tropical paradise | Kim L Hine

So about 6 years ago we were travelling home to Victoria from our first Big Lap. We were driving along the Bruce highway when we saw a sign to Mission Beach. I commented to the Bloke “It sounds like something from a James Bond movie.” We had a chuckle and then l asked him “Have you been there?” It’s one of a few places he hadn’t been to. So we decided to take a detour and go for lunch!

Somehow we took a wrong turn and ended up in South Mission Beach.

As we drove down the twisty road heavily fringed both sides with tropical rainforest – who knew there were THAT many shades of green??

l was already excited but as we came over the last hill and turned down towards the water.. such an awesome shade of turquoise we, all three of us went “Oh wow!”

My Bloke said “Lets stay here a night and explore!” And we all agreed.

So we found the local caravan park and booked a cabin for the night no sense setting up the whole tent and stuff for one night. We asked for sure directions to the local supermarket and headed out to buy some supplies. We had a two bedroom unit with a full kitchen after tenting for so long it was nice to be able to cook again.

Back at the Caravan park we swam in the pool and then decided to walk along the most beautiful beach l’ve ever seen! I still love South Mission Beach! I told my husband “One day I’ll retire here!” We stayed two nights, visited real estate agents and decided we’d be back!

Fast forward 6 years. The Bloke asks me “What do l want for my birthday?” It’s the first anniversary of my 50th! So l said “Lets go away!” He thought l was going to say Bali or somewhere l suggested Mission Beach! Because l’ve had some extra work this year l booked it and paid for it.. he just needed to organise the time off work!

So Wednesday morning the 10th of October we boarded the plane at 6.00am. He hates flying but he does it for me!

Don’t we look perky? Considering I’d been awake since 2.00am! The alarm went off at 4.00am, taxi collected us at 4.30am.

We arrived in Cairns at 8.05am their time an hour behind us back in Melbourne. It was already 27C and l was already a happy gal. All winter I’ve been waiting for Mission Beach weather. It’s not let me down!!

More tomorrow….