Note to self - tyre pressure gauge

Today we are still in Byfield, north of Yeppoon, exploring the State Forest and Byfield National Park. Long conversation with the ranger this morning in which he fired us up to go and visit a couple of little-known local spots. First was the swimming hole at Stony Creek, that he assured us would contain no crocodiles, despite warning us not to walk to the creek adjacent to the campgrounds because a 3m saltie lived there. I'd hate to have to shoot 'im cos he attacked yer, the ranger said. It seems to us that tourism in Queensland has something of a problem here, the crocodile population is protected, and also growing and spreading, and they are rendering more and more of the State's recreation areas unsafe.

 Not to mention the ever advancing marine stingers. What do overseas tourists make of it all?

I think I can safely say the Stony Creek swimming hole was the most delightful I have ever been in. Deep, fresh sparkling water, hundreds of little fish, some larger fish including a big catfish, some sweet little turtles and a lovely grassy picnic area beside.  We had it to ourselves for a good while. Sorry folks, if you're facing up to cold weather and another day's work as you read this...

Then it was off to Byfield "township" actually 3.5 houses, one of which was also the general store, cafe, rainforest arts and craft centre and heaven knows what else.  They did remarkably good coffee. From there, the 4WD track leading to the coast, and a place where one could have oysters off the rocks.  Pack a lemon and your oyster knife, the ranger told us. Just let down your tyres before that first sandy hill, you'll be right. They always seem to trust that we'll be right for some reason. Perhaps we look more competent than we really are. But we weren't right.  That first sandy hill defeated us.  Rover was spinning tyres, going nowhere and then stalled in protest. We backed out, heads down, tails between our legs, licking our chops. Note to self, buy tyre pressure gauge.  Hadn't let the tyres down enough, it turned out later, when we pumped them up again. 

So instead we did a couple of nice, safe, easy walks. Spiders, snakes, not a problem. Saw some interesting plants. Here they are, only found in the Byfield National Park. 

This one is grevillea venusta.

  This one is the Byfield fern, an ancient cycad, bowena serrulata.

 The camping grounds in this area are fabulous, but apparently very crowded in holiday season. Delightfully empty at present, but school holidays start this weekend.

Water Park Creek swimming area.

BBQ sausages and local avocado dinner was a triumph, cooked on pine cones, pretty and pretty hot.

  

On the road again tomorrow, heading towards Mackay.