Clearing the Air for Missing Photojournalist Sean Flynn's Family

Halfway between Cairns and Townsville there is Hichinbrook Island. There is a narrow passage between the Island and mainland. EF describes “steep green hills on both sides”. Well, I’d say steep hills are only at the Hichinbrook side. Anyway, looking across to the island from the little town of Cardwell on the landside, I dare to say…nothing has changed on the island’s side since the last 80 years. It almost felt like anytime the Sirocco might appear out of the blue.

On to Townsville with Magnetic Island. A lot of the old buildings are still there on Flinders St. Conditions vary.

“The great shaggy bluff”, which “rises like a fortress sheer into the sky” of course is Castle Hill. Still very impressive to behold, although since EF’s time some ugly highrises block a even better view from the old CBD. However, Castle Hill still gives excellent views on Magnetic Island where EF & his mates tried to make some dollars transporting passengers to the island.

Next stop Bowen. Not much to say. A boring little town. The old jetty is still there. The Sirocco lay at the jetty for not even 2 hours due to “doctor absent” (EF lay down with a bout of Malaria)

My  next stop at Airlie Beach /Shute Harbour as the “gateway” to the Whitsunday Islands is not so much inspired by EF, but by my own interest to see the beautiful islands. However, EF and the Sirocco sailed through the Whitsundays and to me it seem this was the part of the journey EF liked most. At least I think so from the “enthusiastic” way EF described the passage and the nature experience. Therefore I have attached a photo from Whitehaven Beach at Whitsunday Island to give you an impression of what the area looks like (then and still today).

Next stop Rockhampton