Today we crossed the Tropic of Capricorn on our journey to Cairns, so as is traditional we have broken open a bottle, come to think of it I think that tradition applies to the equator when at sea. Oh well can’t let it go to waste!

Over the past week we have continued north we have been in rainforests and open country side the contrast was most stark at Dorrigo where there is a rainforest on the side of the plateau and within a mile or two on the plateau rolling hills reminiscent of Derbyshire or Yorkshire, albeit slightly warmer.

We have spent the last few days at Rainbow Beach a small coastal surfing-come-backpacking resort at the top of the Sunshine Coast, the beach serving as a road in addition to its usual functions.

The road at Rainbow Beach

Rainbow Beach

We used this as an access point to Fraser Island apparently the largest sand island in the world. It took two attempts to get there as the first day the ferry which takes vehicles (4 X 4 only) ran aground. I did joke with the bus driver that it looked swimmable at under 1 km and he told the tale of how they had tried to introduce cattle farming on the island by swimming the cattle across at low tide. Only 20% made it, the sharks got the rest!

The next day we made it across and drove 45 k up the beach and spent some time swimming in lakes whose only source of water was rainfall direct into the lakes.

4 X 4 beach bus

4 X 4 bus on barge to Fraser Island

Driving along Fraser Island beach

Swimming in Lake Mckenzie

Maheno shipwreck Fraser Island

Today has been a driving day we started at 09:00 and didn’t finish until 18:45. We ended up driving at dusk which we have tried to avoid with bouncy things (Kangaroos) launching themselves across the road in front of us.
The campsite we stopped at was more out of necessity rather than choice and is a bit rough and ready. Our pitch is directly opposite the “luxury” cabin which in truth resembles a falling down shed, the site seems mostly populated by back country guys here for fishing and drinking – half expecting to hear the duelling banjos . The large  Queensland guns and knives amnesty sign adds to the feel of the place.

In addition the hotter and more humid conditions mean an abundance of large and varied insects requiring Sharon to purchase a super large can of insecticide – at vast expense from the campsite shop – surely their best selling line!