Friday, 29 August 2014

Loyalty Beach to Captain Billy’s Landing (written 21 August)


Sunday was a rest day – time to catch up on washing and re-charge our batteries before leaving early on Monday morning heading for Captain Billy’s Landing.

We had decided to stop at Fruitbat Falls on the way south, and we all agreed that it was worth the early start.  Fruitbat Falls is one of those “must see” destinations – it was absolutely beautiful! It has been kept that way because the Queensland government has invested funding into the area – day access only, with vehicle access only and a 300m boardwalk  from the carpark to the falls to ensure that the natural flora isn’t damaged.  Swimming in the swimming hole and under the falls was just magic!

We stayed at Fruitbat Falls for about an hour and left for Captain Billy’s Landnign around midday – just as the crowds were starting to arrive at the falls.

We were a little apprehensive about the road into Captain Billy’s as we had been told that the corrugations were worse than any we had experienced – which meant that they were pretty bad!  But we decided to drive in as far as we could till the corrugations got too bad, and, after an hour ( and 27kms) we were glad we did, as Captain Billy’s Landing was absolutely gorgeous!  Being an National Parks campsite, facilities were sparse - one compost toilet and a wooden shelter.  But, as a result, there were few other campers there.

Captain Billy’s Landing was named after an aborigine who, in 1880, led government geologist and explorer Robert Logan Jack, here.  The aborigine called himself Captain Billy.

We stayed at Captain Billy’s Landing for two nights, and spent the day relaxing – playing Bocce (Ken had thoughtfully brought his bocce set along!) – and exploring the caves at the base of the cliff face at low tide.  John also tried to catch dinner, but wasn’t successful  - no fresh fish for dinner that night!

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