Finch Hatton Gorge

While staying at Finch Hatton I did the walk along the Finch Hatton Gorge one afternoon. Other than having to cross the river at Callistemon crossing and a number of stairs for the last 600 meters the walk was very picturesque and relatively easy.

Overlooking newly planted sugarcane with Finch Hatton Gorge in the background. 

After leaving the carpark the 4.2km return walk through the tropical palms is very picturesque. 

Walking next to the river passing numerous cascades along the way.

After 1.4 km you can stop at Araluen Cascades 

Passing many more smaller cascades

At the end of the 2.1km walk you reach Wheel of Fire cascades.

Lake Elphinstone

After leaving Theresa Dam drove into Clermont for fuel top up and turned onto Gregory Highway to Nebo, where we stopped in the showgrounds for lunch plus water top up and a load of washing done.  They had a Camp Draft event and we were able to plug into power.

Drove to Lake Elphinstone, which is a natural lake approximately 92 kms west of Mackay.  Had been here a couple of years ago - they have cleared more area for campers to enjoy this beautiful place. Met up with Norm and Maureen from Taree, plus Perry the miniature Poodle.  Wonderful to catch up with them again and share plenty of stories.  Looked forward to a hot shower at the new amenities however turned on the hot tap and no water, so a very quick refreshing cold shower was endured!

Early morning a Whistling Kite looks for food as the sun rises

Helen said I was showing off when I made scones for Norm and Maureen - they enjoyed them.  They had purchased a roast to share so I cooked the meat in the weber while Norm arranged for the vegies to be cooked in the camp oven and, together with peas and gravy, the result was one hell of a great roast dinner!  Norm and Maureen even produced ice creams for dessert.

Our camp with Norm and Maureen 

After a couple of days we were also joined by Adelaide friends Lance, Jill, David and Carol which was great to see again.  Weather had turned a bit cool so enjoyed sitting around the fire, reminiscing some of our 4WD adventures and enjoying plenty of laughs.  Once again Lance and I were the only two remaining at night but enjoyed having a chat and sharing a bottle of red......or two!!

Stayed at Lake Elphinstone for 2 days before we all went our separate ways, Norm and Maureen heading back to Taree, the Adelaide group heading south but not very quickly and we headed to a house sit at Finch Hatton.

Catching up around the camp fire 

magnificent clouds for a sunrise

And another photo of the sunrise

Lots of ducks and pelicans out feeding early morning

The sun finally peaks over the horizon

Pelicans still feeding during the day.

Theresa Dam

From Jericho we travelled on the Capricorn Highway through Alpha and stopped at a lookout over the Drummond Range. Turned off to Rubyvale via Anakie Sapphire Road and had a look around the Sapphire Gemfields.  Sapphires were first reported here by Archibald Richardson in the 1870's and by 1890 commercial mining had begun in Retreat Creek in the present town of Sapphire.  After 1935 the Sapphire Gemfields went into a decline until 1960's when a new phase began with tourists and recreational mining and fossicking becoming popular.

By 1970 an increasing price for rough sapphires led to large scale mechanized mining, which resulted in huge amounts of sapphires produced by a large number of miners, and purchased by buyers from Thailand.  During this period Australia produced over 80% of the world's sapphires. High production continued until the early 1980's when an increase in production from Asia and Africa led to a massive downturn in the Australian Sapphire Market.

Driving through Sapphire and Rubyvale was a surprise to us as thought the landscape would be barren, similar to other mining areas we have visited.  However there is quite a bit of vegetation and trees around.  Went into a gem shop in Sapphire where Helen picked out a ring - unfortunately I told her the decimal point was in the wrong place on the price!!!!

Drove to Emerald where we stayed at the Showgrounds which was packed.  Able to connect to power and water so Helen got stuck into the washing, whilst I found a car wash and gave the Toyota a good clean.  Stayed another day and stocked up with water, shopping and diesel before heading off again.

Picturesque photo taken from the western most camping point.

Had heard that Theresa Dam was a nice spot to stay so decided to have a look for ourselves and were quite impressed.  On the far northern side away from the reception area they even had carport type shelters which you could camp around. Able to park where-ever so did a bit of a drive around before deciding on our spot - took a while to settle as we were on a bit of a slope but the view was lovely and no one could park in front of us.  Very quiet spot considering the amount of vans around.  Helen had competition eating her breakfast when a rainbow lorikeet decided he wanted to share and stuck his head in the bowl!  As phone reception wasn't that reliable they had a booster over by the reception/kiosk area which was handy, and while checking on emails and making calls you couldn't help but have an ice-cream!

The boat ramp and main camping area 

Sunset from our camp

We camped away from the water with a great view.

The kiosk provided various light meals and was the best place for mobile reception. Added bonus they had great coffee - our plunger of 5 years has broken!!!

Hello, a pretty friendly Rainbow Lorikeet dropped by for breakfast

A friendly little fella 

That's close enough, this is MY breakfast

Now that's just not on.

Bloody cheeky bird eating my breakfast - not happy!!