After 42 years since a last trip north there was much to see on the route Rockhampton to Mackay. No more putting hands on the windscreen to avoid the stone chips that flew into us all those years ago. Now a decent highway with B-Doubles by the dozens, the road freight trains that substitute for Australia’s lack of adequate train networks.
Our first stop after passing through rugged cattle country with few signs of habitation along the way, was at the Waverley creek rest area. Seemingly in the middle of nowhere but specifically 170km from Rockhampton, still 160km distant from Mackay this is a well cared for and much needed roadside stop in a long stretch. We were easily amused seeing these promotional icons outside the hotel Koumala.
ST LAWRENCE
Further along a short turn off the highway saw us in St Lawrence. A small community with some interesting older buildings.
A beautifully maintained Isaac Shire Council building
A view of times past and present - general store
Clairview is on the water, further up the coast and here we saw colourful conveniences. The community appears to be about 90 houses spread along the foreshore with many large sheds for boats and fishing gear.
Before Sarina we turned off the highway hoping to see Hay Point, the huge bulk coal port. The outlook is closed but from various spots along the road we could see the lengthy coal trains pulling in to the gigantic loaders. We counted at least 24 bulk carriers standing out to sea.
Approaching Sarina sugar canefields appear. The mill dominates the town. Travelling north of there any flat land is covered in kilometres of waving sugar cane.
Walking in central Mackay I managed yet again to put my thumb in front of the camera when photographing one of the bridges that cross the Pioneer river.
At Slade Point, we had fabulous views from Lambert’s Lookout, 360° out to the Whitsundays and south to Hay Point.
To complete the day we visited Mackay Harbour and Marina dominated by a giant breakwater wall and marina accomodation towers. The hundreds of huge catamarans and others in marina indicate the wealth of this area and its reliance on the tourist trade.
Don't know how I missed this post. Fab pictures and commentary - makes me wat to hop in the car and head north.
ReplyDeleteWe had a great trip as far up as Cape Tribulation with a visit to the Daintree. So much to see and do. Have just added another post over on my other blog. Thanks for dropping by.
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