This morning, the plan was a visit to Yeppoon. I woke up at 7 am, sharing a delightful breakfast with my grandaunt and granduncle. Initially, I had intended to explore Yeppoon solo, but my uncle insisted on driving me, ensuring I could capture picturesque moments, revel in the scenery, and unwind.
Surprisingly, it had been two years since my grandaunt and granduncle last experienced the coastal charm. I found it hard to believe, especially after witnessing the breathtaking beauty of Yeppoon myself. Even my own mother had ventured here previously with my uncle, embarking on an island tour to ‘The Keppels’. According to my grandaunt, revisiting the island seemed less appealing nowadays; facilities were lacking, and the entire place appeared somewhat outdated and neglected. Quite a shift from their earlier experiences.
Yeppoon’s Beach
We reached Yeppoon Beach by 9:30 am, and the breathtaking view left me in awe. There’s something magical about beautiful weather following a week of dull and uncertain conditions. The return of clear blue skies and sunshine worked wonders on my spirits. As my grandaunt and uncle settled down, I took a leisurely stroll along the beach, capturing the picturesque scenery through my lens.
The enticing weather fueled my desire to relax and take a refreshing swim. Regrettably, I found myself without my swimming trunks once again. Despite this minor setback, I still enjoyed the beach vibes. While gazing at ‘The Keppels’ islands from the shore, I marveled at the beauty of both North Keppel and Great Keppel islands.
Following our stroll along Yeppoon’s beach, we wandered along the boulevard and settled on a charming terrace. Ordering refreshing drinks, we savored a leisurely break. Fifteen minutes later, we departed, heading towards Emu Park, a neighboring town. The vistas of Australia’s eastern coast along the way were nothing short of spectacular.
The Singing Ship
Subsequently, my grandaunt and uncle guided me to the port from which my mother embarked on her island journey. Our journey eventually led us to Emu Park, home to the Singing Ship Monument, a tribute to Captain James Cook. Captain Cook, who explored Keppel Bay on May 26-28, 1770, is commemorated by this landmark. Interestingly, this marked the second encounter with James Cook’s legacy during my time in Australia. The first being a massive Cook statue I spotted in Cairns on the day of my arrival.
The Singing Ship turned out to be a delightful surprise. I hadn’t anticipated encountering or exploring this monument, but it rang a bell from a Dutch travel TV program. As the wind played the concealed organ pipes, the resulting sound was simultaneously soothing and eerie. I was tempted to linger for an hour, captivated by the unique atmosphere, but my granduncle and grandaunt were patiently waiting in the car. Reluctantly, we headed back to Rockhampton, considering Yeppoon is approximately 100 kilometers away from it.
During the afternoon, I dedicated some time to crafting articles and indulged in another rejuvenating nap. Strangely, fatigue crept in once more, leaving me puzzled. For dinner, I enjoyed a fantastic, healthy meal, followed by an enjoyable evening of television with my grandaunt and granduncle. Their family tales and amusing anecdotes filled the room with laughter. Plans for the next day included a visit to Uncle Albert in the morning and an afternoon visit to Daryl and Vera. I called it a night around 10 pm.
