A Little Spot of Paradise

24-28 August

Three days of relaxing, soaking up some sun, bike rides and swimming. This is a beautiful spot. A rare not so touristy, lovely and quiet “hideaway”. Sunday we were very energetic and took the bikes out for a spin. From the park at Hydeaway Bay we rode around to Dingo Beach. This is the main beach area and has a boat ramp, pub, General Store and a lovely beachfront park. A pretty easy ride as it’s flat all of the 6 kilometres, well almost flat. When we arrived the tide was just heading out so we changed and had a lovely swim. The water is about 23 degrees so you can just walk straight in. We swam in the enclosure which protects from stingers etc during the months of November to May. Didn’t really need to today but that’s where everyone seemed to be. It was a very pleasant swim and very refreshing after the bike ride. After swimming and drying off we cycled round to the pub and found ourselves a seat in the sun. They have live music during Sunday and the guy was playing some great guitar and singing all while we enjoyed a yummy seafood platter and a drink. Unfortunately after lunch we have to ride back to the park. Oh well I guess it just worked off the calories we just ate. Later in the afternoon we took the path out the back of the park and headed down to the beach again, (this time a bit closer). It’s not as nice here, rocky and a bit breezy, we follow a track back up to the top of the hill and wander back to the campground. From the top of the hill we could see Dingo Beach, it’s probably only a 30 minute walk away over a clear track.

Monday

Out early for a ride around the local township. It’s pretty hilly here but there are some beautiful homes, all fairly new, that overlook the bay. We made a couple of stops to check out the beach then back to the van to change into our bathers and back down to the closest beach for a swim while the tide is high. The water is clear and warm and it’s a beautiful spot to swim.

Back to the van for a quick shower and change and then we are heading into Airlie Beach. This area has grown heaps since we were last here. Very touristy now and lots of traffic but we find a car park and head off for a walk around the waterfront to the marina. Philip loves this area and drools over the boats and the possible places to sail to. We stop for lunch at a bistro that overlooks the marina and select our favourite yachts or catamarans while we enjoy a light lunch. Then more of a wander around the yachts before heading back to the car. Then some grocery shopping and refuelling before heading back to the van.

A great day again.

Tuesday. 28

On the road again today. Heading down through cane country, Mackay, Marlborough and almost to Rockhampton. Just stopped at a roadside stop tonight next to a classic old pub in Yaamba, it appears to be an old railway town. A wander around this not so large of a village before enjoying a “Van Baked” Shepherds Pie. Tomorrow we are heading to Seventeen Seventy for 3 nights.

(P-Those of you with a map can see we have now left the outback and are now on the coastal phase of our journey. It’s a pleasant change but not as relaxing as there is a large amount of heavy traffic and many more people. A far cry from driving for 2 or 3 days “Outback” and only seeing 3 or 4 vehicles and not many more people. Camping “Outback” under the unhindered open night sky’s .Watching shooting stars and satellite’s criss crossing our skies, identifying the satellite’s and constellations (with the aid of a couple of Ipad Apps) and magnificent sunsets. We also enjoyed the camp fires and camp oven food! My choice is the “Outback” and friendly country people any day!)