Rainbow Beach

I live very close to the southern end of the Great Sandy Strait and enjoy walking around the beaches on the bay and of course kayaking whenever possible. However, every now and again I want to go and walk on sand and put my feet in ocean water where the nearest land is thousands of kilometers to the east. My nearest ocean beach like this is Rainbow Beach - about 25kms down the road to the north-east. The other morning was perfect for a walk along the sand. It was very close to high tide with almost no wind and a small swell with some nice clean looking waves. There were quite a few surfers taking advantage of the conditions.

The flags were still out to mark the safest place for people to swim but I didn't see too many people swimming. There were quite a few lying out on the sand and working on their tans - but I am pretty sure they were visitors - locals would prefer it a bit warmer!

Way out on the edge of the horizon there was a sail boat moving slowly south.

The coast curves around to the south- east from here and the sand cliffs with the colored sand are what gave this place the name of "Rainbow Beach".

These rocks are just south of the town and are called Mudlo Rocks. Because it was close to high tide most of the rocks had water around them. 

As the waves came in the water splashed over them. These rocks have quite a reputation. The beach is very popular with 4-wheel drive vehicles. At low tide there is a good wide expanse of sand. Every tide changes conditions a little bit and sometimes the rocks are very close to the water even at low tide. There are an astonishing number of people who seem to think that their big expensive vehicles can get them out of any trouble! Just google "Mudlo Rocks" to see photos and videos of any number of vehicles that didn't make it!

I could hear birds way up in the trees on the top of the hill above the beach but nothing was close enough for a photo. I had to go up on the cliff above the beach to see any bird at all!

This is a Spotted Turtle-Dove (Streptopelia chinersis). It is a pretty bird but is not an Australian native. It is common around cities and towns but is now spreading out into natural bushland. When this happens it displaces native species.  I think this one was used to getting a hand-out from tourists.

For more scenery from around the world visit Our World Tuesday

and for more birds visit Wild Bird Wednesday.