From Hervey Bay tourism frenzy to peaceful Wathumba Lagoon

We stayed 3 nights at the Urangan Marina at Hervey Bay. Loved the hot showers, abundant eating places and to see the flourishing tourism industry in full swing. Large catamarans loaded with people were in and out all the time. Some were off to Kingfisher Bay (car carriers also) but most seemed to be heading off to view the whales. We noticed how excited and happy people were when they arrived back at the marina, obviously the whale watching was a very positive experience for them. Hervey Bay is about to go into a boom time but at this stage is rather like Busselton but with poor shopping and services. We walked for hours to the one and only decent food shopping centre - we did catch a taxi home! They are few and far between to.

Along the way we continue to meet interesting people and hear lots of good stories, a chance meeting with the right person can give invaluable information. A fellow we berthed next to had a Simpson catamaran similar to FA and told us about a wonderful little lagoon on Platypus Bay right in the middle of whale territory. Under normal circumstances we would have thought it to shallow to try this anchorage but by anchoring outside of the Lagoon and going in the dinghy with a hand held GPS we were able to mark a course so we could come in at high tide. We are here for a few days now. Peter is delighted as he has been able to beach the boat and work on the propellers and I am loving this little paradise. It has a community of 20 or more trailer/sailor type boats and people camping on the Fraser Island side of the Lagoon have come by 4 wheel drives. It is a completely different place at high and low tide - both spectacular. The water is crystal clear with beautiful aqua water and white sand. I don't think our photos will do it justice. We will certainly be back to visit this spot.