One of the benefits of travelling, besides the beautiful places you see and the relaxing lifestyle, is the tips you receive from fellow travellers on where to stay and what to see.
We found out there is a beautiful large swimming hole 9 kms from Cardwell. The water is pristine – so clear you can see the fish swimming and you can see the bottom even though it’s reasonably deep. It is surrounded by drooping gums and massive paper barks. I even saw a bright blue butterfly fluttering around. There is a ladder to descend into the pool and the water was very invigorating.
We were able to camp in a secluded spot a few hundred yards from the pool and it was very peaceful. We told another couple of our find and they stayed too so we still had our happy hour.
The next morning we stopped in Cardwell from where you can see Hinchinbrook Island just to have a look around. This is such a pretty part of far north Qld. Then on to Hull Head which is east of Tully.
What a beautiful place this is and one of the reasons we headed here is that we had a tip that the Tully Coast Guard put on a fabulous all you can eat fish smorgasbord once a month. The locals come from everywhere to participate and so do the grey nomads!!
The activity started about one o’clock when the volunteers turned up. Out came the mechanical potato peeler and then the chip press. Others set up the tables, put out 300 chairs and made salads. The set up was like a well oiled machine. Well over 200 people turned up to devour as much fish, chips and salad possible on a beautiful evening overlooking the islands. All of this for just $10.
The campsite is right alongside the large river which goes out to the sea and you look over the beach and lots of islands. It is very picturesque and oh so peaceful. Stress is word that doesn’t enter the vocabulary in this neck of the woods!!
We decided to stay another day as it is such a beautiful place. The day is spent sitting by the river watching the boats going out and some people fishing on the river edge (even though there are crocs in there) reading and talking.
We ended the day with barbeque by the river on a balmy evening.
Hello Liz, You are having a wonderful time.I know Bowen and have also swum at Horseshoe Bay with my granddaughter - when she was about 4 - many years ago. Yes, I agree with Balgal beach - called in there for a swim and coffee - wanted to stay longer. Cardwell is beautitul. I bushwalked in the hinterland and went over to Hinchinbrook Island for a day. If i was 20 years younger, I would love to do the big walk!!! Did you do the white water rafting up the Tully River - great experience. Last year I was at the Hull River and did the croc spotting boat ride. We had a toilet stop at the place you described then had dinner on the boat during sunset. We saw 11 massive crocs on the banks of the river . No I didn't know about the big feed with the Tully Coastguard. I'll have to time my arrival with their event. I hope you visit Mission Beach - my favourite place on earth - especially the boat trip over to Dunk island and the walk up to Mt Kootooloo. There is a very informative Information Place on the Cassowary at Mission Beach and also a couple of good bush walks where you might sight some of these magnificent birds. Now that I've worked out how to comment on your site, I'll keep up to date. You are relating your adventure really well - keep it up. ENJOY, Bronwen.
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