G'day Canada: August 2007

Two Year Anniversary Adventure - Fraser Island, Queensland

Next up was Fraser Island, the world’s largest sand island. Both of us agree that this adventure was the highlight of our first trip. As it was our anniversary week we treated ourselves to a three-day, two night excursion complete with 4WD rental. The inner core of the island is a spectacular rainforest in which the roads are deep “play box like” sand that only 4WD can get through. The island is also full of pristine fresh water lakes and creeks that you can swim in and beautiful beaches.

Right off the bat we got stuck in one of the many sand dunes. Both of us had to get out of the truck and dig ourselves out. With a little help from some Aussie travellers we got out and continued on our way. After looking out over Lake Wabby, which is a lake that is being slowly engulfed by sand, we headed towards the beach. From the beach we drove to Eli Creek, which is a popular swim hole. Up next was Cathedral Beach to view the Pinnacles, which have been sculptured by the wind and rain blowing sand in off the beach.

Next up was the wreck of the Maheno. It was once a passenger liner and served as a hospital ship in WW1. The wreck has been on the beach for 70 years, slowly eroding to what we see now.

The first night we camped out on the beach. Well on the cusp of the beach so that the tide didn’t sweep us into the ocean. We watched the sunset and woke up to a stunning sunrise.

Day two saw us get up for 5:30am and head up to Indian Head before the tide came in. Indian Head overlooks the ocean where they say sometimes you can see dolphins and sharks. No such luck for us but the view was still awesome.

We then hiked across the beach for about 45 mins to the Champagne Pools, which is an ancient volcanic rock formation in the shallows of the beach. Unfortunately, because the lack of ran the water level was barely passed our knees, but the waves crashing over the rock was a sight to see.

Once the tide dissipated we headed back down the beach to go back inland to Lake Allom to view the turtles. The trek there saw us bounce our way through trench like roadways. Good times indeed!

We then decide to come back out and endure the four km hike there and back to Lake Wabby and take a swim.

After a refreshing dip we headed back inland again to Lake Boomanjin to set up camp for the night. The interesting thing about this night was the fact that we were caged in to protect us from the Dingos.

We woke up on our final morning, drove inland again to Lake Birrabeen. The white sand is so fine on the beach that you can actually clean your jewellery, which we did.

Our final destination before getting back for the ferry was Lake Mackenzie, which boasts one of the world’s top ten beaches.

View from Lake Wabby Lookout. This view gives you a pretty clear look at how the lake is slowly being overtaken by the sand.

Our first view of the beach coming from the inland.

There is nothing like driving down a beach at 60 km/h

We had to share the beach with other vehicles.

A view of Red Canyon.

Wreck of the Maheno

This is what is known as the Pinnacles.

This is where the ship started years ago.

This is our camp site for the first night.

Not a bad view from the camp site eh?

We were fortunate to see a beautiful moon that night.

Absolutely gorgeous!

We then woke up to this picturistic sunrise.

Another pelican in flight.

Here's Natalie with Indian Head in the background.

Beach shot with Indian Head in the background.

Natalie in front of the Champagne Pools.

Turtles at Lake Allom. The turtles would come to you on instinct. Simply slash around in the water and presto...turtles!

Lake Allom

Greg liked to call this driving in the trenches.

More inland trench fighting. Once we got a hang of driving in beach sand it was quite fun.

This is part of the sand dunes that are engulfing Lake Wabby.

Lake Wabby. Can you see little Natalie down by the side of the lake? We went for a nice swim to cool off.

Caged in at Lake Boomanjin. Though we never did see any dingos.

Lake Birrabeen, with white sand so fine you could clean your rings!

Lake Mackenzie and it's fabulous beach.

Ferry coming in to pick us up.

Itinerary for trip

Bundaberg Rum Distillery - Bundaberg, Queensland

As we continue down the coast we stopped in Bundaberg where the Australia's own Bundaberg Rum is made.

We went through a very informative tour of the distillery and enjoyed several tastings. We found that using cola as mixer wasn’t that good. The bartender suggested Ginger Beer, which is called Dark and Stormy and ginger ale and lime. Both of us enjoyed these new mixes.

Now you are probably going to say why steal our Canadian Polar Bear?

The Polar bear was introduced as a marketing tool to entice drinkers from the south where it is generally colder in the winter to purchase Bundaberg Rum. As the bear would ward off the winter cold and the rum would warm you up.

Here is a quick shot of sugarcane the main ingredient to rum.

Polar Bears...rum... sold!

Greg paying homage to rum.

This obviously happen while Greg was looking the other way.

For those of you who are interested in how rum is made. Here is a Coles note version of how to.

Capricorn Caves - The Caves, Queensland

Our next major stop was the Capricorn Caves in a town called The Caves (must of thought of that one for a while?), which was just north of Rock Hampton. The highlight was the cathedral with its outstanding acoustics and stunning decor. They actually hold weddings in the caves.

Palm beach. I guess use your imagination

The cathedral

Closer picture of the cathedral.

Billabong Sauctuary - Townsville, Queensland

Next up was the city of Townsville, where we found another pleasant surprise in the Billabong Sanctuary. Along with a fantastic keeper talk on the crocodile, we watched one get fed and held a small one. There was also a very informative talk on the Cassowary, Koala and Dingo. Both of us held a koala as well, which was pretty damn cool.