From Charters tower inland to Bowen on the coast about 300km , took 5 hours drive. Bit of a different scenery. It was a easy drive mainly straight highway. Car is running very good. Drinking a bit of fuel though but hey you got a heavy caravan behind you. Diesel prices is going down a bit $ 1.96 P/L in Bowen. We’re doing about 17L per 100km, which is not too bad.
We had a little lunch break in Ayr Plantation Park with a lots of cockatoos these are black cockatoos. A local came up to me and said this is a sign it would have a lots of rain. Lucky no rain so far….
Back on the road, we crossed Burdekin Bridge over the Burdekin river. Wow… so much water flow through the river that was insane ( we’ve been drove through here few times, there was no water). They just had a big flooding here.
Arriving at Bowen, Lilia found a beautiful Wangarrata Caravan Park at Queens beach ,it’s near the beach, right next to Golf course. A little bit protection from the wind, because beach is very windy and there were a lot of trees, also the beach is only 50m walking distance, how great is that. The caravan Park is owned by the Council, so it’s cheaper then any Caravan Park in Bowen. We still not sure what we are doing with our live. It’s so free with so many options. Shall we work, shall we relax or shall we keep going. We are not complaining though. It’s beautiful weather nice blue sky and beautiful breeze, everything make you want to stay here longer.
The next day we went for a drive to check out Queens Bay ,Grays Bay, Horseshoe bay, Murray Bay and Rose bay.
They are stunning beaches. The water temp is also perfect. We’re not sure if here still have crocodiles ,so we didn’t get into water, we might have to research about that. Bowen is a nice country town by the ocean. It has nice feeling and very relax town, also many sea food shops ( we love the local sea food) . Bowen itself is not busy at all and people are very relax and friendly.
Day 3, we explored Horseshoe bay more. There’s a circuit walking track only 4.5km. From Horseshoe Bay – Murray’s Bay – Rose Bay than follow the road back to Queens Bay than back to Horseshoe Bay. The track had beautiful views out to the ocean. This track was a amazing, have so many lookouts, some of them with 360 degrees view. The trail itself is up and down grade 4 walking track. From dry bush walked through rocky track then met sandy beach. Balance rocks are everywhere with sensational ocean view, Everything just made this track so dramatic, loved it. We started early in the morning it was just cool enough to do this. Staying here 3 days, everyday was beautiful 30+ degrees with blue sky no complaint at all.
Finished Hiking, we had little rest at Horseshoe Bay cafe, beautiful shop just right infront of the beach. After that, it’s job hunting. We just tried,if we can get the job here that we stay otherwise move to next. Not much luck though haha….it’s was super low season and we forgot it was Australia day on that day, everything is closed. There’s one restaurant was looking for staff but it’s going to close for next 10 days and we don’t want to wait that long. We also went to woolies, IGA, Kmart but they all require to send CV online so no time to wait. Anyway it’s Australia day why we don’t just relax. So we went back to Caravan Park jumped into pool cool down ourself. At that time the caretaker was putting Australia flags around the pool and camping kitchen. We said Happy Australia day to him and he invited us to join them Aussie BBQ Party. Woo Hoo…it’s holidays and free BBQ, why not ( we are nomads now, we love free things). People were very nice shared them travel stories and tips , we had great time here.
Lilia had a look online and we found a few caravan Park looking for caretakers. We called around and one looked promising which is down south in Scenic Rim. We will drive to them in the next few days, staying they property for few days and see if it will work. We have been Scenic Rim before , very beautifull area surrounding by National parks. Also have a lots of walking tracks and beautiful road for motorbike. Hope it goes well because we are getting so excited for new new adventure and new job challenge.
Wangaratta Caravan Park stayed 3 nighs,
$ 28 per night unpowered.
Wat geweldig weer allemaal! Veel plezier en zorg dat jullie lekker ontspannen. Hard werken kan altijd nog. Geniet van de mooie omgving, dan genieten wij met jullie mee! groetjes, Geert en Annet
Wat een prachtige plaatjes,jaloersmakend en de verhalen van jullie avontuur zijn steeds weer leuk om te lezen.
Hi, what a great read and photos too. You’ve inspired us to visit Bowen as we’ve only ever just past thought. Looks lovely.
I’m sure you’ll find work when you least expect it. With so much work available…. The world is your oyster.
You had a change of travel plan? I’m sure you mentioned going down the island road.
Which ever way you go, may you both be blessed with good health and safe travels.
Remember, this isn’t a practice run…. It’s the real deal… enjoy every moment and keep those memories alive. 😎😁
Thanks ,David. Yes , we changed plan ☺️ just feel want to go to ocean so we did.
A great commentary on Bowen and surrounding area, and beautiful photos to match.