“The wave has sand cravings and desires of birds tree. The only wind knows.” Alain Boudet

We are in the State of Queensland where we drive quickly along the Gold Coast under the clouds, little interest in this strand of cities where surfers and tourists must compete for salt and sand. It goes same for Brisbane that we cross Sunday 17 may at seven o'clock in the morning : the capital is still empty and look a moment in its CBD before skirting the river spanned many bridges with different architectures.

Story Bridge à Brisbane

Glass House Mountains

On the M1 motorway to the north, a stop worth a glance : Wild Horse Mountain Lookout, seven hundred meters of ascent that offers a 360 ° view on the region that even firefighters use - with cards - to locate fire. The sun is not at the rendezvous and west the clouds give a ghostly appearance to the Glass House Mountains.

Fishermen Cooloola

Cooloola Recreation Area

Monday 18 we are in the small town of Rainbow Beach from where the cheapest ferry - 110$ (~80€) against more 160$ (~115€) starting from Hervey Bay - Fraser Island : an island where it is not possible to drive without 4×4 since the only way is on the beach on the east coast. In addition to the cost of ferry, you need a permit for the vehicle - about 45$ (~32€) for a month - and pay the nights camping - about 5$ (~3,6€) per night and person. While we hesitate in the information center Great Sandy National Park - which includes the island - the documentation allows us to see that the same type of conduct, on sand and camping, oceanfront, are also possible Cooloola Recreation Area. No ferry to pay, the choice of vehicle allowed by the day or week, economy over 100$ and we decided we will not regret !

Overlooking the Pacific Ocean

Phare de Double Island Point

The set formalities and water cans filled, we are committed to a true track 4×4 : the Freshwater Road that takes us on Teewah Beach and now we rolling on the beach accompanied by the sound of the Pacific Ocean waves. We first northwards, welcoming the few fishermen, for a short walk to Double Island Point Lighthouse that stands there for 1883. From any point of the trail, great views.

Evening Teewah Beach

Sunrise at Teewah

We go down to the south to find us a quiet corner behind the dunes, sheltered from the wind and tide we enjoy the last rays of sun and ocean views. Despite the clouds that come and go Tuesday, we have the right to a beautiful sunrise and a lazy day between reading and sewing, guitar and repairs.

More than a meter long !

Freshwater Lake

The next day as we prepare to walk to the lake from Freshwater, we come face to snout with local : the goanna, Australian name for one of the many species of lizards – I do not determine which. 😮 Alors que je pense avoir trouvé celle des fruits que nous avons d’abord pris pour des ananas – à voir dans le nouvel album photo Queensland du menu Média > Snapshots > 2015 !

Wide Bay

TS sur le sable

L’après-midi nous traversons la Leisha Track pour faire un tour dans la Wide Bay avant de retourner sur Teewah Beach pour notre dernière nuit sur la plage.

Thursday 21 mai nous trouve à Bundaberg écumant les derniers magasins Aldi qui ne sont pas implantés plus au nord. Nord vers lequel nous continuons de rouler observant autour de nous le lent changement du paysage : de plus en plus de palmiers, des champs de cannes à sucre à perte de vue et des panneaux signalant la présence de crocodiles.

Marais de St Lawrence

Envol d'ibis

On Saturday 23 nous traversons le Tropique du Capricorne et passons la nuit à St Lawrence Recreation Reserve où nous pouvons nous promener le lendemain entre les marais où les nénuphars sont en fleurs et où vivent une pléthore d’oiseaux.