Eungella National Park

Today we have done some National Parks walks, had lunch at the historic Eungella Chalet and actually saw  platypus - not sure if we saw the same one eight times!!!

Our bush walk

This is Harry contemplating how he is going to tackle the steep drive back down the mountain tomorrow.  It is  actually the hang gliding take off ramp in front of the Chalet where we had lunch.

Not a good shot but proof we did see a platypus

Bowen - Eungella National Park

After morning tea at Airlie Beach we traveled on to Eungella National Park.  It was a very steep ascent but well worth it.  The view from our campsite is spectacular!!!

Oh the serenity at Airlie Beach away from the tourist strip of shops!!!

This is where we are about to have our afternoon drinks!!!

Still Bowen

Another early morning walk.  This time up to 2 lookouts.  We had a guilt free cooked brekky following that workout.
A quiet day today after driving to another lookout on top of a water tower.  There are so many lookouts to appreciate the spectacular views Bowen has to offer.

Horseshoe Bay beach (our local!!)

Incredible, isn't it?

I feel right at home here!!

Bowen

Up and at it this morning with a early morning walk from Horseshoe Bay to Queens Beach along the waterfront walkway with beautiful views of course and lovely parklands.
We have done the touristy things today looking at all the pictureque little bays and up to Flagstaff Hill Lookout with its 360 deg. views over Bowen and the northern Whitsunday group of Islands. Visited the new "Catalina" monument at Port Denison. We got talking to a lady who was a volunteer on the set of the movie "Australia". She was very informative. It was filmed on the foreshore of Port Denison.

Of course we then had to call into the Co-op for Barra and green prawns for dinner tonight. 

Not only does Flagstaff Hill Lookout have surpurb views it also has devonshire teas!!!!

This is where "Australia" was made.  They built the set and pulled it down when they had finished.  The building in the distance with a small dome on top is all that remains except for the jetty that Nicole Kidman walked along.

Lucinda - Alva Beach (Ayr) - Bowen

Would you believe I did not use my camera yesterday - sorry - no photos
We stopped off in Townsville to have morning tea with a work colleague of Harry's and she suggested we stay at Alva Beach which is about 17ks east of Ayr.
Today we have arrived in Bowen.  We are staying at Horseshoe Bay beach for a few days and it is just magic.
Harry has had his prawns for lunch and is planning a beef and reef for dinner tonight. yum!!

Alva Beach, Ayr

Horseshoe Bay beach, Bowen 

Millaa Millaa - Paranella Park - Lucinda

We love the countryside around Millaa Millaa and all it's beautiful waterfalls.
Paranella Park is fantastic.  We did a day and night tour and wandered around both yesterday and this morning. Jose Paranella, who was a pastry cook by trade built this incredible park in the early 1900's. He was a visionary.
Now Mark Evans the owner has a dream to return it as much as possible to it's original glory.  Watch Gardening Australia, ABC, next Saturday 31/8 at 6.30.  Paranella Park is on.
We are now in Lucinda slowly working our way home:(

Milla Milla Falls - what a change to the landscape we have been through the last few weeks!!

Paranella Park. This is where everyone stands for their photo opportunity!! So many photos where do you start??

Devonshire Tea overlooking Mt. Bartle Frere at Mungulla Biodynamic Dairy

Lucinda Jetty is 5.76ks long and transports sugar on conveyor belts to ships

Undara National Park - Millaa Millaa

What a difference a day makes!!!
We started the day with a walk around the rim of the Kalkani crater which is in the drought stricken Undara National Park. Today we have driven to Millaa Millaa along a beautiful scenic drive through a lush rain forest.
We are actually camped on green grass and have pulled our jumpers out of the bowels of the camper.

   

Undara National Park

Millaa Milla scenic drive