Sunday 16th June - After our night at Paronella Park, we packed the camper again, and decided to spend some more time looking around this amazing place. Went back through all of the park again and also across the falls to the park on the other side for some different views. Then it was time to head towards Tully, stopping at Kurrimine Beach for a quick look, and then onto Bingal Bay and Mission Beach. Decided to head out to Tully Gorge about 45km's NW and stay the night in the National Park.
The water looked really inviting, but the crocodile signs on the edge determined there would be no swimming.
Gave the car and camper a quick wash using the tap in the campground.
Monday - the Triton is booked in for a service at 1PM, so back into Tully for a quick look around and find some replacement wheel bearings just in case. While the car is being serviced, I replaced the right side wheel bearings and brakes just to be safe. Once all finished, it was heading north again to stay at The Boulders, a free campsite near the swimming hole from a few days ago. Met a lovely French couple who were travelling for several weeks, and we swapped stories.
Tuesday - drove back into Babinda, and stopped at the free camp for a shower - $2 for 4 minutes. Then drove north to Gordonvale, where we turned left and climbed up into the Atherton Tablelands and took the turn-off to Lake Tinaroo. Stopped at the Cathedral fig tree for a short walk - wow, that thing is huge - and then finally got mobile reception to book our campsite at Kauri campground right on the lake. Another really special place to camp.
Met up with some people we had met in Porcupine Gorge and Cobbold Gorge.
Wednesday - we decided to play tourist and look around the Atherton Tablelands, stopping in at Atherton, then onto Malanda for morning tea. Then to Lake Eacham, a volcanic lake which is 65 metres deep, and crystal clear for swimming.
Then onto the next volcanic lake, Lake Barrine,
where a boat can take you on a cruise. They had a really nice garden, and a short walk to some 600 year old kauri pine trees that were HUGE. Went back to Lake Eacham for a swim, which was really nice, before heading back to camp at Lake Tinaroo and sitting around the fire.
Thursday - back on the road heading north, firstly to Mareeba, before turning right and going to Kuranda and Barron Falls.
Did the walk down to the railway station and watched as the train from Cairns came in. Back to Kuranda for a walk around and some lunch before heading down the mountain to just above Cairns,
and then heading north. Stopped in at Port Douglas, had a quick stop at the lookout, and a drive around town, before continuing on to Mossman where we stopped at the caravan park for the night.
Friday - went up to the visitor centre at Mossman Gorge, and caught the bus to the top of the tracks to do some walking - covered about 3.5km's through the rainforest.
Stopped at the waterhole for a swim, but Di only got half-way in (too cold) but it was very refreshing - lots of fish in the water too, and the water was running fairly quickly.
Had a quick lunch, and then continued north to Cape Tribulation, after catching the car ferry across the Daintree River. Camped in a place right on the beach,
and got chatting to a big group from SA who were on their way back from the Cape - lots of great stories to tell, and hints to pass on. Shared a pizza and some wine before reitring to bed a lot later than usual.
Saturday - the adventure begins - today we get to drive the Bloomfield Track along the coast up to Cooktown. Some VERY steep climbs and descents, with 1st low-range needed even on the concreted pathways. Stopped in at Bloomfield Falls,
where they had more crocodile warning signs - something that would continue for quite a while. Walked very warily, and took photos quickly just in case THEY were watching. Continued on to the Lions Den Hotel, and had a drink while we read the walls. A quick side trip to look at Little Annan Gorge
before driving into Cooktown.
Spent some time looking around the Captain Cook Museum, and then 15km's out of town to tonights camp, Endeavour River Escape, which is a caravan park, but is more like bush camping with facilities - very nice, and cheaper than staying in town too.
Sunday - back into Cooktown for a re-fuel and re-stock of food, before driving along Battlecamp Road into Lakefield NP. Had lunch and a quick look around Old Laura homestead,
and then continued onto the lily lagoons. First it was the white lillies, which covered the lagoon. Another couple of km's up the road we stopped at the red lily lagoon, which were quite different, and there was only 2 that were in flower. Continued onto Hann Crossing campsite where we stayed the night right beside the river - again, more croc signs. Got a fire going, and cooked a roast - YUM.
Monday - packed early and left camp at 8.45am. By 9.15am it was already 27 degrees. Drove west, making a note of the termite mounds that were all facing north-south.
Then onto Musgrave for a re-fuel,
and then continued north along the Peninsula Development Road (PDR), stopping at Coen, before deciding that the free campsite 3km's north would be a nice place for the night. Found a spot amongst the other campers, and sat by the small river - no croc signs, but still very wary about going in. After seeing many other people swimming and splashing in the water, decided it should be OK, but was always watchful. It was SOOOO nice to cool off and wash some dust off.
Tuesday - went for another swim before breakfast, and after packing up, continued north to Archer River roadhouse for a re-fuel again, before taking the right turn for the 110km trip out to the east coast to Chilli Beach. Got to camp just as it was starting to drizzle, but not enough rain to worry about. But it was windy, which is normal - luckily we were camped behind the trees and were protected from the wind. Had a quick walk along the beach,
again being always wary of the crocs that might jump out.
Wednesday - with the crazy National Parks booking system, we could only get 1 night at Chilli Beach, but got a 2nd night just back down the road at Cooks Hut. So as we were only driving a short distance, we decided to drive to the end of the road to Portland Roads
and have a coffee, before deciding on lunch, all at the same cafe. A really nice spot, but very small and in the middle of nowhere - but they seem to get enough people passing through. Back along the road to Cooks Hut for the night, where we met our neighbours and shared the fire while listening to the S.O.O.2.
Thursday - back 85km's to the PDR, and up a short distance, before turning left for the 120 km trip to Weipa out on the west coast. It is a bauxite mining town,
and a population of 3,500. Booked into the caravan park for 3 nights.
Friday - went to go for a look around the town of Weipa - there is nothing here!!!! With the amount of people, we were expecting a decent shopping centre, and some things to do. But there was only 1 small shopping mall with about 8 shops, and not much else to do except fish, which neither of us do. Had a lazy relaxing day, but caught a wonderful sunset.
Saturday - the plan for today was to drive north along the west coast, and then head into a small place called Pennefather River and drive along the beach. What a beautiful place this was, with green and blue water, reefs just off the shore, and nice white sand.
But again more croc signs, so no swimming. Drove back to Weipa, stopping at Red Beach for lunch by the water (no swimming here either) We then moved sites in the caravan park to a powered site to recharge the batteries. Di spent some time booking the next weeks worth of camping sites at the tip and also at Eliot Falls.
Tomorrow we will continue our trip north, with the plan to spend some time looking at the Old Telegraph Track, and swimming in the waterfalls and rivers (without croc signs so should be all good).
More to come soon.
Di and Hammo
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