Discovering Elliot Heads

Four days - 25 to 28 April

The majority of our first day was involved in Anzac Day functions. The wind was still blowing a gale as we took a sunset walk across the wide expanse of the Burnett River delta.

First steps onto the sand. 

The river mouth is beyond the trees / Dr Mayes Island, a protected area for nesting and migratory birds.

We didn't progress far before we were wondering if we had been transported to a moonscape. The sand erosion patterns were dramatic and constantly changing. 

Thankfully the wind kept to a low level, so only blasted our lower legs, but its movement across the sand was spellbinding to watch.

We returned to camp along the beach.

Wednesday was spent visiting my brother in Bundaberg.

Thursday

We drove north to Bargara to explore its surroundings.

We stumbled on an entrance to a path, which took us nearly 3 km north to the world-famous Mon Repos Beach. How lucky were we, as we had decided the journey by car was too circuitous. Just a delightful trail, away from the wind, and in wonderful autumn sunshine.

Below is the boardwalk leading to Mon Repos's beach.

"Mon Repos supports the largest concentration of nesting marine turtles on the eastern Australian mainland and has the most significant Loggerhead Turtle nesting population in the South Pacific Region."[Qld Government, Parks and Rivers]

Up to 400 turtles nest on this beach and adjacent islands each year, commencing in November, and the last hatchlings reach the water by the end of March. Alas, we were too late to witness their determination to cross the sand and reach the sea.

Back at the car, it was time for a cuppa with a view!

We were soon joined by a kookaburra, renowned from experience, for their swift dive to take food from one's hand if one is not on the alert. On this occasion sadly, he was being attacked by smaller birds, and food wasn't on his mind.

Kookaburra plus Blue-faced Honeyeater.

He moved to another tree but his enemies followed.

Whilst this was all going on, a Butcher Bird decided to serenade us.

I am always finding wonderful playgrounds to take my grandchildren to when they visit. This one would keep them happy for ages. The turtle was just the cutest.

The foreshore at Bargara.

Here we met a couple who mentioned a beautiful field of sunflowers nearby. We had to find them!

A detour was made to The Hummock, [an extinct volcano remnant] for its magnificent views of the red soil, and fertile plains surrounding it.  This region had always been known for its sugar cane, but over recent years, the farmers have diversified to other crops - macadamia and avocado plantations, sweet potatoes and peanuts. We were totally impressed with all we could see, but note how the palms are affected by the wind.

The sunflowers didn't disappoint.

5pm and time for another sunset stroll across the 'moonscape'.

Friday

We were so thrilled that the wind had all but abated when we woke, so we took our breakfast straight to the beach, pj's and all. There was no one else enjoying this rare occasion. [7am]

We were in need of a more restful day. As the morning fully woke up, the wind did increase but thankfully wasn't as strong as on other days, and a small bay at Coral Cove gave us some protection.

First, a closer look at the rockpools.

A very pleasant couple of hours were enjoyed reading and listening to the ebb and flow of the waves.

Some time was also spent being creative with our cameras. 

My efforts.

Joc had bought her glass photography ball along, and had almost forgotten to play with it.

I was very impressed with her image of our sunset drinks. Once again we were sitting behind the one and only clump of trees around, to protect us from the return of the wind.

Saturday 6am

Alas, it was time to pack the van and make the return journey to Brisbane. The morning light was sensational and almost delayed our departure.

Above - the silver car, centre, is beside our site.

Even with the wind, it had been an exceptional visit to this lovely rural, coastal area.

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