Cane Toads and Capricornia

Discovering the Discovery Coast

Ever since we moved to Australia 18 years ago, we have been intrigued about a town up north called Seventeen Seventy.  It's named after Captain Cook's second landing in the year 1770 (funnily enough), and it's recognized as Queensland's birthplace. It is stunning!

Camping by a swamp on an eco-tourism site on the edge of town seemed like a great plan – until we experienced the mozzies who wore size 12 boots!  Needless to say, we had some early nights come dusk.  As we were nestled between 2 national parks - Deepwater and Eurimbula, we thought it was time to see what the Defender was made of.  Steve is obviously missing his sailing because he has clearly mistaken his car for a boat.

Cane Toads Have Feelings Too

Warning – gruesome image alert 😠… 

While we were on our 4WD adventure, we encountered a gut churning sight: a camping sign adorned with dead cane toads, some impaled on sticks, slaughtered by some low-life's.  This horrific discovery prompted a search on the ethics of killing cane toads, notorious pests. It turns out that while it's legal to kill them, a hefty fine of $266,900 looms if done inhumanely. The RSPCA QLD suggests a less brutal method: first, a 12-hour chill in the fridge to anesthetize them, followed by a 24-hour freeze to ensure a painless end. Surely there is a middle ground option between stabbing them with skewer and storing them with your Mc”Cain” chips?

Critter of the Week

On the stunning hike around the 1770 headland, we saw dolphins, turtles and an adorable  echidna that even posed for my video.  I was almost tempted to remove his ticks for him – almost!

We were so charmed by 1770 that we extended our stay, indulging in a relaxing “hammock” by the shore, capped off with a sundowner watching the sunset.

Calliope’s Historical Village

I love the way Australia has great names for its coastal regions.  After departing the Discovery Coast, we set our sights on the Capricorn Coast.  Realizing the need to up the ante on the mozzie defense (my Aldi special was not so special after all), we stopped by Gladstone and invested in a Thermacell.  Despite its hefty price tag, this little gadget is an absolute game-changer!  Now, mosquitoes don't dare come within a five-meter radius of us – result! 

We broke our journey to Capricornia with a sneaky free camp in Calliope.   Just a short walk from the free camp was a historical village, a treasure trove of buildings and artifacts from days long past, all donated by the community.  Well worth a visit.

If you look carefully, you'll see our welcome party on the sign

Where’s Yeppoon?

Next to ya knife and ya fork, of course! 😂

Yeppoon is a charming seaside town, and it's wonderful to have it all to ourselves now that the QLD school holidays have ended. The town boasts some impressive street art, with my favourite being the creative loos at the Surf Club. It's an idea worth considering for our own surf club in Narrabeen.

GREAT Keppel Island

Today, 16 April, was a GREAT day.  We hopped on a ferry to the most magical place on our journey so far -  Great Keppel Island.  After a 3-hour hike taking in the stunning scenery, we snorkeled for a bit, had a yummy lunch, took a snooze on beach and snuck in a Pina Colada before catching the last ferry back.  

Today also marks our 1-month milestone as (not so grey) nomads.  We have racked up some kms, but as you can see, we have a long way to go, and many more memories to make.