Get lost with Russ and Margy: Elim Beach

We left Sunday morning and found Battle Camp road much easier than expected. From Hope ‘vale we got directions to Elim Beach which we had heard about from Cooktown Council at the festival. The aboriginal managers were very friendly and gave us lots of info about exploring the area and several jokes about only finding out more info if we stayed longer. Russ fell in love with a spot right on the water’s edge and so we waited for hours until the previous guests left at about midday and moved into the delightful site where we could see the water recede at low tide and draw in again. We looked out towards the coloured sands.

On our first full day we walked out on the sand bank. I looked at the wonderful range of birds and russ flicked lures either side of the sand bank. I walked back along the sandbank and after a while Russ decided to come back the direct route which took him through water up to his knees and mud. A sudden swish of water made Russ think about crocs in the muddy water and he rushed home. Safely, thankfully.

Next day we drove along a sandy track to Bedford Beach. It was very windy and raining so after a quick fossick in the debris and pumice stone, we returned. The weather improved very quickly and we stopped along the track on the beach for a picnic. It was like a deserted island with palms lovely white sand.

Then a revisit to the coloured sands. This time we made it to the top of the orange sand dune and took photos of the stunning gorge from above. Russ went out in the tinny again to catch the swishing fish and got a lovely cod which was utterly delicious in panko breadcrumbs with a glass of white.

On the third day, Russ caught some garfish with his castnet and I caught 3 keepers - 2 red throat emperor and 1 grassy emperor.

Some other travellers we met at Old Laura Homestead.