Slow trip north

March and April have been months of celebration for us. Significant birthdays and anniversaries has meant that the Chaotic pair and Gypsy have meandered from New South Wales to North Queensland with plenty of scenic stops along the way! And I am also pretty sure the rain gods have chased us the entire way too.

We left NSW as the rains that lead to the floods there set in; arrived into the Sunshine Coast where torrential rains practically drowned our 33rd anniversary camp at Kenilworth; and then we trapesed north, roads closing behind us, to reach Airlie Beach. A week on Hamilton gave us

mostly torrential rainy days but on the most important day, a 50th celebration, we had beautiful blue skies to snorkel and wander Whitehaven Beach.

Back onto the mainland and so far we have had some lovely weather while we’ve hidden out in Hydeaway Bay, Rollingstone and now Mission Beach.

But all is good despite those rains as the land is magnificently green all the way so far, the rivers are flowing and dams are filling.

Over 30 years ago, Craig and I worked and lived in the Whitsundays and even then I felt so very much at home and at peace in north Queensland. Having now had almost six weeks back on this coastline and in these magnificent waters, those feelings haven’t dimmed. This part of the world continues to be one of my happy places. Just to look out at the turquoise waters and islands of the Great Barrier Reef, with mountains and rainforest at my back, is so good for the soul. In a different time, place and circumstance, I would be buying some land here to build my forever home. But Inelsamo still calls to us, bobbing safely in her digs in the Mediterranean. So until we can get back home to her, we continue the journey north....weather permitting.

In terms of locations we’ve stopped along the way, my 'tourist guide' thoughts are as follows:

Maleny Showgrounds - a great spot to stop with heaps of space to park up or pitch a tent. Within walking distance, through the rainforest boardwalk, to the village which is choc full of cafes, quirky shops, art and crafts etc. The Showgrounds have water and power if you need that and heaps of space on the lush green grass. Low cost, high reward living.

Mudjimba Beach Holiday Park - I actually really enjoyed this park. It is right on the beach, super quite and a short walk to cafes, restaurants and bars. It isn’t a walk to grocery shops though so you will need to get behind the wheel. I imagine that this park can get ‘tight’ during peak times but we had plenty of room in the new area and enjoyed a few days here. Again both full service sites and unserviced. Usual Sunshine Coast site cost.

Bluff Creek Camping - This was beautiful despite the rain. Plenty of space and lots of nooks and crannies to hideaway in across a couple of hundred acres. You need to be self sufficient with power and water, but there are toilets throughout the grounds and a shower block. Kenilworth is just the most beautiful area and the village quaint and quirky. I think though I would go to Kenilworth Homestead or Kenilworth Camping only because they have easier access to the river. Fire pits permitted (provided no regional fire ban in place). Beautiful and reasonable.

Agnes Water Beach Holidays - well this is just a divine location right on the beach with a great village. It has serviced and unserviced sites and everything is within walking distance so you really can park the car and just walk. It can get very busy though and the sites are ‘neat’. Like most perfect spots...you pay for the location.

Barracrab Caravan Park - This is a great ‘bush’ style caravan park. Right on the beach front, serviced and unserviced sites, with a great little bar/restaurant. The only catch, while there is drinking water available to fill drinking bottles, the tapped water is otherwise bore water. So fill your water tanks before stopping here. Shady, plenty of grassy sites and great fishing. The owners are truly welcoming and friendly too. If fishing, beach walking and reading books is your thing, you could stay here for several days. Low cost living....high reward.

Smalleys Beach, Cape Hillsborough National Park - This is within the National Park and completely bush camping. You must be totally self sufficient. There is a composting toilet. While our trusty 4WD van made it in, it was a wee hair-raising and very tight at times negotiating our spot. You need to book in advance. I’d recommend sites 2, 3 or 10. Right on the beautiful beach, totally private, quiet, and plenty of wildlife visiting each day and night. Fire pits are permitted. Only do around three nights here. Take plenty of mozzie spray and coils!! $6 a night for perfect spot!

Island Gateway Tourist Park - Well this is Airlie!!! Great little caravan park within walking distance of town. You’d need to drive for groceries of any size but still it is a good walk. The park has serviced and unserviced sites. They aren’t large sites but we were snug and happy. I could easily stay here for weeks. Peak times, pay peak price but otherwise reasonable.

Hydeaway Caravan Park - this is an isolated, private, quiet and lovely park. Wide open space, lots of shade, serviced and unserviced and a short walk to a fabulous beach. No shops in handy distance so you do need to drive into Proserpine or Airlie but that’s always a nice outing really. Three or four days at most I think. Reasonable price.

Rollingstone Beach Resort - Fabulous big grassy parkland. Excellent area for fishing and the park opens onto its own beach. There is a fabulous pool area, camp kitchen and great cafe/bar that does wood fired pizzas and live music on Saturday nights. About 40 minutes north of Townsville so you should stock up before heading in. Reasonable price.

Dunk Island View Park, Mission Beach - Neat little park with huge sites right on the beach front. Located in the middle village of Wongaling, it is handy to a grocery store and coffee shops. Short drive to Mission village for bars and restaurants or to South Mission. But the beach front is long and beautiful and good fishing apparently. Very reasonable cost for this location.