On Tuesday we had a scenic drive from Palm Cove up to the mountainous Tablelands of North
Queensland - a fertile plateau of farming meadows and hills.
Driving west we drove through Karunda and we went to the Barron Gorge Falls (we saw this from the viewing platform on the train journey) the platform access was above the train platform and gave even more spectacular views of the Falls - as there had been more rain there is naturally more water coming over the Falls.
We then had our picnic around Lake Tinaroo a picturesque and very quiet are in the centre of the region - as it is away from main any main roads the volume of traffic and people is minimal.
On Wednesday we headed towards the Waterfall Route near Millaa Millaa. En route we happened upon a privately owned tropical garden which had running streams, small waterfalls and lillyponds, small pagodas and ornamental bridges connected by pristine gardens full of exotic plantys and shrubs. It was very noticable that many of the plants on show are only what we can grow indors in the northern Hemisphere, beautiful impatiens which were huge!! There was also a sizable photoalbum showing the construction and landscaping of the garden to its present splendour - we did offer a holiday at La Confiance if they would like to visit and landscape our garden!!
On the spectacular Waterfall Drive 3 amazing yet diverse was spectcles which were all easily accessible - it was bizarre one minute you're driving down a country land rather like in France the next you turn off to these incredible falls.
A quicky diversion to Ravenshoe- the highest town in Queensland - and with showers becoming more persistant, we decided to head back to Palm Cover, down the twisting tortuous winding road from Yangabura to Gordanvlae on the Gillies Highway. A wise decisio9n as a "sever weather warning" was announ ced for North Queensland from Innisfail to Cooktown, and as we drove north from Cairns the deuge ensued - potential flash floods and flooded roads meant we were relieved to pull into the car park at our resort.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Tablelands
After a few relaxing days on the beach, beautiful weather we set off for the Tablelands which is a beautiful area inland from Cairns, this is day 2 we stayed last night, Tuesday in a beautiful village called Yatumba loads to see and do, weather wet but we are in the wet tropics in the Monsoon season! Day 2 today visiting more waterfalls, lakes and coffee plantations.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Karunda
On Saturday we took the senic train journey from the valley near Palm Cove which took us up a winding beautiful and ever climbing ascent up through steep gorges, preciputous ledges, several tunnels, up to Karunda Town, the views en-route affording spectacular views on a clear sunny day of the valley, coastline, distant Cairns and the Pacific Ocean. Some of the views were simply breathtaking, cascading waterfalls, green lush hills and mountains covered in rainforest. Temps around 28-30 degrees with approx 80% humidity so lots of iced water.
We had to share the train journey however with a P&O Worldwide Cruise group - probably around 250 in total!!! tyhey are cruising for 4 months have just looked at the cost nearly GBP10,00 per person, phew something we won't be doing, so lots of diamonds and glitz!!!
Karunda itself was a pleasant little town, but as expected was full of souvenir shops - very touristy.
We had a couple of rainforest walks which actually took you away from he crowds, and brought us some piece and tranquility without venturing onto any long tracks.
The return journey was by Sky Rail which was an Alpine style gondala cabin which ascended the hills and mountains close to the train asent route, and again provided spectacular views, apparently the longest gondala ride in the World took 45mins to ascend.
On our evening stroll we were rewarded with a beautiful moonlit view of the sea, with the waves gently lapping on to palm-fringed beaches - yes we have been transported to paradise!!!
We had to share the train journey however with a P&O Worldwide Cruise group - probably around 250 in total!!! tyhey are cruising for 4 months have just looked at the cost nearly GBP10,00 per person, phew something we won't be doing, so lots of diamonds and glitz!!!
Karunda itself was a pleasant little town, but as expected was full of souvenir shops - very touristy.
We had a couple of rainforest walks which actually took you away from he crowds, and brought us some piece and tranquility without venturing onto any long tracks.
The return journey was by Sky Rail which was an Alpine style gondala cabin which ascended the hills and mountains close to the train asent route, and again provided spectacular views, apparently the longest gondala ride in the World took 45mins to ascend.
On our evening stroll we were rewarded with a beautiful moonlit view of the sea, with the waves gently lapping on to palm-fringed beaches - yes we have been transported to paradise!!!
Friday in Cairns
We had a chilled out day having a look round Cairns - v v hot, but of course we are in the Tropics - we discovered one of the best fruit & veg markets yet around 50-60 stalls piled high with locally produced fuit and veg, the sights sounds and smells of the market were a very pleasant experience.
Also in Cairns we found the seafront lagoon - very popular with the locals, a large water feature and various pool depths with a small sandy beach area.
BNack to Palm Cover and a bbq with our "new friends" from Croydon - later on a heavy tropical storm produced a cooling refreshing evening close.
Also in Cairns we found the seafront lagoon - very popular with the locals, a large water feature and various pool depths with a small sandy beach area.
BNack to Palm Cover and a bbq with our "new friends" from Croydon - later on a heavy tropical storm produced a cooling refreshing evening close.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Photographs
Follow the link and you can have a look at some of our photographs, sorry not titled yet, but hopefully self explanatory and Mescal and Rod I'm sure you'll recognise your house!!!
http://picasaweb.google.com/suemooney00
http://picasaweb.google.com/suemooney00
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Palm Cove
Approximately 2 hours drive North and we arrived at our final "port of call" Palm Cove, about 20 miles north of Cairns. Idyllic palm-fringed white beaches, azure blue seas, upmarket resort hotels with umpteen spa centre, trendy and chic restaurants, bars and bistros - how the other half live!
Our apartment is very nice, light bright coours throughout, small balcony and we are next to a lovely decking area with bbq and pool with small cascading water feature, very quiet, uncrowded and relxing environment.
Plenty of prawns tonight on our "health concious" salad - lots of delicous tropical fruit available as well - and great weather!!
On recommendation on Thursday we drove further North to Port Douglas, along the scenic Captain Cook Highway which afforded us spectacular views of the sea, as well as lush sugar plantations.
We had a brief look round Port Douglas which was very upmarket, then we drove further on to Mossman Gorge, which had some excellent easy gradient walks through the rain forest across fast flowing streams and cascades - saw our firt unfettered snake about 3-4 foot long, black on top with a yellow belly - Chris was cooling his feet in a mountain stream, Sue sitting on a rock when it swam right in front of Chris!! we decided to err on the side of caution and return to our walk. We were told later when we described it that it was a harmlous ground python which was non-venomous!
After that experience we carried on up to Daintree and went on a river cruise along the Daintree River where we spotted a couple of salt water crocodiles -not to be messed with! the river itself is lined with Mangroves and is a have for several species of tree bats, pythons, river snakes and kingfishers.
As the flat bottomed boat was very manouverable we were able to get close to the bank, and to where the crocs were basking in the sun and took some "close as is safe" photos theres only so close you want to get to a crocodile in the wild!!!
Our apartment is very nice, light bright coours throughout, small balcony and we are next to a lovely decking area with bbq and pool with small cascading water feature, very quiet, uncrowded and relxing environment.
Plenty of prawns tonight on our "health concious" salad - lots of delicous tropical fruit available as well - and great weather!!
On recommendation on Thursday we drove further North to Port Douglas, along the scenic Captain Cook Highway which afforded us spectacular views of the sea, as well as lush sugar plantations.
We had a brief look round Port Douglas which was very upmarket, then we drove further on to Mossman Gorge, which had some excellent easy gradient walks through the rain forest across fast flowing streams and cascades - saw our firt unfettered snake about 3-4 foot long, black on top with a yellow belly - Chris was cooling his feet in a mountain stream, Sue sitting on a rock when it swam right in front of Chris!! we decided to err on the side of caution and return to our walk. We were told later when we described it that it was a harmlous ground python which was non-venomous!
After that experience we carried on up to Daintree and went on a river cruise along the Daintree River where we spotted a couple of salt water crocodiles -not to be messed with! the river itself is lined with Mangroves and is a have for several species of tree bats, pythons, river snakes and kingfishers.
As the flat bottomed boat was very manouverable we were able to get close to the bank, and to where the crocs were basking in the sun and took some "close as is safe" photos theres only so close you want to get to a crocodile in the wild!!!
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Mission Beach
Tuesday we awoke to sunshine hooray!!!
A trip to the Visitor Centre gave us all the info for our day out - South Mission Beach palm fringed; about 2 miles long and deserted it also ran into a bautiful rain forest walk which hugged the coast line for about 2 miles. the atmosphere was hot and breathless the fauna was very green and lush, and some of th massive butterflies fluttering close to us were quit breathtaking.
In the afternoon after a refreshing and cooling dip in our pool we drove up to garners Beach again deserted then down to Lacey Creek rain forest lush and dense and streams full of fish and small turtes. views across to Dunk Island and the Pacific were truly amazing - on a nice sunny day.
Mission Beach itself is a quaint little resort with lots of nice eateries, takeaways and boutique style shops a very friendly hospitable place with a relaxed laid back atmosphere.
Once curious spectacl we experienced on th beach in the evening was a group of kids twirling fire sticks similar to baton twirling majorettes - interesting but .......unusual!!!
We didnt hang around for the sacrifices or th whicker man to appear!!!
A trip to the Visitor Centre gave us all the info for our day out - South Mission Beach palm fringed; about 2 miles long and deserted it also ran into a bautiful rain forest walk which hugged the coast line for about 2 miles. the atmosphere was hot and breathless the fauna was very green and lush, and some of th massive butterflies fluttering close to us were quit breathtaking.
In the afternoon after a refreshing and cooling dip in our pool we drove up to garners Beach again deserted then down to Lacey Creek rain forest lush and dense and streams full of fish and small turtes. views across to Dunk Island and the Pacific were truly amazing - on a nice sunny day.
Mission Beach itself is a quaint little resort with lots of nice eateries, takeaways and boutique style shops a very friendly hospitable place with a relaxed laid back atmosphere.
Once curious spectacl we experienced on th beach in the evening was a group of kids twirling fire sticks similar to baton twirling majorettes - interesting but .......unusual!!!
We didnt hang around for the sacrifices or th whicker man to appear!!!
Monday, February 18, 2008
Magnetic Island
Some useful information first - Magnetic Island was discovered by Captain Cook in 1770, he called it Magnetic Island because it interferred with his ships compass hence the number of ship wrecks around the island.
We got the ferry over to Magnetic Island on Sunday - our accommodation was at Tropical Island Resort - sounds good - NOT!!! - we kept expecting Ant & Dec to rush out from the jungle shouting "I'm a celebrity get me out of here!!" The TI Resort looked very run down and neglected, restaurant had been closed for 3 years, pool was green and spa wasnt working - thanks Lonely Planets!! At least we didnt have to do a Bush-Trucker trial - just pizza down by the port!!
Had a bus ride out to Horseshoe beach, but again the weather and the aftermath of a tropical storrm had left its mark on the Resort. Apparently there are normally over 100 boats moored in the Bay, yesterday there was 1 with 2 washed up on the beach and nor looking particularly seaworthy!!!
So it wasnt the best of nights stay when we returned to the POW camp! as the rain rattled on the tin roof and we couldnt pick up Sky Sports - thankfully said Sue!!!
Monday today we had an early start, an early ferry back to Townsville and after breakfast on the road up the Bruce Highway to Mission Beach which is the Northern Tropics Wetlands where we found ourselves a very nice apartment for 2 days before our last stop!
We got the ferry over to Magnetic Island on Sunday - our accommodation was at Tropical Island Resort - sounds good - NOT!!! - we kept expecting Ant & Dec to rush out from the jungle shouting "I'm a celebrity get me out of here!!" The TI Resort looked very run down and neglected, restaurant had been closed for 3 years, pool was green and spa wasnt working - thanks Lonely Planets!! At least we didnt have to do a Bush-Trucker trial - just pizza down by the port!!
Had a bus ride out to Horseshoe beach, but again the weather and the aftermath of a tropical storrm had left its mark on the Resort. Apparently there are normally over 100 boats moored in the Bay, yesterday there was 1 with 2 washed up on the beach and nor looking particularly seaworthy!!!
So it wasnt the best of nights stay when we returned to the POW camp! as the rain rattled on the tin roof and we couldnt pick up Sky Sports - thankfully said Sue!!!
Monday today we had an early start, an early ferry back to Townsville and after breakfast on the road up the Bruce Highway to Mission Beach which is the Northern Tropics Wetlands where we found ourselves a very nice apartment for 2 days before our last stop!
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Airlie Beach & Grat Barrier Reef
On Wednesday we had a chilled out day, the sun shone, we sunbathed and went in the pool. After a lot of deliberation booked our trip to the Great Barrier Reef as the weather forecast for Valentines day was good, apparently before the next load of rain - but read on for that!!!
We travelled to the Barrier Reef on the high speed catamaran Eyespy with Cruise Whitsundays a 3 hour trip for Chris and a 3 hour nightmare for Sue!!!! we called in at Daydream and Hayman Islands before sailing across the high (very) seas to Knuckle Reef lagoon. We arrived at a pontoon moored next to the Reef, there was a also a small glass bottomed viewing boat and a semi submersible boat and a small helipad.
Chris did some snorkeling - which was around the reef edge, then the real thing - scuba equipment/tank/breathing apparatus attached, a quick demo in the launch chamber, then off went Chris Cousteau - Chris's comment on it was that it was one of those lifetime experiences - when you can get to close to a dazzling array of coral, colours, fish, crustaceans he really enjoyed it and was impressed with the slickness of the operation. While Chris was doing that Sue saw the reef without getting wet!!!
Friday morning we woke to torrential rain and heard on the radio that Mackay which was the city we had gone through 3 days ago had been declared a distaster area beause of the 600mm of rain they had had in 3 hours. Luckily we were travelling North so didn't have to go near Mackay.
We are now in Townsville which is called the capital of the North, and wait for it!! still very wet, hoping it will clear in the next couple of days, but at the moment there are severe weather warnings out, so no sunbathing today!!
Hoping to go to Magnetic Island tomorrow for an overnight stay.
We travelled to the Barrier Reef on the high speed catamaran Eyespy with Cruise Whitsundays a 3 hour trip for Chris and a 3 hour nightmare for Sue!!!! we called in at Daydream and Hayman Islands before sailing across the high (very) seas to Knuckle Reef lagoon. We arrived at a pontoon moored next to the Reef, there was a also a small glass bottomed viewing boat and a semi submersible boat and a small helipad.
Chris did some snorkeling - which was around the reef edge, then the real thing - scuba equipment/tank/breathing apparatus attached, a quick demo in the launch chamber, then off went Chris Cousteau - Chris's comment on it was that it was one of those lifetime experiences - when you can get to close to a dazzling array of coral, colours, fish, crustaceans he really enjoyed it and was impressed with the slickness of the operation. While Chris was doing that Sue saw the reef without getting wet!!!
Friday morning we woke to torrential rain and heard on the radio that Mackay which was the city we had gone through 3 days ago had been declared a distaster area beause of the 600mm of rain they had had in 3 hours. Luckily we were travelling North so didn't have to go near Mackay.
We are now in Townsville which is called the capital of the North, and wait for it!! still very wet, hoping it will clear in the next couple of days, but at the moment there are severe weather warnings out, so no sunbathing today!!
Hoping to go to Magnetic Island tomorrow for an overnight stay.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Raindrops Keep falling on my Head!!
We left Yeppoon in pouring rain - rain like you've never seen before, unless of course you are Aussie!! didn't think we would get very far but actually did our longest drive yet to Airlie Beach which is the Gateway to the Whitsunday Islands. We drove through flooded roads - the main motorway through!! but got here and found a fantsatic apartment.
Apparently this rain is the end of the drought which has lasted 3 years!!! and people keep thanking us for bringing the rain from Europe! They had a lot of boat damage here 2 days ago over 40 boats were wrecked in the storms.
We are keen to visit some of the Islands but while the weather is still stormy just waiting to see.
Apparently this rain is the end of the drought which has lasted 3 years!!! and people keep thanking us for bringing the rain from Europe! They had a lot of boat damage here 2 days ago over 40 boats were wrecked in the storms.
We are keen to visit some of the Islands but while the weather is still stormy just waiting to see.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Sunday & Monday
Arrived at Rydges Holiday Reort near Yeppoon - place was very hyped up but resembles a Butlins holiday camp with humidity!! perhaps we enjoy the smaller resorts and organising ourselves, think this place is designed for the "package holiday all-inclusives" holidaymakers who dont want to move too far from the complex - not our preference!
Yeppoon seems a strange almost backwoods type place, plus the fact we are on the edge of a monsoon weather system so a fair sprinkling of raindrops forecast for our stay.
By the way the mosquitoe bites were sand fly bites!! still very itchy.
Yeppoon seems a strange almost backwoods type place, plus the fact we are on the edge of a monsoon weather system so a fair sprinkling of raindrops forecast for our stay.
By the way the mosquitoe bites were sand fly bites!! still very itchy.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Bowen Mangoes
Yesterday we travelled to Agnes Water which is twinned with the Town of 1770, very quiet resorts on the Capricorn coasts, our accommodation is excellent, self contained villa in a resort, we come out of our back door through the gate and into the pool, fantastic. Had a dip this morning.
Yesterday while travelling here were looking out for local fruit stalls and saw one for Bowen Mangoes as recommended by Susan stopped, but none left, apart from the honesty box. As we were walking away the farmer came running out and said they were all sold, but he did have some in his barn - so we followed him, he told us all about the growing of mangoes, and gave us a huge bag, and refused any payment. Well they are beautiful, if we eat any more mangoes we'll turn into one!!! Last night we had local fish and prawns on the bbq which was delicious. Today just chilling, then back on the road again tomorrow up to Yeppoon.
Yesterday while travelling here were looking out for local fruit stalls and saw one for Bowen Mangoes as recommended by Susan stopped, but none left, apart from the honesty box. As we were walking away the farmer came running out and said they were all sold, but he did have some in his barn - so we followed him, he told us all about the growing of mangoes, and gave us a huge bag, and refused any payment. Well they are beautiful, if we eat any more mangoes we'll turn into one!!! Last night we had local fish and prawns on the bbq which was delicious. Today just chilling, then back on the road again tomorrow up to Yeppoon.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Fraser Island
A 7.50 pickup outside Le Mer took us to the ferry over to Fraser Island - a World Heritage listed site - the largest sand island in the World.
The 1 hour ferry took us straight to the beach, and we transferred to a high wheelbase 4wd vehicle with an extremely knowledgeable driver/guide who took us to lakes, streams, beaches and rainforests over some very bumpy bone jarring trucks (note- only 4wd vehicles allowed on the island as there are no solid roads - only sand tracks - not good for those with travel sickness problems - we moved from back of bus to the front - a lot better)
the driver/guide was also the chef who cooked our very nice lunch of griddled whiting in garlic butter, sald and new potatoes, washed down with some very drinkable Chardonnay!
The tour/excursion/expedition (call it what you like!!) also included afternoon tea and fruit and cakes further round the island which rounded off an extremely enjoyable and education day.
The weather was glorious all day until we were nearly back in Hervey Bay where we saw a black cloud and there was a shower.
Today Friday we're back on the Road again next stop Agnes Waters.
Thanks for all the Mosquitoe bite tips, strange they dont go for Chris!!!
The 1 hour ferry took us straight to the beach, and we transferred to a high wheelbase 4wd vehicle with an extremely knowledgeable driver/guide who took us to lakes, streams, beaches and rainforests over some very bumpy bone jarring trucks (note- only 4wd vehicles allowed on the island as there are no solid roads - only sand tracks - not good for those with travel sickness problems - we moved from back of bus to the front - a lot better)
the driver/guide was also the chef who cooked our very nice lunch of griddled whiting in garlic butter, sald and new potatoes, washed down with some very drinkable Chardonnay!
The tour/excursion/expedition (call it what you like!!) also included afternoon tea and fruit and cakes further round the island which rounded off an extremely enjoyable and education day.
The weather was glorious all day until we were nearly back in Hervey Bay where we saw a black cloud and there was a shower.
Today Friday we're back on the Road again next stop Agnes Waters.
Thanks for all the Mosquitoe bite tips, strange they dont go for Chris!!!
Hervey Bay
On Wednesday we drove 3 hours up the coast to Hervey Bay, and we booked ourselves into Le Mer Apartments, a lovely block of self contained units with poolside verandah - salf water pool and spa pool very invigorating after a leisurley stroll along the deserted beaches and esplanade of Hervey Bay
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
The Ginger Factory
Thanks to Susan & Simon for the suggestion about the Ginger Factory, thats where we went yesterday at Yandina. Interesting trip, and fascinating to see the processes used to make ginger products, with a good shop. Onwards and Upwards today off to Hervey Bay, weather better today sun shining - lots of flooding in the Brisbane area though, but it is helping the drought situation. Looks as though weather could be improving in the next few days, but as in the UK and France the weather forecasters never quite get it right!!!
We've booked an all day trip to Fraser Island tomorrow, so hopefully will be fine, not too hot though, and not too many Mosquitoes - they just love me (Sue!!) even though I spray repellant repeatedly - any hints or tips?
We've booked an all day trip to Fraser Island tomorrow, so hopefully will be fine, not too hot though, and not too many Mosquitoes - they just love me (Sue!!) even though I spray repellant repeatedly - any hints or tips?
Monday, February 4, 2008
Lazy Days
We've had a couple of lazy days sunbathing yesterday as the weather was glorious on Sunshine Beach, then a beer in the Surf Club, but the sea is not to be trusted, the girl next to us was just sitting at the waters edge and got stung by a jelly fish, not pleasant.
Today Monday it was pouring with rain this morning, but hot, this afternoon was a lot better and we went to a beach the opposite side of the river to where we're staying, we were just commenting our tranquil it was when everyone seemed to arrive, it was still very quiet.
Wednesday we are on the move again off to Hervey Bay and a visit to Fraser Island.
Today Monday it was pouring with rain this morning, but hot, this afternoon was a lot better and we went to a beach the opposite side of the river to where we're staying, we were just commenting our tranquil it was when everyone seemed to arrive, it was still very quiet.
Wednesday we are on the move again off to Hervey Bay and a visit to Fraser Island.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
HOLY GUACAMOLE!!
G'day cobber, sport,bruce, etc. etc. today was our trip to Australia Zoo - it had to be done, everyone told us so!! the Zoo was founded and inspired by the late iconic Steve Irwin, it was only about 20miles drives from Maroochydore, (we actually followed one of the courtesy buses so we would'nt get lost)
The whole place is very aestheticly planned and devised, lots of the animals are human friendly i.e kangaroos, koalas, wallabies (plus a small kids petting area) but obviously the live displays in the Crocoseseum were well attended with some salient advice about the crocodiles! which we will follow to the letter!! It was perhaps one of the better laid out zoos with a strong environmental and conservation message
Today Saturday was very soggy first thing which was a pity as we visited one of the best open-air markets we've experience at Eumundi. Literally hundreds of stalls90% were actually home-made or crafted goods with lots of individual identities which was refreshing to see.
In the afternoon it brigghtened up considerably - i.e. stopped raining! and we had a chilled out time at Coolum beach, feasting on our picnic watching the surfers and bathers enjoy the mid afternoon sea - feels like we're on holiday!!
Something we keep forgetting to mention in Europe when its Summer we have lovely long light evenings in France in June until 10.00 pm, but here it gets dark by 7.00pm which feels very strange.
The whole place is very aestheticly planned and devised, lots of the animals are human friendly i.e kangaroos, koalas, wallabies (plus a small kids petting area) but obviously the live displays in the Crocoseseum were well attended with some salient advice about the crocodiles! which we will follow to the letter!! It was perhaps one of the better laid out zoos with a strong environmental and conservation message
Today Saturday was very soggy first thing which was a pity as we visited one of the best open-air markets we've experience at Eumundi. Literally hundreds of stalls90% were actually home-made or crafted goods with lots of individual identities which was refreshing to see.
In the afternoon it brigghtened up considerably - i.e. stopped raining! and we had a chilled out time at Coolum beach, feasting on our picnic watching the surfers and bathers enjoy the mid afternoon sea - feels like we're on holiday!!
Something we keep forgetting to mention in Europe when its Summer we have lovely long light evenings in France in June until 10.00 pm, but here it gets dark by 7.00pm which feels very strange.
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