A group of 12 rally participants ventured out from Mackay yesterday 100km Westwards into the Pioneer valley and Finch Hatton Gorge. The trip took them through the largest sugar cane producing area of Queensland and the first stop was at the so-called "Finch Hatton Hilton" which was in fact an authentic Australian bush camp. The group took `Billy Tea and Damper' (tea and toast with molasses or treacle ) before walking up to the Araluen Falls.

After a barbecue lunch the next stop was at the Broken River up in the hills of Eungella to view the elusive platypus. Everyone managed to see some platypus and also enjoyed the views from the top of the Pioneer Valley looking back towards Mackay at a distance of 70km. A final stop at the Pinnacle pub for `a pie and a pint'  rounded off a very relaxing and interesting day.

As soon as everyone returned to Mackay it was straight into the Mackay Yacht Club for a dance night with `Hot, Hot, Hot' - there's no holding back on these intrepid ralliers!