It’s now Sunday 3rd July and I’m writing this from Cairns . There’s so much to report since my last blog so this one’s going to be a long one. My last entry was from Kinka Beach near Rocky.
From Rockhampton I travelled a few kilometres north to see the Capricorn Caves . These ancient caves are a labyrinth of caves within a limestone ridge. The Cathedral Cave is awesome with its near perfect acoustics and we were even treated to a song by one of the other travellers.
There was not a lot to see on the way up to Mackay and I didn’t even stay long in Mackay, as I was keen to go out to Eungella National Park . I must say the views from the top of the range were incredible. Talk about a room with a view! There were some nice walks through the forest which I managed to fit in before setting up camp for the night. (I’m certainly getting my exercise these days!) Next morning I was up early to see the platypus feeding at a little spot nearby called Broken River . I’m not sure whether I saw 3 different ones or whether it was the same platypus bobbing up in different places. My goodness it was cold getting up at dawn, but well worth the effort. The area going out to Eungella is also noted for sugar cane and for the fact that Dame Nellie Melba lived here for a few years when she was first married. The photos show the house she lived in before moving to Melbourne to pursue her singing career.
Proserpine is a charming, typical Australian country town and the surrounding region is one of Queensland ’s most prolific fruit and vegetable growing regions. It’s also a major producer of beef and seafood. Airlie Beach is vibrant and alive and is certainly a favourite with the younger folk, who seem to spend their days lounging by the beautiful swimming lagoon which is set in parkland overlooking the islands. Walking down the streets reminded me of Noosa – very trendy shops and boutiques and souvenir stores.
I commenced my tour of Bowen with a visit to the beaches at Queens Beach , Queens Bay , Grays Bay , Horseshoe Bay , Rose Bay , Kings Beach , and up to Flagstaff Hill. It was certainly worth the drive up, as the views were spectacular from the Interpretive Centre.
I made some lunch and then sat at a park bench at Front Beach , a foreshore precinct which has been transformed into a recreational area and includes barbecues, outdoor amphitheatre, children’s playground area, skate park and walking and bicycle tracks. The Soundshell and festival space are used for celebrations and concerts.
Then I took a walk around the town past many murals which adorn the walls of many buildings and which are reminders of the rich history of the town.
Bowen has a good range of pubs but the one featured in the movie “Australia ” with Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman, was apparently specially built for the film.
Next major place was Townsville where I spent a few days and caught up with a couple more friends. Again the council has done a wonderful job along the beach front to capitalise on the beautiful water views. The Strand stretches for 2.5 km and offers views across Cleveland Bay to Magnetic Island . It boasts manicured lawn areas, water playgrounds, shady trees, restaurants and cafes. The Rock Pool draws its water supply from the ocean. It certainly makes you appreciate the weather and the views as you see the sun glistening across the water. An absolute ‘must see’ is the Reef HQ which is the world’s largest living coral reef aquarium and which offers a range of exhibits, talks and tours. It now has a Turtle Hospital where you can actually see live turtles in rehabilitation.
On my way up to Cairns I travelled through the towns of Ingham, Cardwell and Tully (also out to Mission Beach ), all of which sustained a heck of a lot of damage from Cyclone Yasi. They’ve done an incredible amount of work restoring roads and rebuilding places and, when you talk to the locals, they certainly have some interesting tales to tell and realise how lucky they were to come through it.
I’m going to leave my description of Paronella Park , Babinda and The Boulders and Innisfail to my next blog. Cheers for now.
PS forgot to add the pictures from the art gallery I visited in Emerald.
Thanks for the update Blog, we also thought the Capricorn Caves were fantastic , doing a great job, keep safe and keep enjoying
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