Honeyeater Lookout, Airlie Beach and Waterplay

Thursday 27 June 2019 – 266 111

Today began with a sleep in for Hayden and I, while Drew went for a run along the foreshore.  I got through a mountain of laundry – tip for parents, taking a child on holidays direct from school camp means a lot more washing! We had planned to walk the Hayward Gully walk and Coastal Fringe Circuits in Conway National Park today, however they were closed for repair.  

So, a rethink, then off to walk to The Honeyeater Lookout.  This walk was steep, as advertised, and a tough, but enjoyable walk to a viewpoint. 
https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/conway-circuit/about.html The viewpoint would be amazing on a clear day; today however we were able to watch the clouds form and roll up the side of the mountain.  We watched the coastline appear and disappear through the clouds.

On returning to the caravan park I had a swim, while Hayden enjoyed the water park.

Hamilton Island Hiking

Wednesday 26 June 2019 – 266 106

An early start again to be at Port of Airlie at 06:30, for a daytrip to Hamilton Island. https://cruisewhitsundays.com/ After a one-hour boat trip we arrived at Hamilton Island Marina.  The Marina has some very impressive boats! 

We walked up the hill to Wild Life Hamilton Island for “Breakfast with the Koalas”. https://www.wildlifehamiltonisland.com.au/plan/koala-breakfasts/ There were three koalas napping in their trees while we ate, with occasional movement.  We were also joined by Kookaburras and Rainbow Lorikeets.  The buffet was beautifully cooked with all the usual breakfast buffet items.  In addition, there were omelettes, eggs, french toast and pancakes cooked to order.  We also collected our packed lunch for the day here – sandwiches, apples, water, biscuits and chips.

Our next stop was the resort tour desk to collect our walking maps. 

https://www.hamiltonisland.com.au/HamiltonIsland/media/PDF-Files/Activities/Walking-Trail-Map.pdf Then off on our hike.  We started from the resort trail head and climbed steeply through very healthy, luxuriant forest.  Across the island we found the variety of vegetation to be either dead and shredded (presumably from Cyclone Debbie) or in very lush condition.  We went to Flag Top Hill, Passage Peak, South East Head and Escape Beach.  Throughout our walk the views of both Hamilton Island and the surrounding Whitsunday Islands were stunning.

 

At South East Head a giant wooden chair had been erected to relax in and look out over the surrounding islands.  Escape Beach had an unusual log and rope hammock that could easily accommodate a person at each end.  We finished our hike at the scenic trail entrance on the opposite side of the island to the Marina.

We spent part of the afternoon relaxing, people watching and swimming in one of the pools.  To end our day, we explored the Marina area and admired the boats. We were also able to look at the massive machines for moving the boats on land for maintenance.  After another one-hour boat ride to the mainland we headed home for dinner and bed.

Summary of the day – exhausting but amazing and absolutely, undoubtedly worth it.

Cedar Creek Falls, Conway Beach, Wilsons Beach and Conway NP

Tuesday 25 June 2019 – 266 000

I began the day with a nice run, mainly along the waterfront, enjoying great views.  

Our first adventure for today was Cedar Creek Falls. https://www.queensland.com/attraction/cedar-creek-falls-56b260dc2cbcbe7073adb025

 The water was surprisingly clear and there was a small amount of water coming over the falls. It would be spectacular in full flow.

Stop two was Conway Beach at low tide – an incredibly long distance from the high tide mark. We saw hundreds, or probably thousands, of crabs. We also saw some of the damage remaining from Cyclone Debbie. It was a windy day and Conway Beach is very exposed, it must have been truly terrifying when the cyclone hit. Some houses literally have been ripped apart. https://www.queensland.com/destination-information/Conway-Beach

Stop three was Wilsons Beach. This was much more protected and had some private houses with beautifully painted water tanks. We enjoyed a picnic lunch on the waterfront.

Stop four was Conway National Park to do the Woompoo Way Hike.  The park has some weed problems and feral pigs – which they are currently baiting. This hike passed through some lovely rainforest down to a crystal-clear creek. We spotted several types of interesting fungi on the fallen logs. https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/conway/about.html