Tripping Issue 5

Issue 5, 2026

INSIDE:

Disney Magic Lands in Mackay

Xavier Rudd Takes The Stage At Airlie Beach Festival of Music North Queensland Foodie Trail Where Will You Indulge?

2 | www.trippingmag.com

www.trippingmag.com | 3

Oceanic Tales

THE WATER’S WARMING UP, IT’S TIME TO SUIT UP! Shop Our Whitsunday Designed Reef Suits & Marine Kits www.oceanictales.com.au

T

E W

W th s

Prepared, Not Panicked. Stay Safe, Stay Salty.

Follow Our Story

4 | www.trippingmag.com

@oceanictales

S b

W s o

A

B

THE SWEETEST OF DREAMS ON REEFWORLD The all-new Reefworld is here.

Experience the Great Barrier Reef from day to night at Reefworld, Cruise Whitsundays’ exclusive overnight-only pontoon at Hardy Reef.

With limited overnight guests, more space to slow down and time to experience the reef at its own pace, Reefworld invites you to leave the everyday behind and settle into the rhythm of the outer reef.

Sleep beneath the stars in a newly designed Reefbed with Reefsleep, or stay below the surface in Reefsuites, Australia’s first underwater accommodation.

With all-inclusive dining and drinks, guided reef experiences and the rare stillness of Hardy Reef after dark, this is one of Australia’s most unique overnight escapes.

All-inclusive overnight experiences from $895 per person.

Book yours today at cruisewhitsundays.com

www.trippingmag.com | 5

YOUR BACKYARD. REIMAGINED. Whitsundays locals are invited to experience InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef from $445 per night, including daily breakfast overlooking the Coral Sea. Exclusive resident rates. Limited availability. Book by 17 December 2026.

Call 07 5501 9992 or email hayman.reservations@ihg.com.

Proof of residence required. T&Cs apply.

6 | www.trippingmag.com

www.trippingmag.com | 7

Mackay To Host Disney: The Exhibition – A Century of Magic

T

here is no shortage of magic in the air around Mackay. From the 30 beaches surrounding the city, to the rainforestfringed walking trails, secluded island escapes, and tropical landscapes that feel almost too beautiful to be real, the region offers a chance for travellers to escape into a natural wonderland.

But from December this year, there will be one more reason to put Mackay on your bucket list.

Disney magic is coming to paradise.

In what promises to be one of the most extraordinary tourism events ever staged in regional Australia, Disney: The Exhibition – A Century of Magic will make its Australian premiere in Mackay on December 4th 2026.

For five magical months, the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre will showcase more than a century of imagination, storytelling and cinematic history, inviting visitors to step behind the curtain of one of the world’s most beloved entertainment companies.

8 | www.trippingmag.com

Featuring more than 120 extraordinary artefacts, costumes, props and works of art from the Walt Disney Archives, the exhibition will take visitors on an immersive journey through the stories that have captured hearts across generations.

From Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to Encanto, visitors will encounter the worlds and characters they know and love, while also exploring the remarkable legacies of Pixar, Star Wars and MARVEL. Across eight imaginatively themed galleries and 12 interactive installations, Disney fans will have the opportunity to experience more than 100 years of history in a way never before seen in Australia.

The exhibition has travelled the globe, captivating audiences in cities including London, Paris, Munich, Chicago, Seoul and Madrid.

Now, remarkably, its next destination is Mackay.

At the official launch event earlier this year, Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson

said he hoped the announcement would encourage people from across the globe to discover exactly what makes the region so special.

“Come and see it for yourself and you will understand why it’s here!”

With at least 100,000 visitors expected across the five-month season, the exhibition is set to deliver an enormous boost to local tourism, hospitality and businesses, while introducing the Mackay region to audiences from across Australia and potentially around the world.

For Disney fans, it is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to explore the magic behind the stories that shaped childhoods and continue to inspire new generations.

It will all begin with a mouse, a dream and one very magical destination!

For more information, or to book tickets, visit disney100exhibit.com/mackay

P

erched above the coastal city of Mackay, Cape Hillsborough is the kind of place where there’s so much to explore it feels like there might never be enough time to take it all in.

Its centerpiece is Casuarina Beach.

The long sweep of sand framed by rugged coastal cliffs is enough to make the trip for on its own, but the landscape is only half the attraction.

To see Cape Hillsborough at its most unforgettable, the journey begins in the early hours of the day.

The sunrise here is among Queensland’s most spectacular, helped by an open outlook across the Coral Sea. Facing east, the bay offers a clear horizon, allowing the first traces of colour to spread uninterrupted across the sky before the sun emerges over the water.

On either side, the volcanic headlands of Cape Hillsborough and Andrews Point rise in silhouette, while Wedge Island and scattered offshore rocks break up the horizon.

The tide can make the display even more impressive. At low or mid-tide, a thin sheet of

water often remains across the sand, turning the beach into a broad mirror that reflects the pinks, oranges and golds overhead.

The clouds can play their own part as well.

Hanging low over the eastern horizon, they briefly hold back the direct sunlight, flexing the sky’s colour potential before the first rays finally break through.

For many visitors, however, the main attraction is the locals.

Eastern grey kangaroos and wallabies emerge from the surrounding bushland early in the morning and make their way onto Casuarina Beach, foraging along the tide line and wandering across the sand.

It is a scene that feels unmistakably Australian and one that has become the signature image of Cape Hillsborough.

Sunrise times change throughout the year, so check ahead, arrive at least 30 minutes early and remember to keep your distance from these remarkable wild animals.

When the sun has finished its ascent, it’s time to begin your exploration.

Halliday bay, just down the road, is a great local spot to park-up at.

This compact beach is tucked into a sheltered corner of the coastline, bordered by calm water and a narrow beachfront reserve, with dolphins regularly passing close to shore.

At low tide, the sand stretches almost 200 metres towards the sea, revealing plenty of shoreline to wander and traverse along the rocks.

But the bay’s best-kept secret waits at its southern end.

Hidden at the end of the beach, the narrow McBrides Point Lookout track climbs to the top of the headland in just five minutes. It is short but slightly steep, with plenty of rocks and exposed roots, so pull on comfy shoes.

When you hit the summit, it’s a view that could capture you for hours.

Climb atop the giant granite boulders and take in sweeping views across Ball Bay and Halliday Bay. During whale season, you may even catch sight of one passing offshore.

It is a small and easy climb with a reward far bigger than the distance suggests. www.trippingmag.com | 9

Cedar Gallery The Brae Deep Valley Goat Farm Rainforest Scuba Forest Flying Cannonbee

Finch Hatton Mountain Bike Trails Neil Brookes Sculptures Earth Designs by Fi Cathline Clark Dowden Platypus Paddle

Platypus Playcare

Integrative Health

Evolv3 Industries

Wellness in the Valley

Mount Ossa Rural Finch Hatton Camo’s Yard Care Sup Adventure Fitness Finch Hatton Post Office

Spot a Platypus in Broken River

Walk to rainforest waterfalls

See the view from Goodes Lookout

Hayley Wilson Earthside Yoga & Wellness Pilates Addicts The Gorge Garden

NRG Personal Training

Cloudbreak Lowlines & Eungella Beef

Gargett Post Office

Eungella Sawmill

Robyn Agius Area Specialist

Mandy Probyn Equine Connection

Off Camber Mountain Biking

Corry Cycles

Catch a lift to downhill mountain bike trails

Big flavours, classic pub favourites and a reputation that speaks for itself. This iconic Queensland pub continues to serve up the dishes it’s famous for — three years on and still doing it right.

10 10 || www.trippingmag.com www.trippingmag.com

21 Child St, Pinnacle QLD 4741 | 4958 5207 | Find Us On

forest lls

Broken River Mountain Resort Eungella Cabins Eungella Mountain Edge Escape

Catch a Barra at Kinchant Dam

Stoney Creek Farmstay Mackay Platypus Lodge Restaurant & Café

Flame Tree Stays Finch Falls Retreat Crediton Hall Campground Finch Hatton Showground Pinnacle Hotel Neem Hall

Eat a famous Pinnacle Pie

The Eungella Chalet

Criterion Hotel

One Hungry Mumma Pty Ltd

Pinnacle Family Hotel

The Gift Shed & Café Finch Hatton General Store Vintage Farmhouse Kitchen

The Pinnacle Whistlestop Coffee Cart Vintage Kiss Gargett General Store

YOUR AGENT SUPPORTING THE PIONEER VALLEY ROBYN AGIUS PRINCIPAL 0419 216 364 robyna@areaspecialist.com.au www.trippingmag.com www.trippingmag.com || 11 11

Use promo code TRIP26 on our website

Experience the best of Airlie Beach from above with spacious ocean view apartments, large private balconies and four beautiful resort pools designed for total relaxation.

Book Direct for Exclusive Rates & Last-Minute Deals (07) 4946 4455 10 Golden Orchid Dr, Airlie Beach QLD 4802 www.toscanaresort.com

12 | www.trippingmag.com

A History Of Whitsunday Island

L

ong before Whitsunday Island became known around the world for its brilliant white sands and turquoise waters, it was home to the Ngaro people, a seafaring Aboriginal people who lived throughout the islands for thousands of years.

The Ngaro people maintain an intimate connection with the sea and islands.

Historically, they travelled by traditional watercraft, the rich marine environment providing food and resources. Evidence indicates the Ngaro people inhabited Whitsunday Island and the surrounding area for around 8,000 years before European colonisation.

On Sunday 3rd June, 1770, James Cook sailed the HMS Endeavour through a broad passage between the islands. The day coincided with Whitsun, the Christian celebration of Pentecost, and Cook named the waterway Whitsunday’s Passage.

To settlers, the islands around Cook’s

Photo Credit: Phill Gordon, Riptide Creative

Whitsunday’s Passage became known as the Whitsunday Islands. Whitsunday Island itself became the centrepiece.

provides one of the region’s most photographed scenes, where shifting tides move the sand and water into constantly changing patterns.

As the largest of the group, Whitsunday Island covers approximately 27,508 hectares. Its coastline is marked by sheltered bays, inlets and beaches, while its northern waters contain seagrass beds supporting a diverse range of marine life.

New to Whitsunday Island in 2026 is the Ngaro track, a great walk taking adventurers across a 32km track, recommended to be tackled over three days and two nights. The track winds over the hills into almost untouched bushlands, offering the most pristine and ecological experience of the island.

It was not until almost a century after Cook’s voyage that tourism began to hit the Whitsunday Islands.

By the mid-1860s, colonists were organising boat trips from the port of Bowen, early models of what would eventually become one of the region’s defining industries. These excursions began to gather real momentum during the 1920s.

Today, the island has become one of Queensland’s most iconic beauty spots, best known for the white silica sand of Whitehaven Beach. A short walk from the beach, Hill Inlet

Under the sea, the Ngaro Whitsundays Underwater Art Trail reveals submerged sculptures to snorkellers and scuba divers, with the works designed to complement and evolve with the corals and sea life.

Though tourism has arrived onto Whitsunday’s Island shores, the island remains part of Queensland’s national park system, with protectors steadfast in their commitment to maintain the landscapes that have attracted visitors for generations, for those to come.

www.trippingmag.com | 13

Golf Fun for Everyone!

MY RAINBOW CAFÉ BAKERY & CATERING Fresh, handcrafted food for your party, private or business event. Savoury platters and grazing boxes. Sweet platters featuring our housemade mini desserts.

Play From

Per Person

OPEN 7 DAYS / 8AM - 6PM

www.myrainbowbakery.com.au 115 Shingley Drive, Airlie Beach

0458 398 560

12 Bay Driving Range & Practice Area Full Public Access Facility Hire Clubs & Shoes Available Fun For Beginners To The Elite Golfer BOOKINGS PH: 07 4946 1190 Located in Cannon Valley Only 10 minutes from Airlie Beach

Famous for our fresh-made iced lattes & cold drinks.

Made fresh in-house Hot coffee Iced drinks canned fresh instore

14 | www.trippingmag.com

W

ith a menu stretching from breakfast and lunch through to high tea, a trip to Airlie Beach wouldn’t be complete without a stop at My Rainbow Cafe where flavours from the streets of Brazil mix with the owner’s Eastern Europe roots, offering plenty of opportunity to put your tastebuds to the test.

Family-owned and proudly local, My Rainbow has been serving from-scratch creations since 2015, growing from a small catering operation into a popular bakery and café with a menu full of exotic flavour.

The first stop on the menu is Brazil, courtesy of the café’s bestselling cheese bread sandwich.

Inspired by a staple of Brazilian street food, this crisp, gluten-free creation is something of a jack-of-all-sandwiches, with four tempting fillings making it hard to choose just one.

Take your pick from roasted vegetables, bacon and egg, salmon with avocado and feta, or ham with brie, mustard and apple.

Be warned, before trying though, the team says locals have been known to become “a little bit addicted”.

From there, the menu heads north to Mexico, where breakfast comes with a bit of a kick.

Affectionately described as “pizza for breakfast”, the Mexican flatbread features a house-baked base topped with salsa, black beans, coriander, red onion, jalapeño and cheddar.

When lunchtime rolls around, fly on over to Italy for the lamb steak sandwich.

Packed with Tuscan-style lamb strips, cheddar, chargrilled vegetables, minty mayonnaise and rocket, this big, juicy sandwich comes served with chips, a bit of a divergence from your usual steak sandwich.

For those looking to keep things a little lighter, flavour is still very much on the menu.

A fresh, generous garden salad paired with juicy

fried chicken will take care of your craving in what the café playfully calls a “glutenfree and guilt-free” lunch. The best of both worlds.

If there’s room for dessert, try an Airlie-twist on a Czech classic.

Their kolach pastry comes in apple and rhubarb or mango and pear. The first honours a European classic, while the second adds a suitably tropical Airlie Beach twist.

It is a fitting finish to a menu that brings together fresh flavours from near and far.

A

cup of coffee is great, but who says it can’t be a little more exciting?

The Garage in Proserpine is taking your morning brew to the next level, serving up iced latte in quirky cans that give them a little more personality as well as portability.

The idea was inspired by co-founder Terry Murton’s Instagram scrolling, eventually turning into what fellow cofounder Bec Murton describes as a slightly more bougie way to enjoy your coffee.

“He really liked the convenience and the ease of the cans,” said Bec. “I think for us it’s opened up a whole world of excitement in coffee that we probably haven’t got to experience before now.”

Known in town for their previous venture, a coffee van called The Roaming Cup, the pair have set down roots and created a cozy, artsy filled lounge, with airy windows looking over Main Street. Try nab yourself the book nook and sink into the pillowy armchairs - you won’t regret it.

With a canning machine out the back, they’ll take your order, craft your coffee, pop an aluminum lid on top, push a button and just like that: your ice-cold creation

is sealed fresh, right after you order it.

I think the only tough part is deciding which one to try.

From the chocolate and hazelnut Smooth Criminal, the mocha and white chocolate Stevie Nicks, or the coconut Greasy Monkey finished with a swirl of Nutella, there’s plenty to choose from.

Maybe try the fan favourites then?

For coffee lovers like Bec, The Island, an iced long black poured over coconut water and topped with vanilla foam, giving the non-milk drinkers something a little different to crack into.

But if you want to try the drink everyone’s talking about, that would be the Dirty Harry.

The caramel espresso topped with caramel foam was created for a local police officer in town named Harry, who, ironically enough, hated coffee.

“Thus it’s called the Dirty Harry,” Bec said.

“And yes, it outsells every other drink that we create.”

So, when you’re in Proserpine, make your way up Main Street’s stairway to coffee heaven. You won’t be disappointed. www.trippingmag.com | 15

Everything you need to know about the 2026 Airlie Beach Festival of Music

16 | www.trippingmag.com

T

he sun will soon rise on the 14th Airlie Beach Festival of Music, and taking his own advice to follow it is none other than legendary singer-songwriter, Xavier Rudd.

Headlining the iconic waterfront main stage on Friday, November 6, Rudd is expected to treat the crowd to a mix of new music and classics like Spirit Bird, Storm Boy, and of course Follow the Sun. “Airlie is a beautiful spot and I’m looking forward to getting back up that way,” he said, adding that the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef was a place where he could happily hang out with his boat.

Joining Rudd on the three-day lineup at Queensland’s premier ‘party in paradise’ are some of the nation’s most celebrated acts, including Hunters and Collectors frontman, Mark Seymour, Aussie icons Mental As Anything, The Whitlams, The Radiators, chart-topper Conrad Sewell, Country artist Adam Harvey, and internationally renowned blues guitarist, Nathan Cavaleri.

With 60 acts across 16 venues – from the bigtop tent at the Whitsunday Sailing Club to the main strip of Airlie Beach and beyond – here’s what you need to know about the 2026 event.

Pay for three days, party for five In addition to the weekend of November 6-8, the festival includes a Beach Jam and Welcome

Party on Thursday, November 5, and an After Party at Northerlies Beach Bar & Grill on Monday, November 9.

Titled ‘Women Who Rock’, the opening event at Magnums features an all-star female cast, of Little Quirks, Loonaloop, Tess Fapani, Carinda Christie Band and Tiffany Grace.

Meanwhile, the After Party will be headlined by Nathan Cavaleri, Skinny Living (UK), Mason Rack Band, Salt & Steel, Zed Charles Band, Matt Tandy and Mango Thieves.

Three-day pass holders have access to both additional events at no extra cost, with general admission three-day tickets priced at $340 and two-day passes costing $250.

Live it up like a rockstar The Mentals aren’t the only ones who get to ‘Live it Up’, with VIP ticket-holders experiencing rockstar treatment in the main tent.

VIP passes cost $1,200 and include an exclusive ocean-front section, separate amenities, buffet food and a daily six-hour drink package.

Discover new talent Come for the big names and leave having found new favourites you’d never heard before.

The festival has a proud history of supporting emerging artists through its national Passport to Airlie initiative, dedicated to unearthing talent and

launching careers.

Warming the stage for Xavier Rudd on November 6, will be 10 regional finalists from this year’s Passport to Airlie heats, followed by 2025 national winners, Melbourne band, Monroe.

No camping chairs required Make no mistake – this isn’t your standard stage in a paddock; there’s no need to pack a picnic rug.

With a program spread throughout multiple licensed venues just a short stroll apart, and a free bus service by Whitsunday Transit, festivalgoers experience an entire town coming alive to the sound of music in an atmosphere that’s literally electric.

Thanks to the lack of long queues, it’s about enjoying the music, not waiting in line.

The Ultimate Music Holiday With jaw-dropping sea views from the main tent and world-famous natural icons just a boat ride away, the Airlie Beach Festival of Music is a tropical escape with a killer soundtrack.

Tickets are on sale at www. airliebeachfestivalofmusic.com.au.

The festival is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland, as well as Whitsunday Regional Council and Whitsunday Sailing Club.

The event was a finalist in the 2026 Queensland Music Awards for the People’s Choice Award ‘Festival of the Year’.

www.trippingmag.com | 17

T

he much-anticipated Airlie Beach Festival Of Music is about to roll up onto Whitsunday Shores, with Aussie legend Xavier Rudd bringing buzz as a headline act.

For more than two decades, Xavier has built a remarkable career around music that speaks to the human experience, the natural world and the deep connections that exist between them – themes that will be aptly illustrated by the lush backdrop of the coral sea on November 6th.

Xavier Rudd To Perform Airlie Beach Festival Of Music

From his 2002 debut To Let through to his most recent releases, Rudd has become one of Australia’s most enduring and distinctive musical voices.

Blending roots, folk and world music with his extraordinary talents as a multi-instrumentalist, he has developed a sound that is unmistakably his own while earning devoted audiences around the globe.

Over the years, Rudd’s performances have evolved from full-band and trio formats into the intricate oneman-band experience that has taken him to some of the world’s biggest stages.

Next: Airlie Beach is on the itinerary.

Rudd’s music has continued to evolve in recent years, with his 2024 release Freedom Sessions marking his first EP in 25 years. Across six intimate and reflective tracks, the collection explored themes of solitude, personal growth and freedom, with songs including World Order Part 1 & 2, High Time, Road Trippin’, Free The People and Moments revealing a raw and soulful side of his artistry.

In September 2025, he followed with Where to Now, an EP born from reflection and contemplation.

Rich with layered rhythms and instrumentation, the release explores resilience, connection and the courage required to move forward through uncertain times.

“It came from a pretty deep place of contemplation and reflecting on the world, and I feel that when I sing it,” Rudd said of the EP. That personal reflection has always been at the heart of his songwriting.

“My music is just inspired by life,” he said. “We go through trials and tribulations in life and the music represents where I’m at personally but also extends to everyone else. We all have our stuff that we have to overcome and we’re all just doing our best.”

For Rudd, music is also about freedom of expression and the joy of movement.

“Dancing and moving our bodies is really important,” he said. “It’s like surfing: everyone surfs in a different way, expresses on a wave a different way - everyone’s got their own kooky style and it’s cool…

Everyone’s cool.”

Despite a catalogue spanning more than two decades, Rudd has refused to nominate a favourite song.

“All my songs are special to me. They come from some kind of place with a story. I don’t have favourites.”

Recent years have brought further recognition for his work, winning the APRA Award for Most Performed Blues and Roots Work in 2022, while Stoney Creek claimed the Environmental Music Prize.

With a new chapter continuing through his latest single, Part of Life, and a busy 2026 touring schedule, Xavier Rudd will arrive at the Airlie Beach Festival of Music as an artist still evolving - but remaining firmly grounded in the values, stories and sounds that have made him one of Australia’s most beloved performers. airliebeachfestivalofmusic.com.au

18 | www.trippingmag.com

Proudly partnering with Airlie Beach Festival of Music again this year - book your transfer with us!

Start your Whitsundays holidayfaster TOUR & TRANSPORT OPERATORS

Family owned and operated for over 15 years Meets all airport arrivals and departures Contact us now to enquire about our Express Shuttles and Private Transfers From Whitsunday Airport to Airlie Beach Return rates available

07 4948 2385 heartofreefshuttles.com.au

Kayak transfers

Private Charters

Island Camping Transfers

Camping Equipment hire

Ngaro Track Walking Transfers

Contact Info | Phone: 0487 226 737 | Website: www.whitsundaycamping.com.au www.trippingmag.com | 19

B

owen is a must-visit on the Whitsunday Coast- but whilst it’s easy to find the pristine beaches and check out the charms of the sleepy town centre, there are some gems that still remain hidden, ready to show their secrets to hikers, amblers and anyone ready to stretch their legs and hit the tracks.

There are no shortage of paths weaving along Bowen’s coastline, through its parklands and up over headlands, each offering a different experience, but before putting one foot in front of the other, there’s one view worth taking in first and foremost.

So grab the binoculars and head for Flagstaff Hill.

From the top, a 360-degree view opens up in every direction, over crescents of white sands, the iconic lighthouse sitting alone on its island and the town stretching out below.

Keep those binoculars handy too, with Flagstaff Hill being a prime location to catch whales passing offshore through the wintertime.

From here, the only question is: Where should you go next?

If there’s one walk that makes the

20 | www.trippingmag.com

most convincing case for a start, it’s the Cape Edgecumbe trail.

Starting at the picturesque Horseshoe Bay, Cape Edgecumbe doesn’t take long to deliver, with an easy five-minute climb taking walkers up a lookout, high above the iconic beach that looks like it belongs on a screensaver.

Along the way, enormous boulders tower over the track; the kind that makes you stop for a second and feel like you’re in a wilder world, a small part of a perfect, natural ecosystem.

Backtrack a little and the trail continues towards Murray Bay, with the option to clamber over almost parkour-level rocks to the old World War II radar station lookout.

From there, the track follows around a shoreline made for rock-hopping, or a cooling swim on a hot day.

Keep on towards Rose Bay and you’ll soon come across Mother Beddock.

It’s impossible to miss.

The massive, round rock sits high above the coast and somehow makes the boulders you previously passed look like pebbles.

Push on past the giant and Rose Bay awaits, giving you one more stretch of Bowen’s turquoise waters to admire.

The best part about this trail is the freedom to take it at your own pace, with plenty of turn-offs allowing you to keep things to a cruisy 2.5 kilometres or stretch your legs on a longer six-kilometre circuit.

Once you exit and make your way through Hanson park, where Grays Bay lookout practically begs you to stop, unpack a picnic and relax for a while.

Then if you’re looking to step off the beach, head up Bowen Reservoir Hill via Tynwald Avenue toward the water tank murals, where sweeping views stretch back across Mullers Lagoon, the town and out towards the coast.

You may not see any signs for an official lookout signs here but I can assure you. It’s a view worth chasing.

So Walk it, hike it, or stand high above it.

Every angle gives you another piece of Bowen, and somehow, you’ll still leave wanting more.

Photo credit: R Jean Photography

www.trippingmag.com | 21

B

ird’s Fish Bar brings Bowen’s Foodie Trail right to the water’s edge, where the boats are close, the chips are hot and the catch couldn’t be fresher.

The family behind Bird’s has been supplying Bowen with seafood since 1982, with the food always reeling visitors back in.

The pinnacle of their catch is the local wild-caught fish, unloaded daily before being cooked to order and traditionally wrapped in paper.

Take your pick.

• Unsurpassed ocean and island views • Fully self- contained 2 BR Penthouses, 2 BR and 1 BR Apartments and 1 BR Studios

• Free WIFI / Lift access to all levels • Pool and BBQ / Private balconies • Fully Air-conditioned • Pet friendly apartments available

Ph: 07 4786 9000 2 Pandanus St. Bowen www.rosebayresort.com.au Like us on Facebook

From coral trout and red throat emperor to barramundi, Spanish mackerel, salmon mackerel and trevally, each can be served battered, crumbed or grilled, with the freshness of the sea still shining through.

For a full fisherman’s feast, the Fisherman’s Basket casts the net wider with Spanish mackerel, prawn

A

t the Grand View Hotel, pub classics come from ingredients sourced in Bowen’s own backyard.

WHERE THE BUSH REALLY DOES MEET THE BEACH… 1 Horseshoe Bay Road, Bowen, QLD, Australia, 4805 07 4786 2564 horseshoebayresortbowen.com.au

SURROUNDED BY 4 SANDY BEACHES ACCOMMODATION AND POWERED SITES

With the Bowen fish markets just 500 metres away, fresh Great Barrier Reef seafood does not have far to travel before reaching the Grand View’s kitchen, making the chef’s signature seafood pot pie a musttry.

Stuffed to the brim with locally sourced prawns, crab and reef fish in a creamy garlic sauce, then topped with mash and served with a garden salad, it is proper pub comfort food with Bowen written all over it.

Beyond the seafood, Bowen’s farming country brings seasonal fruit and vegetables straight to the kitchen, fitting for a place known as the “fruit bowl of the north”.

This reputation shines through the Grand’s salads, from earthy pumpkin pesto with sweet roasted beetroot, creamy feta and tangy pickled fennel to a punchy Thai salad, crisp Caesar or fresh and colourful

22 | www.trippingmag.com

cutlets, bug tail, squid rings, a seafood stick and crumbed reef scallop, all served with the iconic chips, lemon and tartare.

The smaller bites are just as tempting. Think house-made fish cakes, salt and pepper squid, local prawn cutlets, crumbed oysters and juicy bug tails.

If cutlery feels like too much work, grab a Spanish mackerel burger, sweet chilli prawn wrap or fish sliders and dive straight in, no knife and fork required.

Then grab your feed and a cold drink, settle onto the outdoor deck and watch the boats move through Bowen Marina while enjoying their latest haul.

Buddha bowl.

Whilst local produce remains at the heart of the menu, inspiration often arrives from further afield.

Take a trip to Thailand with Thaispiced tiger prawns served with seasonal microgreens, or taste Tennessee with slow-smoked pork belly in barbecue glaze and creamy ranch.

With weekly specials shaped by what is in season and a kitchen team blending local knowledge with worldly experience, the Grand View is the perfect spot to fill a hungry belly after a long beachy day and get a true taste of Bowen.

T

creating a maze of colour and texture for schools of reef fish to gaze upon. When conditions are calm, the bay opens up even further into a sprawling coral garden.

Along Bowen’s coastline, some of the region’s best snorkeling begins only metres from the sand.

Outside the watery wonderland, the shoreline boulders are perfect for traversing, or simply climbing above the beach to sit back and ponder just how good that snorkel was.

Across Horseshoe, Murray and Rose bays, the seabed unfolds into a patchwork of coral gardens, darting reef fish, rocky hideaways and even an underwater sculpture.

As the trail winds past the giant balancing boulder of Mother Beddock, Rose Bay appears below, offering one final stretch of turquoise water to explore.

Let’s start at Horseshoe Bay.

While Murray Bay impresses with scale, Rose Bay rewards those who slow down and look closely.

he Great Barrier Reef may sit up to 85 kilometres off the Whitsunday shore, but in Bowen, you only need to wade a little beyond the sand to discover the magic beneath the surface.

This bay curves around Cape Edgecumbe, where clear blue water meets pale sand, granite outcrops and coastal bushland.

Sheltered and relaxed, it is equally suited to a swim, beach walk or quiet afternoon beneath the trees.

But offshore lies its best features.

Coral and rocky habitat sit close to the beach, making Horseshoe one of Bowen’s most accessible snorkelling spots. Around either side of the bay, colourful parrotfish, wrasse, damselfish and butterflyfish weave between patches of coral and rock.

Over on the right-hand side, the reef reveals a surprise- the Bywa sculpture.

Created by Torres Strait Islander artist Brian Robinson, Bywa rises beneath the water as part of the Whitsundays Ngaro Underwater Marine Sculpture Trail, adding a human touch to Horseshoe Bay’s natural gallery.

Next, go for a short hike along the Cape Edgecombe walking trail and you’ll eventually hit Murray’s Bay.

At low tide, much of the action unfolds in just one or two metres of water. Coral bommies and reef rubble become a nursery for juvenile fish, while nudibranchs, crabs and other tiny creatures hide within the gaps.

It turns snorkelling into something of a treasure hunt.

While all these locations are great, there are some people out there that just want to see the wildlife, without the swim.

Luckily, not every underwater encounter in Bowen requires a mask and fins.

Down by the Bowen Jetty, you can trade a swim for a relaxed perch above the water, where some of the coast’s most graceful marine residents can glide into view.

Stealthy Stingrays. Cruising Sea Turtles. The Mighty Dugong.

It may feel like you’re watching a nature documentary unfold right beneath you.

This is where you find larger, more complex reef systems only a short swim away.

In Bowen, the reef never feels like a distant destination.

Beneath the surface, plate, lettuce and staghorn corals spread across the seabed,

It begins at the shoreline, continues beneath the jetty and rewards anyone willing to stop and look. www.trippingmag.com | 23

T

he Burdekin is blessed with the sort of fishing opportunities that can turn a stock-standard morning by the water into dinner on the table.

Littered with river mouths, sandy beaches and offshore shoals, there is no shortage of places to wet a line—whether you have a boat or just a spare afternoon.

For land-based anglers, Lynch’s Beach at Alva is an obvious starting point. Just a short drive from Ayr, the beach is known for flathead, whiting, grunter, salmon and barramundi, with four-wheel-drive access making it possible to explore further along the shoreline.

barramundi, mangrove jack, whiting, grunter and bream.

Those with a boat have plenty more territory to explore. Cromarty Creek, at the mouth of the Haughton River, is renowned for barramundi and can also produce mangrove jack, flathead, whiting, grunter and bream. Ocean Creek is another popular launch point, offering access to barramundi, mangrove jack, mud crabs and offshore fishing.

Then there is Barratta Creek, where the maze of waterways around Bowling Green Bay provides both fishing and crabbing opportunities.

The area is particularly well regarded locally for mud crabs.

Further south, Wunjunga Beach offers another productive stretch of coastline. Bream, whiting, grunter and salmon are among the species anglers can expect to encounter, with access available from Wunjunga Road and the township.

The big prize, of course, is barramundi.

The Burdekin River can produce good numbers in both its freshwater and saltwater sections, but anglers should remember the Queensland east coast barramundi closure runs from 1 November to 31 January.

For something a little more sheltered, Groper Creek has long been a favourite among local fishers. The jetty provides an easy place to cast a line or throw a cast net for prawns, while the creek and nearby Burdekin River open up opportunities for

Wherever you go, check tides, access conditions, zoning and current size and possession limits before casting off. The fish might be biting, but the rules still matter.

Outdoor adventures await in the Burdekin From sunrise hikes up Mt Inkerman to world-class fishing, the Burdekin is made for outdoor explorers. Adventure, your way, just down the road.

Plan your Burdekin adventure at www.visitburdekin.com.au 24 | www.trippingmag.com

T

here is something about seeing Townsville from the water that completely changes your perspective. With the city skyline behind you, Magnetic Island on the horizon and the blue of Cleveland Bay stretching between the two, the coastline is practically asking to be explored. And for those who prefer their sightseeing with a little more speed, a jet ski is one seriously fun way to do it.

Local operator Poseidon Adventure offers jet ski experiences along Townsville’s coastline, ranging from hourlong rides to adventures towards Magnetic Island and Cape Cleveland. There are also twohour Magnetic Island tours and snorkelling jet ski experiences for those wanting to combine the thrill of the ride with time in the water.

Founded and operated by Townsville locals, Poseidon Adventure’s tours venture through the waterways surrounding Townsville and Magnetic Island, including hidden coves and coastal areas within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

If high-speed adventure isn’t quite your thing, there are plenty of gentler ways to experience Townsville from the sea. Boat tours can take visitors bay-

EXPLORE

hopping around Magnetic Island, with opportunities for swimming, snorkelling and simply sitting back to enjoy North Queensland from a different angle.

Of course, you can also make Magnetic Island your destination.

SeaLink Magnetic Island operates passenger ferries from Townsville, with the crossing to Nelly Bay taking around 20 minutes and multiple services operating throughout the day.

If you’d prefer to stay within the comforts of your own ride, you’re in luck! Magnetic Island Ferries operates Townsville’s vehicle ferry service, with cars, motorbikes and other vehicles able to make the approximately 40-minute crossing alongside walk-on passengers.

Once on Maggie, more than 20 bays and beaches, walking trails, coastal lookouts and that famously relaxed island atmosphere await.

Whether you are carving across the water on a jet ski, cruising the coastline by boat or simply catching a ferry across to Maggie for the day, Townsville’s waterfront is more than something to admire from The Strand.

Sometimes the best adventures begin where the land ends.

Magnetic Island F RO M T HE WA TER

BOAT TOURS

WILDLIFE JET SKI SNORKELLING EXPERIENCES TOURS

LIFE PUBLISHING SPECIAL

SAVE 15% USE CODE:

LIFEPUB15 T&Cs apply. See website for details.

Scan to book

BOOK ONLINE TODAY

poseidonadventure .com.au/townsville www.trippingmag.com | 25

26 | www.trippingmag.com

J

ust eight kilometres from Townsville, Magnetic Island may feel pretty familiar to North Queenslanders. But behind the pristine beaches a surprisingly complicated past.

protected as national or conservation park.

Here are five things you might not know about the island.

The island’s distinctive granite formed about 275 million years ago, when molten rock was forced towards the Earth’s surface. Weathering eventually produced the enormous rounded boulders and rocky domes that have become one of Magnetic Island’s signatures.

1. Its name came from a compass problem

3. Those koalas? They were put there.

Captain James Cook named the island Magnetic Island in 1770 after believing its landmass was affecting the compass aboard the Endeavour.

Magnetic Island’s koalas are wild, but they aren’t native to the island in the strictest sense.

It remains unconfirmed whether the island actually had anything to do with his navigational troubles, but the name endured.

The island’s traditional name is Yunbenun, part of a much older story. The Wulgurukaba people, the Traditional Custodians of the island, have enduring connections to Yunbenun and the surrounding mainland dating back thousands of years. Shell middens, stone tools and art sites are evidence of that connection.

2. It was once connected to the mainland Magnetic Island is a continental island. That means it was once no island at all.

About 7,500 years ago, rising sea levels separated the island from the mainland. Now, it stands as 5,184 hectares, with 78 per cent

A signal station, radar installation and coastal battery were constructed on the island during 1942–43. Two enormous searchlights, each rated at three million candlepower, were installed at Horseshoe and Florence bays and could reportedly spot aircraft at 30,000 feet.

Today, the remains form part of the fourkilometre Forts Walk, which takes about two hours and combines wartime history with views across Cleveland Bay. 5. It’s drier than it looks

In 1931–32, 16 koalas were introduced onto the land as part of an attempt to establish an island sanctuary, at a time when mainland populations were declining.

With tropical beaches and palm-dotted coastline, it would be easy to assume Magnetic Island is covered in lush rainforest.

A 2012 scientific survey estimated there to be a population of 825 koalas, plus or minus 175, across the island outside urban areas. About 80 per cent of the estimated population was found in mixed eucalypt woodland, despite that habitat covering only about 45 per cent of the island.

The island sits in Queensland’s dry tropics, with much of its interior covered by open eucalypt woodland. Bloodwoods, stringybarks and grey ironbarks dominate, while pockets of vinethicket survive in sheltered gullies.

So, the koala’s favourite part of Magnetic Island isn’t the postcard view. It’s the bush.

4. It was heavily armed during World War II The concrete ruins scattered through the hills were once part of a defence network protecting Townsville and its harbour.

It isn’t.

The surrounding waters are equally important.

Seagrass meadows provide habitat for dugongs and green turtles, while the island’s beaches provide nesting habitat for sea turtles.

For an island that can be reached from Townsville in less time than it takes to drive across the city, Magnetic Island packs an extraordinary amount of history and geology into 52 square kilometres. www.trippingmag.com | 27

28 | www.trippingmag.com

TOWNSVILLE NORTH QUEENSLAND

Explore Magnetic Island

! y a w your

Just 20 minutes from Townsville, SeaLink are your quickest link to explore Magnetic Island.

Ferry Deals Return Ferry

41.50*

Ferry + Bus Tour

144

$

$

PER ADULT

PER ADULT

Wildlife Day Tripper Ferry, Drink & Koala Park entry

94

$

PER ADULT

Tour Package Ferry, Drink and Sunset Sail

189

$

PER ADULT

Accommodation 2-Night Island Discovery

295*

$

PER ADULT

Car hire, 2-night twin share + return ferry

BOOK NOW BOOK NOW

Scan to book online

sealink.com.au or call 1300 MAGGIE (624 443) *T&C’s apply. Prices are “from” prices and subject to change. Upgrades and family pricing also available.

Fuel surcharge may be applied to all fares at time of booking – see website for details.

No car? Walk-on passengers always welcome.

www.trippingmag.com | 29

W

hen planning a family getaway, the best memories are often made around the table. A great coffee shared at sunrise, fresh seafood by the waterfront, homemade Italian treats enjoyed with the kids, or an ice cream stop that becomes a holiday tradition.

In the Hinchinbrook region, food is more than a meal, it is part of the adventure.

Nestled between tropical coastlines, fertile farmlands and the spectacular backdrop of Hinchinbrook Island, this North Queensland destination offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience authentic flavours, warm hospitality and unforgettable family moments.

For food lovers, Hinchinbrook is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. The region’s proud Italian heritage has shaped a vibrant food culture that continues to thrive today. Wander through local delicatessens filled with freshly made pasta, traditional sauces, artisan cheeses, cured meats and authentic sweets. Every bite tells a story of generations of families who have brought their traditions to the tropics and shared them with the community.

Food lovers will find plenty to savour throughout the region, particularly in Ingham, the heart of Hinchinbrook’s dining scene. From family-run cafés and bakeries to restaurants showcasing local produce and multicultural flavours, Ingham offers a diverse range of dining experiences that reflect the community’s rich heritage. Whether you’re enjoying a relaxed breakfast, a long lunch or a hearty dinner, you’ll discover welcoming venues and authentic country hospitality around every corner.

Families will quickly discover that every stop along the foodie trail offers something special.

30 | www.trippingmag.com

Start the day with locally roasted coffee while the kids enjoy fresh pastries, smoothies or sweet treats from one of the region’s welcoming cafés. Browse bakeries overflowing with handcrafted breads and cakes before heading off to explore beaches, walking trails and natural attractions.

Seafood lovers are especially spoilt for choice.

Surrounded by the pristine waters of the Great Barrier Reef and the Hinchinbrook Channel, the region is renowned for its incredible seafood.

From freshly caught prawns and mud crabs to local barramundi and reef fish, visitors can enjoy some of Australia’s finest seafood served straight from ocean to plate.

Beyond Ingham, the coastal communities of Lucinda, Dungeness and Forrest Beach add a distinctly tropical flavour to the foodie experience. Here, visitors can pair fresh seafood and local cuisine with stunning waterfront views, creating memorable dining moments just steps from the beach or boat harbour.

After exploring the cafés, bakeries and restaurants of Ingham, head to the coastal communities of Lucinda, Dungeness and Forrest Beach, where waterfront dining meets breathtaking scenery. Enjoy fresh local flavours while watching fishing boats glide across sparkling blue waters or soak up the relaxed beachside atmosphere with family and friends.

It’s the kind of experience that encourages visitors to slow down, put away their phones and simply enjoy quality time together.

Along the way, travellers can sample tropical fruits, homemade desserts, gourmet produce and classic North

Queensland favourites. Every stop offers a chance to discover something new, whether it’s a family-owned café, a bustling bakery, a seafood market or a restaurant showcasing local ingredients.

What truly sets Hinchinbrook apart, however, is the people behind the food. Local business owners greet visitors with genuine country hospitality, chefs proudly showcase regional produce, and passionate food makers share recipes and traditions that have been treasured for generations. Visitors aren’t treated like tourists; they’re welcomed like friends.

In a world where many destinations feel rushed and crowded, Hinchinbrook offers something refreshingly different. Here, meals are meant to be savoured, conversations linger longer, and every flavour is connected to the landscape, culture and community that created it.

So, if you’re looking for a destination that offers more than just beautiful scenery, follow the foodie trail to Hinchinbrook. Bring your appetite, bring the family, and discover a place where every meal tells a story and every flavour creates a lasting memory.

From Italian-inspired delicacies and tropical treats in Ingham and Halifax to fresh local seafood and waterfront dining in Lucinda, Dungeness and Forrest Beach, Hinchinbrook is a destination best experienced one delicious bite at a time.

Find your

HINCHINBROOKWAY.COM.AU

Ingham is a soulful detour into North Queensland’s cultural heart, where families reconnect, paws leave prints beside bare feet, and the rhythm of country life leaves its gentle mark on all who visit.

www.trippingmag.com | 31

M

ick’s Bread Kitchen has long been renowned for the kind of pies you’d drive over state lines for. The secret?

It’s the bakers who work through the night to simmer fillings, roll pastry, and turn mixers in a choreographed routine that results in a full cabinet come opening time.

Working their magic from around midnight through until morning, the bakers can spend up to eight hours making Mick’s award-winning pies from scratch, motivated by the commitment made in the bake house’s motto: “They Set the Standard.”

On any given day the production includes around 26 varieties, from traditional favourites such as chunky steak pies to constantly changing creations that keep customers coming back to see what’s new.

32 | www.trippingmag.com

One of the latest flavours created by Mick’s daughter is the four-hour-smoked brisket, jalapeño and cheese - an immediate fan favourite that has had pie connoisseurs travelling to Ingham just to take a bite.

The bake house’s offering does not stop at savoury pies. Sweet pastries, apple pies, doughnuts and other baked treats are also made on site. Their shortcrust pastry is prepared from scratch with the familiar ingredients of butter, sugar, and a dollop of love.

Stationed at Ingham, Mick’s Bread Kitchen is a beloved stop-off for those travelling the east coast, situated just a stone’s throw from waterfall walks and the Hinchinbrook coastline.

The journey is also recommended to connoisseurs and foodies seeking out that perfect traditional Aussie Meat Pie, chasing

a national staple whose craft is often underestimated, and becoming increasingly difficult to find.

Making pastry from scratch is labour intensive.

It requires space, specialist equipment and, perhaps most importantly, skill. As more bakeries turn towards pre-made products, Micks are holding up tradition; whether through flavours loyal the classics, or with a twist.

By pouring care into every golden pastry case, Micks are doing important work – creating food for the soul, well worth making a trip for.

What’s Mick’s go-to pie and drink combo?

For Mick - “A curry pie with one of our baristamade coffee lattes.” @micksbreadkitchen

Coffee • Devonshire Tea with Scones • Fresh Bread daily Pies • Sausage Rolls • Fresh Wraps & Salads Cream Buns • Coffee Rolls • Matchsticks • Peach Blossoms Apple Turnovers • Grab n Go Lunches • Salad Rolls and sandwiches HEALTHY MEAL OPTIONS NEW SUSHI AND HOT MINCE BUNS GLUTEN FREE SAUSAGE ROLLS AND MEET PIES AND WRAPS AND HEAPS MORE! COME IN AND HAVE A LOOK

STOCKIST AND NEW PRODUCT IN STORE NOW

Opening Hours: Mon–Fri: 6:00am – 5:30pm Saturday: 6:00am – 1:00pm 1 Authurs St, Ingham 07 4776 3932

www.trippingmag.com | 33

Broadwater National Park

Cardwell Jetty

Palm Island

Mt Fox

Lucinda Jetty

Tyto Information Centre Wallaman Falls

Mercer Lane Mosaics Paluma Village

Sans Souci Apartments Lucinda Hotel Vista Hinchinbrook Tranquility Hideaway

Wild Local Mick’s Bread Kitchen Lucinda Hotel Specialty Delis Famous Pubs Herbert River RSL Fiori With Love 34 34 || www.trippingmag.com www.trippingmag.com

Tyto Visitor Centre Halifax Museum Mercer Lane Mosaics Tyto Regional Art Gallery Mercer Lane Markets Specialty Boutique Shops J&B Marine Lucinda Fishing Jetty Wallman Falls Tyto Wetlands

Jourama Falls Hinchinbrook Island Broadwater National Park Fiori With Love (Cafe & Florist) Markets at the Mosaics The Hinchinbrook Way Walk Beaches Forrest Beach Taylors Beach Lucinda

Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce Tyto Visitor Centre Hinchinbrook Shire Council Hinchinbrook Shire Library Spin FX electrical Ingham Post office Ingham Health Services Wholelife Pharmacy Terry White Pharmacy

Hinchinbrook Pharmacy (Halifax ) Boat ramps Lucinda Taylors beach Forrest beach Sporting clubs Golf Course Horse Racing Track Football Club Netball Clubs Soccer Bowls Clubs

At the Herbert River RSL

H

erbert River RSL offers travellers passing through Ingham something even more valuable than a good meal - a place to settle in and feel at home.

With warm welcomes, generous meals at reasonable prices and friendly, local Ingham hospitality, the RSL is a must-stop for travellers looking for a hearty feed without the fuss.

Step outside onto the veranda and you can enjoy your meal in the tropical surroundings, or cool down in the air-conditioned dining area, where there is plenty of room for families and larger groups to gather around long tables.

would make.

The gluten-free calamari is another standout and shareplate favourite. The plate is piled high with golden, cross-hatched curls of calamari, lightly seasoned and exceptionally crisp. A wedge of lime adds a fresh citrus zing that complements the seafood beautifully, making a filling meal that still feels light.

The menu is filled with familiar pub classics, served in generous portions designed to satisfy weary travellers and bring families together.

Fish lovers have the choice of battered, crumbed or grilled. We recommend the battered fish: a satisfying crunch giving way to soft, flaky white fish underneath. Paired with creamy tartare sauce, the simple combination can’t be beat.

We couldn’t pick one highlight, so we’ve settled for three: the gluten-free calamari, the battered fish and the classic chicken parmigiana.

If there is room, consider the sundaes and cakes on offer for a sweet finishing touch, and take the moment to simply treat yourself.

The chicken parmigiana is comfort food in every sense. Covered with crispy ham and melted cheese, the chicken remains moist and tender beneath a crisp, crumbed coating. The dish overall feels wonderfully familiar, bringing back memories of the kind of parmigiana your Nonna

Friday nights bring another reason to linger with live music drawing locals and visitors alike and regularly filling the RSL. If you are keen for a tune alongside your feed, making a reservation is a must as Fridays are booked out fast.

What’s your recommended Herebert River RSL menu combo?

Manager, Kerryn: There’s nothing better than sitting down to a beautifully cooked steak with all the trimmings, then finishing the night with a slice of homemade cheesecake. It’s a classic combination, but definitely one of my favourites — a great hearty meal followed by something sweet! herbertriverrsl.org.au

Fresh, Local and Wild

A

Taste the Region with Wild Local

t the heart of Ingham stands a café driven by a deeprooted philosophy: to serve great seafood that is natural, sustainable, and local.

The team at Wild Local partners with local fishermen, bringing seafood from the surrounding waters to the counter, keeping the journey from catch to customer short, fresh and regionally connected.

Not only is this approach attracting praise for its support of local fishermen, local jobs and the broader North Queensland seafood industry, it’s also creating a buzz amongst foodies seeking the very best seafood Australia has to offer.

This year, Wild Local took home the Queensland Seafood Industry Awards Take-Away Fish & Chips Award, putting Hinchinbrook firmly on the Queensland seafood map.

sourced from local partners, be it barista-made coffee from Cairn’s White Whale Roasters, or Zina’s gelato and sorbet from Townsville.

It’s the perfect hub to taste the tropics and get a satisfyingly indulgent feed that is uniquely North Queensland.

Want to taste Hinchinbrook?

Owner Bec says, “Try our Grilled Bug Burger followed by a scoop of French Vanilla gelato, that’s my favourite combo!”

The Home of the Famous Lobster Roll Fish & Chips Ice Cream Fresh Seafood Open 7 days Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner Barista coffee all day 52 Herbert St, Ingham QLD 4850

(07) 4776 2222

But there is more to discover than just champion fish and chips. Try their scrumptious lobster roll and check out the artisan products www.trippingmag.com | 35

A Club for everyone!

Located right in the heart of Ingham, the Herbert River RSL is your go-to spot to gather, grab a bite, relax, and have a good time - any day, any time.

Whether you’re stopping by for a hearty meal, a coffee catch-up, or a refreshing drink, were here to make you feel at home in our friendly, relaxed atmosphere. Members, guests, and families are always welcome.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

LUNCH SPECIALS TRADIE TUESDAY "Lot" burger with chips and pot of beer or soft drink Lunch Only

WEDNESDAY LUNCH SPECIAL

THURSDAY LUNCH SPECIAL

200g rump steak with chips and salad

Classic Parmie with chips and salad

Battered, crumbed or grilled fish with chips and salad and pot of beer or soft drink

Lunch Only

Lunch Only

Lunch Only

DIGGERS COVE RESTAURANT HOURS

Call to book your table now!

Lunch:

Phone: (07) 4776 5157

Monday to Friday 11:30am - 1:45pm

Bookings essential

Dinner:

Herbert River Sub Branch RSL

Wednesday to Saturday 6pm - 7:45pm

Become a member of Herbert River RSL and enjoy the rewards every time you visit. Members receive great value with exclusive discounts, promotions, and access to special offers throughout the year.

Join today and be part of a friendly local club that proudly supports our community.

36 | www.trippingmag.com

FISH FRYDAY

w: herbertriverrsl.org.au

Regular Events Friday night raffles and live entertainment Bingo Tuesday from 10:30am Thursday from 6:45pm Sunday from 1:30pm

S

ans Souci means without worry — and whether travelling for work, visiting family or exploring the Hinchinbrook region, that’s exactly how a stay should feel.

Set within a classic Art Deco building in Ingham, Sans Souci Apartments offers renovated, serviced accommodation where heritage character meets relaxed modern comfort.

With stays ranging from a few days to several weeks, the apartments suit couples, families, groups, travelling professionals and companies accommodating teams in the region. Multiple apartments can be booked together or, subject to availability, the entire building — making group and longer stays refreshingly simple.

Rather than simply providing a bed for the night, Sans Souci gives guests room to live. Separate lounge, dining and kitchen areas provide space to prepare a meal, relax after a busy day and enjoy

some genuine downtime without feeling confined.

Renovated with style and practicality in mind, each apartment retains distinctive architectural features and thoughtfully selected furnishings, complemented by fully equipped kitchens, generous living spaces, private bathrooms, keyless entry and peaceful garden views.

Seamless self-check-in, private parking and attentive service make arriving and settling in easy, while Ingham’s location provides a convenient base for discovering the Hinchinbrook region and its tropical landscapes, rich Italian heritage and welcoming North Queensland character.

Whether you’re here for work, travelling with a group or exploring the region, Sans Souci offers the space, independence and comfort to make time away feel a little more like home.

Sans Souci Apartments, Ingham sanssouciapartments.com.au 1. Hinchinbrook has a volcano Around 100,000 years ago, the landscape west of Ingham was transformed by a violent volcanic eruption.

The eruption formed the Mount Fox volcanic cone and its shallow crater, leaving behind a striking feature in the landscape.

Today, Mount Fox is a dormant volcano, rising above the surrounding countryside as a reminder of the region’s past — and of just how recently volcanoes were active here.

2. The ‘cube’ isn’t a cube High among Hinchinbrook Island’s peaks is a natural rock formation that, from a distance, looks impossibly geometric. So much so, it sparked the tongue-in-cheek local suggestion that it was placed there by aliens.

But get closer and the illusion disappears. Shaped by weathering over enormous periods of time, the formation is not cube-like at all. It is a natural visual phenomenon created by the light and the angle from which the rock is viewed from the mainland.

3. Hinchinbrook Island is enormous Hinchinbrook Island is one

of Australia’s largest island national parks, covering around 39,900 hectares, or about 399 square kilometres.

That’s bigger than the entire country of Malta! It’s roughly the equivalent of 56,000 standard soccer fields packed into one spectacular island.

4. The soil was made for sugar The first cane planted in the Herbert River Valley was in 1868m just 4 years after explorer George Dalrymple travelled through the region in 1864 where he described the area as “undoubtedly the best suited” for growing sugar in Queensland.

The combination of fertile alluvial soils, tropical rainfall and the Herbert River made the district ideal for cane, with the crop eventually becoming the backbone of the local economy.

5. It’s home to Australia’s highest permanent singledrop waterfall Wallaman Falls plunges an incredible 268 metres from Stony Creek into the gorge below, making it Australia’s highest permanent singledrop waterfall. To put that into perspective, the Eiffel Tower stands at 330 metres to the tip of its antenna. www.trippingmag.com | 37

SIP AND DINE IN PARADISE at Charlie’s Beach House, where the coast sets the pace and flavour leads the way.

A unique fusion of Mediterranean heritage and Caribbean culture inspires a menu loved by locals and visitors from around the world.

Family friendly dining, perfect for group bookings and private functions.

Many delicious vegan and naturally gluten free meals available.

SMOKEHOUSE • SEAFOOD RESTAURANT • TIKI BAR Home of the secret-recipe Piña Colada CHARLIE'S BEACH HOUSE, 44 MARINE PARADE, MISSION BEACH QLD 4852 | 0413 188 001

The Coolest Place to be this Spring

R F

D F 3 B G F B

R 4 S 2

G A I G U B

I E R 5 R B I H

38 | www.trippingmag.com

Resort Facilities Dining & Entertainment: Fully Licensed Venue 3 Bars; Restaurant, Sports Bar & Gaming Room Function Centre Barista Coffee and Tea Recreation & Leisure: 4 Pools Splash Park 24 Hour Gym Guest Services & Amenities: Internet Facilities (WIFI) Guest Laundries Undercover Car Parking Business Centre Services In-Room Feature: Executive King Koil Beds Rain Shower 50” Smart TV Room Service Bar Fridge Ironing Board Hair Dryer

l o c a l ly c r a f t e d h o t e l s

Mission Beach offers unparalleled access to the Great Barrier Reef — closer than any other tropical north coast destination — making it ideal for diving, snorkelling, and swimming.

This unique location is a biodiversity hotspot, home to the elusive cassowary and a significant habitat for butterflies, hosting 60% of Australia’s species, including the vibrant Ulysses butterfly. Just 4km offshore, Dunk Island provides a perfect escape for relaxation or a refreshing rainforest walk.

What are you waiting for? Make Mission Beach your next bucket list adventure!

Accommodation by Nightelier Nightelier, our newly branded accommodation, offer 69 rooms, a blend of Apartments and Hotel-style accommodation, echoing the beauty of our nearby coastline.

All rooms are freshy renovated, fully air-conditioned and feature modern amenities. Additionally, we have four fully self-contained Apartments located off-site.

With four tropical salt-water swimming pools, each with a conveniently located BBQ area, plus our new Splash Park. Our Apartments are equipped with spa baths and kitchen facilities.

We are ideally situated just 500m from the beach.

For all your enquiries please contact us!

07 4088 8288 missionbeachresort@alhgroup.com.au www.missionbeachresort.com.au

www.trippingmag.com | 39

The Cassowary Coast is the Perfect Family Holiday Destination

I

n an age when many holiday destinations are crowded, expensive and increasingly commercialised, the Cassowary Coast offers something refreshingly different.

Nestled between Cairns and Townsville in Tropical North Queensland, this remarkable region combines pristine beaches, ancient rainforests, tropical islands and authentic country hospitality to create what may well be Australia’s ideal family holiday destination.

What makes the Cassowary Coast truly special is its unique natural setting. It is one of the few places on Earth where two World Heritage-listed environments meet: the Wet Tropics Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef.

Families can spend the morning exploring lush rainforest trails and cooling off in crystalclear swimming holes, before enjoying an afternoon by the beach or embarking on a reef adventure. Few destinations offer such diverse experiences within such a short distance. The region is often described as the place “where the rainforest meets the reef”, and visitors quickly understand why.

For families with young children, the Cassowary Coast strikes the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation. Mission Beach’s 14 kilometres of palm-fringed coastline provide ample space for beach walks, sandcastle building and family picnics without the crowds often found at larger coastal centres. Parents can relax knowing there is room to spread out and enjoy the natural beauty at their own pace.

The region also offers countless opportunities for children to connect with nature. Spotting a wild southern cassowary in its natural habitat is an unforgettable

40 | www.trippingmag.com

experience and one that cannot easily be replicated elsewhere in Australia. Children can learn about conservation while witnessing one of the world’s most fascinating and endangered birds. Combined with the chance to see turtles, tropical fish, dolphins and other marine life, every day becomes an educational adventure.

The nearby islands further enhance the region’s appeal. Families can take a short boat trip to Dunk Island, enjoy island walks, picnic on secluded beaches and experience the magic of tropical island life without needing to travel far offshore. For many visitors, these accessible island adventures become the highlight of their holiday.

Importantly, the Cassowary Coast remains genuine. Unlike heavily developed tourist hotspots, local communities such as Mission Beach, Cardwell, Kurrimine Beach and Innisfail retain their friendly small-town character. Visitors are welcomed by locals who are proud of their region and eager to share its treasures. The relaxed atmosphere encourages families to slow down, disconnect from busy schedules and reconnect with one another.

Affordability is another major advantage.

Families can choose from a wide range of accommodation options, including holiday parks, caravan parks, resorts, self-contained apartments and beachfront cabins. This variety ensures holidays can suit almost any budget while maintaining access to the region’s extraordinary natural attractions.

At its heart, the Cassowary Coast represents the type of holiday that many families are searching for but rarely find: safe, affordable, educational, adventurous and deeply memorable. It is a place where children can explore, parents can unwind and families can create lasting memories together. In a world of increasingly crowded tourist destinations, the Cassowary Coast stands out as a tropical paradise that still feels wonderfully undiscovered. cassowowarycoasttourism.com.au

www.trippingmag.com | 41