So haven't been on for a while busy with work and kids but thought I would post our epic Western Queensland Australia adventure from 2014 that didn't end well. The plan was...actually simple......go to North Queensland, the Whitsundays, and have a bit of a beach holiday. And then the Cyclone, or Hurricane as you lot call it came.....let the adventure commence! So it started well. The Whitsundays are a destination renowned for beaches, holiday islands and rainforest locations in North Queensland. We took 2 days to get there to take it easy. First day was heading North and a visit to local gardens and a small native zoo We had an overnight near Sarina in a park surrounded by Cane fields. Finally we made it to the Whitsundays and a family park at this location. The park has a put put golf course and massive pool with slides and all sorts of stuff for the kids.
So a mate of mines dad took us out to the many islands that make up the Whitsundays Island chain. Just a day out in and back.....but........ Yeah check the tides they said it will be all right they said.........8 hours later......Yep that's our boat But I have to say the islands such as Daydream are quite beautiful The locals are pretty cute too And the kids had a ball
5 minutes down the road from the park is beautiful Rainforest waterfalls.... Great spot for a swim even in the light rain and humidity And then word of the cyclone approaching came in so we decided to get out of Dodge so to speak. We headed West to Carnavon Gorge or wherever there wasn't a cyclone! Stopping in Queensland mining country in this case Moura Out here people are tough and self motivated. I think maybe for you guys its like the Dakota or Wyoming Gas and Oil fields?
We made it to Emerald and spent time cleaning and checking for vehicle damage as most of the roads travelled were dirt and mud single lane tracks. Dirty but safe! the Truck was worse! I think we slept for 24 hours! And someone enjoyed his bird time! So the map came out and we decided to head for Carnavon Gorge a beautiful oasis in the middle of the Australian bush. Set up and relaxed
I really do need to get back there Jason. I keep in touch with a mate in Sydney and at some point I am going to get my butt in gear and make the journey. Some great pics again, you folks really do it up right when you hit the road. And as always some great pics of your trips. Ironic you should post this today as we are leaving in a few hours to go spend a week over on the coast north of San Francisco. A little beach town called Bodega Bay. In some ways it reminds me of Coff's Harbor. It was where Alfred Hitchcock filmed his movie The Birds. We are looking forward to breathing in some fresh ocean air, listening to the surf crash against the beach and rocks, and the fog horn do its thing at night. And we may even manage to sip a glass of wine or three. Thanks again for a great posting. Travel safe in your future adventures and btw, your son doesn't like birds very much does he....... All the best, BankShot (aka Terry)
Carnavon Gorge is an ancient place that harks back to the dinosaur and has its own history with the American Army Air Force during WWII. The walk can take you from 4 hours to 4 days. And its about magnificent vista's Parts of the park include a magnificent natural Amphitheatre Access via a steel stairway Once inside the space is cool and simply magnificent There is something of a tradition that whilst in the park at the swimming holes people build small rock cairns. These are everywhere. At the exit to the park are the remains of a US Army Air Corps C-47 that crashed here in 1942 is US crew and Australian airmen died in the crash that lay undiscovered for many years. A memorial and parts of the plane remain to honour these members of the Greatest Generation.
So after heading south to Roma on one of Queensland's most dangerous roads we made our way through to Dalby for an overnight. Basic but nice overnight park in a nice country town. Just before the disaster! We then went through to Oakey, the home of Australian Army Aviation and an active training base for the Australian Defence Force and the Singapore Army Aviation Unit. The museum is small but well set out. The Australian built Nomad, now retired from service. The little pilot in front is my little bloke. He had a ball with the museums dress up area and is about a 12 on the cute scale! This is the Australian Army "Bushranger" many US veterans will remember it as the Huey Gunship in Australia they were given the name Bushranger after the gunmen and highwaymen that roamed the countries trails in the 1800's
So Home stretch back to Brisbane. Let me set the scene. Its a long weekend public holiday everything is closed. We are a couple of hours out west of Toowoomba still about 3 hours from home on an outback country road. and then this....... and this..... and finally..... more to come!
S *** happens but its all part of the adventure. Again, great pics and the story that goes with them. Thanks for taking the time to entertain us. Darrell
