27
th July, 2015
Travelling north once more and a stop
overnight at a 'donation for use' freecamp south of Ayr. The camp
spot was on the coast and called 'Funny Dunny Park'. We turned off
the highway and bumped along a dirt road for fifteen kilometres to
this remote camp area which was tucked in behind the sand dunes. The
place was jam-packed with campers but we managed to find a spot near
the entrance and after setting up took a stroll over the dunes to the
beach. Apart from one lone beach walker we were the only ones there.
The following morning we discovered that we had been the main course
for a squadron of 'sand flies' aka 'midgies'. These rotten little
insects are so small that they are virtually invisible to the naked
eye. We rummaged through the van and found a variety of medicated
creams which we vigorously applied in a vain attempt to stop the
bites from itching. We quickly packed up and hightailed it out of
there. There was no way that we were going to spend another night in
'sand fly haven'. At Ayr we stopped at a pharmacy and bought some
antihistamine to go with the itch creams. We stopped overnight in a
rest area north of Cardwell where we again rubbed cream on the itchy
bites and took the recommended dose of antihistamine. The
antihistamine eased the intense feeling of wanting to scratch oneself
to death and we managed to get a reasonable night's rest. This was
to be our daily and nightly routine over the following few days until
finally the urge to scratch faded away. There's not one good thing
that can be said about a sand fly …... NOPE …... not one!
We continue north and at Miriwinni stop
for a sugar cane train crossing the highway.
 |
| Sugar cane train crossing the highway at Miriwinni |
It's here that we turn east once again
and head for the coast. At least the road is tarred and after
sixteen kilometres the small village of Bramston Beach comes into
view. We check into a council operated campground which fronts the
beach and are assured that there are no sand flies. The park is
booked out on powered sites but we take up the option of an unpowered
site for a couple of nights until one of the powered sites becomes
available. This will be our home base for a few weeks while we
explore the tropical coast and surrounding area. After a couple of
days of rest and relaxation we head to the nearest town – Babinda.
Due west of Babinda is 'The Boulders' – a popular tourist spot.
There is a designated area in the creek where one can swim in the
crystal clear waters without having to keep an eye out for saltwater
crocodiles. The salties find it a bit difficult to climb up the
boulders and waterfalls from the lower reaches.
 |
| The Boulders |
There is an unseen danger here though.
A number of people have drowned while attempting to swim in the
enticing rock pools below the bathing area that have been formed by
the water cascading over and around the boulders. In the blink of an
eye a refreshing dip can turn into a nightmare as an unwary swimmer
is pushed by the force of the water over and under the boulders and
becomes trapped beneath the rocks. We walk along the path beside the
creek following the flow of water cascading down the boulders.
 |
| Dangerously enticing rock pools at The Boulders |
It's a pretty walk and the only
downside is that we are gradually going downhill – which means that
our return walk is all uphill! At least there is an endless supply
of fresh water should we get thirsty. Back at Babinda we stop at the
IGA Supermarket for supplies before returning to Bramston Beach.
It's another day for exploring. This
time we are checking out all the little side roads north. There are
lots of creeks and waterways as well as unexpected wildlife. We were
quite surprised to round a bend and see this flock of turkeys on the
grass verge.
 |
| Free range turkeys .... ! |
We've seen free ranging chickens before
but not free ranging turkeys! Wok was keen to check out spots that
might be good for fishing and thought this section of creek looked
promising.
 |
| Hmmm .... this looks like a good spot to fish |
It may have been the best fishing spot
ever but when the 'croc sign' was pointed out to him he seemed to
lose all interest.
 |
| Hey Wok .... did you happen to notice this croc sign? |
Can't say I blame him. Trying to catch
fish and keep an eye open for hungry salties doesn't make for
relaxing fishing. It was decided to just enjoy the drive and take in
the scenery. The fishing can wait for when we are not on the menu.
A few days later we hopped in the Jeep
again and took a drive to Josephine Falls. We stopped for a look at
'The Hole' on the way. A very large picnic area was adjacent to the
creek and the water looked inviting but once again the 'saltwater
crocs may be present' sign was a big deterrent.
 |
| Looks like a great place for a swim - but you never know if a saltie is around |
A few kilometres away is Josephine
Falls. We park the Jeep and set out on the track to the falls. At
least this track is uphill from the start so it will be all downhill
on the way back. After much huffing and puffing we arrive at the
first viewing area where a stairway leads down to the water.
 |
| Wok heads down the stairs |
Through the trees we can see the
crystal clear water of the swimming hole
 |
| Swimming hole at Josephine Falls |
where a brave soul is splashing around
in the freezing cold water.
 |
| One brave (and freezing cold) swimmer at Josephine Falls |
The temperature today is around 28
degrees centigrade but the water is icy. We walk down to the rocks
below the swimming hole to get a look at the falls above.
 |
| Looking up at the falls from the swimming hole |
We slowly work our way up to the last
viewing area near the top of the falls stopping to take photos along
the way.
 |
| Josephine Falls |
We both agree that it has been worth
the hike to see the falls – one of the better kept secrets in the
area.
We spend the next few days enjoying the
peace and quiet of Bramston Beach. We are in no hurry to leave this
idyllic tropical paradise where more often than not we are the only
ones taking a stroll along the water's edge. Ahhhh …. the
serenity.
 |
| Bramston Beach |
No comments:
Post a Comment