Blog 20. Mackay.

Alcedo
David Batten
Wed 5 Jun 2019 10:14
Arriving at Mackay in the dark was quite demanding because of the numerous tankers/cargo ships etc anchored in 3 big blocks between us and the approach to the harbour. Plus the marina is behind an inner wall in the main harbour and the entrance is none too wide. Luckily Bill had spent some time in the marina two years ago when boat sitting for a friend, so he was able to help direct us to the fuel berth, which is where yachts tie up until cleared by customs and biosecurity.

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Looking towards the outer breakwater at Mackay.

We have to report that regardless of all the dire warnings we received about the Australians being very difficult about fresh food, alcohol and shells etc, all the officials were charming. No doubt much less worried about biosecurity because we had come from New Zealand and New Caledonia, we were allowed to keep the butter, cheeses, honey etc that we purchased there and there were no issues with the clearly sterile shell collection belonging to the Skipper’s wife. Phew!

So we have been exploring the local parks and tourist spots.

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Lambert’s Lookout with Mackay harbour in the background.

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Walking the Kommo Thera Trail in one of the nature reserves near Mackay. Note the paper bark trees, plus lots of mosquitoes, which you can’t see!

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But we did see a fabulous sunbird and...

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....lovely butterflies.

We have settled into the marina, quite a noisy place when the tugs go out at 05.00 hours, hired a car and put the boat to bed for a week while we explore local Australia until Jane’s flight home on Tuesday next week.

Alcedo
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