McCarthy's Go Round

  Wednesday 25-29 November: Pumpkin Island We have been looking forward to our Island getaway since being in Darwin. It was quite an effort packing up everything we needed for our stay as nothing is available on the Island. Part of the intrigue in visiting Pumpkin was linked to this Island being Australia’s first and only carbon positive island, a place where you can positively contribute to climate change action. The Island has attained Australia’s highest ecotourism certification and long- term operational permits granted by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. The focus is on sustainability- saving water, power, minimising carbon emissions, conserving and protecting the natural environment and reducing their ecological footprint.   This tiny island eco-retreat is 13.8km off the coast of Yeppoon in the Keppel Islands. It is located in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park so is fringed by reef. The Island has been in operation as a low key, low impact destination for...

  Saturday 21- 23 November: Oh Deere Sugar Cane Farm Stay, Calen & The Sugar Shed, Sabrina After leaving Hydeaway we spent the morning in Airlie Beach. The kids enjoyed the markets and a swim in the lagoon.  In the petrol station we ran into the Machar Family- friends of Nick and Tim from surf clubbing days who we camped next to in Alice Springs- small world. We decided to join in with the Machar's who were heading to a sugar cane farm. On route the front hatch of the caravan took flight & ripped off the van.  This farm stay will remain one of those random highlights of the trip! A 400 acre working cane farm that is truly a labour of love, created from a passion for John Deere tractors. The farm is owned and run by Karinda- you could not meet a more Aussie, larger than life character! From the minute we stepped onto her sugar cane farm we were simultaneously bamboozled and entertained "is she for real"?  Who invites you to accompany them on a tour to a local ...