Welcome to

WHYBIRD'SNEST

In 1974, when we were stationed in Atherton, we came to Kurrimine Beach for a holiday. We had two small kids and it poured raining. But we still liked the place. A new estate was opening and we evenually purchased our block and we poured the foundations on 31st December of that year.

We have never been sorry. This place is heaven-on-earth as far as we are concerned.


             Annette & Graham

our little piece of paradise

There is nothing more relaxing than sitting watching the tranquil sea or, if the wind gets up a bit, the ripply sea.  That's what we can do whenever we like, or we can join in the many local activities at our door step.

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Around Kurrimine Beach

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Kurrimine Beach Motel

The Kurrimine Beach Motel has accommodation suitable for the family .. honeymoon couples .. the single traveller corporate reps and backpackers .. we have opened our doors to everyone looking for a quiet retreat .. Kurrimine Beach is located in Far North Queensland Australia.

Allow us to pamper you and your partner for a weekend... the ocean is only a minute away.

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KingReef resort

Wake up, dine & drink with stunning beachfront views at King Reef Resort. Situated on a tranquil tropical beach in one of the most unique, beautiful and unspoilt parts of the world. Located in the small fishing town of Kurrimine Beach in Far North Queensland, approximately halfway between Cairns and Townsville. Offering an array of accommodation options to suit all holiday styles: hotel, poolside motel rooms & apartments, beachfront cabins, poolside eco-tents, beachfront sites, sites with slabs and grass only sites. Featuring a beachfront bar & bistro offering delicious expertly crafted house-made food that will excite your taste buds. King Reef Resort is the crowd-free, stress-free coastal getaway you’ve been looking for.

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Kurrimine Beach holiday park

We are a family owned and operated park, so you are always guaranteed a warm welcome. Our guests are travelers and holidaymakers who appreciate the village atmosphere that only a small holiday park can offer. Add to this quality service, cleanliness and excellent value for money you have all the makings of a great holiday.

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cwa units

Come and enjoy your stay with the QCWA.

Clean & comfortable self-contained one & two bedroom holiday units.

We look forward to assisting you with your stay at Kurrimine Beach in our self-contained accommodation here in Tropical North Queensland.

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kingreef cafe

Where caffeine & coastline are perfectly blended! 
Boasting locally roasted coffee ~ freshly baked cakes ~ sandwiches ~ smoothies ~ ice-cream ~ confectionary ~ fresh bread and more goodies to come very soon!!!

☕️ Open daily from 7am-12pm & 7am-3pm in peak season (June – October).

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service station & post office

A fuel station offering convenient access to gasoline and related services. It operates daily, opening at 5:00 AM Monday through Friday and at 7:00 AM on weekends, closing at 6:30 PM each day. The Post Office is open from 9.00am to 5.00pm

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Kurrimine Beach Fishing club

Kurrimine Beach is unique for its family friendly nature which incorporates superb beach fishing with easy access to local estuary systems. The close proximity of King Reef is a bonus for families that relish the opportunity of chasing prized reef fish just a few hundred metres from the beach.

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Kurrimine Beach archers

Kurrimine Beach Archers Inc. is a local organization based in Kurrimine Beach, Queensland, promoting archery as an affordable, family-friendly activity for all ages and skill levels.

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Kurrimine Boat hire & Charters

Our Hire Boats are all 4.5m Polycraft Boats equipted with 40hp Honda or 40hp Yamaha Motors.  All boats are electric start and electric trim

Our Boats are rated for a maximum of 5 passengers so no family member is left behind

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Kurrimine Beach horse riders

Offering beach riding experiences on the only beach riding trail in the Mission Beach area.
The rides are led by Chrissie, who is known for her excellent rapport with the horses, many of which are Australian brumbies trained to respond to voice commands alone.
The experience is suitable for all ages and skill levels, from beginners to experienced riders, with children welcome and elderly riders up to their 70s having participated.

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murdering point winery

Set amongst fertile cane fields and lush tropical rainforests of North Queensland, Murdering Point Winery offers a range of high-quality red and white fruit wines, ports, liqueurs and creams that are uniquely Australian and deliver an exciting and stimulating tropical taste experience.

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reef walk

King Reef is part of the Great Barrier Reef and is heritage listed. It features hundreds of examples of all three coral types – hard, soft and flowering. The warm, shallow waters are home to a myriad of marine life including tropical reef fish, the world-famous painted crays, manta rays, and giant clams. Our beach is a rare nesting ground for turtles and you will see many different species of turtles on King Reef.

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skydiving

Brace yourself for a mind-blowing Aussie adventure! More than a skydive, this is a leap into paradise. Make it incredible with our optional beach landing, jumping over King Reef and landing on Kurrimine Beach.

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nearby attractions

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Feast of the three saints

Held every year in Silkwood, Australia. The Feast brings people together, in celebration, from all over North Queensland and beyond, occurring on the first Sunday in May.

The day is a celebration of the cultural significance and contribution of the Italian heritage to the Australian way of life, by its food, music and customs. It attracts around 4,000 people on the day and is the largest Religious/Cultural festival of its kind held in Australia.

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feast of the senses

The Feast of the Senses is North Queensland’s premier Tropical Food Experience and the Cassowary Coast’s major festival centred around the town of Innisfail, an hour’s drive south of Cairns. The festival showcases our region’s impressive variety of rare and exotic fruits whilst also including an impressive range of produce including meat, seafoods, herbs, spices and wine. Nowhere else will you find such a diverse and tantalising range of produce and culture, as in this region of Australia.

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mamu sky walk

An attraction offering an elevated walkway through a pristine rainforest canopy, allowing visitors to experience the forest from the ground level to the treetops in comfort and safety. The site features over 1,100 meters of walking tracks, including a cantilevered tower and rest shelters with educational displays about the cultural and natural history of the Mamu rainforest. It provides close-up views of rainforest flora, insects, and birds, as well as panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape.

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paronella park

Everyone has a dream. But not everyone’s dreams are realised.

José Paronella’s dream was to build a castle. He chose a special part of Australia and created Paronella Park.
On 5ha beside Mena Creek Falls he built his castle, picnic area by the falls, tennis courts, bridges, a tunnel, and wrapped it up in an amazing range of 7,500 tropical plants and trees (now a lush rainforest!).

He opened to the public in 1935. Now we carry on his dream.

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josephine falls

Josephine Falls is a scenic waterfall fed by rains falling on Queensland’s highest peak, Bartle Frere, which looms above this popular picnic area in Wooroonooran National Park.

Josephine Creek starts as a gentle trickle high on the south-east side of the summit of Bartle Frere. By the time it has travelled the 7.5 kilometres to the smooth granite boulders of Josephine Falls, it is a thundering torrent that will take your breath away.

Enjoy the 1.2 kilometre return walk through lush, world heritage-listed rainforest to viewing decks over the picturesque falls.

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alligators nest

Despite its intriguing name, the Alligators Nest swimming hole is not associated with reptiles like alligators or crocodiles. It’s a charming spot with a fascinating history linked to the local Scout Group, known as ‘The Alligators,’ which used to gather there.

Surprisingly, this waterhole in Far North Queensland is one of the few with no crocodiles lurking in its waters! So, you can swim with peace of mind and enjoy the natural beauty of this location.

With crystal-clear waters and soft sand underfoot, this swimming hole offers a refreshing escape from the northern tropics’ humidity. It’s a hidden gem making it an ideal spot for a tranquil and enjoyable day out.

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innisfail

Innisfail is a prosperous, colourful town, situated on the North and South Johnstone Rivers, and is surrounded by rich green landscape. Lush sugar plantations flow from the dense rainforest coastline to the thick jungles of the Palmerston National Park to the west.

Sugar has been grown here since the early 1880’s. Tea, bananas, pawpaws and other exotic tropical fruits are also grown. Aquaculture also plays an important part in the area’s economy ranging from prawn, barramundi and fresh crayfish to crocodile farming.

There’s also a variety of cultural festivals, held annually.

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tully

Surrounded by bananas, sugar cane plantations and world-heritage rainforest, Tully is one of the greenest and wettest towns in Australia.

Tully’s landmarks are scenic Mt Tyson and the Golden Gumboot, a 7.9m tourist attraction celebrating the record-breaking year that 7900mm of rain fell on the town.

The Tully region is the nation’s banana heartland. Cane is also a major employer and the Tully Sugar Mill is another of the town’s landmarks.

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mission beach

Mission Beach is truly a jewel of the Tropical Coast and an ideal holiday destination.

Known for its world-heritage rainforests, idyllic beaches, island getaways and adventure activities. With its resident population of about 4000, is 165km south of Cairns and 235km north of Townsville.

Its four villages – Bingil Bay, Mission Beach, Wongaling Beach and South Mission Beach – are linked by 14km of palm-fringed golden sandy beaches.

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white water rafting

The Tully River has earned an international reputation as Australia’s best rafting river. Enjoy awesome grade 3 & 4 rapids, amongst the spectacular scenery on this adrenalin pumping adventure. Experience is not necessary. A sense of adventure is. 

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cairns & hinterland

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Cairns

The gateway to Queensland's tropical north, Cairns is a laid-back city best enjoyed outdoors.

The region of Cairns is home to the iconic Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics World Heritage Rainforest, but the city of Cairns itself is also a must-visit. You'll find brilliant cafés, bustling markets and plenty of beaches nearby. Relax by a resort pool or spend your days exploring this tropical oasis.

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Atherton tablelands

Starting just south-west of Cairns and rising more than 700m above sea level, the Atherton Tablelands is a lush, fertile region of rainforest, wetland and savannah. An ancient coral reef has eroded over centuries to form rugged limestone caves in Chillagoe and nearby volcanic crater lakes sit amongst a series of tumbling waterfalls.

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babinda boulders

Surrounded by lush rainforest, the Babinda Boulders is an iconic Cairns attraction and popular swimming hole and tourist attraction south of Cairns. It is a classic example of the fast flowing tropical creeks in the area that are perfect for afternoon dips in the cool water to combat Far North Queenslands tropical heat.

The creek is lined with huge boulders and the clear fresh water weaves between the obstacles to fill large pools where people can swim. Visitors to the Babinda Boulders are often amazed that the water is quite cool, even during mid-summer.

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hartley's crocodile adventures

Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures is a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts and families looking for an engaging and educational day out. Whether it’s the thrill of observing a croc up close or the joy of discovering Australia’s diverse fauna, Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures promises a memorable and adventurous day for all ages.

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herberton historic village

Australia’s timber, farming and mining history lives again at this authentic and award winning 100% family owned attraction. Spend the day exploring the collection of more than 60 original buildings complete with shops, a functioning tearooms, antique motor vehicles, small engines, fashion, John Deere tractors and more.

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kuranda markets

Kuranda is world famous for its markets. The Village in the Rainforest has two market locations, the Kuranda Original Rainforest Markets and the Heritage Markets. Stalls offer a wide range of Aboriginal artefacts, handmade leather goods, wood and jewellery. Stall holders are happy to explain their craft and overseas posting is not a problem. Entertainment from wandering buskers may also be enjoyed.

Heritage Markets – Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 3.30pm
Original Rainforest Market – Monday to Sunday, 10am – 3pm

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kuranda scenic railway

The Kuranda Scenic Railway offers a picturesque journey through Far North Queensland’s World Heritage-listed rainforest, renowned for its stunning views, engineering heritage, and immersive on-board commentary. The experience is highly praised for its scenic beauty, especially during the wet season when Barron Falls are flowing. Gold Class service is frequently highlighted for its comfort, attentive hosts, and included snacks and drinks, enhancing the nearly two-hour trip.  Overall, it's considered a must-do attraction when visiting the Cairns region.

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skyrail rainforest cableway

Imagine floating above the rainforest. Gazing down into its green heart, a sea of rustling leaves and climbing palms and ferns. A place where cassowaries roam and ancient trees reach for the sky, in a fight for the light. Of rivers and streams, gullies, gorges and waterfalls. A place of peace and serenity, with a soundtrack provided by the birds and insects. Sounds magic doesn’t it? Well stop dreaming and start doing, because you can make that happen on Cairns’ Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. So easy. So beautiful. So worth it.

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yungaburra markets

On the fourth Saturday of each month, (not necessarily the last!) local growers, producers, and artisans gather at ‘Bruce Jones Market Grounds’ amidst the historic village of Yungaburra. With up to 260 stalls, also including various food vendors, brick-à-brack, clothes, 2nd hand goods, and novelty items you’ll find something for everyone. 

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Annette and Graham Whybird

about us

highlights

Both of us were born in Ipswich, Queensland in the middle of the 2nd World War. We grew up there. We went to the same school and the same church although, because Annette was 4 months older we were not in the same classes.

Annette's art expertise was evident early in life. She won many Ipswich Juvenile Eisteddfod prizes and travelled to Brisbane every week for extra tuition. After High School she entered the typing pool at the State Government Insurance Office where she honed her typing and shorthand skills. She was then successful in her application for work closer to home and joined the administration staff at the Ipswich Hospital.

Graham went staight to work as an apprentice fitter at the Ipswich Railway Workshops after finishing primary school. He enjoyed his sport. Rugby League in the winter. Cricket and swimming during summer. Believing he was called to the ministry he needed to do adult matriculation and a couple of years after completing his apprenticeship was accepted as a candidate for the Methodist ministry and his first year as a probationer was spent at the Southport - Surfers Paradise Circuit under the supervision of Rev. Clyde Toft. He entered Kings College at the University of Queensland at the beginning of 1964.

On the 4th December, 1965 we were married at the North Ipswich Methodist Church (home church to both of us) by Rev. Vic. Elledge.

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Graham was then a probationary minister and we went to Biloela in Central Queensland. Whilst there Graham was ordained and his ministry subsequently took us to Tully, Atherton, Greenvale Nickel Mine (where Graham's trade came into its own as he worked as a Worker Pastor), Mount Isa and Aitkenvale (Townsville) in North Queensland. Northern New South Wales then became their home as Graham was appointed the Superintendent of the Lismore Mission. This appointment lasted for almost 10 years and was followed by over 5 years in Sydney as the Presbytery Pastor for the Kur-ring-ai Presbytery of the Uniting Church. (In 1977, whilst we were in Atherton, the Methodist Church became part of the newly formed Uniting Church in Australia.)

Ministry, for Graham, has always been primarily about people. For him the church is the mechanism through which his ministry could be performed. Consequently social concern has always been at the forefront of his ministry. In Atherton he was the chairperson of the committee charged with establishing the Carinya Home for the Aged. In Greenvale he was Chairperson of the school P&C and also became an honorary ambulance officer at the mine and continued this work in Mount Isa and in Townsville. In Mount Isa he was also the Director of the Blue Nursing Service (now part of BlueCare). In Townsville he was the Chairperson of the local Lifeline Centre and a member of the ethics committee of the Glenhaven Private Hospital. Ministry in New South Wales saw him taking on Ambulance Chaplaincy, Westpac Helicopter Rescue Service Chaplaincy, and Rural Fire Service Chaplaincy, Chairperson of the Caroona Board (which ran several aged care facilities in Northern NSW) as well as establishing a Crossroads branch for disabled people in Lismore. Whilst in Sydney he was a member of a Synod committee to promote dialog between both sides in the gender debate that was dominating church life at the time. He was also a member of APEX in Tully and Rotary in Atherton, Mount Isa, Townsville and Lismore.

Graham has always been interested in technology. He was probably the first parish minister in Queensland to use a computer extensively in most aspects of parish ministry. He wrote and maintained the first computer program (in DOS) for Lifeline Australia and since retirement has used his skills in website development.

By the time of his retirement in December, 2006 Graham had had extensive experience in all aspects of church relations, community affairs, conflict resolution, mentoring and chaplaincy. He had been able to assist people from all walks of life and from differing ethnic and religious groups. He believes that, deep down, all people have a need to love and be loved. Relationships, therefore, are our most important assets and they need continual nurturing.

Since retirement Graham has served in the Aitkenvale, Innisfail, Palmerston (NT), Cairns Emmanuel, North Cairns and North Mackay congregations as a supply minister and also as a Blue Care chaplain. He has also enjoyed doing some P&O Cruise Chaplaincy positions and was the coordinator for all chaplains in Australia and New Zealand for a number of years.

On 14th October, 2018 we celebrated the 50th anniversary of Graham's ordination.

During their time in Queensland Annette's time was mainly taken up by being a mother to their two children. She did, however, find time to do a lot of voluntary work for the church and the community. In Atherton she took the opportunity to return to her pre-marriage career in hospital administration. The move to Greenvale gave the opportunity to do some clerical work at the mine. Mount Isa saw a change in work opportunity when her love of sewing led her to become a highly successful sales consultant with the Janome Sewing Machine Company and this continued during her time in Townsville.

Janome did not have sales consultants in New South Wales so this meant that the move to Lismore left Annette's career open to other possibilities. It was here that she discovered the Modere legacy company and she was entirely captivated by the concept of completely safe products that work, coupled with a compensation plan that gave generous bonuses to those who were willing to work. So began an association with Modere and now Sisel which continues to this day. Annette also likes the friendly personal service she gets from a very proficient staff who always have the welfare of both the Social Marketer and Customer at heart together with the support of the whole Sisel family.

2021 was a significant year for us in that we both turned 80. We decided to try to celebrate with family and friends but, with Covid rearing its ugly head, everything was up in the air right up until the last moment. We were able to go ahead but the border with NSW was shut a few days before which meant that a couple of our friends were not able to be with us. If you would like to reminise or commiserate on not being able to attend you can look here.

Our next significant event will be our 60th wedding anniversary on 4th December, 2025. Who knows what we get up to then but, in the meantime we enjoyed a get-together with friends and family. You can see some photos here.

We still believe that "the best is yet to be"...

Our Interests

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local ambulance

Local Ambulance Committees are an important part of the Queensland Ambulance Service, and help by connecting with the local community, fundraising to improve our services (including education or research for operational staff) and working with ambulance staff to deliver community education programs.

We are pleased to be part of this important service. Annette is the secretary and Graham is the Vice President of our local committee.

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church

There is no doubt that we live in uncertain times and the opportunity for distraction, offense and isolation abound.

Christian community is the biblical prescription for the ailments of modern society and the impetus for human flourishing. In connection with each other, we have opportunity to best express God’s love, empower each other to fulfill destiny and equip one another to withstand adversity. The church as a community is good armor against every enemy and good soil for transformative growth.

We want to encourage Church Growth.

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healthy living

In the end, we want to leave the world a better place than it was when we arrived.

Over three decades ago, the late Tom Mower, Sr. came to a shocking realization: He found that many of the same harsh chemicals used in industrial-strength cleaners were also used in common household personal care items. These chemicals were reported to pose health risks when in contact with the skin. Why would personal care products contain chemicals that do so much damage?

Tom, along with his son Tom, Jr., was determined to spread the word and find alternatives to these potentially harmful ingredients. And so began the Mowers' quest to produce a historic explosion of activity—a new awakening in the health and wellness community called the Mower Mission.

We are pleased to have rejoined the Mower Mission.

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bringing joy to others

Research has shown that singing can be good for you on many levels. It may help lower stress, boost immunity and lung function, enhance memory, improve mental health, and help you cope with physical and emotional pain.

One of the best things about singing is that you don’t have to be good at it to reap the rewards. You can sing on your own in the shower or to your favorite tunes on the radio or TV. Or, you can join a choir or singing group for even more benefits such as connectedness and a sense of belonging.

Johnstone River Singers is not a choir - we are simply a group who love to sing and bring joy to others through our concerts and visits to nursing homes in our area.