St Lawrence Queensland

Am at The St Lawrence Polo Grounds which is now a free caravan park for travellers with their own vans, tents or vehicles.
It is one of the best sites I have stayed at with the best and cleanest toilets and facilites.
It only misses Power, and right now I am sitting in a Luxury caravan helping Mary try to decipher security codes whilst I am using their power using their generator and electricity.
The Location was a Caravan Park, but now it is private property owned by the Polocross Club, who permits free parking to bring people into the town, whoich consists of a shop and a Post Office and a Railway Station.
The area is all bush rich with birdlife and trees, with glorious sunsets and sunrises.

http://www.broadsound.qld.gov.au/visitors/InfoStLawrence.shtml
St Lawrence  

St Lawrence is situated approximately 155km south of Mackay, 177km north of Rockhampton and 6km east of the Bruce Highway. The town has a varying population of approximately 150 with the main employers for the town being Broadsound Shire Council and Queensland Railways. One of the oldest towns on the coast, its demure is firmly linked to its historical beginnings which are well seen about the town. Several cattle properties surround the town and it also supports a locally based professional fishing industry.
The township was established originally to service a major port facility in Broadsound which is no longer used. One historical building still remaining from this time is the Shire Office. Originally built to service the Customs Office for the Port of St Lawrence, it was sold to the Shire of Broadsound for 100 pounds in 1901. The remains of the Port and Abattoir constructed using convict labour are also accessible. The Court House/Police Station was built in 1879 and has been repainted in its original colour scheme.
St Lawrence has a school with education to Grade 7 and an occasional childcare service operates in the town once a week.
St Lawrence has a hotel, two grocery stores, a post office, an electricity depot, honorary ambulance service and a police station. Limited banking with the Commonwealth Savings Bank and Pioneer Permanent Building Society can be conducted from the Post Office. Passenger trains can be utilised approximately four (4) times a week north and south of St Lawrence. A daily bus service is also available.
The Centenary Pavillion located at the Sportsground (beside the tennis courts) was constructed to celebrate the Shire's Centenary in 1979 with the collection of past machinery and relics. The Pavillion is open 24 hours a day for viewing
The town’s sporting facilities include Lawn bowls which is played on a green situated next to the Community Hall. There is a 9 hole golf course, tennis courts and a small swimming pool available for use. There are weekly darts competitions at the Hotel and annual sports days held at the sportsground facilities. St Lawrence Creek is also a favourite recreational fishing area. In the cooler months the Recreation Group hold a weekend of Gymkhana and Campdraft and the Polocrosse Club have their Annual Polocrosse Weekend. The Recreation Grounds on the outskirts of town provide all year round camping facilities and amenities for travellers and is available for hire for functions.
The Anglican Church was built in 1898. Prior to its construction, services were held quarterly in the Courthouse. The 100th Anniversary of the church was marked with an ‘open’ party on May 17, 1998. Services are held at both the Anglican and Catholic Churches.
The St Lawrence Cemetery has also been noted as historically important.
Although not all graves are marked, there is a register held at the Broadsound Shire Council Library at St Lawrence listing most of the graves, with some dating back to the 1800’s
The Craft Centre, located in the main street, exhibits local crafts for sale. Part proceeds from these sales go towards the Queensland Ambulance Service.
The Historical Railway Building is also located in the main street of St Lawrence. The old railway station has been recently restored and the St Lawrence Library and Internet Café have been established for use by both the local community and visitors to the area.

Dense undergrowth at Djuiru Park

Dense undergrowth, originally uploaded by Ladymaggic.

The dense undergrowth at the Tam O Shanter National Park, now known as the Djuiru National P{ark at Mission Beach.

The walk across was closed and so was the other walks closer to the beach.
This is a Cassowary Protection Area

Balgal Beach Boatramp

Balgal Beach Boatramp, originally uploaded by Ladymaggic.

Balgal Beach

Beautiful Beach north of Townsville marred only by the sandflies who have feasted on my body every morning and evening while I enjoy the the sunrise and sunset. Even now, I am being eaten alive while I type this at the Cafe Outside area.
I am at a 48 hour Council Caravan Park right on the beach and enjoying the quiet and the peace and beauty.

Balgal Beach is a beachside community popular as a day and overnight trip destination for locals and tourists to Thuringowa and Townsville. Just a few minutes from Rollingstone, Balgal Beach features a stinger net, which is installed and patrolled from November to May, and an excellent boat ramp facility with easy access to the Palm Island group. It boasts a superb sand beach as well as a wide creek mouth and is a renowned beach and river fishing location.

Other activities include visiting the Anzac memorial, viewing the interpretive historic signage, having a picnic and barbecue at the park, bird watching and fishing.

There is also a licensed cafe and a variety of accommodation which includes Holiday Units, Bed and Breakfast Retreat, and Council's two designated limited tent camping and vehicle camping areas. Download the flyer from their websites for more information on free camping.
http://www.queenslandholidays.com.au/things-to-see-and-do/balgal-beach-9001758/index.cfm

Waterlilies

Waterlilies, originally uploaded by Ladymaggic.

The waterlilies at Double Laggon Normanton

Marina Burnett Heads Queensland

Marina Burnett Heads, originally uploaded by Ladymaggic.

Burnett Heads is a thriving small community along the Coral Coast of Queensland, Australia, with temperate climate and year-long safe swimming at local sandy beaches

http://www.burnettheads.asn.au/

I had booked in at the Caravan Park here on recommendation from another traveler. I will never pre-book ever again. I usually select where I stay by seeing it and selecting my spot to camp.
After going to Bargara, where I should have stayed right on the ocean beachfront, I drove back to Burnett Heads and finally found the entrance to the Caravan park, where I parked right on the edge with a tinge of shade.... The owner assured me the sun was moving, and I would soon be in total shade.
Wrong!!!! the sun moved to set in the West and I spent a miserable afternoon in blistering heat, in front of my small portable fan wishing I had gone back to the sea. Had it set in the East, I would have got the promised shade.
The worst part was yet to come. Huge man-eating mosquitoes floated around adding to my discomfort.
I read a book with a can of fly spray in one hand, batting off indolent mossies looking for new blood and sweating profusely to attract them to the fact that though I appeared dead I was actually alive.

In the morning I was awake at 5.30 and decided to go explore before the heat got me. I forgot about the wildlife, and got bitten by midges, as well as mosquitoes, who were now humming melodies past my ears, as they came seeking an early breakfast of me.
Behind the van is an area of grasses, and the river was mud with absolutely no scenery. I came here for the lighthouse, and it is sweet. It is located right next to the Caravan Park which takes its picturesque name from the Lighthouse.

I did get one sunrise photo, but the price was too high. I went back, had a shower, and departed to see the Marina. That was beautiful. I wondered if the Free Camping was at the Port where it was now closed. That would have been the place to stay as this area is very interesting.

There were some fishermen there preparing for the day, and the carpark was full.I drove around the car park and as the road to the Port was closed, I went off to find Bundaberg Port, and found the Bulk Sugar Handling Port instead. That was very interesting.

The lighthouse was constructed of timber in 1873.
It was a manned by a keeper from then till 1932 when it was converted to acetylene gas operation.
The lighthouse was been replaced by a modern structure in 1971 and has since been re-located one kilometre from its original site to the park in the main street of Burnett Heads where it has been restored.
The concrete base and steps can be still found at its original location next to the new tower.

Carlo Sandblow at Rainbow Beach

Sandblow 3, originally uploaded by Ladymaggic.

This was a wonderful experience.
You can walk here along the beach at low tide from the Surf Club.

I parked at the end of Cooloola Drive, walked through a beautiful treed bush walk, up steps and down steps to the Sandblow. It looked like the desert...white, shining and very beautiful.

I walked down to the edge...it took about 20 minutes...
It was a calm and cloudy day. With wind blowing sand it would not be as easy to walk and enjoy.

http://www.rainbow-beach.org/content/view/79/243/http://www.rainbow-beach.org/content/view/79/243/

Carlo Sand Blow was named by Captain Cook after one of his deck crew named Carlo. The unique moonscape sand mass covers over 15 hectares and overlooks the towering colored sands. From the Rainbow Beach water tower at the top of Cooloola Drive, a walking track passes through woodlands to the expansive natural sand blow.

It’s an excellent spot to watch the sunrise or sunset. The 360 degree views are spectacular, to the East has magnificent views of the ocean where one can often see the migrating whales from August to October. To the S.E. is Double Island Point and the cliffs of colored sand. Fraser Island and Inskip Point are to the North, while Tin Can Bay and the Great Sandy Straits lie to the West.

CARLO SAND BLOW ON FOOT
A bush walk up to Carlo Sand Blow is a must. Drive to the reservoir at the top of Cooloola Drive. The Blow is an easy 600m walk from the car park. Spectacular views of the Colored Sands, Double Island Point and Tin Can Bay are a bonus for your efforts.

When the thermals are right, you will often see Hang Gliders taking off and landing at this beautiful piece of Nature’s sculpture.

 

 

Fraser Island on the Barge

Going to Fraser Island on the Barge, originally uploaded by Ladymaggic.

http://www.fraserislandbarge.com.au/

I went to see the Barges and find out about going across to Fraser Island. The Road was closed to 2WD, and after parking my vehicle in the parking area, I walked the sandy road to the beach where three barges waited for vehicles.
I asked about costs and was told $90 for a car and $45 for a motor bike, and then he smiled and said, free if you want a ride across.
So I happily waited for the barge to collect 4 motorbikes and some cars, and went across to see Fraser Island.

The Barges stop on the beach at the southernmost tip of the island, and vehicles drive off and away to Eurong over the white soft sands. I waited with the barge until it was time to return to Inskip.

Sea gulls dived into the water after fish. I walked in the sand and the water and enjoyed the beautiful island. The sand was as fine as silk, and is said to be great for cleaning jewelery with. The water was blue as blue. There is no camping on the beach at this point. One needs to go to Eurong and follow the hiking tracks from there.

Next trip I will bring my camping things and camp on the Island.

Manta Ray - Fraser Island Barges

Manta Ray Barge is a locally owned Fraser Island Barge service.

Manta Ray operate two Fraser Island Barges daily from 6.00am to 5.30pm.

The trip to Fraser Island from Inskip Point Rainbow Beach takes approximately 10 minutes and with two barges operating there is virtually no waiting.

The Manta Ray Fraser Island Barge service was started approximately ten years ago and continues to be owned and run by local operators. Initially set up to break a crippling monopoly of eleven years the Manta Ray Fraser Island Barge Service continues to keep the prices to and from Fraser Island to an affordable level so that everyone can enjoy its beauty. Like every small company we care for our customers

The Manta Ray Fraser Island Barge service is a small locally owned and independent Australian company and believe every Australian and also the overseas visitor should be able to enjoy the Fraser Island experience.

So, the next time you travel to Fraser Island, support the local Manta Ray Fraser Island Barge Service.
Just remember the Green and Gold which is the color of the Barges and the staff clothing

 

 

Goanna in tree

Goanna in tree, originally uploaded by Ladymaggic.

A Huge goanna was on the tree.
He did not move all the time I watched him. He sat in the same spot silent and watchful, perfectly camouflaged in the trunk.

http://www.kidcyber.com.au/topics/goanna.htm

A goanna is a kind of lizard. Goannas are covered in scales.
Goannas eat lizards, the eggs of snakes and lizards,and small animals.
Goannas climb trees, swim, run fast, and can stand on their back legs.

When white people first came to Australia they saw large reptiles they thought were a kind of iguana, and called them 'goanna'. The goanna is in fact not an iguana, but a species of monitor lizard.

The goanna is about 160 cm long altogether. Its head and body measure about 70 cm. Its body is flattened, it has strong legs with long toes and claws. It has a long neck. It can give a fierce blow with its long tail. It has a tongue rather like a snake's, which it flicks in and out.

 

 

Rainbow Beach,... Inskip Camping Grounds

Perfect Peace, originally uploaded by Ladymaggic.

http://www.rainbow-beach.org/

I arrived at Rainbow Beach around 6pm, and got the Camping permit from the IGA store. I drove to Inskip, a distance of about 12 kms from town along a deserted road, and as it was starting to get dark, turned into the first Camping spot. There was a tent on the left and a Caravan on the right overlooking the water, and I thought that is where I needed to be, right by the sea.

I turned right, and immediately sank into soft sand and got the wheels bogged.
A lady using a phone in a car offered to push me out, but then I saw a couple at a campfire, and asked him to help.
They dug into the harder sand, and pushed and after a few tries they pushed me out and told me to stay on the bark path. As it was now dark, I parked on the bark for the night.

The sea was just opposite and all nigth you heard the waves breaking on the shore.
At Dawn, me and the camera went walking along the beach. It was beautiful. The sand soft and the waves wonderful along my feet. I was intending a swim, but I saw the blue bottles on the beach, and walked carefully after that.

There were many bluebottles on the sand and a few huge brown jelly fish called 'snotties' by the locals.

Then the black clouds came and with it the rain.

Bargara Beach ...Video

Bargara Beach, originally uploaded by Ladymaggic.

We stayed at Bargara Beach after visiting the turtles at Mon Repos.

In the morning we walked to the beach for a swim.
It was rocky, and also high tide at full moon time. The waves were very fast and the beach was very beautiful. The water was wonderful. There were other swimmers also enjoying the water in the early morning.

Bargara is a 13 kilometre drive through lush sugarcane fields from Bundaberg. It is a popular seaside area which harbours a peaceful and relaxed community ideal for family holidays away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Bargara boasts two open surf beaches and two still water swimming areas.
Nearby, the Mon Repos Turtle Rookery provides a fascinating look at the endangered sea turtles during the nesting and hatching season from November to March. Turtles often nest at Bargara on Kelly's, Rifle Range and Nielson Park Beach offering a special summertime experience for beachgoers.
http://www.queenslandholidays.com.au/destinations/bundaberg-coral-coast-and-country/places-to-visit/bargara/index.cfm

 

Point Vernon Beach and Boat Ramp

South Sea Islanders originally settled the area which is now known as Point Vernon in Hervey Bay. They were known as Kanakas and were 'blackbirded' (captured and sent to Queensland to work the sugar cane plantations). The Polsen Cemetery and a monument are reminders today of the tragic role they played in Queensland history. That sets the scene historically. Today there are more pleasant reminders, such as the turtle hatchery, fishing at Gatakers Bay (also home of a delightful restaurant set right on the coast, in a plant nursery).

Just off the shoreline is a coral reef, popular with those who fancy a spot of snorkelling. An osprey family offers thanks to the local council for the construction of a tower for nestings.

It is here where the 13 kilometres walking/cycling/wheelchair waterfront track starts, ending up at the southern beach community of Urangan.

Kangaroos at Burrum Heads

Kangaroos at Burrum Heads, originally uploaded by Ladymaggic.

 

Low tide sand banks Hervey Bay

Low tide sand banks Hervey Bay, originally uploaded by Ladymaggic.

The colors of the sea were just beautiful...blue as blue.
The sand banks went out to sea a long way.
The colors of the sand and the sea were beautiful

 

Low tide 06 Dec Burrum Heads

Low tide 06 Dec, originally uploaded by Ladymaggic.

Low tide was at 5PM.

I walked down about 4pm and had to wade through deep pools of water to the beacon where I actually fished with a borrowed rod.

It was very beautiful

 

Urangun Pier Hervey Bay

Urangun Pier, originally uploaded by Ladymaggic.

Finally made it to the Urangun Pier.
Such a beautiful walk and the scenery on either side was so beautiful.
The waters are blue as blue and the sand was golden.

  Information Board for details

Goody's Bar abd Restaurant Toogum

Goody's Bar abd Restaurant Toogum, originally uploaded by Ladymaggic.

Great Bar with loads of character right on the forefront.
The view is over he water and sand-flats, and the outdoor area provides a fantastic dining area overlooking the magnificent views of Toogum.

Read the Local News from Toogum

http://www.caralecovillage.com.au/downloads/Chatter03_06.pdf

Toogum...Looking left from the Hotel Pier

Looking left from the Hotel Pier, originally uploaded by Ladymaggic.

The tide was low.

Toogoom is a tiny seaside community 10 minutes from Hervey Bay. It is the perfect spot to indulge in a week of relaxing by the water. This picturesque area boasts un-spoilt beaches, great fishing, wildlife and bird watching. Visit the nearby tea gardens or waterfront restaurant.

Situated on the mouth of Beelbie Creek and the shores of Hervey Bay, about 20 kilometers from Hervey Bay township, Toogoom is a popular spot for fishing. There is good fishing both in the creek and on the bay, with excellent mud crabs to be found at certain spots on the creek. Both the creek and the bay are also great for water sports, including sailing, sailboarding and canoeing.

Toogoom features idyllic picnic spots, offering prime positions to view the more than 90 species of birds which inhabit the area. Two of Toogoom's landmarks are the Toogoom Trading Post, an old-style general store that sells everything from petrol to bait and Goody's Seaside Inn, with indoor and outdoor eating areas to savor the ocean views.


http://www.travelaustralia.com.au/qld/fraser_coast-6.html

 

Coast of Burrum Heads to Hervey Bay

Coast of Burrum Heads, originally uploaded by Ladymaggic.

You can see the coast of Hervey Bay across the water from this point about 5 kms from Burrum Heads.
This image is looking towards Toogoom.

I walk every day with my sandals tied behind on my belt, and a plastic bag for collecting shells.
There are shells everywhere...they are on the beaches along the water and along the edge of the sand.
I collected them firstly to decorate the edge of the garden, then to fill a large bowl, and now to make hangings and wind chimes.

The sand is pristine white and squeaks s you walk on the fine dry sand at the edges, which is edged by the Nature Forest.

It is very beautiful.

This image is looking back to Burrum Heads. You can see the tip of the Left Head at the entrance to the Bay.

Magic Sunset

Magic Sunset, originally uploaded by Ladymaggic.

This was truly amazing...mostly pinks

The sunsets from the shore should be the start of a whole new blog...
I simply love sunsets, and always have.
This does have a touch of Ladymaggic and is truly a Magic Sunset.

"Sunsets bring a promise of a new start...its the closing of one day, the starting of the night, and then the sunrise heralds another dawning"

Fishing from the Boat Ramp

Fishing from the Boat Ramp, originally uploaded by Ladymaggic.

Early Morning you see the occasional fisherman near the Boat Ramp fishing for whiting.

There are currently two Boat Ramps at Burrum Heads.
Each Year Burrum Heads has a huge Fishing Competition attracting thousands of fishermen, and all the year, there is fishing in the River and the Bay.

Burrum Heads proposed boat ramp. March 5th, 2009

Now is the time to have your say on this project. The information is available from the Council home page or via this link http://www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/news/2009/Burrum%20Heads%20Draft%20Land%20Management%20Plan.shtml

The great majority of residents in Burrum Heads have been actively trying to improve boating facilities in their area for many years now and this plan is the culmination of much work and much frustration. A new boat ramp has to provide enough space for associated car parking. The ramp is a State Government responsibility but the associated car parking must be provided by Council.

Burrum Easter Classic - 10/4 -12/4/2009

The Burrum Fishing Club's Easter Classic will be held this year along the banks of the Burrum River in Burrum, QLD. 
Held annually for the past 17 years across the Easter Long Weekend, the Burrum Easter Classic is rich not just in history, but so are the fantastic prizes you can win.