GETTING INTO AUSTRALIA
After 11 days of sailing from Vanuatu, we arrive in ACTUAL Australia
TOWNSVILLE AND MAGNETIC ISLAND
As the Marina guy tied off our mooring lines, grinned up at us and said “beeeeyoooooddifool’ we knew we had arrived in Australia.
IN THE YARD
Another year goes by...... which means for Nauplios - another trip to a boatyard, another lift out of the water, another scrub off, another coat of anti-foul on the bottom of the boat, another few repairs, another lift back into the water and we are on our way back up the coast of NE Australia on our way to the next country.
TWO WEEKS IN COOKTOWN
We are still in Australia and just loving it....
LIZARD ISLAND
This little place came highly recommended by our newbie Aussie Indo raleigh friends - Alan and Elaine.
GETTING OUT OF AUSTRALIA
At the moment, a lot of our time is spent in officialdom - It feels like we have only just checked into Australia, and now we are online applying for our Indonesian Visas, customs and health clearance, while at the same time, clearing out of Australia.
The place to clear out is Thursday Island - a small place in the very North, between Australia and Papua New Guinea.
So we just keep heading North - I keep saying this, but Australia is just so massive, and that last push to the top seemed to take forever!
Obviously, we had to get the obligatory "Very top of Australia" photo
From here, we popped round the corner and spent a night at a place called Roko Island which is a privately owned island, run as a luxury glamping resort.
Its a funny thing on a boat, but a lot of posh resorts are really happy for us to anchor outside the resort and use their restaurant/pool/bar etc - this is in return for us bringing our boat which apparently enhances the view for for their guests.
We called the resort owner and, they were happy for us to anchor outside. We met the caretaker who showed us around this very interesting island full of wildlife, crocs and amazing birds etc. They looked after us so well with loads of beer, gorgeous steak cooked on the coals and lots of interesting chat.
Thankyou Roko - I can definitely recommend this place either as a little holiday or a gorgeous anchorage.
Eventually, we arrive at Thursday Island - and anchor safely just opposite on Horn Island in sand.
Lots of the sail to Indonesia Rally boats are already here, and there is a little night time gathering in the local pub for (their delicious) food and drinks....
This is a strange place - I cant quite work it out. Its still Australia, but feels very different. Im not sure whether it is because it is remote but the locals are very different and its so quiet! We walked all round the island and built up a thirst for beer in Australia's most Northern Pub
