Jack Watson

Chasing the Sun

Hervey Bay, Queensland

During our week in Hervey Bay, we enjoyed mostly sunny and calm days. Hervey Bay Beach extending for about four kilometres along the Esplanade is truly magnificent especially in the early mornings. An honourable mention  also goes to Maddigan’s Seafood for the absolutely best fish and chips in Australia!

Urangan Pier, Hervey Bay Queensland
Urangan Pier, Hervey Bay Queensland

Gladstone, Queensland

Back in the 1850s, the Her Majesty Queen Victoria’s Government decided to establish a new colony, the Colony of North Australia to be administered from a base near Gladstone.

The Colony of North Australia established at Gladstone
The Colony of North Australia established at Gladstone

However, by the time the appointed Administrators had arrived and set up camp at Barney Point, Gladstone, the English Parliament had a rethink and decide to abolish the idea. The directive to abandon the colony and return to New South Wales took a few months to reach North Australia!

After settling in at the Gladstone Showgrounds, Jack’s first mission was to locate the unit he rented back in 1995 whilst working in the area. This was accomplished fairly easy by tracing his way back from the pub! Finding his former place of employment, the Scrap Metal Yard, seemingly impossible, occurred by pure chance during a drive one morning.

Jack’s unit and place of employment in Gladstone

Jack’s recollections of Gladstone being a heavy duty, dirty industrial city were soon erased as Gladstone has undergone a transformation to become a very livable place with beautiful parks and gardens. Please view the YouTube video below:

St Lawrence, Queensland

A few kilometres off the Bruce Highway, the historic town of St. Lawrence dates back to the establishment the Customs Office for the Port of St Lawrence in the late 1860s. Three days off grid camping at the St Lawrence Wetlands and Recreation Reserve was peaceful and relaxing.

St Lawrence Recreational Reserve Camping
St Lawrence Recreational Reserve Camping

As well as a drive around the town,  we appreciated the walking track to the wetlands and observing the abundant bird life.

St Lawrence Wetlands Drone Shot
St Lawrence Wetlands Drone Shot

Creek and Antique Camping, Calen, Queensland

Breaking the journey to Airlie Beach, we enjoyed a fabulous “Hipcamp” experience camping next to St Helen’s Creek for a couple of days. The crystal-clear waters a bit chilly at first but most refreshing after the initial pain!

Creek and Antique Camping, Calen, Queensland
Creek and Antique Camping, Calen, Queensland

Airlie Beach

Now staying this very popular tourist destination for a week or so.

Sunset Airlie Beach, Queensland
Sunset Airlie Beach, Queensland

An evening stroll at the Coral Sea Marina.

Coral Sea Marina, Airlie Beach
Coral Sea Marina, Airlie Beach

Musical Times are changing!

Assisted by the latest Artificial Intelligent (AI) software, nowadays, even the musically illiterate can express themselves in song! (Apologies to cousin Watty). Listen below:

Coming: Our bearing is still fixed to the north.

2 comments

  1. Hi Jack and Mallie,

    Another very interesting update on your travels. It’s always fascinating to go back to where you previously lived and worked to see all the changes. You certainly are seeing some great locations, each area has its own identity. Loved the video of The Mallie Blues, so much hidden unleashed talent !! Things are going OK here, you no doubt follow on Facebook. We are going to start lining the Wicking Beds soon with Hardiplank and miniaub ripple iron, will send you some pics when underway.

    Cheers from Ray

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