11. – 31. December

We drove to Townsville mainly to visit Magnetic Island. We arrived on time to board directly onto the ferry to Magnetic Island and purchased a daily bus ticket. We drove to the northern part and walked along  the promenade and to the lookout. From the lookout you could see Townsville, the ferries boarding and of course the ocean. After the walk we took the bus across the island to Horseshoe Bay on the south side. We went swimming and walked to a beach only accessible by foot or boat. Back in Townsville we discovered that the RAAF base museum is open on Sundays so the plan for the next day was set.

The RAAF museum was quite interesting. The guide showed us around and explained a lot of the things which were on display. Most displays were about the involvement in Vietnam War. Unfortunately there were no big planes we could look at. After spending two hours we left for Brisbane. We even stopped at a Driver Reviver and chatted to the guys for an hour or so.

On the drive south we stopped at a Dam close to Gladstone before we headed to Agnes Water and the Town of 1770. Finally we’re again in the region possible for surfing and of course we saw several surfing. We stopped at a caravan park which has just opened and wasn’t finished yet – the camp-kitchen was not ready. But we made the best of it and had our dinner on our picnic rag for the amusement of the other guests. We also went swimming and could dive the waves again. More fun than just be inside the water.

After some de-tours (never trust the GPS as only source) we finally arrived in Brisbane and got our car lifted by 2inches. But unfortunately we had to go to the guys again to get every thing right. Luckily we found a good caravan park with good amenities, pool and BBQ area. We visited the Queensland Museum with the Scientific section and on the other days we kept it quiet and relaxed as far as you could relax as it was raining most of the time.

Now we hope you spent your Christmas well and have a good start into 2010. Enjoy the fireworks where ever you’re watching.

Cheers and until next year, Anja and Tom

 

7. – 10. December

After leaving Mission Beach we stopped at the Tully Gorge to look if the Tully River is a good spot for White Water Rafting. The river has more water than Barron River and we could see several rapids but it looked a bit harmless. Probably the most interesting thing is how do they get the rafts from the street to the river (50m below)? Easy, they hang them onto ropes and wire them down.

Our next stop was Murray Falls. Unfortunately you can only watch the fall from lookouts. But you could access the water 100m below and you could camp. You could even enjoy cold showers under the sky. We decided to keep on driving.

We arrived in Cardwell and did the forest drive to have a look at the different lookouts featuring the town and Hinchinbrook Island. Then we walked through the Edmund Kennedy National Park where you can see mangroves and rainforest. If you’re lucky (or early) you might spot some  rare birds. You could also see a rare palm species (Arenga palm) but we didn’t know how it looks. Unfortunately you can’t swim in the ocean (too many crocs) but luckily there are some freshwater swimming holes. We spent an afternoon at the 5 Mile Swimming Hole and tested our flotation tools.

The next day we took the cruise to Hinchinbrook Island. We were just 10 people on board so they took the small one – it looked much nicer than it actually was. They had white leather seats but they were so uncomfortable you wouldn’t believe it and there was not much room left with 10 people on board. We drove to the island and then through some mangrove channels to Ramsey Beach from which the 4-day walking trek also starts. As we just did a daytrip we just spend one hour on the beach and we saw a little ray swimming within 1m offshore. Then we headed to another place and started the little walk (5km) to the Resort. The walk started directly at the beach, went through some rainforest before another beach-path (2km) and then via forest track to the resort. We had a look at the turtle bay as well. Unfortunately we didn’t see any turtles and got wet feet. Finally we spent some time at the pool before returning to Cardwell. The resort itself is closed at the moment as it’s wet and cyclone season.

After spending the night at a rest-area close to the highway (and we had a good night sleep) we drove to the Wallaman Falls – the highest sheer drop in the Southern Hemisphere. The falls drops 270m and creates a 20m deep pool. You can view the waterfall from different lookouts but we just looked from the top ones – didn’t walk to the base lookout as there were too many biting flies.

 

Then we drove to Jarouma Falls (yes again a waterfall) but this time we walked to the lookout and the walk was unusual as you had to cross the creek several times. Luckily they created a path with stone piles so you could relay on them and it was easier to cross the water. I mean there was not much water flowing but you could see that this could change quickly. If the water-level rises you might get caught in the area as you already had to cross the creek to access the area.

Crystal Creek was the last stop for the day and we had our refreshing swim after putting up the tent. When you’re at the camp site you can’t imagine that there is such a beautiful and actually big waterhole just meters away. You had to walk 200m from the camp site over some rocks and then you could slide into the water. The water was crystal clear and deep – we still could see the ground but no way of touching it. It might have been 3m deep. The water temperature was nice and didn’t change if you swam in the afternoon or early in the morning at 6.00am.

CU, Anja and Tom

2. – 6. December

We left Cairns to go back into the Atherton Tablelands – there were still some things to discover. First we stopped at the Davies Creek National Park. Of course it had a waterfall incl. swimming and a picnic with camp areal. We had a look first at the fall before we went swimming. Actually you couldn’t really swim – not enough water and space so we more likely relaxed in the water which formed a little spa and a bathtub. The picnic area is nice – directly at the creek so we enjoyed our lunch there.

Then we tried some other vehicle – we were driving a GoKart at the Mako GoKart International Raceway. It was a circuit of 411m and  each session runs for 8 minutes which gives you 18 laps at max. I just managed to go for 12 and Tom for 15 so we have time for improvements. Only if the track is not busy I would do it again… We also played a round of minigolf and again it isn’t really my sport and Tom is much better than I am. The night we’ve spent at Rocky Creek Memorial Park again. And Bruno and Terry (the dog and caretaker) recognized us and enjoyed our company once more.

Coffee Works in Mareeba was again our stop – any ticket is valid for 4 weeks so we had to come back and taste the chocolate, coffee and tea.

Later that day we started the waterfall circuit close to Millaa Millaa. There are three along a 15km way. At the Millaa Millaa fall you could nearly touch the base of the fall – if you dare to swim that close. But you can just have a look at the Zillie Falls. They are fenced in but there are still enough people ignoring sign and climb over fences and go directly to the water. The last fall, Elijaa, is visible from the top and bottom – there is a walk but you can’t go for a swim. We took the scenic route to our planned camp so we could look at some more waterfalls.  We drove to the Souita Falls which are around 15km off the scenic route and had to stop due to the rush hour of cows – it was time for giving milk. The Pepina falls are directly at the scenic route. We also looked at the Tully Fall but the water didn’t fall at all. You could just see some water on the top and on the bottom of the fall but nothing in between. If there would have been any water it would drop around 200m.

Paronella Park (www.paronella.com.au) – Queensland no. 1 to visit – was our next stop. It’s a park which was developed by Jose Paronella in 1930. He built several buildings including a ballroom, tennis court and change rooms. It was popular to go there and play  tennis or just go for a swim in the Mena creek. He also planted several trees which are forming a walkway. There are several micro bats nesting in the artificial tunnel which fly out at night. We did the night tour which is good. The guide explains things about the park and you could see some buildings and the waterfall illuminated.

Our next stop was Mission Beach where we just relaxed and enjoyed swimming and the sun. You could actually go for some walks and jump the beach. But we weren’t in the mood for skydiving. It was interesting to see them landing right in front of your eyes. While we were watching none had to swim, they were all landing right on the sand.

CU, Anja and Tom