Playing in Sand along Fraiser Coast, Australia

After the fun we had exploring and breaking down on Fraiser Island, we needed to take a little break. The weather had been very gloomy for a few days so Sara suggested going to the Cinema. We went to a morning showing of the new action film Mad Max just because it was all the Australians were talking about. It was an Australian director and filmed in Australia so it felt like the right choice. The action packed film was a fun way to start the day.

As we drove to our next campsite, Inskip Point, the RV felt incredibly boring compared to all the amazing vehicles in the movie. Inskip point is a national park with several budget camp sites available right near the beach. Almost all of the camping areas are 4wd only but one (Sarawak) was listed as suitable for our big RV. After driving out to the Yarrawonga Reserve, I knew we wouldn’t have any difficulty. I was wrong.

We pulled into the campgrounds and all the good spots were packed full with long term campers. We continued driving till we saw a nice shady area that seemed like a good spot. As I drove around, I spied a swath of loose sand. For any normal vehicle, it wouldn’t pose a threat but for our RV it seemed like a mountain. I built up some speed and started into the sand. Halfway through, it got deeper and our undercarriage started hitting to sand. Instinctively, I didn’t let off the gas. The wheels started to slip but luckily I already had enough momentum to make it to the other side.

Soldier Crabs on Inskip Point

Once settled in our spot, we ate our pasta salad lunch before going for a walk around the peninsula. On the walk, we learned on information signs that some birds migrate all the way from Alaska through Asia and down to Australia every year. I couldn’t believe it! We also learned that our favorite crabs from Cape Hillsboro are Soldier Crabs and are prevalent at Inskip Point. With that, we immediately went in search of the crabs. It was low tide as we walked onto the exposed sand. I didn’t see any crabs at first then Sara pointed out that near the water, the entire beach was moving! We got closer and saw thousands of crabs near the water all scampering around looking for food! I walked to the waters edge and the close ones scattered or hid under the sand. I just stood there watching and pretty soon they emerged and went about their business like I wasn’t even there!

Will surrounded by Soldier Crabs on Inskip Point

We pulled ourselves away from the crabs and out of the sand, literally because I had started to sink in like quicksand! At the tip of the point was a ferry landing for Fraiser Island. On the walk, we saw cars drive onto the beach then onto the ferry which just loaded and unloaded on the sand. Closer to our campsite there were a few people fishing while a giant pelican waited patiently for any extra fish. We finished off the day reading on the beach watching the ferry on its endless journey back and forth across the water.

In the morning, a thick fog hung over the water as we packed up our camper. We were headed to the Carlo Sandblow and I hoped the fog would burn off by the time we got there. By the time we parked at the trailhead, it was turning into a beautiful day. Neither Sara or I knew what to expect as we walked through the forest. What we found was astounding. One minute we were walking through the forest and the next we emerged onto a huge sand dune! Apparently over thousands of years the wind picks up sand from the beach, blows it up over a cliff and continuously inland. The coolest part is the half buried trees that show the progress of the dune.

After exploring the sand blow, we spent the rest of the day driving towards Noosa for another attempt to see a koala in the wild. On the drive, I spotted a spire like mountain surrounded by cliffs jutting out of the rolling hills. I thought to myself that it would be cool to climb…