Port Douglas Day 2

This morning again dawned as a lovely warm morning with an overnight minimum of about 20 degrees. A bit different to what I have heard from home!

After breakfast Prue went to the lap pool and swam a kilometre which she has not done for some time. She walked the 2 kilometres to the pool from the Caravan Park. After she had finished I collected her in the Mazda.

I left for my bike ride at about 0700 and rode to and from Mossman. The ride over was not too bad and I had a bit of a chat to a road cyclist as we cruised to Mossman. As I was on the mountain bike and a bit unfit, he soon left me. However, I caught up again in Mossman as there was a road race to and return from Daintree Village. A brief chat to some of the riders and officials, who offered me a good handicap, but I returned to Port Douglas.

After we had showered and were ready to travel for the day, we drove firstly into Port Douglas but parking was at a premium mainly due to the weekly markets. So we then drove to Mossman where we had our cappuccinos and muffins at Temptations Cafe.

After our break, we then drove on leisurely to Daintree Village. It is a beautiful drive into the village. As we drove in, we diverted off the main road to go and visit my former cycling friend from the Northern Rivers, Chanelle. As we arrived we were greeted by Chanelle and quite soon after we met her mother, Melva.

We chatted for some considerable time with Chanelle. She told us about the area and also of her family having settled in the area in the 1880s. The area was originally a timber, cedar, area but as time passed it had to diversify into dairy farming. As the access was only by boat it created some issues later in the dairy industry. This then forced the former dairy farmers into changing to beef cattle. A large number of bos indicus cattle now graze the slopes and river flats around the Daintree area. They are ideally suited to this climate and its environment.

Chanelle's family own and operate the Daintree  Cabins in the Daintree village. They are very nice and we certainly would stay there if we were not in our Karavan. Lovely garden settings with a pool to relax in.

We went for lunch at one of the cafes in the village, Croc Eye. Our lunch was very nice and so were the cappuccinos.

Following lunch, we went for a drive and followed the road out of the village towards the west. We turned off it onto a road that traversed the valleys and eventually to the start of the infamous CREB Track. It was closed although there were varying reports on the internet that it was open. We met up with some fellows that had been around on trail bikes and they said not to go on it if one valued their vehicle.  Our original intention was not to go on it anyway.

Our return journey took us back mostly the same way, however we did divert. The first diversion was to the marker of where a Japanese bomb exploded this exact day, 31/07/1942. This was a little to the north of the main road. The plaque told us that it exploded some 50 metres to the south of where the marker is. When it exploded it sent shrapnel through a house wall slightly injuring a child. In the 1990s that child, now an older women, unveiled the site.

Our track then took us through some interesting cane and cattle farms with a stunning backdrop of the Main Coast Range. It eventually returned us to the Mossman - Daintree Road. We then drove into Cooya Beach which is a small town on the beach and just to the East of Mossman. There were some older homes but more and more development is happening in the area.

Finally, we returned to Port Douglas and to contemplate our lovely day in a fantastic part of this region.

Port Douglas Day 1

We woke up early after a warm night of around 21 degrees. It was nicer than a cold morning though.

After breakfast, Prue went for a walk into town and did a little shopping and then walked around to the Beaches Cafe.

While Prue did her walk, I went for a reasonable bike ride out to the west of the Captain Cook Highway and then returning on it and back into Port Douglas. It was a good ride in that I had a strong headwind going out but a nice tail wind on my return. I met Prue at Beaches Cafe for our first cappuccinos and my raisin toast. Then we returned to the Caravan Park.

  Later in the morning, we drove the 35 kilometres to the famous Mossman Gorge.( I suggest you read this link as it explains the area and walks that we did.) The weather was overcast and while we were walking through the Gorge the moisture drizzled down on us. It would have taken a long time to really wet us.

There were a lot of people around and we were lucky when we arrived to get a parking spot quite close to the entrance to the Gorge. On our return there was even an ice cream truck there. We did indulge our selves with an ice cream each. After the several hours walking it was most enjoyable.

As we returned to Port Douglas we did a quick drive through part of the town of Mossman which is a service town to the sugar industry and other farming operations. I suspect it is home to a little less than 2000 people.

When we did get back into Port Douglas we went into town and picked up a new rear light for my bike. Then a little later we did go again to get some items from the Pharmacy. While there we had an afternoon cappuccino for me and a soy chai latte for Prue.

On return to the Caravan Park I cleaned my bike and generally gave it a bit of a service. Prue did a load of washing. By then it was relax time.

As I have written elsewhere, I am convinced that Port Douglas is a far nicer town than Byron Bay. It is easier to get around, parking is free compared to Byron's costly parking. It is better laid out and the views are at least as good if not better. There are so many beautiful places to stop for a coffee or meal, too.

The people moving around appear to be a better mix but still include a lot of back packers, too. The drugged out minority are not evident around here like they are in Byron. Most importantly, the Cairns Regional Council manage a far larger area than Byron in a much more efficient way. They welcome development and improvement to the area and do not hinder development.

Cairns to Port Douglas

Today we packed up again ready to move the 60 plus kilometres to Port Douglas. While we were preparing for departure, our Kimberley Karavan friend, John, dropped by to leave some items for us as well as wishing us a good remainder of the trip.

When we did move off, we followed the Bruce Highway through towards the Cairns CBD. It is the easiest way to get to the Captain Cook Highway and eventually to Port Douglas.

Once we joined the Captain Cook Highway, the traffic slowly decreased. We proceeded out to Caravonica where we decided it was time to return to the Skyrail Centre, from where we went on our Skyrail trip earlier in the week. From past experience, we knew the cappuccinos  would be good there and we were not disappointed. Then we set off again.

We passed through the suburb, Smithfield, then various little villages. We stopped at a roadside lookout and Prue took a photo or two. Unfortunately, the weather was quite windy and overcast . Last year when I passed through the ocean was a beautiful tropical colour.

Before too long, we arrived at the Pandanus Caravan Park. I had stayed here last year on several occasions. It is roomy and the amenities are about 40 metres away.  It did not take long to set up.

After setting up, we went into town to the Post Office to collect a small parcel sent from home. Then it was a walk along the street taking in the sights of that area. We stopped at Java Blue for another cappuccino. I frequented this place on numerous occasions last year.

Then we made our way back to the Mazda. We came back by way of the Four Mile Beach. Not a lot of activity there due to the strong wind. On our return we had some light lunch before we relaxed for the afternoon. The day ended quite relaxed.

Cairns Day 5 and final

This morning was another lovely morning. We both decided to be a bit active. Prue went for a walk to the west of the Caravan Park and viewed the newer homes that are located up on the slope above the Cairns suburbs. There are numerous beautiful homes in that part of the city. Prue took part in the Pancake Breakfast in the Caravan Park.

I took off on my bike and again followed the Bruce Highway all the way into the CBD. This time I traveled around a raft of different streets seeing other businesses. On my way, I managed to get a bit closer to to the USS Blue Ridge but still the best photos are elsewhere. Security is quite high when you get closer. After leaving that area, I rode past the giant Sugar storage and terminal. The Port of Cairns also houses a Royal Australian Navy base as well as numerous wharves. On one of those wharves, I saw Trinity Bay that I last saw at Bamaga, Cape York, on my trip up there last year. Eventually, I returned to the Caravan Park.

After our earlier morning activities, we went into the Coast Roast Cafe on the Esplanade for cappuccinos. Then we had a walk back to where we had parked the Mazda. Then off to the Stockland Shopping Centre where I was yesterday to not only get a few other items and also refuel in preparation for our departure.

During the afternoon, we had a visit from fellow Kimberley Karavan owners, Trevor and Pam, from nearby Babinda. It was nice to see them again as the previous time was in late September when they were in Ballina to collect their Karavan. We chatted for quite a while before they had to go and collect Trevor's mother from an appointment.

Then in the early evening, we had another Kimberley Karavan couple, John and Jo, who live in a Cairns suburb come and visit us. We had a lovely chat with them and eventually we all ordered take away meals from the Caravan Park Shop. Not a bad meal washed down with some red wine and some "Murdering Point Winery" - Choc Mint Cream.  A great catch up with a number of Kimberley owners while we have been here.

Cairns Day 4

Another morning that arrived and was nice and warm, 19 degrees.

By about 0730, it was time for me to go for a bike ride. I was not sure where to go so I tried a couple of streets but finally decided I would head for the Cairns CBD. As I expected I encountered a lot of morning traffic but thankfully there are marked bike lanes and nearly every vehicle seems to respect that space.

As I past through the CBD, I rode on a few streets that I had not even either driven or walked on. That is the great benefit of riding the bike. On my way back, I diverted to  Portsmith, Port of Cairns, as the USA Navy ship, USS Blue Ridge was docked there. I did notice a few military personnel about. As is common, it is not a great idea to start taking close up photos, even if I could. There was a bit of a barrier to allow full vision. The above link gives a better coverage.

Soon after I arrived back at the Caravan Park, Prue left on the courtesy bus to go and watch a movie in the CBD. She arrived back soon after mid day. Prue had done the washing of sheets and towels.

While Prue was in town, I went to the Stockland Shopping Centre. I collected some items we needed as well as having a cappuccino at Muffin Break. It was quite good. I arrived back a little before Prue.

The afternoon was basically just relaxing.

Left to right:- Joan, Duncan, Mike, Len and Sandra

Later in the afternoon, we went to our fellow Kimberley Karavan owners, Mike and Joan, home where we joined with other KK friends, Len and Sandra. We had a lovely few hours chatting and admiring the view from their lovely home on the slopes to the west of Cairns.

Then it was home for a late takeaway meal, Indian, that we were able to source very close to the Caravan Park. I really did enjoy the nice spicy meal for a change.

Cairns Day 3

Today was almost a complete rest day. Although Prue went for a morning walk and I did a cycle ride to the north of the Caravan Park.

After our exercise we did a big clean up in the Karavan. It does not take too long as it is a small area. Prue did some clothes washing while I did the Karavan.

Prue made the Karavan cappuccino today so there was not visit to a cafe.

A lot of the day we read either books, Kindle, or magazines.

Late this afternoon, we joined with quite a few fellow travelers for drinks and nibbles around one of the pools here. It was nice to chat with people from all over but predominately Victoria. A few younger visitors too. Several I spoke to were still working. One was a teacher from Canberra while the other was a RAAF avionic technician from Amberley Base.

Then it was back to all our caravans for our evening meal.

Cairns Day 2

Today dawned with a cool but very acceptable morning.

We left e caravan park around 0815 and drove to the Skyrail Caravonica Terminal. On arrival there, we parked the Mazda and walked to the ticket office to pick up our pre-booked tickets and associated information.

At the terminal we were able to have a look around the shop and also we managed to have our first cappuccino for the morning.

About 0915, we boarded the Skyrail Gondola for our ride from the coastal plain up to the first station, Redpeak. It is a majestical ride up the steep slope. We traveled over a large variety of foliage with most of it being rainforest. On arrival we joined a ranger who gave a large group of visitors a great briefing on the  forest that we were now in. He really made it very informative and with some humour.

We again boarded the Gondola to travel to the next station, Barron Falls. We walked around here taking in the magnificent views of the Barron Falls and reading about the construction of the power station that is run from banked up water near the top of the Barron Falls.

Kauri Pine

Barron Gorge

Again, we boarded the Gondola to take the relatively short ride to the village of Kuranda. At Kuranda we wandered around the markets. There a many stalls and shops to peruse however, there are numerous stalls that have items that are seen at markets everywhere. Prue bought a very nice book from the Peter Jarver Gallery. He was one of the world's finest landscape photographers.  His work of award-winning skyscapes and Australian landscapes in both panorama and classic formats are truly mind blowing.

As we wandered around we came across our friends, Len and Sandra, who had driven up from Cairns. We bumped them several times and the final time was later in the afternoon before we rejoined the trip to Skyrail Caravonica Terminal. We all had a coffee and a good chat.

Sky rail

Finally, we wandered down to the Kuranda Scenic Railway Station. We were greeted by our attendant  who guided us into the Gold Class carriage. There were about 20 people in this class and we all enjoyed our trip down assisted by lovely nibbles and drinks. The scenery was no less spectacular than the Skyrail trip earlier in the day. It is loaded with history of its construction and use. We sat opposite  a lovely couple from New Zealand, Andrew and Sue. They originally came from the UK. We did enjoy their company.

Finally, we arrived at Freshwater Station and we left the train and boarded a bus to take us back to the Mazda. Then it was back to the Caravan Park returning by a different route than our trip in the morning. We passed the Cairns International Airport and then various shopping or industrial areas. It was another great day.

Cairns Day 1

Our first morning in Cairns was greeted with a cool morning, however I went for a bike ride into the Cairns CBD and around that area. It was very easy riding in and as I discovered I had a good tailwind. The return trip was considerably different as I had dropped about 6 km/hour in speed and the exertion was considerably more.

Later in the morning, we went into Cairns CBD for a brunch, at the Coast Roast Cafe with our Kimberley Karavan friends, Len and Sandra. It was lovely to sit and chat with them as we had not seen them for some time, the last time being in Lennox Head some time ago.

After brunch, we left Len and Sandra. We went and walked more of the Marina discovering more cafes and boats. From there we moved the Mazda and parked closer to the Rustys Markets. Prue collected a supply of fresh vegetables.

Sunlight on Cairns CBD from a distance

By the time we returned from the CBD it was into the afternoon so we did not have more than some fruit that sufficed for lunch. The remainder of the afternoon was spent reading and relaxing.

Late in the afternoon, we went to Alistair and Marilyn's home for a barbeque. Prue met them on her trip to Canada last year. We were joined later by some other of their friends, John and also Marilyn. While we were relaxing after the meal, we noticed a distress fare go up. Alistair called 000 to alert them and a little later the Police called back to say they had had other reports of it too. We have no knowledge if it was  for real but as we returned to the caravan park we could see the helicopter with its search light scouring the area.

Another lovely day.

Flying Fish Point to Cairns

I suggest you read the highlighted links to gain more information.

We packed up quite quickly this morning as we had only been over night so not too much was out. All the usual pack up chores were completed and then it was hook up the Mazda to the Karavan.

A few moments after we left the Caravan Park, we stopped at the Flying Fish Point Café for our first caffeine ‘hit’ for the day. Prue ended in having a green tea due to no soya milk. I had some raisin toast just to keep up the average.

Then we were on our way. Our track took us through parts of Innisfail that Prue had not seen but I had on my trip last year. The road towards Cairns was in very good condition. Before we left, I had been led to believe that the Bruce Highway was not in a very good condition. I think most of it is better than the Pacific Highway. Even the minor roads we have been on have all been fine.

Eventually, we arrived at the Big 4 Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort. It is probably the biggest park we have been in. It can accommodate more than 1100 people in campsites, caravan sites, bungalows and small flats. The facilities appear to be immaculate. We were greeted at reception by a very efficient and friendly Deborah who showed us our choice of sites by taking us on a modified golf buggy. Soon we were settled on our site.

After a brief rest, we went into the Esplanade in Cairns where we parked and then walked to the Coast Roast Coffee Café. I remembered that it was where I had morning coffee and then lunch with our Kimberley Karavan friends, Ian and Kay, last year. We had a nice lunch.

Following lunch we walked along the Esplanade markets and then out to the Marina. We saw one of the biggest ketches I have ever seen, named Vertigo. It was massive. I suggest that you read the link about it. It is worth the time. I have no idea what it may cost to travel on it but I think it would be in the class of don’t ask the price just book the trip! 

Across the walkway was another magnificent vessel, called Adele. It is not as big as Vertigo but most impressive nonetheless.  I believe it would also be quite a boat to travel on, too. There are so many beautiful vessels of all shapes and sizes moored in the Marina. 

We walked back past the Lagoon, which is a massive swimming area in front of the Esplanade. As there is almost no sand in front this is apparently sufficient for all the backpacker and other visitors. Many lovely female bodies lying around getting beautiful warm sun many accompanied by male friends and from all corners of the world from the sights and sounds we observed.

Now it was time to return to the Caravan Park and relax. One lot of our neighbours are form Switzerland and traveling around and through the country.

To Flying Fish Point

After a fantastic evening at Paronella Park, we awoke to a cool morning. Thankfully, the morning warmed quite quickly. After packing up and moving the vehicles out of the camp site, we parked and then Prue went for a final walk through the park while I chatted to Col and Dianne(Lismore) and also Barry and Joan that  we had been camped near the night before.

Eventually, after our morning cappuccino at the Paronella Park - Deck Cafe, we moved on to Innisfail.As we were driving into the town the mobile phone rang and it was our Kimberley Karavan friends, Di and Trev. They wondered which coffee shop we were in. At that time I could say we were in the Mazda BT50 and outside the Tourist Information Centre.

Soon after  we made our way to the Flying Fish Point Caravan Park. This is about 7 kilometres east of Innisfail. It is very close to the beach and is quiet in that there are no major roads near us. So we set up the Karavan and returned into Innisfail. Prior to going in Prue did some washing and we hung it out to dry.

Once we parked the Mazda under the Woolworths supermarket, we went wandering around and view the differing architecture of  various periods of Innisfail's development. Art Deco is quite prevalent due to a major cyclone destroying many of the original timber buildings in around 1918. Some of the buildings are really well preserved.

Part way through, we decided to have lunch at the well known delicatessen, Oliveri's. I visited this wonderful place last year. It is over 100 years old and still owned by the same family. This in its self is quite remarkable. Anyway, we had a nice either Greek or Italian roll and a cappuccino each. Highly recommend this place, too.  What a bonus and easy to remember are the 2 towns starting with I, Ingham and Innisfail have great delis'.

We finally finished looking around the buildings including the Chinese Joss House which was closed. Then we did some grocery shopping in Woolworths. Then it was back to the Karavan to unload and then relax until later in the afternoon. We then did a little drive around the Flying Fish Point area taking in a short drive to Ella Bay and the Point where the boats launch.

By the time we returned it was time for dinner. So ends another day on our trip.

To Paronella Park

Today was a very easy morning. We had only to travel about 10 kms. So we did not rush about this morning. Some of the fellow overnight campers were moving on and we all said our good byes. Although one lot have arrived at Paronella Park along with the Lismore couple, Col and Dianne, too.

After packing up we drove to the Mena Creek Post Office Store and checked it out and bought a couple of items. We spoke with the owner and he was full of information.

Then we arrived at Paronella Park. (This link should be read) It was hard to find a parking spot and I was very pleased to have booked a camp site. The owner, Mark, welcomes everyone and ensures you go in the correct direction to book in. We did speak to Mark later in the day. He is a very enthusiastic person.

Anyway, we maneuvered the Kimberley Karavan into its fairly tight camp site and set it all up with power and water.

Following setup, we walked about 100 metres to the Deck Cafe and had lunch there and out first commercial cappuccino for the day, although Prue made one before we left our overnight camp spot.

There are guided tours through Paronella Park. Our guide was Chloe and she is very well versed in all the possible detail about the park. There are tours leaving the Cafe area about every half hour and take about 3/4 hour. They are really worth doing.

For me it hard to explain how I felt about the Park except to say it is majestic, amazing, relaxing, innovative and so necessary to visit.

The Park is home to over 7000 trees and plants which give it the special feel. AS for the reaming buildings, it is easy to imagine the grandeur of its prime time. Sadly, past neglect, cyclones and a fire have caused so much damage. The current owners are doing their very best to ensure that as much as possible is preserved. This place is funded only by the funds that are generated by paying guests.

One very sad thing is that the place is listed under the Heritage Act but there are no funds from the government to assist. The Heritage Act prevents a lot of restoration which is detrimental to its preservation.

A problem that has caused some problems is that the original owner/developer, Jose Paronella, used a lot of old rail line as reinforcement in the walls. As time progressed, the rail lines have rusted and caused a lot of the concrete to crack. Also, the sand that the cement powder was mixed with  had mica(fools gold) in it and it also attracts moisture which eventually causes the cement to  break up.

Jose Paronella, was a 'workaholic' spending most of his time building this amazing place. He managed to build the original home in just about 3 months after starting and it still stands to day. The cement render on the walls was spread by his hands and the finger lines are still visible almost 80 years later. Very hard to replicate that.

He was the first individual to produce electricity in this area by the use of a turbine and generator which runs from the water from the water fall near the house. It did stop for many years but is now fully restored and runs the whole park and surplus is sold to Ergon Energy as renewable energy.

Should you ever be in the area it is a must see and is an easy drive out from Innisfail.

The night time walk is certainly worth doing, too.

Wandering after Cardwell

This morning we packed up and decided we did not really have far to go so there was no real rush. Anyway, we said our goodbyes to our long time friends, Paul and Robyn.

We drove out of the Caravan Park and drove a very short distance to the Vivia Cafe for cappuccinos and toast or muffin. Lovely coffee. While there we spoke with a family from Switzerland who were traveling in a motor home. They were south bound so we mentioned some things we had seen. The man had been in Australia a bit longer than his family and had seen a lot of the top parts of Australia. He had also been to Lennox Head.

Check out this map as it will display where we traveled today. 

Our next stop was the most wet town in Australia, Tully. When we arrived we parked  and wandered over to the big boot that shows the height of previous major floods and inside it has some photos of previous floods.

As we drove to Tully, we noticed more destruction to the environment and buildings from the Cyclone Yasi. This was in the area of severe damage. In the town, we noticed some buildings that had sustained damage and we went into a fish shop to buy some fish and even its entry was till temporary.

Then we set off towards Mission Beach. As we drove along we stopped briefly to take a photo of a Cassowary that was beside the road. They are very shy but dangerous birds. We then did a short drive into Wongaling Beach taking in the damage to the area.

Then we drove into the Mission Beach village area and parked. We were greeted by about 6 parachutists landing on the beach. It is a lovely beach but it has been damaged by the cyclone and is now recovering rapidly.  While there we had another cappuccino each and it is about the best I have had for some time. Prue purchased some postage stamps while there.

We then drove out to the highway again, coming out at El Arish. Following along the highway, we soon arrived at Silkwood and turned right towards Kurrimine Beach. I stayed here last year but the caravan park is closed for repairs and even the hotel is not yet open again. We had our lunch in the park.

After our lunch, we drove out to the unusual named Murdering Creek Winery. We sampled their products, which I did last year, and then made our purchases for later consumption!

Next we stopped in the village of Silkwood.  It is very tiny and actually has what is possibly the smallest former bank building. While stopped we went and purchased several magazines from the little shop.

As we walked back to the vehicle, a big water tanker stopped beside us and the driver hopped out and walked towards us. He said to us that he and his wife had been parked beside us on our first night out at Kilcoy. He said he came home and ended helping out driving the truck but seeing us has made him anxious to get on the road again. What a coincidence!

Our final short drive for the day, refer to the above map, was to a free camp site just near Japoonvale beside a beautiful creek. There was only one camper van here but by dark there was another caravan and 2 more camper vans. The later part of the evening was sitting around a small camp fire and chatting.

Just after we had arrived and set up, another couple were just driving by and stopped for a look and chat. They are from Lismore, Col and Dianne. Col is a Life Member of Lismore Tuckarimba Apex and of course they know all the past Apexians we know around home. They will be camped near us at our next stop, Paronella Park. A small world again.