Lucinda, Groper Creek and Bowen

Sadly it is time to leave the far north and start heading home. First stop was a welding shop in Cairns to re-attach the rear bumper of the van that very nearly dropped off through the weight of the bikes and the relentless bouncing from Queensland's finest roads. The rear bumper was custom made to carry the bikes, just not in Queensland. two bikes were also boxed up and sent home which makes travelling a bit easier.
Leaving Cairns we passed through Innisfail and onto our old favourite Lucinda. Jim could have a fish, the kids could play table tennis and Chrissy could buy some more shoes from the lady with the e-bay shop. We also caught up with our feathered friends the curlew's of Lucinda. There are about 20 of them at the park and they are lovely birds.

                                                   Our old friends at Lucinda, the Curlews.


Next day back in the car we by passed Townsville and visited Ayr for lunch. We then crossed the mighty Burdekin River, the longest bridge in Queensland. The river was a mere trickle but in 2010 the bridge was nearly swept away in 15m of raging floodwaters. Thats a lot of water for a river 600 metres wide. Our goal that night was Groper Creek 15km south of Home Hill on the Burdekin. a sleepy tranquil fishing spot with not much fish unless you have a boat. It is a place ready to be washed away in the next flood and is built accordingly.

                                                       Approaching the Burdekin Bridge.

                                 
                                             The Burdekin River, just a trickle at the moment

                                                       Groper Creek early morning.

                                                 Groper Creek kiosk, always ready for a flood.

                                                            Will unplugging the power.


Bowen
Bowen is one of Queensland;s oldest towns. It is the salad bowl of the north with lots of tomatoes and other salad items grown here and sent all over Australia. The town had agreat boost in 2008 when the town was transformed for the shooting of Australia. All of the Darwin scenes were shot here. During our stay it was Blowen in Bowen but it was warm and sunny. We enjoyed the Big4 park and the lovely beaches for a swim. it is one of the few places in Queensland to have coral just off the beach. Unfortunately the visibility was poor when we went snorkelling.

                                                                        The Big Mango

Bowen was a base for Catalina Flying boats during the war. A very interesting memorial has been built to remember this time.

                                                     Jordy soaking up the information

The Catalinas could be stored on the hardstand if needed. Here's Kurt ready for takeoff.

                                                            Will at another skatepark.

                                                           Having fun back at the park