12-Move FNQ - My Life's Journey

In July 1986, I embarked on an epic journey around Australia, a quest that promised adventure, discovery, and countless stories. Leaving Sydney, I didn't anticipate how deeply one region, Far North Queensland, would capture my heart and effectively anchor my travels.

My initial destination was Wollongong to visit my good friends, Carol and Jacquie. They had recently moved from Sydney to be closer to Carol's parents. Towing a camper-van for the first time was a learning curve, especially with two Great Danes in tow. Digital cameras were a future luxury, and unfortunately, many of my photos were later destroyed during the Innisfail cyclone. Despite this, I vividly recall the serene beauty and warm hospitality I encountered.

After a week in Wollongong, I moved on to Moruya to stay with Carol's sister Cynthia and her husband on their expansive 400-acre property. The wooded area was a paradise for my dogs, who revelled in the freedom. I stayed for about a month, enjoying the tranquillity and the bond with nature.

Deciding to head towards warmer climes, I set my sights on Brisbane, where friends awaited. The journey was divided into several memorable legs:

In Brisbane, I reconnected with friends and stayed for about a week, recharging for the next phase of my adventure.

Continuing up the coast, my journey took me through:

In Yeppoon, I camped on the beach, feeling a growing sense of security and adventure with my loyal Great Danes.

The trek from Yeppoon to Sarina (317 kilometres) and then to Townsville (422 kilometres) was challenging. The drive to Townsville was particularly dreary, with little to see, and there were times I preferred the simplicity of sleeping in the car rather than setting up the camper-van.

After a 259-kilometre drive from Townsville, I arrived in Innisfail, where I stayed with Pat, Elvio, Lynette, and Kacey for a few days.

The journey continued to Port Douglas, taking in the breathtaking Atherton Tablelands over 221 kilometres.

The 266-kilometre drive to Cooktown required some serious 4-wheel driving. I stayed a few nights in Cooktown, exploring the remote beauty before heading to the Daintree River.

The drive from Cooktown to Daintree was a harrowing 151 kilometres, with full 4-wheel drive needed and major river crossings, including the Bloomfield River and a ferry crossing over the Daintree River.

We made a detour at Bloomfield for a short outing to Roaring Meg Falls. I had to leave the van at Bloomfield though, some rough terrain ahead.

I drove from Bloomfield to Wonga Beach, crossing the Daintree River by ferry. I spent about two weeks camped on the beach at Wonga, just north of Mossman. It was absolute paradise, warm weather, great beach and my dogs were the talk of the town.

After living it rough for a while I thought it was time to settle into the North Queensland lifestyle and move to a caravan park. I found Pinnacle Village just a few kilometres up the road. Wow, what a wonderful place this was. Very friendly people and I was allowed to stay with the dogs. I found a special, nicely isolated spot just a walk from the beach.

As life would have it, nothing is permanent. I couldn't fully appreciate living in a caravan park and was starting to feel a bit isolated. I was also unable to find enough work to have a regular income. I could have got a job at Mossman but during the wet season I would have been stuck in Mossman at times as the creeks between Mossman and the Daintree frequently flooded. I was also wooried about the dogs being in a caravan park on their own for long periods. So work was out of the question. I had to find another way out.

With mixed emotions, I left Pinnacle Village, heading back to Innisfail, ready to face the next chapter of my journey with the same spirit of adventure and resilience that had carried me this far.