Finch Hatton Gorge

Last week Brendon and I spent the first couple of days sorting out jobs around Emerald and Brendon wasn't going to be starting until Jan. 9 so we decided to make the most of our time and GET AWAY for a couple of days. We decided to head north and east to Eungella National Park and Finch Hatton Gorge (about 50km from Mackay). It was very fun to pack up all our new camping gear we received for christmas (and also some luxuries from Michelle and Charles camping stuff). So we took off Thursday morning for a 4-5 hour drive. As we were driving, we passed so many creeks and rivers that were dried up. Here is a picture of one of the bigger dry river beds. We got to our accomodation (Platypus Bush Camp - Finch Hatton) at around 5:00pm and set up camp and went for a swim in the "Swimming Pool"/swimming hole area. This was much needed as it was so hot and sticky, especially after a long drive. We swam here in the morning as well..and the water was quite cool.

We spent the next day at Eungella which was located up a huge massive mountain. Brendon was the driver to start but we got stuck behind this huge massive truck that was moving about 2 km/hour. And this was making it very difficult as we were having to stop on the steep hill (with a standard car). The picture does not do the situation justice....but it was definitely amusing.

Once we got to the top we found a couple of hiking trails and an area where you can watch platypus in their natural environment. Brendon and I were very lucky because we got there around 10:30am (the best times to see them are between 6-8am and 5-7pm) and watched a couple for about half an hour or so. They would surface for about 5 seconds and then dive under the water...you could watch where they were going to resurface because they would leave a trail of bubbles in the water.

After watching for awhile we took the 2 km trail into the rainforest...and surprisingly saw a SNAKE (this was the first of 2 that we saw - the second being much bigger). Other than that we didn't see much of anything else (just tons of little lizzards and some cockatoos).

After this we relaxed at THE HIDEAWAY CAFE overlooking the other side of the gorge and sipped on some milkshakes while watching a forest fire in the distance. I guess because of the heat they are VERY prevalent. There are fire bans in all of the state of Queensland (maybe even country, I don't know). We went back down the hill to Finch Hatton Gorge and did another hike (much harder...up hill) to one of two waterfalls/swimming areas. The water again was SO cold and refreshing...so perfect after a long hike. The next day we climbed even higher to the second waterfall.

We then spent the rest of the day travelling home to Emerald to enjoy a lasagna birthday dinner and chocolate cake (for me....yes Simmons is getting older). I just wanted to add this last picture because this is what it looks like driving in and out of Emerald...dead tress and dry grass everywhere. It just shows how dry and hot it really is here!

Anyhow, Brendon has started his job at Highlands Drafting and Engineering and is working 7am-5pm everyday. I am still sorting things out for jobs. I had my first shift at the Emerald Memorial Club bar last night and have a few more night shifts there (which is good to have something). One lady thought I was British and all the patrons are quite interested in why I'm in Emerald and where I'm from....pretty fun! We will post again soon!