Splitty Road Trip

[CamBiscuit]

Well as a few of you know I'm in the process of using up some long service leave and am road tripping down the east coast from Darwin in the Kombi. So far I've done about 4000km's and I have to say its beats working!

Heres a few pics from along the way... First stop Mataranka

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[CamBiscuit]

Its a pretty hot time of year to be leaving Darwin and temps were in the high 30's through the NT and into Western Qld so I was getting up early and hitting the road by sunrise and travelling through to about midday to avoid the heat.
Leaving Camooweal at Dawn
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This was the only time I had to stop to let the old girl cool down
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Cloncurry was a pretty cool place, I spent an afternoon wandering around - the Flying Doctor museum was pretty cool and plenty of nice old buildings around.
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[CamBiscuit]

I must say the Western Qld roads are basically **** and I think they know it as there is lots of road repair going on! Never bounced so much in all my life.....Also achieved a first in Western Qld when I overtook a triple road train!! Took a while to pluck up the courage I can tell you!
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Cool little pub this one - the owner lets people camp out the back if they stop in for a beer or a feed

[CamBiscuit]

As much as I love the outback it was rather nice to hit the coast and spy the sea again! Great to spend a few days exploring Townsville
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Then it was time to head off again and I headed North towards Mission Beach with a few stops in National Parks before I got there. IMG_6067.JPG
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[CamBiscuit]

Then into Mission Beach to stay with some friends that used to live in Darwin
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View from Dunk Island back to MB
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I also discovered another couple that used to be in Darwin working for a mate of mine that run a boat cruise business out of Mission Beach and headed out with them for the day 40k's offshore the the Great Barrier Reef - Cracking day! IMG_6105.JPG

[CS911E]

Fantastic Cam, keep the updates coming!

[mrar]

Glad you started this thread Cam, was wondering where you were at.

[AdamGill]

Definitely beats my day in the office!! Please keep the updates coming Cam.

Cheers
Adam

[Ashbaxter]

Great stuff Cam

[mickc]

great thread Cam, thanks for sharing

[klasikcis]

Bloody awesome. The kombi sits well in the landscape. Enjoy. Very envious but short on creature comforts.

[CamBiscuit]

Thanks Gents. From Mission Beach I headed south again, a quick night back in Townsville and then on to Airlie Beach from there, again staying with friends. They have a cracking spot overlooking the harbour and a couple of minutes walk from all the action. It does get rented out so If anyone is looking for a 3 bedroom apartment in Airlie let me know and I'll put you in touch.
Had to stop at the big Mango in Bowen!
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[CamBiscuit]

Yeah Patrick some air-conditioning would have been nice at times! Airlie is a place that's easy to like, really chilled out with a mix of backpackers and older travellers and sailors.
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They have a great swimming lagoon there as Stingers are around in the water from this time of year. Lots of interesting wildlife to be observed here...
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I headed out on one of the fast boats for a look around Swirling Sands, Whitehaven Beach, snorkelling etc. Well worth the trip! Pity the day was a little overcast :-(
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[CamBiscuit]

From Airlie it was a long run down past Mackay (was going to stop in and catch up with a friend but he was in Brisbane) to Rockhampton which was about a five hundred km run which is enough for one day in the Kombi. I didn't hang around to check on the sights but grabbed a couple of things the next morning and hit the road south again. Found a cool little cafe / curio shop in Benaraby
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Then I found a great camp ground in at Agnes Waters right on the beach. I thought I was the coolest kid in the campground but it wasn't to be.....
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[CamBiscuit]

The journey south continues...A quick stop off in Hervey Bay
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Then down through Maryborough and out to see the Kombi Whisperer - Geoff Scott who built the engine for a tune up. I took up his offer of a camp in his shed and scored a visit from his mate!
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