On Friday 21 April (Good Friday), the volunteers left Babinda and marched for four miles through heavy rain (Babinda is known as one of the wettest places in Australia). At Bellenden Ker, the Beetles were served with milk and cake by Mr and Mr Healy, followed by lavish refreshments at Mr J. Hill's place. Lunch was served in a large pavilion at Ross's farm including 75 pounds of fresh fish from the Russell River followed by the usual toasts. On arrival at McDonald's Creek, the Kerrs provided refreshment and the volunteers saluted a Union Jack that had been through the Boer War. Arriving at Fishery Creek, local residents welcomed them with entertainment at Mr Thompson's place with Mr Booker making a fine speech, followed by cheers for the King and Empire. There was another large reception at Mount Sophia where the Beetles were entertained at Mrs O'Byrne's place with speeches and patriotic songs. At arrival at Aloomba at 5.20pm, the volunteers were escorted by the townspeople to a public reception. That night the Beetles were the guests of Mrs O'Reagan at her Aloomba Hotel. Four volunteers joined at Aloomba.
