ISLAND HOPPING - MAGNETIC TO FRASER ISLAND

Welcome back to the blog. As usual it's been very busy and difficult to find the time for an upload - but here we go!

After a few days in Townsville we boarded the ferry to Magnetic Island. Time for a little getaway from the troopy! (It ended up being more cost effective to leave it behind and use the money saved for accommodation and other activities on the island).

First item on the agenda was to pick up our scooter and begin exploring. We decided to share a scooter as this was cheaper ;). it was hot and humid so a lot of time was spent swimming.

In the evening we met the local population of wallabies and then caught up with an old friend (Brenda, an ex-colleague of Roxanne's) at the pub. The island has a definite holiday feel to it!

The following morning (by this we mean 11am) we scooted to the start of the forts hike - definitely underestimated the heat again!

This fella has the right idea!

Back on the scooter heading for the ferry - 2 days in paradise were over.

Back in Townsville exploring more with friends (Bev and Dan). This time on a scooter that Rox could handle!

Heading South again we stopped in at Bowen - what a fantastic time to be on the road!

Add the giant mango to add to the list of giant things along the road. The ice-creams here of mouth watering!

Lunch stop at Airlie Beach - also added this to the list of destinations to come back to. Could easily blow the entire trip budget here!

Enjoyed the afternoon strolling through Finch Hatton Gorge with a freezing cold swim at the Wheel of Fire at the end. On the way back, Roxc decided to lead and thankfully spotted a snake a few meters ahead, unlike myself who almost steps on them - we think it was a black whip snake.  The mountain region in-land from Mackay was pretty awesome!

Quiet night camped up at The Diggings - beautiful cold evening in the mountains.

This area is known for spotting platypus - excited the see one in the wild!

The view on the way back down from the mountains, stunning - even on an overcast day.

Melbourne cup day spent in Mackay. Good to have a pub drink and aircon!

On a sugar cane tour in Sarina - happy we survived the night in the local caravan park which reminded me of the dodgy trailer parks in 'My Name is Earl'.

Arrival in Yeppoon!

As with many of the cities/towns up here - another free swimming pool (still can't enjoy the ocean).

Exploring the Capricorn Caves - nice bit of history and good to cool down in the heat of the day.

Sunset over the ocean at the historic town of 1770. A novelty in the East.

Camping at the Rosedale Pub, featuring the resident shoe thief haha!

Bundaberg Rum tour - the expensive ones still need coke to be tolerable though!

Arrival in Hervey Bay where we spent the weekend visiting friends (Grace and Josh). 

We also did some very cool poses with the towns sights.

Our luxury accommodation!

Sight seeing in Maryborough.

Lots of little gems around the city. Seeing a theme in the town?

That night we drove through Rainbow Beach towards the pick up point for Fraser Island, here we had a few visitors in our camp.

Next morning - waking up at Inskip Point, the gateway to Fraser.

Awaiting the barge that will take us to Fraser Island - the biggest sand island in the world! The infamous section of Inskip Point was definitely a bit of a let down (semi-pun intended).

On the first day we did the Southern Lakes route - this took us past many of the inland freshwater lakes. Unfortunately we had a few rain showers chasing us.

Arrival at Lake Wabby lookout. Bit of a hike down from here.

Roxc having a swim before the rain chased us back to the car.

Our camp for the first night - feels a bit like home, how I've missed beach camping!

The march flies here were relentless and huge.

Next day - Roxc driving us to Eli Creek.

Perfect driving conditions!

Crossing Eli Creek. So far no major obstacles.

Rox having a splash before we continue onwards.

Quick stop at the Maheno wreck. Very cool bit of history here!

Another feature along the way. The Pinnacles.

Spotted a few dingoes on the way. So cute, but apparently dangerous??

Looking back at Indian Heads on our way down to Champagne Pools.

Spent the rest of the day at Champagne Pools watching them evolve as the tide came in.

Camp for the night in Zone 8 - Marloo. No march flies here due to a nice little breeze!

Us being paranoid about the dingoes getting into our rubbish. We definitely toned it down over the next few nights.

The main obstacles on the island - Ngkala Rocks. All five cars in front of us got bogged.

First time using the winch! It took over an hour to get all the cars in front of us through. No photos - only a video of us breezing through - I guess we're used to soft sand from WA.

Made up to the tip at Sandy Cape - smooth sailing after the rocks.

Camp for the night in Zone 9 - right up the top. This was my favourite camp on the island.

And what a feast for the soul - nature turning it on this night.

On our way back down the road was blocked again at Ngkala rocks. This time by a troopy bogged and suffering from a burnt out clutch - this was the detour through the ocean and over the rocks. After watching the red patrol almost roll we decided against this option and settled in to help clear the road block. 

4 hours later and this troopy was winched / snatched out finally. These guys had a $2500 tow truck bill to get off the island! Luckily we didn't have many plans this day as we ended being there from 11am-2.30pm.

The backlog of cars waiting to pass Ngkala rocks heading South.

Afternoon swims to celebrate getting through. The bushfire on the island was now really starting to take off.

Heading back to camp for the evening. Little did we know that in a few days the island would be closed.

The next morning driving further South again, trying to get away from the smoke.

Day at Eli Creek - caught Rox admiring the rig.

Another little walk to one of the sandblows. Plenty of nature hikes to enjoy on the island.

And then another day spent at lake Mckenzie. Unfortunately a few things got stolen off the car whilst here :(

But what an absolute stunner of a spot.

A few nights later and we were at the Southern tip. Treated by dolphins and a beautiful sunset to mark the end of this island adventure.

8 days later this was our last morning on Fraser. We had the Southern point all to ourselves that night before heading back to the mainland. We had covered close to 400km driving up and down the island, and it really was epic!

Now as some borders open and others close it looks like we'll be venturing down through Brisbane and into NSW. But as with everything in 2020 - it's all up in the air!