Felicity Palmateer heads further north through Queensland, travelling from Yeppoon towards the Whitsundays.
Also in this episode, Gerardo Lopez returns for a Camplify Short Stay in the Grampians, with climbing, Indian food in Halls Gap and a sunset canoe paddle on Lake Fyans.
Sarina Sugar Shed
A key stop on this leg is Sarina Sugar Shed, just south of Mackay. This is one of those attractions that gives travellers a stronger sense of place straight away. Flick takes a tour through the story of sugarcane, learning more about how it is grown, processed and turned into the products the region is known for.
The tasting is part of the fun too, with everything from chutneys and relishes to alcohol and freshly spun fairy floss giving the stop a real sense of local flavour.
It is a great fit for the episode because it connects the roadside scenery to the local industry behind it.
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Sarina Sugar Shed
Cape Hillsborough And Kangaroos at Sunrise
From Sarina, Flick heads towards Cape Hillsborough National Park.
This is one of those places that feels special even before sunrise. The beach is framed by volcanic rock formations, and the national park setting gives it a wild, distinctive feel.
Flick settles in early, ready for one of the region’s best-known wildlife moments: kangaroos and wallabies appearing on the beach at sunrise.
It is a beautiful, simple part of the trip and a real bucket-list moment for plenty of travellers.
Flicks Hot tip:
Bring a camp chair and a coffee, settle in quietly, and let the kangaroos come to you.
Where They Stayed: BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Conway Beach
For this part of the trip, Flick stays at BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Conway Beach.
Set a short drive from Airlie Beach, the park gives her a practical base while still keeping the tropical holiday feel strong.
It is the kind of place that works well for families and touring travellers alike, with a big swimming pool, jumping pillow and the Conway Express train all adding to the atmosphere. George’s Diner also gives the park a fun, retro feel and an easy place to grab a meal or coffee without heading back into town.
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Ingenia Holidays Conway Beach
The Proserpine River
While exploring the Whitsundays mainland, Flick heads out on the Proserpine River.
This is saltwater crocodile country, and the Proserpine system is well known for its croc habitat. In one memorable moment, Flick spots a crocodile on the drone, sitting not far up the river.
It is a reminder that the Whitsundays are not just about beaches and island views. The mainland has its own wild side too, and experiences like this show a very different face of the region.
Cedar Creek Falls
After the river, Flick cools off at Cedar Creek Falls.
A short walk through lush rainforest leads down to the falls and the freshwater swimming hole, making it an easy and rewarding stop between Airlie Beach and Proserpine.
It is the kind of spot that feels made for Queensland touring. Fresh water, tropical surrounds and a quick nature stop that can completely change the pace of the day.
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Whether it is charging gear, keeping essentials running or giving travellers a bit more flexibility away from powered sites, it is one of those practical products that slots neatly into road life.
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Red Cat Adventures To Manta Ray Bay
Flick joins Red Cat Adventures and heads out on the water to Manta Ray Bay. This is where the Whitsundays really come to life. The sailing, the island backdrop and the reef water all combine into the kind of day people picture when they talk about tropical Queensland. There is time for snorkelling and a reef swim, with Flick spotting fish and enjoying the clear water that makes this region so well loved.
Whitehaven Beach
No Whitsundays episode would feel complete without Whitehaven Beach. Flick reaches one of Australia’s most famous stretches of sand, known for its bright white silica and brilliant colour contrast with the surrounding water. The sand stays cool underfoot, even on hot days, and the whole place feels as though it has been built for postcards.
It is one of those locations that somehow still lives up to the hype when you get there.
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Red Cat Adventures
Gerado’s Zucchini Slice
Ingredients
- Zucchini, sliced
- Onion, sliced
- Broad beans, topped, tailed and cut into short lengths
- Silverbeet leaves, chopped
- Blue cheese, diced small
- 8 eggs
- Approximately 1 cup flour
- Olive oil
- Salt and cracked black pepper
- Optional: Sundried tomatoes and Dill
Method
- 1Prepare a baking tray and coat it with olive oil.
- 2Lay the zucchini across the base, then add the onion, broad beans and silverbeet.
- 3Scatter over the blue cheese, or any of your choice.
- 4In a bowl, beat the eggs, then add the flour and mix well until combined. Season with salt and pepper.
- 5Pour the egg mixture over the vegetables so everything is evenly covered.
- 6If you like, finish with dill and sun-dried tomato on top.
- 7Bake until the edge of the egg is set and firm.
- 8Let it cool slightly before slicing.
Camp Cooking Tips
- ✓This is a great make-ahead meal for the road, because it travels well and can be packed for lunch the next day.
Providence Sunset Sail
To finish the Whitsundays experience, Flick steps aboard Providence V for a sunset sail.
This classic tall ship gives the episode a beautiful closing mood. The pace drops, the light softens and the day ends out on the water.
It is a lovely contrast to the more active reef and beach moments earlier in the episode. Instead of rushing, the final experience is about slowing down, taking in the scenery and letting the Whitsundays do what they do best.
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Providence Sunset Sail
Flick’s Wrap On The Whitsundays
As the journey winds down, Flick reflects on just how much of the Queensland bucket list this run has covered.
K’gari and the Whitsundays were both big-ticket experiences, and both now get a very satisfying tick.
She also makes it clear how much she loved travelling in the motorhome, which has shaped this whole journey from start to finish. That is part of what makes the trip so appealing. The experiences are incredible, but they are also tied together by the freedom of life on the road.
Camplify Short Stay · This Season
Grampians
📍 Halls Gap
Gerardo Lopez wraps up his Camplify Short Stay in the Grampians with one final climb, a local dinner and a sunset paddle.
Kat takes Gerardo to West Flank, a popular sandstone climbing area in the Grampians, before they head into Halls Gap for a meal at Spirit of Punjab. To finish, Gerardo joins Absolute Outdoors for a sunset canoe on Lake Fyans.
Suggested itinerary
Your Route Title
- 1Yeppoon to Sarina
Travel north through sugarcane country and visit Sarina Sugar Shed for a tour and tasting. - 2Cape Hillsborough
Spend time exploring the national park and settle in for an early night before sunrise wildlife on the beach. - 3Conway Beach
Head north towards Airlie Beach and set up at BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Conway Beach. - 4Proserpine River and Cedar Creek Falls
Explore the river system, then cool off at Cedar Creek Falls. - 5Whitsundays day trip
Take a boat trip to Whitehaven Beach, snorkel the reef and enjoy a sunset sail in Airlie Beach.
Traveller Notes
For me, this part of the trip summed up what road travel is all about. It is not just the big-name places, although Whitehaven Beach definitely lived up to the hype. It is the early mornings, the local stops, the unexpected wildlife moments and the feeling that the next great spot is just up the road.”
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