Day 29: Cape Range National Park (Mesa, Milyering, Lakeside, Osprey Bay)

We all slept very well, but Samuel wakes us up at 6 o'clock. We have breakfast and head to the beach. The big guys are fishing again today - unfortunately no fish again. Elija takes a nap in the carrier. Maxima and I enjoy the morning sun on the beach. I dare to go into the water and explore the underwater world. There is not much to see in Mesa. Michi and the kids are very busy building a sandcastle.

Shortly after 10 o'clock our campsite successors are already waiting for the spot and we head to Milyering to the visitor center. We like it here in Cape Range so much that we want to try to stay one more night. There is a sign at the entrance to the visitor center that all camping spots are occupied today. Hopefully there will still be something available the day after tomorrow. We're in luck! Osprey Bay is unfortunately fully booked on 13.10., but there are still some available spots in other camps and we book in at Tulki Beach (near Turquoise Bay). There is no cell phone reception in the park, but there are iPads at the visitor center with which you can make the online booking for the campsite.

Right next to the visitor center is the Lakeside snorkeling spot. We want to explore that this afternoon. We cook and eat in the parking lot. Today we have pork roast with potatoes and sauerkraut. Then we go to the beach. There used to be a campground here a few years ago. However, it got flooded and closed afterwards. You have to walk a bit to get to the snorkeling spot. Maxima falls asleep in the carrier and continues her nap on the beach. Michi and the boys are building another sandcastle and I explore the reef. The current is strong. It's hard to stay still and take photos even with a lot of paddling. It's a beautiful snorkeling spot with many big fish. During his snorkeling tour, Michi discovers a big ray. I do my second snorkeling tour together with Samuel. He is very excited about the many fish, but he's not too sure about snorkeling.

We drive to our overnight camp Osprey Bay. The camp was redesigned two years ago. With 45 pitches, it is the largest camp in Cape Range National Park. We're lucky and our pitch No. 15 even has a sea view (like 7, 9 and 14). Of course, the spots in the front row (11, 13, 16, 17) would be even better. We enjoy the sunset with a sundowner beer at the picnic tables. Tonight we have spaghetti with chicken.

10.10.2018

Overnight: Camp Osprey Bay / Cape Range National Park (1 night 22 AUD, largest camp in Cape Range NP, nice location, some pitches have sea view)

Weather: sunny & windy, 28 degrees

35 kilometers today, total of 4,623 km