A retrospective journey to Eungella, Bargara and Hervey Bay

Eungella - the subtropical highlands, a platypus paradise

Grace and I set about our week long adventure by travelling to Eungella. Eungella is located an hour west of Mackay. We first had to drive through the Pioneer Valley. The Valley is home to many sugar cane farmers, spread across several small towns. The bitumen road parallels Cattle Creek, which eventually feeds into the Pioneer River. As we progressed further into the Valley, the Range surrounded the road, and the elevation dramatically rose. We climbed the range, steep elevation and near hair-pin bends, a road limited to reduced speeds. Slowly but surely, we came to the top.

Iconically, greating us at the peak was the Eungella Chalet. Originally built in 1933 by a group of doctors, the Chalet, is just that, a structure stylised after the chalets of the Swiss. Overlooking the Chalet and the Pioneer Valley, surrounded by gardens buzzing with bees, collecting pollen from the flowers, was our cabin. The one bedroom cabin thankfully contained a well utilised fire place, to warm us of a night.

Our first afternoon in Eungella we travelled through the rolling hills and past the dairy farms, into the national park. Quietly walking the edges of the creeks within the park, we spotted six platypus, each individually playing in their respective segments of the creek. In the silence of the subtropical forest, the air cool in the dusk, the small platypus were busily foraging the creek-bed for their evening meals. Silently darting from the creekbed to water-level, floating, resting, then darting back down. The water of the creek, clear, almost as if from a tap. We eagerly sat in silence watching the platypus for what felt like forever. This was easily the highlight of the Eungella National Park!

Returning from the national park, we headed to the Chalet for dinner. Eungella's main restaurant is the Chalet. A classic structure, inside and out, staffed by a handful of locals, who provide a well-lit fire, hearty food and beverage to quench the thirst of the traveller. We returned many times to the Chalet to refuel, each time I thoroughly enjoyed the character of the Chalet. An old, yet respected place.

We also adventured on foot along several of the many hiking trails through the national park. Subtropical rainforest covers the mountainsides, offering spectacular views from various lookouts. Several races are held within the national park each year. The King of the Mountain, a cycling and running race UP the range road. And a trail run through the rainforest. Perhaps these need to go on the bucket-list.

Eungella offers a fantastic weekend getaway, tucked high up in the mountains. I would like to return again one day.

Bargara

One time I strapped myself to the back of two sea turtles with my back hair, just to escape!
I'm kidding! That's a Pirates of the Caribbean reference if you didn't know.

Bargara was the second destination in our trip. Just a short overnight stay. We stayed on the edge of the golf course, and rode our bikes into town. From there we rode the "Turtle Trail", a cement path which extends from north Bargara to Elliot Heads, to the south.

The northern section of the trail we rode first. It was approximately 10km in one direction. This segment was amazing! It is an unbroken trail, which follows the ocean from Bargara to the old decomissioned lighthouse. This section takes you through Mon Repos and through some lovely parks. We were able to complete this section of the trail in the afternoon of which we arrived.

The following day, we attempted the southern section of trail. It is split into three segments. This makes the trail quite long - we rode for 15km to only turn around at the golf course which splits the middle and last segments. We didn't make it all the way to Elliot Heads. The distance therefore is greater than 30km return from Bargara. However, this part of the trail offers incredible ocean views! But sadly also takes you through unmapped roads, new developments and pesky golf courses.

Ultimately, the time spent in Bargara was well worth it! The bike riding was very enjoyable and relaxing. We finished with treats from some of the cafes in town.

Hervey Bay - Whale Watching Wonderland

Our final part of the trip was to Hervey Bay. Hervey Bay is well known for the whales that come to visit every year (apart from the sheer number of nursing homes that also occupy the town). Our last few days of our week long trip were spent here. Again we attempted to ride the Esplanade (roughly 10-11km in one direction). However, we sustained irrepairable injuries to one of the bikes! The bike suffered a puncture which we weren't able to repair! Luckily we weren't too far from the car, and we were able to drive to the markets at the other end of town. We also enjoyed visiting some local cafes and walking along the Esplanade.

Finale

I might upload some photos from the trip, to the Photos section of the website, when I have the time. But for now, that's a wrap! Until next time!