After a week of night shifts, we were feeling exhausted but
excited to be off on another road trip adventure: up the coast to Hervey Bay,
for Humpback whale watching and a visit to World Heritage listed Fraser Island.
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| Sunset in Hervey Bay |
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| Whale Watching |
Up early to watch the whales on their annual migration to
Antarctica, we met with some friends and were full of anticipation as the boat
sped away from shore into the bay. Soon we spotted a group of whales breeching
(or jumping out of the water to you and me) in the distance. As we approached,
a couple of inquisitive whales came right over to the boat to say hello. What
the guides fondly called being ‘mugged’. It was exhilarating to have wild
whales weighing 40 tonnes coming so close that you could almost touch them!
They looked beautifully majestic in the water as they swan past us, tail
slapping, waving their fins and cheekily poking their noses out of the water.
We were lucky enough to spot a mother with her calf, the youngster hitching a
ride on her back, before mum rolled over to cuddle the baby with her fin, so
cute!
Back on dry land, we spent the afternoon walking down
Urangan Pier, the longest in Australia at nearly 1km long. Here, pelicans were
diving for their lunch, whilst fishermen were hoping to catch something for
dinner. In the evening, we enjoyed some delectable local seafood and cocktails
at a restaurant along the esplanade.
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| Urangan Pier |
The next day we caught the ferry over to Fraser Island. The
largest sand island in the world, extending 500m below sea level and containing
more sand than the Sahara Desert! With no paved roads, we jumped onto a 4x4
coach and enjoyed the bumpy ride along the dunes to our first stop; Central
station and a walk through the peaceful forest.
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Lake Mackenzie.
Yes, the water really was that colour! #no filter |
Next up was a dip in Lake Mackenzie, where I have never seen
water so crystal clear. Absolute bliss! After lunch, we drove up the stunning
75 mile beach on the East coast of the Island. It was so surreal to be driving
along this ‘designated highway’, with the waves of the Pacific licking our
wheels!
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| Dom in Heaven! |
Our trip wouldn’t have been complete without taking a scenic
flight over the Island. Clambering aboard a ‘toy’ plane with only 7 seats, I
was slightly apprehensive as we took off from a comical makeshift beach runway,
but the views were breath taking. The ‘bird’s eye’ views of freshwater lakes, Maheno
shipwreck and the shoreline were lust-worthy.
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| Up, Up and Away! |
Shattered after an action packed day, we cosied up inside
our comfy wooden cabin for dinner. Another fun adventure, full of memories I
will hold forever.
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| Eerie Maheno Shipwreck |
