On leaving Macushla Peter set the fishing line to trawl for a Mackerel. We had only been motoring for 20 minutes or so when he let out a yelp and pulled in a good sized School Mackerel. Much to his disappointment he had to stop there as the ice was beginning to run low. The block ice we bought in Townsville 10 days ago remains as a small block in the freezer/fridge. Amazing!
After a slow motor sail we rounded the sand spit at Dunk Island and anchored close to the courtesy mooring buoys. We took advantage of the NP showers, now with hot water if you get in early, and then had drinks and an ice-cream at the kiosk. Before retiring to Rene for the night we walked along the shore and viewed the damage still evident from cyclone Yassi in 2011. The resort is now in the process of being done up after the new owner took over and should be ready for visitors soon, if not already. The five star units on the water front remain damaged as they are the most expensive to redevelop, but the back cabins, restaurant and gardens behind look beautiful and inviting.
Relaxing at Dunk Island
The water taxi from the mainland comes and goes every hour on the weekend and less often during the week. It is $35pp for the round trip to Mission Beach, which we didn't do in the end. On Sunday a Reggae Band played for most of the afternoon and the kiosk did a roaring trade with the numerous party goers from the NP camping area, boats and day trippers. I recommend the food at the kiosk. Very yummy!
Sunday Fun on the Sandspit
The weather forecast for Monday was fine, but from Tuesday to Thursday looked windy and had a good chance of heavy rain. We decided to make the 20nm trip to Mourilyan Harbour, along with several others who were anchored at Dunk. The day was perfect, although not much wind and we motored all the way except for the last hour before arriving at the entrance to Mourilyan Harbour.
Mourilyan Harbour and a Trip to Innisfail
We motored slowly around inside the harbour searching for a good place to anchor. There is not much room outside the swing basin buoys before the very shallow mud banks begin. There is more room up the Moresby River and many craft are already anchored there, and also pile moorings nearby, but we claimed our spot between two yachts anchored just outside the swing basin. It is not too far to dinghy ashore from there. There is a large new car park and boat ramp just inland from the main harbour and we took Lily ashore and tied her up with the other dinghies on the boat ramp pontoon where we met Drew and Billy the dog from Kristal and Lex from Rambler. Drew was keen to take a trip to Innisfail and we decided it would be a good idea to organise a share taxi ride to town on Tuesday. We also found out that the kiosk just up the road no longer operates, so no ice-creams here.
Tuesday dawned cloudy with a few light showers, but it looked good for our trip into Innisfail. Drew organised the taxi and the fare was $45 each way, not bad when you share. Gordon arrived at 9.30am on the dot and proceeded to entertain us with local knowledge and interesting tales all the way to town. He also took us to see a couple of views of the Johnstone River and recommended we visit the museum and do the river walk.
Jubilee Bridge, Innisfail
Waterfront, Johnston River
Drew left to do her own thing and Peter and I walked to the river first as the weather was holding off - just. We were surprised at how wide and picturesque the river is. However we could see the dark clouds gathering and decided to give the river walk a miss and find a coffee shop in town. Oliveri's Continental Deli served very nice hot coffee and the best fruit cake I have tasted for ages. They also have a wonderful range of salamis, cheeses, olives and condiments. Peter and I were so impressed we came back for a toasted roll each for lunch and that was also delicious.
River Reflections
The history of Innisfail depicted in eight mosaic panels designed by Sam Di Mauro and displayed along the waterfront walk.
Innisfail used to be called Geraldton, but had to change it's name because the WA Geraldton had the name first. There is 'the highest concentration of Art Deco buildings in a CBD area' according to a brochure from the museum. We were impressed at how the people of Innisfail have worked together to preserve their beautiful old buildings. The little museum in Canecutter Court (I think) is worth a visit and requires a donation on entry. The ladies there were very helpful with information about the museum, town and attractions in the wider area. One interesting photo displayed was of five or six taxi drivers fishing in a pot hole in the main street after a flood. I guess they were trying to illustrate how big the potholes were.
We met Drew and Gordon outside Woollies at 2pm and drove back to Mourilyan Harbour. By the time we arrived the heavens had opened up and we all got drowned on the way back to the boats. Drew's husband Peter laughed as he said to us, 'Look at this North Queensland weather. Beautiful one day! Perfect the next! But watch out for the one after that!!!' Mourilyan Harbour is a good place to be in this adverse weather.
Drowned Rat
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