We wake early to the chatter and singing of Koels, Channel-billed Cuckoos, Butcher birds, Whipbirds, Friar birds and magpies. It’s a clear blue sky and warm.

We head off to the Point Pure lookout which is a short drive. We get a wonderful view of the valley and surrounding hills. The area is noted for its rock climbing and abseiling credentials. Wildflowers are out.

We head off down the forestry tracks to the highway then onto Gympie stopping at the Rusty Rail for morning tea and to watch the Mary Valley Rattler steam train leave with its load of tourists. The Rusty Rail cafe is a great stop for a good coffee and meal.

It’s then onto Rainbow beach. The water is a magnificent aqua blue, the town is a buzz with covid free locals and tourists. The sandy beach stretches off into the distance.

Then down the highway a bit turning off onto a gravel / sandy track, air down and off for another adventure. We travel through coastal dry rainforst with its figs, palms and big trees then into coastal woodland, big eucalypts, grass trees and banksias, some are in flower.

Camp is at Freshwater Campground in the Great Sandy National Park. A good camp set in the woodland, plenty of birds. We can hear the Frogmouths calling through the night and the surf in the distance.