Tropical paradise lid up by full moon at Mission Beach, Tropical Queensland, Australia
Mother Nature’s creation here in the Tropical North is simply breathtaking.
Tropical reflections at Mission Beach, Tropical Queensland, Australia
The tropical rainforest meets the reef and I am just about to explore both.
Visual bliss at Mission Beach, Tropical Queensland, Australia
Sitting by the creek at ’Djiru National Park’ and just listening to the sounds of this peaceful forest is pure bliss. The pristine clear waters of these creeks are astounding.
Ferns inhabit the sunnier spots at Mission Beach, Tropical Queensland, Australia
Tall ferns flank the sunnier parts of this forest creek.
Early morning spectacular at Mission Beach, Tropical Queensland, Australia
Early morning sun rays warm the creek waters to evaporate like a hot spring.
Underwater plants rock gently to the creek’s rhythms at Mission Beach, Tropical Queensland, Australia
Underwater plants gently move to the rhythm of this creek.
Slow motion at Mission Beach, Tropical Queensland, Australia
A dotted eel foraged in between submerged branches, only movement gave him away. The cassowary is the most renown inhabitants, but there is much more to this ancient tropical forest.
Rainforest information at Mission Beach, Tropical Queensland, Australia
Many species of mammals, frogs and lizards, birds and flora are not found anywhere else on planet earth. I really hope that us humans are able to save and cherish this part of the world for generations to come. This is a monumental task here, as well as most other places in the world.
Moonrise over Mission Beach, Tropical Queensland, Australia
I stayed by the beach overnight and watched the full moon rising over Dunk Island.
Yacht and full moon at Mission Beach, Tropical Queensland, Australia
A yacht anchored not far from shore, which I lined up with the moon reflecting waters.
Route map to Dunk Island from Mission Beach, Tropical Queensland, Australia
The weather forecast looked promising to take Maniyak out for a well-needed paddle. Dunk Islands’s sheltered northern bay was only 7 kms of shore from South Mission Beach, the southernmost point around 9 kms. If wind and swell pick up at anytime, I can always turn around. I launched the kayak way before sunrise on a chilly night, to avoid the midday trade winds.
Sunrise over Dunk Island, Tropical Queensland, Mission Beach, Australia
Wind and weather were still calm as I reached the northern point of Dunk Island. Many yachts anchored in this sheltered bay. Nothing had chased my lures so far as I decided to paddle along the eastern side of Dunk Island.
Looking South from Dunk Island’s Northern Tip, Mission Beach, Tropical Queensland, Australia
The sandy beaches gave way to gigantic round granite boulders.
Huge boulders replace sandy beaches on Dunk Island’s Eastern shore, Mission Beach, Tropical Queensland, Australia
Different vegetation lined the foreshore, yet still spectacular. I reached the southern tip of Dunk Island a few hours later.
Cruising through calm waters along Dunk Island’s Easter Coastline, Mission Beach, Tropical Queensland, Australia
Wind and weather were still surprisingly calm, as was the action on my fishing lines. A few boats anchored along my path, which greeted my friendly ‘Good morning’ with surprised eyes.
No movement anywhere around Dunk Island, Mission Beach, Tropical Queensland, Australia
There wasn’t much happening here on the fishing rods either, it was extremely calm and quiet. At exactly that moment, my deep diving lure took some line. This grabbed the attention of the other fishos too.
Stunning colours on this Coral Trout, Dunk Island, Mission Beach, Tropical Queensland, Australia
It wasn’t a long fight, but I was just as happy to land this well-sized, extremely colourful Coral Trout.
Sharp fangs at Dunk Island, Mission Beach, Tropical Queensland, Australia
I drifted off towards the anchored boats and astounded fishos as I released the hook from the trout’s mouth. I would have liked to hear what they were thinking. The body language was quite obvious. ‘Should have bought a kayak’ I greeted friendly as I paddled on.
Mission beach in the distance from Dunk Island, Tropical Queensland, Australia
The reef here was only a few feet deep in some parts and the waters were crystal clear. I was glad to spot Troopy on the shoreline as I headed towards South Mission Beach around 1 pm.
Back at Mission Beach, Tropical Queensland, Australia
My legs didn’t feel as jelly after this estimated 25 km round trip around Dunk Island. Onboard were a delicious fish for dinner and a very happy grinner.
Mission accomplished at Mission Beach, Tropical Queensland, Australia
Mission Beach clearly accomplished.
Travels with Ben 