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