14th August: Conway Beach to St Helens Beach

Conway Beach Tourist Park was a well organised, well maintained and colourful place; and the store pub and entertainment centre for the area. But we move on today partly because of the steepish tariff.

One of the local (Mulwala) entrepreneurs was keen to invest in Laguna Quays Resort several years ago. We will go and have a look, although we are aware that it has not' kicked on'... partly, we have heard because the sandflies prevent venturing outside!!!

It is near Midge Point - midges as in sandflies, surely one would change the name...

Laguna is very sad, almost derelict, in spite of the obvious multi millions spent - in the past. One set of buildings, townhouses is chained off and in disrepair. There are only a few decent boats in the man made harbour. Really depressing although there are some people there in one development at least.

Midge Point

And so it is on to Midge Point - and then out of there before late afternoon; sandfly time! Although the constant strong wind should keep them quiet! Stopped took pix, moved on.

Have heard good things about St Helens Beach, it's next. Its early in the day, but we will stop if it is okay. We expected otto be busy... There is only one van there at 1130? Ah, it is $25 a night! No power, no water, a public toilet and one each pay-for-hot-water shower. "Attendant collects fees daily".

We had decided to move on to the next spot, Seaforth, when the only local advises that it costs the same. Mackay Regional Council apparently does not want campers.

We have, none the less, stopped for lunch and watched 4 vans come, look and leave - after reading the rates sign...

We might hang about anyway - park 1 night - and leave early.
Don't want to get to far south too soon!