Alva
Alva (Lynch’s Beach), 20 minutes drive from Ayr, offers a relaxed location providing the perfect setting to unwind and explore at your own leisure. At low tide Alva makes for excellent exploring, with hundreds of solider crabs, endless shells and an abundance of birdlife. Outer sand bars create inshore lagoon areas popular amongst kitesurfers and paddle boarders on weekends.
The beach is also a hotspot for fishing, with many anglers bringing in decent catches to show off. On weekends during summer, the beach is patrolled by members of the Ayr Surf Life Saving Club, one of North Queensland’s oldest surf clubs.
The beach is also a hotspot for fishing, with many anglers bringing in decent catches to show off. On weekends during summer, the beach is patrolled by members of the Ayr Surf Life Saving Club, one of North Queensland’s oldest surf clubs.
Alva’s Yongala Dive operates a Dive Shop and accommodation, specialising in PADI dive courses, with day trips out to the SS. Yongala wreck. This world-renowned dive is one of the best on the Great Barrier Reef. Alva Beach Tourist Park has a kiosk. If you’re spending the day at Alva, bring a picnic or barbecue lunch to enjoy in the park near the Surf Club.
Cape Upstart
Cape Upstart, 30km south of Home Hill in the Whitsunday region, is a secluded national park accessible only by boat. Crystal clear waters, running fresh water streams and waterfalls from the mountain tops contribute to the serenity of the area which is dotted with holiday homes.
There are numerous middens in the sand dunes of Cape Upstart which demonstrates the connection of the Juru people to the area. There are also several sacred sites, like the women’s area at Worrungu Bay and the stone arrangements near Mine Island.
There are numerous middens in the sand dunes of Cape Upstart which demonstrates the connection of the Juru people to the area. There are also several sacred sites, like the women’s area at Worrungu Bay and the stone arrangements near Mine Island.
Cape Upstart is home to over 100 species of birds including black swans, lorikeets, jabirus and brolgas. Bush camping is permitted at Coconut Beach, permits and fees apply.
Wunjunga Beach
For those wanting to experience a truly secluded beach, Wunjunga Beach (Beachmount) is an absolute must. Wunjunga features 14km of coastline and a small community of permanent residents, holiday homes and beach huts. Located 35km south of Home Hill, Wunjunga is accessed by a bitumen and dirt road which travels through a cattle property and is a haven for local wildlife.
Funny Dunny Park is a small camping area at Wunjunga offering short stay camping for a donation. Three Aboriginal middens are located near Wunjunga. The sacred, protected sites can be observed from afar.