NO THANKS TO THE WHITLESSUNDAYS!

I apologise to anyone who loves this area, but...Yes I do mean the Whitsundays. I’ll explain why in a moment. First let me make it clear this does NOT mean the people of the Whitsundays. They were lovey and warm, friendly and helpful, every one of them that I met.  Nor do I refer to the stunning beauty of this part of Queensland. It has the bluest waters and most magnificent harbours. The dense foliage of the hilly terrain is a gorgeous rich green. And its Islands are pure tropical paradise.

Airlie Beach

It would be one of the best places to go to in Queensland (it professes to be the TOP) if it weren’t for the attitude of the regional council against low cost camping or even rest stops. And the overpriced and underwhelming  caravan parks/ backpacker hostels. And the tatty tourist trap which is now Airlie Beach. Such a shame.  

My Favorite- Shute Harbour, Airlie- Ferries go to Islands.

 

Bowen Jetty

Beautiful Bowen

 

I will not go into long and boring detail over this.  But I know the council think they are being smart in putting no rest stops along this strip of the Bruce Highway in order that backpackers and caravans can’t stop overnight. It makes them have to use caravan parks or back packer places or face a heavy fine. But it is DANGEROUS to have no areas to pull over for here! 

Bowen

This is a long stretch of highway and, once again, being pushed by agitated speeding drivers, I could find nowhere to pull over to allow them to pass for many kilometers. The amount of roadkill on this stretch of highway is testament to the speeds people travel here. It was, literally, almost every kilometer! The worst roadkill numbers I have seen in Australia. I appreciate, the other drivers, like myself, were probably just wanting to get to a stopover or get the hell out of the Whitlessundays… but…. It is never worth killing for

And I have to question the premium prices we have to pay for backpacker hostels and caravan parks.. Why are these places so dire? No they really are. They charge top prices (caravan parks $35upwards)(backpacker $25 upwards) for small little areas with shoddy old facilities.

Bowen lookout

And if everything s geared for tourism, lets be logical, if you are paying top whack for caravan parks, you sure as hell aren't spending what you could in local business. Hence why I will not spend one more penny there. EVER.

Bowen, I have to say was better than Airlie Beach, though still not welcoming with regards to 24hr stops etc. But it was bigger, more relaxed and BEAUTIFUL. I spent a wonderful day seeing the sights of this lovely place… before hightailing it 80km to the nearest RV friendly town! Only one thing here. Don’t go to Maccas or Subway. I went to Maccas and was given a Half pot of Yogurt and Museli for $5 which is a full pot anywhere else. And when I went to Subway they charged extra for three things which normally I don’t get charged extra for! What can I say….The money mad Whitlessundays.

But the views are free and worth seeing, believe me. Just don’t eat or stay there.Sorry for the lack of enthusiasm here but I have put a lot of photos instead. hope you enjoy them:)

Carpe Diem......

The Grey Chihuahua