20 - 22 February
Inskip Point is where the barge to Fraser Island leaves from and has been on our wish list for a while. You must book in advance through Qld National Parks website, but there is an office not far away in Rainbow Beach. We made our online booking before leaving Tweed Heads and set off up the road, stopping a couple of times for coffee and lunch.
There are a number of campgrounds at Inskip Point Recreation Area but your booking isn't for a particular one so you can have a look and choose what suits you best. Having said that, it is worth reading the information on the website about each one, as access varies. All campgrounds are accessed via a bitumen road, but all access tracks into the camping area are on sand. Some spots may be accessed by conventional vehicle in ideal conditions, but most are 4WD only or at least recommended, especially if towing. We chose M.V. Sarawak as most suitable for us, and followed the advice to park near the entrance and walk around to pick out a spot. By doing this you can avoid the softest sand and also determine where to set up your camp without getting stuck between the trees. There are lots of stories of people who have become bogged but we didn't have any such difficulty. We chose a spot in shade, with a nice beach view across the passage to Fraser Island. All that for just $12.30 per night for both of us!
 |
| The swimming beach at Inskip Point. |
 |
| Baby dolphin in front of adult. |
 |
| Gull-billed Tern |
 |
| Large-billed Scrubwren |
 |
| Mangrove Honeyeater, another lifer. |
 |
| Beach Stone-curlew |
 |
| Beach Stone-curlew |
 |
| Australian Pied Oystercatcher |
 |
| Bar-tailed Godwits on the point. Some are moulting into breeding plumage for the long northern migration. |
Town of 1770
22 - 24 February
We stopped for a picnic lunch in Childers where they have a great area for cars with trailers and motor homes just behind the main street - and it's well signposted. Well done and thank you Childers. Of course we wandered up to the shopping strip to visit a couple of op shops before setting off again.
We left the highway and drove through Agnes Water before arriving in 1770. The campground in this little village is perfectly located right on the beach. We opted for two nights so we could enjoy the sights. On our first night we ventured down the road to the pub for a drink with a view, then returned to the camping ground (almost a caravan park) for dinner at the onsite cafe - BYO and great fish and chips.
 |
| In front of the campground. |
 |
| The caravan park is right on the beach. |
 |
| Having a sundowner or two. |
The following morning we went exploring in Agnes Water and stumbled on the Paperbark Boardwalk. This relatively short walk is easy except for the two long sections of what are described as stepping stones but which are actually tall concrete cylinders about 25cm across. You have to be careful to keep your balance. The swamp was dry when we were there so I don't think a stumble would have mattered all that much but I imagine it wouldn't be too pleasant if there was water below. Anyway, I managed to make it along both sections without falling.
We enjoyed a couple of swims on the beach at the front of the caravan park including a quick one before we set off for Mackay.
 |
| We only spotted two birds on the boardwalk. This is a juvenile Spectacled Monarch. |
 |
| Probably a Leaden Flycatcher. The female Satin Flycatcher is very similar and they are hard to tell apart. |
 |
| Views from the 1770 headland walk in the Joseph Banks Conservation Park. |
 |
| Grey-tailed Tattler |
Mackay
24 - 25 February
Mick wasn't keen on stopping in Mackay, but time wise it made sense to make that out second-last stop before home, so we headed for the caravan park at Black's Beach. We could see rain in the distance and it started bucketing down just as we were walking around to look at the various sites on offer. Fortunately it didn't last long and we had the camper trailer set up well before the next shower arrived. We went for a short walk along the beach and settled in to relax a bit. After dinner we retreated to the swimming pool - no swimming at the beach here. The evening was hot and humid, with a few bities around so it was really nice in the pool.
Heading off on Saturday morning, we could have made it all the way home, but were convinced to stay away another night. Number 2 daughter had been house-sitting while we were away and she wanted an extra day to clean up! We were happy to oblige with a night at Bowen.
Bowen
25 - 26 February
There were more clouds and some showers as we made our way north, but by the time we reached Bowen around lunch time, the sky was clear and the day was heating up. We chose a caravan park at Queen's Beach for its proximity to the pub. We felt a celebratory meal was in order and being able to walk across the road had a certain appeal. Again we spent the afternoon in the pool and relaxing at our shady camp site, before walking to the pub for a very nice meal and a few drinks. This was a good way to end an eventful, but fabulous, holiday.
 |
| We had a visit from several Red-winged Parrots in the morning. |
A list of my favourite things about traveling and camping;
A schnitzel and a beer in a pub or club. Even better if the dining room has a water view and there is local beer on tap.
Coffee and cake for morning tea in a small town cafe.
Buying fresh local produce and turning it into a delicious meal.
A swim in a cool sea on a hot day.
Listening to the sea from my bed.
Waking to the sound of birds and wondering 'what's that one'?
Seeing a new bird.
Enjoying the sun's warmth on a cold morning.
Watching a wild bird or animal go about its business unaware of or unconcerned by my presence.
Sitting on the beach at sunset and enjoying a cold drink.
Finding places that appear to be unspoiled by humans.
Clouds
Mick
The stats:
- Almost 15 000 kilometres
- Over 18 weeks
- Four states
- Camped in 5 National Parks
- Visited another 8 National Parks and Reserves
- Experienced our hottest day ever - 46° at Port Macquarie
No comments:
Post a Comment