Mackay to Airlie Beach QLD (May - 6 days)

Our highlight of Mackay was a gorgeous day trip to Eungella and Finch Hatton Gorge on Mother’s Day. This area is approximately one hour west of Mackay. Eungella set high in the ranges reminded us very much of Comboyne (inland from Port Macq). The gorgeous view from the top of the range showed a beautiful array of sugar cane fields. We also went in search of platypus in their natural habitat in ‘Broken River’, but were outside their best viewing times. We did however spot many little turtles swimming happily about. At Finch Hatton Gorge (at the base of this range), we walked in through lush rainforest to a magical gorge and swimming hole. The water was freezing, but as we had the place all to ourselves and had built up a sweat walking in, all but Georgie braved a dip. Harrison adored climbing over the smooth boulders.



Today we arrived in Airlie Beach. The water off the coast is beautiful and we look forward to exploring the area a little more this week. We are hoping to meet up with our first travelling companions (a young family with two girls 4 and 6, also travelling – from Melbourne). We have so far crossed paths at Byron, Mackay and now probably here in Airlie.

Everyone is well and happy. We are getting used to our little space. Our travelling companions even remarked how quiet our four were as they had not heard much from them. This amazed Tim and myself who often have ringing ears from the din!

As a side note, we feel we are becoming more seasoned aussie travellers as we have adopted the 'RV (recreational vehicle) wave'. First noticed around Byron Bay we now laugh and reciprocate the wave with each passing caravan.