig that had killed its host..

: ..an amazing palm frond..

: ..a juvenile Eastern Whipbird..

: ..a Pale-yellow Robin that wasn’t so pale, it was a vibrant yellow..

: ..and another one, slightly darker in colour..

: ..a beautiful fan palm..

: ..back at our camp in Finch Hatton, they have resident turkeys..

: ..the view along the creek at our camp.

: ..Our drive today around the Eungella area – just 72km.

Lake Proserpine Dam to Finch Hatton Gorge Eungella QLD

Tuesday 22nd August 2023
Well, we stayed at another lovely campsite last night on the Lake Proserpine Dam. Once again, our type of camp, large, spacious and quiet.

We set off around 10am and headed to another free swimming pool at Proserpine. It was a 50m Olympic Pool heated to 28°C. Perfect! After our swimming session, we enjoyed lunch in the park and then headed on our way south. Within a short time we were turning around as David thought he saw a jabiru beside a waterhole on the side of the highway. I am not sure how much he watches the road as he is always spotting wildlife along the way.

Our next destination was Finch Hatton and the Eungella National Park. We were here overnight in 2010 but I don’t remember much except it was very wet and we spent hours looking for platypus in the rain. We arrived at Finch Hatton at about 3.15pm, checked in to our campsite and then headed to Finch Hatton Gorge for a walk. First of all we went to the Araluen Cascades which was quite pretty with a lovely waterhole to swim in. Unfortunately it was a little late in the day and we didn’t really have time for a swim. Then we headed further along the end of the gorge. We did this walk in 2010 as well, David remembered it all but it wasn’t until we got to the Callistemon Crossing that I recalled it. Last time there was too much water flowing across the crossing for us to get across safely, so we didn’t. Today it was okay so we managed to get all the way to the Wheel of Fire – which is the end of the gorge. This was an amazing and very big waterfall, it was also a very dangerous one and two sections were out of bounds. We sat for a while and enjoyed its beauty. We then headed back through the gorge to the car. It was a very well managed trail and except for the rocky cross it was very easy. We were surprised at how quickly you lose your skill on the rocks. It is only a couple of weeks but we both felt a little uneasy on the crossing. Just out of practice.

We had another lovely day. We have stopped trying to fit too much in to each day and are enjoying a little slower pace.

: Our spacious campsite at Lake Proserpine Dam..

: ..the jabiru at the waterhole along the Bruce Hwy, we tried to go back and take a better photo but it was a bit dangerous to walk along the highway..

: ..as we turned off the Bruce Hwy towards Eungella we passed some sugar cane farms..

: ..this and the scenery were beautiful..

: ..it was very scenic..

: ..the first waterfall along the Finch Hatton Gorge walk..

: ..at Araluen Cascades..

: ..it was very pretty..

: ..looking back through the beautiful rocks in the opposite direction from Araluen Cascades..

: ..view from the lookout at Araluen Cascades..

: ..as we rock hopped the Callistemon Crossing..

: ..it was a little problematic, my legs needed to be a bit longer..

: ..as David hopped across as well..

: ..it was a little tricky..

: ..as we reached the Wheel of Fire at the end of the gorge, it was very beautiful..

: ..a very dangerous cliff face and steep falls has claimed 5 lives..

: ..the beautiful rocks surrounding the Wheel of Fire pool at the waterfall..

: ..it was hard to see the magnitude of the falls from where we could stand..

: ..but it was very tall and steep..

: ..a pretty tree trunk..

: ..and a double falls further back along the trail..

: ..some new growth..

: ..and some water droplets..

: ..we think there was some life under this droplet..

: ..as we walked along the trail through the ferns..

: ..then hopped back over the crossing..

: ..still a little tricky..

: ..and a little slippery..

: ..an interesting tree..

: ..and a detroyed tree, what amazing colour..

: Today’s trip from Proserpine Lake Dam to Finch Hatton near Eungella. 126km

Bowen to Lake Proserpine Dam QLD

Monday 21st August 2023
Well it is time to move on. We had another lovely swim at Bowen Olympic Pool before heading on our way. We are driving south today to investigate Cape Gloucester. This was a lovely drive, our first stop was Dingo Beach, then Cape Gloucester and then Hideaway Bay. All of them were quite protected from the strong ESE winds. The water was a beautiful blue and crystal clear. We had a lovely day.

We thought we might stay at Hideaway Bay Caravan Park but it was looking very crowded so we drove SW to Proserpine Lake Dam, we stayed at Kanga Park last time, this time we are staying at the Dam. It is a lovely spot right on the water with lovely new amenities and hot showers for $10 per person. Great value and a lot less crowded than Hideaway Bay. A good decision.

We are enjoying a quiet night by the dam.

: As we drive north towards Cape Gloucester and Dingo Beach through the sugar cane fields..

: ..the beautiful blue waters of Dingo Beach..

: ..and then the crystal waters of Cape Gloucester Bay..

: ..and again..

: ..then looking in the opposite direction with all the sailing boats moored in the calm waters of the bay..

: ..as we drove back from Cape Gloucester, the waters looked magic..

: ..and again so pristine at Hideaway Bay..

: ..a beautiful sunset over Lake Proserpine Dam.

: Topday we drove SE from Bowen then N to Dingo Beach, Cape Gloucester and Hideaway Bay then S to Proserpine and then W to Lake Proserpine Day. Only 135km but a little in every direction.

Bowen QLD – Day 3

Sunday 20th August 2023
Well we checked out of our little apartment where we have been enjoying a little rest and the soccer. As we arrived at the pool for a swim I decided maybe we should stay another night in the apartment so we can watch the Final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup tonight. So after a quick phone call and a swim we were moving back in to our room again.

We enjoyed another restful afternoon, a bit of Rubik’s cube practice and then a late afternoon walk. This time we walked the whole loop Rose Bay,Murray Bay and Horseshoe Bay, finishing at the lookout at sunset. It was beautiful.

We then headed back home for a roast salmon dinner, yay! The first roast since we have been away. Then enjoyed a great game of soccer with Spain the deserving winners.

: Rose Bay looking along Kings Beach. We saw our first crocodile warning here since we have been in Bowen..

: Yay me! I managed to complete the Rubik’s cube for the first time ever today. The top face and 2 layers without assistance and then the bottom face and 3rd layer with instructions..

: ..Our afternoon walk the wind had picked up and the water was quite choppy at Rose Bay..

: ..the late afternoon light on Mother Beddock..

: ..and lovely light at Murray Bay..

: ..and a beautiful sunset at Horseshoe Bay lookout..

: ..as the sun slips away.

Hinchinbrook Island QLD – Day 4

DELAYED POST – DAY 4

TRACK NOTES
Mulligan Falls to George Point (Grade: difficult)
Distance: 7.5 km Time: allow about 2.5 hrs hiking time

Friday 4th August 2023
Well, I had a very good night’s sleep. Unfortunately, at about 5am I woke to a little rain, this is always a bit annoying as packing up in the rain isn’t any fun, as well as the wet tent thing. Anyway, it was already raining and too early to get up and leave, so I just rested some more. Jaci took the other approach and got straight up and packed up, unfortunately the outer layer of her tent didn’t escape the rain but everything else went OK. She then headed to the falls for a quiet swim, with company of the eel she thought she saw. Eek!

The rest of us got up around 7.30 and David put up the tarp we had bought for exactly this reason. We enjoyed a little breakie and a cuppa out of the rain under our new shelter. Thanks DB. He has a new skill to learn when we go home, as he wasn’t entirely happy with the pitch of the trail but it successfully kept us dry. We had all packed up the inside gear in our tent, then headed down for another swim before getting the rest done. The water was fresh but also beautiful. We weren’t in any hurry this morning as we didn’t need to leave until 10am, as the creek crossing later in the morning was tidal with a Croc warning. So we just enjoyed the morning at the falls. We were hoping for sunshine but you can’t have everything. It did stop raining so that was a bonus. So we eventually got packed up and on our way by about 10.15am.

My recollection of the walk to George Point from 2021, was that it was an easy walk for about 1km through the rainforest and then a quick 5km along the beach. I had forgotten we had many creek crossings (which may have been because there was less water last time) and swamp forests to negotiate. It was a lovely walk with a little croc awareness required. A bit of shoes on, shoes off for some tricky tree climbs and trunk travels, but all in all, another day of adventure.

There were no signs but it did feel a little like croc country. We finally walked out to the beach to be faced with a strong headwind. Uggh! And to go with that, because it was only 1 hour since high tide, the sand was really soft. Anyway, we were all very strong now and our packs a lot lighter, so we just mosied on our way, enjoying the last of the serenity the island had to offer. There were waves, albeit a bit brown and yucky, and there was an abundance of driftwood in many different sizes, from small logs to whole trees. It was spectacular.

We continued along to the creek crossing and arrived a little early, 11.30am. Jon had suggested we cross at 12.15pm and that it would be about knee deep. We watched two American boys cross at 11.40am and it was still up to their waist. So we enjoyed our last little morning tea and chat whilst we waited for the tide to go down.

At 12.15pm we walked out on the sand bank and then over to the deeper creek we had to cross, it was probably about 10m wide and it slowly got deeper until our knickers got a little wet. Alice and Jaci held their packs over their heads to avoid getting them wet, but Ange and I were ok. We quickly moved across the water with our eyes up the creek keeping watch. We got safely to shore, dried and dressed ready for the next 4km walk to George Point. We had tried to return Jon’s call a little earlier and thought it was just to check on us but I later saw a message from him, which said to wait a little longer to cross the creek as the wind was holding the tide in. Oops! Missed that message.

We then soldiered on quickly and made it to George’s Point by 12.50pm (pick-up time was 12.45pm). Everyone was on the boat as David clambered on, one of the American’s was holding it just out a little from the shore. Silly me had put my long legs back on forgetting about getting into the boat. I struggled to get my shoes off quickly, and as I tried to roll up my legs, Jon said “Hurry up Fiona, a boat isn’t meant to be on the shore”, so I threw my shoes on to the boat and waded knee deep into the water, and straight on the boat. A little wet, but on and ready to go. We were off in a flash and on our way back to the mainland. David had been a bit concerned about getting on the boat and thought once we turned the corner to George Point we might have had to walk further up the channel to calmer water, as it was quite rough and the waves consistent. When we rounded the corner it was ok but getting on the boat and departing needed to be quick all the same. I was last there as I was still capturing the moments of the trip on film.

The trip back to Lucinda was a little bumpy but it was only 10-15mins so it was all good. We alighted at the jetty, said our thanks and goodbyes to John and headed to the Resort for a shower with real soap and white fluffy towels.

We then headed to the Pub for a well earned fresh food lunch and a de-brief with the girls. Jon joined us for a drink and chat. He had nicely paid at the bar for our first drink which was really nice. He really is a great person, passionate about his island and his guests. It was a fun afternoon of stories and banter, with a little business advice for him as well. He had already taken on board the request for a warning at Zoe Bay should the tide be higher than 3.7m and windy, advising the two front camps could be inundated with water and blocked from the main camp. He did say what we had already thought “That the crocs would not be out in that weather and surf, they should be holed up at the end of the estuary”. That was welcomed and taken on board.

About 3.30pm we hopped back in the car for the two hour drive to Townsville. On the way we had a quick stop at the TYTO Wetlands at Ingham – a birdies heaven. After about half an hour and a little bird watching we were on our way again.

We have accommodation at The Billabong Lodge Motel tonight in Townsville. A brief stop at the shop for some supplies for a small dinner. After a bit of re-shuffling of things in their bags, the girls were ready to depart in the morning. We left our gear in the car and didn’t worry about that tonight.

The girls and I enjoyed a little platter of fresh veggies and hummus, and David had an omelette for dinner. We then lay on our beds and went through a slide show of our adventures on Hinchinbrook Island. It was lovely to see each other’s photos and share the adventure once again, as when we get home Alice and Ange may already be on their next adventure in Europe.

Everyone was feeling very happy with the outcome of their last week and a little sad to be finished. We have an early start in the morning, so it is off to sleep at about 11pm. No time to write the blog but hopefully I won’t forget too much.

: Our last morning at Mulligan Falls..

: ..a relaxed breakie under our new temporary rain shelter..

: ..our waterlogged bags – thank goodness for garbage bags. They kept our gear dry during the early morning rain..

: ..and one last swim before we get packed up..

: ..the red glamour girls having a laugh after a swim..

: ..all dressed, packed up and ready for the homeward stretch. None of us are really ready for the adventure to end..

: ..as we head out through the rainforest..

: ..we still have some creeks to cross,

: rocks to hop,

: swamps to dodge,

: and trees to cross..

: ..some are so beautiful..

: but their tangle of roots..

: ..create a hazard to cross..

: ..also this mornings rain has made them very slippery..

: ..but oh so beautiful..

: ..I have been very grateful for my poles on many occasions this week..

: ..a fallen tiny bird’s nest..

: ..and an enormous staghorn, too heavy to hold on to the tree..

: ..as we stand in the forest admiring the trees..

: ..David sees a mound which we think could be a croc nest (probably not) but he is on his way quickly to investigate

: ..we enjoy the beauty of another beautiful tree..

: ..as we reach the beach..

: ..for the homeward stretch which is about 5km along the beach..

: ..an interesting tree buried in the sand..

: ..we reach the spot where we have to cross the creek, croc sign just to keep us alert. Eek!!

: ..David goes to investigate the depth and watch a couple of guys cross, it is a bit early and the tide still too high. Up to their waists..

: ..we fill in the time with some happy thoughts..

: ..and make a crown..

: ..for Princess Jaci..

: ..well it is 12.15pm and time to cross, David heads out on the sand bank first so he can see in the creek, it should be about knee depth..

: ..he leads the way but alas, it is up to his thighs..

: ..Ange and I follow the line David took..

: ..and Jaci and Alice go directly to the creek..

: ..we all meet in the water and cross the 8-10m distance as quickly as possible as it is above our thighs, Alice and Jaci needing to hold their packs over their heads..

: ..Lucky for us there was no croc in sight..

: ..we then continue along our way for the final stretch of sand..

: ..seeing another beautiful beach stone curlew..

: ..and treading in one very big footprint..

: ..we are almost there..

: ..along the way we passed lots of beautiful trees and driftwood..

: ..we finally arrive at George Pt where the boat awaits..

: ..the girls are there and getting on the boat..

: ..and I throw my shoes on and get on quickly before the boat runs aground..

: ..and in 10mins we are back on the mainland. Our big adventure done and dusted..

: ..On the way to Townsville we stop at the TYTO Wetlands at Ingham..

: ..enjoy a little bird watching..

: ..at the beautiful wetlands..

: ..then enjoy a lovely fresh vegetable and hommus platter for dinner..

: ..then all off to bed to watch a slideshow of our adventures. A fantastic way to end an amazing week.

Link

DELAYED POST – DAY 3

TRACK NOTES
Zoe Bay to Diamantina Creek (Grade: difficult)
Distance: 6.5 km Time: allow about 4 hrs hiking time
Sunken Reef Bay – Sidetrack 60mins rtn (we didn’t do this side-track this time)
Diamantina Creek to Mulligan Falls camp (Grade: difficult)
Distance: 1 km Time: allow about 30 mins hiking time

Thursday 3rd August 2023
Happy birthday to Alice. She is in her happy place for her birthday.
We packed up early, had a cup of tea, a birthday cake on the beach for Alice’s birthday, with a card and a birthday song. We shared our stories with the girls about the night before, as they had hit the sack before the tidal waves came in to camp. And we are on our way for our 3rd day on the trail at 8.20am.

We hiked out of camp on our way to Zoe Falls, when one of the 3 girls we met yesterday from New Zealand stopped us at the far back camp. She asked how we went as they were in one of the beachfront camp sites and they woke to their camp being flooded right through. They had no access to get away, they packed up their gear and hung it on the backpack racks and had to sit it out on the picnic table until the tide changed. They sat there until 1am when the tide had receded before they could move their tent and gear to the back camp. They spent about 5 anxious hours on the table. She asked us to let our ferry man know, so he could let incoming campers know about the dangers. We believe it was a combination of the full moon, big tide, howling wind and swell that caused the extreme conditions.

We then made it to Lower Zoe Falls for our pre-breakfast swim. It was beautiful. An hour later we hiked and climbed to the top of Zoe Falls via the rope, where we enjoyed breakfast with the most spectacular view. Alice’s request for her birthday was to have her tea cup filled by each one of us throughout the day. A very simple present. After breakfast, we had our first swim of many at the Upper Zoe Falls. We had the falls all to ourselves most of the time. Two boys from the U.S. came up later but headed to the lower upper falls, so we still really had it to ourselves.

We decided to have an early lunch before we headed on our way. Unbelievably, we had lovely moments of sunshine to warm us up after our swims. At about 1pm, after a beautiful relaxing morning, we started the hike to our next camp – Mulligan Falls. The hike was up and down, through rainforest, grasslands, grass trees and crossed the creek many, many times. The creek crossings involved strategic rock hopping and was a great challenge in some instances, made trickier by our heavy packs. But it was a fun day.

We arrived at Mulligan Falls to another magnificent example of nature. After setting up camp for the last time, we spent the rest of the afternoon swimming and lazing around the falls. Whilst getting dressed in nature’s change-room behind a rock, Jaci noticed a python wrapped around an elevated tree branch. It was the most beautiful creature and we snapped away for ages. We thought it might be a carpet python but later discovered it was an Australian Scrub Python. We then headed back to collect our dinner things, so we could have a dinner birthday party for Alice by the Falls. It was a lovely party, along with a snickers birthday cake and candles. A beautiful end to a special birthday. We had one uninvited guest – a small mouse, we think. At this camp we had white-tailed rats last time but we haven’t seen any this year.

After a lovely dinner we sat chatting and star gazing, with the occasional firefly show and visit from our little friend. We had a wonderful last night on the trail. We headed back to camp, packed away our bags, covered them in garbage bags in case of rain and headed to bed about 8.30pm. Pleasantly exhausted and ready for sleep. One day to go on this adventure and none of us are ready for it to end.

: We survived the high tide without having to move from Zoe Bay main camp. Phew!

: Happy birthday to Alice, what a spectacular place to celebrate your birthday..

: ..our wonderful sand-cake, with candles and a birthday song as well..

: ..we are sitting where the water was during the night..

: ..and David explaining something to the girls..

: ..a Pale-yellow Robin..

: ..as we head on our way towards Lower Zoe Falls at the start of Day 3..

: ..we rock hop towards the falls..

: ..and have a Hyperlite product photo shoot..

: ..what an amazing place for our pre-breakfast swim..

: ..then we go up the rope with our big packs this time. David first and then it’s Alice’s turn..

: ..then me..

: ..then Ange..

: ..and finally Jaci..

: ..all at the Upper Zoe Falls now, not quite in the best hiking gear but it was time for another swim..

: ..we are relaxed and pretty chuffed it is not raining this morning..

: ….as we enjoy a lovely breakfast and cuppa at the top, such a lovely spot for a birthday breakfast..

: ..and a dip for David. His first for this adventure. He is still a softy..

: ..a couple of laps against the current and then he was out..

: ..as we all just enjoy the intermittent sunshine..

: ..a few laughs as we try out the rock slide of the waterfall..

: ..quite unsuccessfully..

: ..we then head down to the lower pool of the Upper Falls..

: ..the view is spectacular and we enjoyed the whole morning here..

: ..as we enjoy some more time in the water and Alice has an waterfall drenching, this spot gave a lovely massage..

: ..we were so lucky the sun and blue sky made an appearance. After lunch it was time to head on our way,

: ..after putting on our shoes we realised we had the top of the waterfall to cross..

: ..but we managed without removing our shoes..

: ..rock hopping the whole way..

: ..as we then continue the walk..

: ..a little rainbow skink along the way..

: ..this burnt plant looked like a dead spider on its back with its hairy legs in the air..

: ..and down we go..

: ..into the rainforest again..

: ..David at the top looking to where we have to go..

: ..with some amazing burnt grass trees..

: ..this one is coming back with 6 shoots of grass..

: ..as we go down in to the valley just to head up the other side..

: ..and we are almost to the top..

: ..some colourful leaves..

: ..and flowers..

: ..as we reach the weather station above Sunken Reef Bay..

: ..the weather instruments..

: ..we chose not to go down to Sunken Reef Bay today – these shots were taken there in the last couple of days, a crocs trail in to the water..

: ..it was a big one – look at the size of its feet. Eek!

: ..amazing rocks we walk passed..

: ..and then more to hop over..

: ..and more creeks to tackle..

: ..as David enjoys a little rest as we get across the creek..

: ..then we are on our way again..

: ..the homeward stretch we have to tackle tomorrow..

: ..another amazing tree..

: ..we arrive at Mulligan Falls..

: ..set up camp one last time, hang our bags as this is where we could see the white-tailed rats..

: ..we then enjoy a swim in the glorious pool..

: ..of Mulligan Falls..

: ..once again the girls all together..

: ..what a treat after an afternoon on the trail..

: David at work getting water for dinner tonight..

: ..Jaci spots a snake in our change room..

: ..an Australian Scrub Python, it was a beauty..

: ..as the girls enjoy the last of the twilight beside the waterfall..

: ..we do the best we can with a squashed, melted snickers, candle and another birthday cheer for Alice’s birthday..

: ..a fitting end to a great day..

Bowen QLD – Day 2

Saturday 19th August 2023
Today we went for a lovely walk from Queens Bay, via Horseshoe Bay to Murrays Bay and continued the loop back to the car. It was very warm and the views were beautiful. The remainder of the day we have enjoyed a rest and then we will watch the Matilda’s bronze medal game.

: The beautiful blue waters of Queens Bay at Bowen..

: ..it was so lovely..

: ..the yachties are all here..

: ..as we walk to Horseshoe Bay which was very beautiful..

: ..Horseshoe Bay from the lookout..

: ..looking down to Murray Bay..

: ..enjoying the view at Murray Bay..

: ..the coral was on the beach instead of sand here..

: ..Murray Bay driftwood..

: Mother Beddock – as always the rocks amaze me how they have eroded in their place and still remain..

: Looking towards Flagstaff Hill and Stone Island from Mother Beddock lookout..

: ..more views from Mother Beddock lookout..

: ..and some more as we continue along our walk..

Bowen QLD – Day 1

Friday 18th August 2023
We are ready to hit the pool this morning, a little swim followed by the required Bowen Mango Sorbet (a little underwhelming) just because you can, a little drive out to Flagstaff Hill and Horseshoe Bay before heading home for lunch and a much needed rest.

This afternoon we had a lovely 8km walk south on Queens Beach, we ran into an old guy at the most southern point, and we all shared some stories of our visits to Karumba, Chillagoe Caves and Hinchinbrook Island. It was a friendly chat but made our walk back home very much in the dark. It was a lovely night for a walk but my sunglasses were problematic in the dark.

It was a lovely rest day!

: Once again we enjoyed a FREE swim in the Bowen Olympic pool, heating has just been installed and it was a pleasant 28°C. A lovely temperature to get us started..

: ..the view from Flagstaff Hill out to Stone Island..

: ..and again, the water is a beautiful blue..

: ..home for an after lunch nap, cube in hand.

: ..as we headed out for our walk east along Queens Beach, as we look back the sun was starting to set in the west across the water..

: ..looking E to the end of Queens Beach..

: ..as the sun reaches the horizon..

: ..it was quite spectacular..

: ..as we head back we find a swinging chair along the beach front..

: ..so I have a little sit..

: ..we are still a little way from home and it is really quite dark now..

: ..David has completed the cube many times today, using his instruction sheet for the bottom level a little less each time. I am getting much quicker on the top layer and level 1 too!

Hinchinbrook Island QLD – Day 2

DELAYED POST – DAY 2

TRACK NOTES
Little Ramsay Bay to Zoe Bay (Grade: difficult)
Distance: 10.5 km Time: allow about 6 hrs hiking time

Wednesday 2nd August 2023
Well after a so, so sleep with torrential rain from midnight, we were very grateful for our garbage bags that were covering our packs hanging on the bag racks in the open. We had a night of broken sleep but fared ok in the rain. A little splash back from the rain drops got in the tent, but it wasn’t too bad. We were up early 5.45am, so we could pack up and cross Little Ramsay Creek before high tide. It was tricky, we shouldn’t walk on the beach in the dark but needed to cross the creek about 6.30am. Sunrise was 6.40am. We left camp at 6.47am for the short walk along the beach to the creek. A quick walk along the beach and it was time to remove our shoes and cross the creek. It was about mid calf to knee depth and about 4m wide. With no crocs in sight we crossed safely to the other side. We then walked further along the creek to Little Ramsay Springs to enjoy a relaxed breakfast at the most beautiful location.

After breakfast it was time to head off again. We walked over rocks and up the cliff a little and continued along the ridge with beautiful views of the coast line. We walked across another beach and then up through bush like at home. We also crossed many creeks, many sections of swamp land and more creeks, had some rainy moments through the rainforest for about an hour. We saw many beautiful and varied types of trees, plus lots of fungi. We had our shoes on and off so many times. We passed a couple of Croc signs in the same spot as last time we were here. This time without the 7 day sighting. The girls were very quick through this section and quite uncomfortable like I was last time. We enjoyed a lovely swim in the blue lagoon at lunch time and then headed on our way again through more swamp, crossing more creeks and walking through more rainforest, then along the beach to camp.

There were a couple of camps that get cut off by the water at high tide and then the main camp. We chose our spot at the back of the main camp and setup camp. David found a good spot 100m further up the track which he would have preferred but we decided to stay where we were. Then after setting up, we headed to Lower Zoe Falls. The most spectacular falls, so beautiful even David had a swim this time. Jaci, David and I swam over to the falls and as always marvelled at their power. We then walked the trail and up a rope to Upper Zoe Falls. Here we enjoyed another swim with the most amazing view. We thought it best to enjoy the falls today even though the weather was inclement as you never know what tomorrow’s weather will bring. The forecast was for not so good, therefore we enjoyed the moment as it was, even though it was pretty overcast. We did a water collection and then headed back down to camp in the fading light. We enjoyed a nice dinner with a few laughs. The night became interesting as the tide started to come in. It got closer and closer to a few of the other campers tents. They even had to dig trenches. One guy even emptied his tent, so it only wet the bottom if the water came under it. Which it did. The waves were breaking in to the camp and we were wishing we had moved up the track where David had suggested. We hummed and ha’ed and hummed again. Trying to decided whether to move or not. More than the water problem, as we were ok where we were, it was the distance from shore that was bothering us and potential croc activity. We sat up until an hour after high tide when the water had started to recede and everyone else went to bed.

We had an amazing day hiking, with the most variety of any trail we have ever hiked. We had a few showers of rain but nothing too heavy and we didn’t get too wet as we were in the rainforest. David loved his new umbrella and will be adding this to his pack all the time now. It has been a big day since we started so early and walked 10.5km and Croc watch kept us up a lot later than we were expecting. Night night. 🌙

: We were up before the sun rose this morning, packed up early for the 2nd day of our Hinchinbrook Island adventure..

: ..a quick walk along the beach to our first creek crossing which had to be done around 6.30am due to tide and crocodiles..

: ..so off with the shoes within the first 10mins of our hike..

: ..as always David finds a way to cross without removing his shoes and then is lookout for reptiles as we cross..

: ..as Ange heads across in about knee depth water..

: ..then shoes back on, as the sun breaches the horizon..

: ..a clambered up some rocks with Jaci leading the team..

: ..and then down the other side..

: ..and along the beach..

: ..to a beautiful spring..

: ..where we enjoy a leisurely breakfast and cup of tea..

: ..what a beautiful place in the wild to enjoy time with friends..

: ..looking back up the springs, the trees and little waterfall are truly beautiful..

: ..as we look out to sea in search of dolphins or dugongs, no luck today..

: ..then we are on our way again, over more rocks..

: ..then down again, thank goodness for our hands that we used sometimes for extra balance..

: ..back down to the beach..

: ..once again Broady avoids removing his shoes..

: ..up we go again, testing our balance some more..

: ..rock hopping through the forest..

: ..the fungi was an amazing colour..

: ..as we reach the swamp land and beautiful trees..

: ..and continue the walk on the edge to avoid the black sludge..

: ..as Alice enjoys a momentary rest and a smile on a very big horizontal tree..

: ..onwards we go..

: ..through more difficult deeper swamp..

: ..sometimes assisted or hindered by the trees..

: ..lying along our path, keeping us busy with high concentration to stay on our feet..

: ..we come to our 2nd crocodile creek crossing, this time with a warning sign. Eek!

: ..passed the rocks is where we would expect it could be if we were unlucky..

: ..so we had our eyes peeled as each of us crossed..

: ..feeling ok here, as it would be difficult for a crocodile to hide and ambush us here, we rock hopped through the middle section..

: ..before removing our shoes as we kept ever watchful eyes towards the deeper water..

: ..ready to cross the 2nd section, with eyes alert..

: ..then it was David’s turn..

: ..this time removing his shoes..

: for a speedier crossing..

: ..sometimes even DB needs to use his hands for balance..

: ..An unusual tree on the other side of the creek, as we all make it safely across..

: ..as we head back in to the rainforest, it starts raining a little..

: ..with more swamp to cross, a little deeper this time, footwork is paramount..

: ..an amazing tree trunk..

: ..a few moments later, another one..

: ..as we continue along passed another moss covered tree in the rainforest..

: ..an amazing green leaf..

: .as we stop at the next creek crossing for some lunch..

: ..and a little dip and then a 2nd dip at Blue Lagoon, (no photo) but it was a beautiful green/blue pond..

: ..another beautiful tree trunk..

: ..and another..

: ..as the challenges continue in the beautiful rainforest – the trees and reflections so beautiful..

: ..a little challenge – shoes on or off – always the question – we manage to leave them on with the help of a few sticks to assist with balance..

: ..what incredible beauty..

: ..and we make it to the other side for a bit of an easier walk..

: ..then out to the beach..

: ..the rain has thankfully stopped as we walk along the open beach stretch..

: ..the tidal wave marks on the sand so beautiful with the clouds in the sky making for an awesome view..

: ..some sand creature at work – would love some suggestions as to what it is..

: ..we are an amazing advertisement for Hyperlite Backpacks – the 5 of us enjoying the benefit of the 800g weight before we add our stuff..

: ..as we arrive a Zoe Bay camp – once again with a warning about the crocs..

: ..amazingly we are still seeing some beautiful birds – the Great-billed Heron..

: ..a Rainbow Bee-eater..

: ..and a Striated Heron..

: ..as we sit by Zoe Creek which is known for having a resident croc. (This is to the left of the croc sign, for later when you see the night time tide)

: ..after setting up camp, we enjoy a lovely swim at the beautiful Lower Zoe Falls, David even has a dip here today..

: ..then head to Upper Zoe Falls to enjoy a beautiful view and another swim..

: ..this is the most magnificent waterfall..

: ..as Jaci and I enjoy it, even though the weather is still inclement..

: ..looking back up the falls, the weather still looking unfriendly..

: ..a little housework – water for all..

: ..such beauty – hopefully the weather is better tomorrow..

: ..the happy adventurers on the rock at Upper Zoe Falls..

: ..then back down the rope, we head to camp..

: ..as we enjoy one more look at Lower Zoe Falls in the fading light..

: ..tonight was one of a little excitement – the tide was 3.8m with strong NE winds to push the tide in further..

: ..we watch the tide as it can block the front camps off from the main camp..

: ..where the waves are at the top of the picture is the sand that we were taking bird photos from in the afternoon, under water now and getting close to camp..

: ..it is now 10.30pm – high tide – and the campers close to the entrance of camp have dug trenches all around their tents and are watching the tide breach the camp..

: ..and our neighbours have unpacked their tents on to a table and are sitting on top of it as the water spills in to camp and under their tent, heading towards us, stopping about 3m from one of our tents. We wait another hour and then head off to bed, operation “Move camp” averted.

: Today’s hike was 10.5km from Little Ramsay Bay to Zoe Bay. The orange trail. Such amazing beauty, some tricky challenges and the excitement/fear of crocodiles. Another great day!