We left Ravenshoe on route to Airlie Beach with a 2 night stop over in Townsville for A to have a medical appointment early on the 18th. We had hoped to stay at the Bluewater free camp (Camps 7 QLD) which looked great with a playground when we went past on our way up but was full when we arrived around 2pm. Knowing what the parks where like in Townsville we thought we would try Black River Stadium (Camps 7 QLD 37) as another traveller had told us when we where at Mission Beach it's a good spot. So 7km from the Bruce hwy we find the campground set up when the caretaker comes to collect the nightly fee (powered site is $25) only to be rudely told that its an over 50s park. (There was nothing on the signs as you entered the park no the signs from the highway). As we were only staying the 2 nights and already set up she took our money but we weren't greeted with smiles from some of the other grey nomads. My whinge for the day is that they allow dogs yet not children. My children are a lot better behaved than some dogs and their owners we had seen/ heard on the road with dogs barking day and night at any movement.
Monday 18th June
We headed back to the strand in Townsville for the boys to play at the water park ( see blog on Rollingstone) and to get some supplies for the cold weather as we head further south (beanies, scarfs, hot water bottles etc) which will allow us to continue to free camp. (Most free camp sites have with no power so we rely on the generator which can only be used normally between 7am to 9pm if not earlier) or our solar panels. Thou talking to other travellers I think a good investment for any further trips will bea diesel heater installed in the van.
Tuesday 19th June
We packed up and headed to A medical appointment in Townsville. We had driven past yesterday to make sure we could park out the front with the van on. After the appointment we drove 272km to Airlie beach with a stop in Ayr at the Anzac All Abilities playground for lunch and a play. You may ask how do we find places to stop and have lunch / play. Well thanks to an smartphone app I have, an app called Playground finder, which as the name suggests finds playgrounds in your area. It relies on parents adding information of playgrounds which includes photos and a description. There are some we have come across that aren't on the app but hopefully as more parents use it the more info will be available for everyone.
A on the slide at Anzac all abilities playground Ayr
Next stop was the big Mango at Bowen for J to add to his collection of all things big
Onto Airlie Beach. Just before the turnoff to Airlie beach we came across a car and caravan that had crashed on the wrong side of the road. It had only just happened but what a mess, both the car and caravan were written off and the caravan was like someone had got a giant foot and jumped on it with its contents spilling out. There were several other cars stopped offering assistance and with 2 young children on board and not knowing how the people were we thought it would be best not to stop. I do hope those involved are ok.
So our campsite for the 6 nights at Airlie Beach was Big 4 Adventure Whitsundays which is in Cannonvale just 4km from Airlie Beach. Beautiful park with a heated ( the first we have come across since leaving the big 4 at pambula) 32m swimming pool with 2 water slides, spas and a toddler pool. A great playground and jumping pillow plus mini golf.
The sites at Big 4 Adventure Whistundays.
Our sites several others round us all backed onto this great little camp kitchen.
We spent the afternoon having a look around Airlie Beach
Both days were spent with the boys playing at the caravan park either on the jumping pillow, the playground mini golf or in the pool on the water slides while we did the domestic duties.
J on the waterslide
Rob and A on the
Friday 22nd of June
We took a 45 minute trip out to Dingo Beach and Hideaway Bay. There is a caravn park here but it not really walking distance to the Beach but lovely and quiet setting more suited to the older children The boys played on the playground on the beach reserve and went fossicking for shells on the beach
Stinger net enclosure at Dingo Beach
Saturday 23rd June
Today we had breaksfast in at one of the little cafes in Airlie Beach before having a look at the markets before heading to Proseprine to have a look at the Whitsunday Agricultural Show.
J and a sand sculptured shark with the markets in the background
The boys much prefer to have a sit on the display tractors than to go on carnival rides
J enjoyed watching the junior handler classes in the beef cattle section
I did get to watch some of the horse classes in between the watching wood chop and going through the poultry pavilion. It reminded me just how much work I have to do when I get home to get my horses ready for our show season.
Sunday 24th June
Today we decided to do the boardwalk from the marina into town.
With the tide out looking back towards Cannonvale beach
At the end of the boardwalk is the lagoon pool and a playground great for the kids
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