Heading North
We had a spare couple of days so we decided to drive 1,900 km North.
A few observations and occurences.
North Queensland starts at the Traveston servo (not officially) - the one with the giant kangaroo out the front. People are different from there on up.
If you drive the back way from the sunny coast to Rockhampton it’s a slightly better road but you have fewer overtaking lanes, there are still loads of caravans on this road.
There a many small towns with strange names - I do not know what people do in these towns.
We ran over 2 snakes ( not intentionally ) - 1 giant, massive, huge python that felt like we drove over a tyre and 1 giant, massive, huge brown snake that was not outstretched but still took up most of the road. Also a bandicoot. ( also not intentionally)
You will see heaps of kangaroos dead on the side of the road. Panel beating would be a good business in FNQ.
Mt Morgan is the town that time forgot. It’s just outside of Rockhampton, no one there owns a paintbrush or paint.
it’s hot, ey.
The Bruce Hwy is the worst road in Australia
Townsville is surprisingly big,
The roadside views get nicer once you hit Cairns - there are mountains and lots of green.
The drive from Palm Cove to Port Douglas is amazing.
We hadn’t been to Port Douglas in about 15 years - still pretty much the same. it’s nice.
Headed out to Mossman Gorge - kind of surprised you have to pay to take a bus from the carpark to go see it.
It’s a stunning place - obviously lots of people there, but you can still easily get away from the crowds by going upstream and off track a little.
Went fishing in the Daintree River - no deal.
Mossman River just outside of town and near the bridge is a great spot for a swim. Mowbray River on the other side of Port Douglas is not.
Mission Beach is the best ( caveat - on a clear sunny day with no wind )
On the way back spent the night at Airlie Beach and Yeppoon - went fishing at Shute Harbour and off the rocks in Yeppoon - still no deal.
Baked on 44 in Yeppoon is always on the list. Legit croissants.
Made it up and back in 5 days - quick but good.
a few select pics below.
