On the Road Again

As we waved goodbye to Ellis Beach this morning Esther asked, "Please can we come back here again one day?" We told her we couldn't promise, but we wouldn't rule out the possibility altogether...

Driving in this part of the country is so enjoyable!  Along the first part of the journey the Great Dividing Range (including Queensland's highest peak, Mt Bartle Frere) form a stunning backdrop to the green fields of cane and the lush tropical rainforest vegetation. Even Arthur, looking quietly out of the window, commented, "This is so much fun, isn't it? It's just beautiful here."
After a while we came into areas where there was evidence of cyclone damage everywhere.   We stopped for lunch at Bilyana, about 20 km north of Cardwell, at a rest area which would have been surrounded by beautiful tropical forest, but like so much of the country we had passed through the forest here was littered with fallen trees and branches, while those left standing were pushing out new growth, giving them strange and distorted shapes.  It was a big surprise to see a cassowary wandering along the edge of the grassed area, very close to where we were parked.  It feels like such a privelege to catch a glimpse of wildlife, especially when it is on the "endangered" list and rarely seen.

After our break we continued our journey- past Cardwell, with views of Hinchinbrook Island and the coast; through the dry savannah in the rainshadow around Townsville; along forested mountain roads and through agricultural communities. (There were several pauses where the road was reduced to a single lane due to roadworks. We have encountered more roadworks in Queensland than anywhere else on our journey so far, and like everything in Queensland, they seem in no particular hurry!)

Shortly after 5 we arrived at Home Hill, where there is a free overnight camping area.  On one side of the road there is a view across a railway line towards the canefields beyond, but all the parking places on that side were already occupied by the time we arrived.  Our side of the road overlooks the back of a row of shops.  The actual site isn't what you would call picturesque and there is no power, but there is a very clean amenities block and it's free of charge!  As it was still too early to send the children to bed, we took a little stroll down the main street of town.  To the children's joy, there was a pet show being held in the park!  There were even sausages for sale and when we asked if we could buy one the lady said, "Should you desire to partake of a susage in bread you would be more than welcome to do so!" Which saved me the trouble of heating a can of baked beans for dinner!

Thee bridge over the Burdekin River, just before Home Hill

Entries for the "Best Behaved Dog" category.
 I think the winner was chosen at random, as none of the dogs were particularly co-operative!

These two were itching to get down among all those dogs...

...and finally did get to meet one of the dogs up close and personal!

Home Hill at night.

It's very hot and sticky here, and without power we can't use the airconditioning.  Fortunately, that hasn't stopped the children from falling asleep as quickly as usual but I'll miss the sea breeze tonight!