Hideaway Bay

One of our goals, when we began this journey, was to eat healthily and get fitter. Two months ago, we were worried about how we’d cope with walking the twenty minutes to work every day. Now, when Daph suggests a thirteen-kilometre round trip, Ern says “Yeah, okay”. We’ve come a long way.

Our plan was to walk from the caravan park at Hideaway Bay, around the coastline to Montes Reef Resort for lunch, taking in all the glory of the Manta Ray Reef on our journey. We are much better at preparing now, packing snacks, plenty of water, hats, sunscreen, and wearing appropriate footwear. What could go wrong?

It started out great. The coastline is stunning, looking out across the crystal-clear azure ocean to the Whitsunday Islands. We explored the rocks and reef and collected more souvenir shells for Daph’s ever-growing collection. Three kilometres in, the hot sun was beating down on our necks. The “sand” (which was just tonnes of broken shells) became so deep it was impossible to walk on, our feet sinking with every step, like walking through wet cement. We decided to use the large rocks as steppingstones to avoid walking on the quicksand. It was fun for a while, reminiscent of primary school games. We jumped from rock to rock and called each other “out” if we hit the sand... until we reached the Mangroves, and Ern decided we should cut back inland and follow the road, in case there were crocodiles.

We found the road. It was far less visually appealing than the Barrier Reef. And much hotter without the sea breeze. Ern started to lose enthusiasm. Daphne tried her best to perk him up with words of encouragement like, “Your neck looks really burnt,” and “Google maps says it’s only thirty minutes further,” and “Ooh. A dead snake.”

It was a long, hot walk along the deserted road, peppered with dead animals. Ern’s body language screamed out, “Why the f**k did I agree to this!” Daph was feeling a little guilty and suggested we catch a taxi back after lunch, then...

Ern perks up, “I think I see signs of civilisation!”

The sign for Montes appeared in the distance, like an oasis in a desert. Hurray! We made it.

We fuelled up on a healthy lunch and soaked in the fabulous views of Gloucester Island. But our celebratory elation was cut short when we found out that taxis don’t come here, and we had to walk back. This time, we chose the coastal path, as the prospect of getting eaten by a crocodile was more appealing than the road to nowhere.

We bumped into a sixty-something lady on the way, with the deepest tanned leathery skin we had ever seen, wearing a teeny-weeny bikini and hiking shoes...

Leathery lady: “I did that walk yesterday. It’s a long walk.”

Yes. We know.

Daph was worried she may end up looking like the leathery lady if they stayed out in the sun much longer but was encouraged by the fact that if she can do it so can we.

We made it back. Ern’s knee gave way. And Daph’s feet are f**ked. But we made it anyway. Go us!