Castaways on Mission Beach

On Thursday, we reluctantly left the Airlie Beach, a village where where I could live (at least during the non-stinger season, which is also less humid) to head up to Mission Beach, about 1.5 hours south of Cairns. On our drive , we passed multiple fruit stands, and even stopped for a photo of Lauren & Katchy licking a giant mango!



The trip was supposed to take 4.5 hours, but was closer to 6; Blake as the only authorized driver was wishing his mom had planned stopping in Townsville. As dusk fell, we descended from the main highway into Mission Beach. Hilarious crossing signs were posted, warning us to "beware of the endangered cassowary", a large bird portrayed confronting a vehicle. Blake noted that the description seemed similar to an ostrich - another wingless bird. It seems we were lucky not to encounter one, as they are apparently vicious and the size of humans!


Our room at The Castaways opened right onto beautiful Mission Beach, where a swim enclosure provided protection from the stinging "jellies". Nets are attached to inflated pontoons that rise and fall with the tides to prevent jellies from entering the enclosure. The next day, we decided to take the water taxi to Dunk Island (named by Capt'n Cook after another one of those British Lords). The Aboriginal name is Coonanglebah - "the Island of Peace & Plenty", a very appropriate title. A day-pass to the resort on Dunk Island included use of the butterfly pool, grounds, and wonderful seafood platters for lunch.


From the open-air lounge we watched as it rained 5 kilometers away on Mission Beach. We considered playing the British edition of Monopoly where the premier property is "Mayfair Place" and the cheapest is "Pall Mall". Later that afternoon we returned to Castaways, and barbecued on the beach. Our table was adorned by my multi-use beach towel, this time serving as a table cloth (it was freshly laundered). Dinner included steak, corn, salad and wine that we purchased at a convenient drive-through "Liquor King". Blake's IPOD provided background music as we watched the sun set towards the offshore islands though palm trees. We indulged in desserts at the restaurant, since we had forgotten to purchase chocolate bars!

Heading up to Cairns, our final destination in Australia, we were intrigued by Murdering Point Winery - just off the main road.



Sailors shipwrecked at King Reef succumbed to "massacre & murder by local tribes" - hence the name. The family-owned winery produces very interesting varietals made from native and exotic fruits such as lemon aspen, mango & black sapote. Our host recommended a stop at scenic Etty Bay where signs posted not only jelly warnings, but also crocodile dangers. It was advised that we swim in the netted enclosure - good advice!


We stopped at Flying Fish Point Cafe, a local favorite, for lunch, then on to Cairns.
Since it was our last night together, we decided to try "Cherry Blossom", a Japanese restaurant near our hotel, and reserved a tepinyaki table. Lauren told me we had to have saki bombs (good thing the hotel was close by) - the Aussies seated at our table enjoyed our demonstration! We also sampled kangaroo again.

I'm posting this from Shell Beach - just returned today! Thanks to Lauren & Blake for inviting me to share their fabulous trip and be a guest "blogger". Can't wait to hear all about Thailand, Cambodia - and wherever inspiration takes the backpackers.

~Katchy~