Early start today to get on the Noosa River ferry by 7am and across to the north shore. We decided to drive up the (60km) beach and through Great Sandy National Park rather than just take the highway north. So glad we did it, has been a highlight of the trip so far!
It's such a cool feeling to engage 4wd and roll onto the sand, totally self sufficient in our truck. We cruised up the beach at 60 kays (see video on Facebook), waving to all the fishermen and people camping up above the high tide line. Would be a great way to spend a week or two camping with a family. Once we got to the top we cut through the bush to the other side but hadn't been given quite the right info by the tourist place in Noosa. While you can get around to Rainbow Beach, it has to be right on the low tide, not an hour either side like we'd been told.
Anyway, amazing views back across the water (Mum and Dad you should definitely park your boat here when you sail up) and after a bit of map consultation we backtracked down the beach and cut through the forest for a really cool 15km drive along sandy single track. We went through all different terrain from coastal scrub to jungle-like rainforest. Nessie took it all in her stride including very deep, soft sand that we got through without even letting the tyres down from 40psi.
Finally got to Rainbow Beach and drove down onto the sand for our brekky. Was the first on-the-road meal that we'd had, we even used the little flip down table in the back door! Continued through Maryborough, Childers and Bundaberg on our way to Agnes Water. We didn't realise how remote it is up here, it really feels like the middle of nowhere. If there was proper surf it would be a great destination for uncrowded waves as it's a good 5 hours from Brisbane, just enough to keep it from being over developed.
Found the real estate agent and got the keys to 3 bedroom house. Such luxury to be able to spread out our stuff, rinse and wash wetsuits and clothes, etc. Thanks Aunty Jan!
