The Bicentennial Walkway
This is a lovely walk of waterfront paths and boardwalks that meander between Cannonvale and Airlie Beach. We parked at Cannonvale Beach, setting out before sunrise. The sea was like glass and the colours were soft in the dawn light. We passed some early morning joggers and dog walkers as we wove through the Botanic Gardens, past Abell Point Marina and Airlie Lagoon, arriving at Airlie Beach as the sun popped up over the hill behind Mandalay. The coffee stop we made here gave us a chance to browse the papers and watch the tourists and locals begin their day. The walk back was just as enjoyable, but the colours were stronger under a well risen sun.
Although this doesn't sound too appealing, Swamp Bay is actually a pretty, though rocky beach that is very attractive on a sunny day. The walk begins in melaleuca wetlands on the edge of a seasonal backwater close to Shute Harbour. The track is well defined through lowland rainforest and woodlands. At the beach is a very basic camp ground, but the surroundings are rough and natural with the bush going right to the rocky shore.
The view was picture perfect looking across sparkling water towards Daydream Island and the Molles. I last walked this track over 40 years ago and happily swam in the sea here often., The water looked just as inviting today as it did then, but now the fear of stingers was stronger than my desire to cool off.
From Proserpine, Glen Isla Road runs through cane fields and cattle country down to the Proserpine River. The road forks about a kilometre before hitting the river, with one road leading to a landing used by locals to launch their boats for a spot of fishing and the other onto private property used by a tourist group for a spot of crocodile spotting.
The road is very flat, and despite the heat of the day we enjoyed the clear air and unbroken views. We didn't spot any crocs, but we did spy a few roos and a lot of cattle.