Australia: Day 16 - Great Barrier Reef and Queensland Coast

Oct. 1st

We got up around 7:30 and headed east toward the coast. We’d been hemming and hawing about which route we wanted to take, and just how much of the coast we had time to see. We wanted to at least view a part of the Great Barrier Reef, so we looked into the southernmost place to see it. We knew it wouldn’t be in all its glory, but at least it was something. We steered our wheels toward the Rockhampton area, particularly the suburb of Yeppoon, which was right on the coast, and offered a number of ways to go out and see the Reef. Nathan was getting beyond exhausted from all the driving, and I couldn’t blame him. It was exhausting being a passenger, too, though I have to say my travel endurance is rather uncanny. We made it to Yeppoon a little after noon only to discover that the last cruise that would be suitable left at 9am. We considered staying another day, but really, time was of the essence, and we decided we’d see what we could and consider coming back in the future. After all, much of this trip was meant as a scouting exercise in which we would discover what we’d like to come back and see more of. The Great Barrier Reef is just one of those impressive things for which you have to make the time. Instead, we did a hike up to Double Head, an extreme lava outcropping that overlooks the Pacific. From there, we were able to see the dark patches in the ocean that were part of the Reef, so in a way, we did see it, just from afar. After that hike, we headed down to a protected bay where we waded in the Pacific waters. While out there, we saw a number of dead shrimp, lots of crabs, and a stingray! We had fun just splashing around for a bit, cognizant of some of the Aussie dangers like the ever present, hypodermic-needle-barbed stonefish. Luckily, we emerged unscathed. It was a nice, relaxing time, and it was good to stop and see some sights for once.

Late afternoon started to set in, and we headed down the coast in search of our one meal of the day. We really craved seafood, and what better place to try some than the coast of Queensland? Most of the places we tried were either closed or nonexistent, but we pressed on. We wasted quite a bit of time in rather large towns trying to find something, and going well out of our way in search of it, but luck finally smiled upon us in the little town of 1770, named such because that is the year Captain Cook sailed past the area. We found a lovely little restaurant on the coast called The Deck, and made it just in time because, had we arrived any later, we may have had to contend with a large party and may not have had a table. Settling in around 5:30, we had a beautiful spot outside, and were joined by a blue faced honeyeater who watched our every move. This restaurant featured incredible island drinks, and our main courses were out of this world. Nathan immensely enjoyed his squid stir fry, while I was absolutely floored by the shrimp and scallop pasta I had. It was probably the best meal we had in Australia! So fresh, and better than any seafood I’d had anywhere else, and as a fan of seafood, that is a stellar compliment. We were so lucky to have found this place. It was worth the detour.

Refreshed and recharged, we continued on until about 7pm when Nate was starting to fade from all the driving, especially considering there wasn’t much to see on some of these forested country roads. Luckily we were just upon the town of Bunderberg. We tried two hotels in hopes of finding a room, but both were booked. Luckily, the second hotel got us in touch with one that wasn’t quite full yet, and we were able to get a quite luxurious ensuite room for a decent price. On top of that, we had internet! We were glad to stop, rest, and relax for another evening.