A Mini Getaway with Pamela Dalseno

A mini getaway to THE CASSOWARY COAST REGION

By Pamela Dalseno

Pamela Dalseno

eYs Magazine, Australia

Here we are in our region's time of tropical winter, where the days and nights are still balmy and definitely tropical here in Nth Queensland, Australia, compared to the winter climate of our southern states. It’s certainly cooler than the hard heat of summer that we have just endured, but still is a reminder that we are sure living in the tropics. It seems we only experience winter for a short time each year in the tropics, so it makes an ideal time to travel our region, and we share that desire with our other resident states of Australia and places afar as it offers the experience of such beauty and generally amazing weather of sunny clear, gorgeous fresh days and milder temperatures overnight. It’s where you come for a laid-back, relaxing lifestyle, even if it’s just for a mini getaway to soak up and absorb the beauty of nature. Our choice of destination for this mini break has been the locality of Mission Beach, which is beautifully set on the Cassowary Coast.

I usually share in this eYs Magazine about Upstyling of furniture, however, being retired and the Upstyling being a Hobby means there is a choice when the time for a mini getaway is for the choosing. I guess my husband and I could hop on a plane and visit some distant choices all being wonderful but to hop in our vehicle and travel the much-loved northern Queensland destinations of The Cassowary Coast is so within easy reach by travelling the Bruce Highway.

So, I invite you to see and feel this experience through the pictures I paint in your mind’s eye. Firstly, it is fabulous that THE CASSOWARY COAST REGION is literally on our doorstep, and it never fails to disappoint with its natural beauty. This region of the Cassowary Coast begins beyond a two-hour drive from our own beach located north of Townsville and then to our chosen destination to Mission Beach area about another hour. Let’s go on to explore as you join me.

After a lovely drive north through Ingham, seeing lots of lovely healthy cane growing in fields stretching as far as my eye can see, we climb (thankfully in the car) up The Hinchinbrook range and call into the lookout to see the grandeur vision of Hinchinbrook Island which is separated from the coast by the Hinchinbrook Channel and beyond is The Coral Sea. The Island is one of Australia’s largest Island national parks. Hinchinbrook Island offers no hotels or accommodation; however, with permission, camping is allowed. Years have passed, and on other adventures, we have fished in these channels and admired what is offered. The abundance of fish and other sea creatures is amazing, and of course, the estuarine crocodiles make their home in this area. The natural beauty truly astounds.

Travelling further north, we have been blessed to see clear blue sky and lush green vegetation that shows promise of natural beauty for this road trip adventure. We soon reach Cardwell, which is a coastal town offering spectacular views of the northern side of Hinchinbrook Island and so many other Islands nearby with gorgeous viewing from the jetty. We stop only for refreshments and some quick photos as the views are amazing. Cardwell is a popular tourist destination with a range of accommodations, and there are many delicious options of food offered in cafes and restaurants, especially seafood. I love the local mud crab sandwich with freshly caught mud crab meat. It’s my favourite snack when passing through here as these large mud crabs are caught locally in the channel. It’s a delicacy that southern states and overseas countries pay highly to enjoy. Cardwell was almost obliterated when severe Cyclone Yasi struck in February 2011. I can remember a trip beyond that time when access through was allowed, and I just cried out loud in despair of the damage and could only imagine the terror of that time. With the true spirit of Australians, it has been rebuilt and the foreshore upgraded, business and homes all rebuilt or repaired and it’s once again wonderful and thriving.

Heading further along the Cassowary Coast, we get to travel past Tully. This region is certainly known as Australia’s banana-growing district and, of course, also cane growing. The Cane Mill chimneys were billowing smoke high as we drove past. It is also the home of the endangered southern cassowary, and Tully is known for their giant golden gumboot because of their extremely high rainfall. Here the lush of the rainforest really alerts you to the Tropics. There are two seasons on the Cassowary Coast. It is either wet or dry. The rainfall of this area is estimated at 123 inches, and that usually falls between January and April. It is easy to see how so many are seduced to stay in this area with the outdoor lifestyle, great climate (summer being all year round) being warm or warmer to experience and the spectacular scenery. It was easy to see that we were going to be blessed with perfect dry weather.

We are soon headed off the Bruce Highway to the Mission Beach area and even though we’ve visited many times we always see it as if through fresh new viewing as it is so naturally special. Mission Beach is Djiru Country, and there is much history and there was once “the mission” settlement on the site in those historical days and eventually over time the beach became known as “Mission Beach”. I’ve visited this region over the many years of my life, having been introduced to it by my husband having knowledge of the area living his childhood more north along the Cassowary Coast. My children spent many years holidaying with us as they were growing up and experienced the beauty of the land and the sea. We had enjoyed days of building sandcastles, wandering the shoreline for what the ocean had washed up and the endless fishing trips where great species allowed were caught and provided seafood feasts. The coral sands on the many Islands will be something I’ll never forget with the gentle sound of the ocean washing upon the shoreline and our picnics on deserted beaches with the sunshine bronzing our bodies. We felt so honoured to have these special times as often as we could knowing that tourists travel the world to visit these pristine beaches and rainforests and also experience the islands offshore all having such a tropical lifestyle that is desirable for relaxation and exploring.

These days we still love all that is offered by this quiet stretch of North Queensland which is the closest point to The Great Barrier Reef from the mainland and is flanked by lush rainforest that in many areas meets the shore. Mission Beach is at its heart. Mission Beach is not only known for its Tourism, but it supports a large agricultural industry with cultivating sugar and bananas. Tropical fruits are also grown abundantly.

After a short drive off the highway, we arrive at our chosen accommodation and settle in for a three-night stay in a newly refurbished Villa at Bali Hai Holiday Park situated at Wongaling Beach between Main Mission and South Mission beaches. The view is delightful as we look out to the Coral Sea whilst enjoying refreshment from our Villa veranda and soon after beginning the many beach walks as we view Dunk Island and The Family group of Islands which are just nearby off the coast. If you are boating you can arrange to camp on the uninhabited Wheeler Island, Coome Island, or hike through the rainforest of Dunk Island or choose to stay in the luxurious tropical accommodation on Bedarra Island. The Islands are easily accessible by a water taxi from Mission Beach and by helicopter to Bedarra Island. They are all special and those I have mentioned I have visited for day trips in years past. My memories of crystal-clear ocean, swaying palms for shade to enjoy picnics will always hold clearly in my memory as being special.

During our stay, we had the privilege to encounter the rare Southern Cassowary. I believe the Mission Beach area is home to the highest concentration of the endangered cassowary in Australia. These large flightless birds can be spotted walking through these amazing colourful birds crossing in front of us and whilst we were on the beach. I’ve learned over time that they are among the largest birds on the planet and in Australia weigh up to a massive 76 kg. They are as tall as a person with a huge helmet on its head, with a vivid blue neck and long drooping red wattles. They are really quite stunning and a thrill to see them whilst you are exploring. . I can assure you to view them only from a distance, so if you happen to stumble near to one just back away slowly and try to protect yourself. Once many years ago when exploring in the rainforest one tried to attack, and I can assure you that I have never run so fast and hidden behind the largest tree I reached. I still clearly remember my heart pounding. You only need to look at them to realise how dangerous they can be as the reason they would attack is only self-defence. I am sure that possibly it had young and perhaps I had ventured near to the nest. I respect they are endangered, and their role is important in rainforest ecology and regeneration. It’s such a privilege to sight these.

Whilst our time was mainly spent relaxing, enjoying the magnificent views near our accommodation and just feeling the sand between our toes, we did drive to the main Mission, where there is a cluster of village shops and eateries. Beach front dining is special, and a wander in the Village Green exposes quaint shops, eateries, and a beautiful gallery. The views here are also spectacular. I found a large tree growing here with such beautiful flowers and found some I could admire and photograph which had fallen on the sandy grassed shore of the beach.

The days flew by ever so quickly as they do when you are having fun and way too soon it was time to return to our own home again and in leaving knowing that we would have hope to return to this beautiful piece of paradise once again along the Cassowary Coast. The memories will remain and be held in my heart of where the rainforest meets the ocean shore of this beautiful scenic locality.

Hopefully, I’ll be able to share in the future another travel destination with all or perhaps share about my own beautiful coastal city location here in North Queensland, Australia. Please enjoy the photos taken of my mini getaway time shared at the beginning of The Cassowary Coast of North Queensland, Australia. I am by no means a qualified photographer but know beauty when I see it and do my best to capture it on my phone. The time present is wonderful that travel is now allowed during this ongoing Pandemic time and with social distancing, we all can enjoy it. Time is our gift, and we must use it to our wisest means when the choice is presented.

My advice is to take in what you see, hear, and smell and enjoy the time of Nature whenever possible as it is such a health booster. Slowing down and enjoying some you time is important.

I’m sending well wishes to all from my beautiful space in Northern Australia and sharing my knowledge of the Cassowary Coast of North Queensland, Australia. Till next time, keep well and keep safe.

Pam x