Sunday May 24th – members of our branch gathered to celebrate the completion of one of our 2014 projects. A new sign to commemorate the building of the Edmund Kennedy Memorial Walking Track. It is between South Mission Beach and Kennedy Bay along the wonderful far north tropical coast.

The track was built by hand by volunteers – an exceptional task and a great achievement! It was completed in 1988 for the 140th year commemoration of Edmund Kennedy’s landing at Kennedy Bay.

Our branch has designed and produced a sign telling the story of the building of the track. It includes some wonderful photographs (by courtesy of Margaret Thorsborne AO) of the volunteers who worked so hard to bring this track to fruition.

We gathered at the start of the track at 9am then set out on the 8km (return) Edmund Kennedy Memorial Walking Track between South Mission Beach and Kennedy Bay…it was a stunning day filled with wonderful coast vistas, turtles appeared on cue in Turtle Bay, butterflies along the coastal forest pathways, wattle in mass bloom, White-breasted Sea Eagles soaring above, Beach Stone Curlew, Reef Herons, Red-capped Plover, Rose-crowned Doves…Cassowary and Uromys footprints in the sand…the list of wonderful creatures and views goes on and on…this is a stunning part of the world and this walking track allows visitors to see so much in one walk.

It was also a chance to think about what an amazing achievement it was for a few dedicated volunteers to build this track – it would not have been an easy task as it was completed with hand tools and supplies had to be carried in or brought in by boat – dedication and determination indeed!

An amazing and very enjoyable day out for all who came along ….