AT CERTAIN times of the year, it is actually possible to walk from mainland Australia to a part of the Great Barrier Reef.

It sounds amazing, and it is. And you don’t need to be able to walk on water to do it! This feat is possible from Kurrimine Beach - usually during extremely low tides in June, July and August when King Reef is actually exposed and you can walk right out to the reef - about 800m - to see some of the special sights of one of the wonders of the world. See giant starfish, sea cucumbers, hermit crabs and living coral up close.

Getting there is a pleasure in itself. Turn east off the Bruce Highway at Silkwood, about halfway between Tully and Innisfail. The 9km trip along Murdering Point Rd takes you past sugarcane fields and fruit trees and you will notice the “barracks” where itinerant cane cutters were housed in the early days of the cane industry.

Once you’ve arrived in the village of Kurrimine Beach, go to the very end of Jacob’s Rd where you’ll find Kurrimine Beach Holiday Park. Resid­ent owners Greg and Sue Godden will give you a friendly welcome. You’ll enjoy the improvements they’ve made to the park. All sites and cabins have been individually landscaped, giving a private peaceful tropical setting. The amenities block has been refurbished and the cabins are being upgraded. Have a swim in the 25m saltwater pool. The highlight of your stay at the park will probably be the weekly camp barbecue during the winter season. Bring a joke to tell, a song to sing or an instrument to play.

Visit during March, April and May and be awestruck by the spectacular waterfalls of the hinterland. Special weekly discounts are available from October to May (except during school holidays).

A stinger net is in place during the summer months, so there’s great swimming and snorkelling all year round. Go for long walks along the palm-fringed beach which is only 100m from the park entrance, pick up a coconut or two, fish and crab in Maria Creek (watch out for crocs), walk through the environmental park and at night listen for the blood-curdling cry of the curlews. There’s lots of birdlife to see and you’ll enjoy the sight of the two resident goannas sunn­ing themselves on the lawn.

Use Kurrimine Beach as a base to explore the surrounding area. It’s a short drive to Paronella Park or Tully where you can take a tour of the Tully Sugar Mill or watch white water rafting up the Tully Gorge.

Pop into Innisfail for a bit of shopping. Play golf at El-Arish or bowls at Silkwood. Sample the local fruit wines at Murdering Point Winery. Dine at the King Reef Resort or the Kurrimine Beach Motel.
The friendly staff at Kurrimine Beach Holiday Park can organise your trip to Dunk Island and to the outer reef.