We headed off on our coastal walk that we planned the day before: Bargara to Burnett Heads lighthouse.

We decided to go ultra light. A hat, wearing sunscreen, no water because hopefully drinking fountains on the trail, phones in pockets. That’s it. Too easy. The 10km trip there was delightful. Noticing everything, the walking was pretty flat and easy. Varied terrain – coastal, hinterland, boardwalk, things to read, interactive displays. I walked and drank my coffee.

On the way we walked past the surf life saving club. Right across the road, along the beautiful coastal path, was the Big 4. It’s ratings are slightly less on google reviews than where we are staying. I cannot understand why. The location is right across the way from a swimmable beach, a short walk along the coastal path into town and it looks much nicer!

We got to the end and had lunch at the lovely and famous (I think) Kellys By the Sea. We had coffee there the previous week. It is such a cute little cafe.

The walk back I’m going to say was less enthusiastic. I came to the realisation I had been tricked into the all day walk by the words ‘coffee’ and ‘cafe lunch.’ Chris has been using and abusing my addiction and there was no denial from Chris.

On the way back we stopped in at the impressive Mon Repos Turtle Centre. We didn’t pay for the full experience but there was plenty to see and read for a quick drop in. It was so interesting to learn about light pollution and how turtles won’t come in to nest if there is too much light even from houses etc.

I’m going to say the coastal path directions around the turtle conservation area are a little vague and confusing. Don’t worry just keep heading the direction you need to go – north or south, and you will find the trail again. Eventually.

We were both tired when we got to the end, my knee was sore, Chris’ ankle was sore. OMG we must be old. I think our joints were sore because the walk was so flat so no variation for our joints. Ok – yes yes just old. So we headed to the Bargara hotel and had a drink on the sunny balcony and booked an appointment for the remedial massage therapist in town for 5pm.

We took a closer took at the sign that started all this. It said 94 minutes one way! 

It took us 6 hours return (including lunch and a stop at the turtle place). That meant we were about 2 hours slower return than the sign. That was quite disappointing. We don’t like to under achieve on a walk. Normally we finish in way less than the recommended time. Definitely something wrong with the sign, we decided.

We came back for the massage at Bargara Remedial Thai Massage – so good!

Anyway, while I am complaining about the walking it was a much nicer way to see the beaches than driving. I would do again but don’t tell Chris, he doesn’t read my blogs.