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Soggy camps and unexpected nature encounters

Heading North for winter – 9   There was a lot of moisture in the air when we readied ourselves for departure in the morning. However, lucky enough to get a break in the clouds for a mini-tour around Port Douglas and their markets. Brilliant! Everything from designer clothes and shoes to coconuts, local produce, … Read moreSoggy camps and unexpected nature encounters

Crocks, Cassowaries, and where the rainforest meets the ocean

Daintree river Crocodile on bank

Heading North for winter – 8 The Daintree and Cape Tribulation I attempted a sunrise shoot early the next morning as such is my holiday ritual, however, I have to say a little disappointed. At least this means I can sleep in for the rest of the trip and mark top end sunrises as duds … Read moreCrocks, Cassowaries, and where the rainforest meets the ocean

Rainforest on steroids and a resort with wildlife as a feature

creek at Mossman Gorge

Heading North for winter – 7 Port Douglas H was no better in the morning and by the time we reached Mossman Gorge he was in the full throws of sinus and coughing….so we left him staring at four walls again…really we do feel for him but thought best if he was quarantined lol. There … Read moreRainforest on steroids and a resort with wildlife as a feature

Forget about the crocks, what about the sharks!

Heading North for winter - 6

Fitzroy Island

By morning the Curlews had gone and momentarily forgotten for the thrill of our new adventure.

The hour of washing machine motion was the usual fun park ride for LR, however, B and I didn’t fare so well. B launched just before the finish line adamant that he was fine until the end. Yet as our feet touched the jetty somehow the delicate wind chime sounds were enough of a distraction to steady our footing. The gentle motion of the waves jostling the coral beach with its ebb and flow was melodically beautiful.

Stashing our snorkels in the big lockers we started with the secret garden walk. It was a pretty walk but the finale was a little lacking. We had a minor drama when LR had to rescue her camera from strangers after leaving it on the path while doing the mountain goat thing. She returned a little quiet and with eyes unnaturally wide for her experience, but bounced back as her toes touched the slightly chilled water.

Doing the backwards waddle into the water was a little challenging with the coral debris that makes up the beach constantly entering the flippers. Finally, in the water it was a little like a hidden treasure hunt as we scanned the murky waters, always with that crock fear in the back of my head. The couple of choppy days before meant that finding the reef clusters were all that bit more a surprise treat. Heading for the rocks end of the main beach was the overall best spot, however, the opposite end (other side of the wharf) had some enormous clams.

LR couldn’t handle the cold water (funny for a girl that is always complaining about being too hot) and got out while B headed for the huge ocean Trampoline. I was quite happily hovering around the bottom as B readied himself for launch, then came the call came out “shark, shark! Get out of the water!!” Let’s just say, I inelegantly scaled the ladder in full flipper with one leg in a cramp before I drew my next breath. Final consensus….just a reef shark and everyone continued on with what they were doing…..I casually made my way out of the water, and here I was worried about the crocks, completely forgot about the sharks lol. No stingers at least at this time of year.

Some changerooms would be welcome on the island. My still slightly upset stomach had me half naked B lining for the outside of the toilets to finish getting dressed, such was the smell. However, this did not stop me enjoying some divine salted calamari from Foxy’s Bar. Unfortunately, the salad was drenched in oil, but LR said the wedges she had were the best ever!

Fitzroy Island has heaps to do with Kayaks, Paddle Boards, snorkels, and tours all available on shore. LR mastered the paddle board in no time. The whole experience was gorgeous as well as slightly terrifying at the same time. After my first minor shark scare the periodic screams from the kids finding fish sent shivers down my spine on several occasions…..and in the back of my mind, the Curlew screams were not helping haha.

One warning though, by the end of the day it felt like blood was dripping from my feet from walking on the coral pieces that make up the beach, but at least I achieved some seriously natural exfoliating.

A truly magical place, and a brilliant time of year to visit. More than one day is needed to fully explore what is on offer. We only did a day trip as we had left H unwell in the van on the mainland, but the tough nut that he is, we headed up the winding Kennedy Hwy stopping at a basic rest stop for the night(I have an alternate overnighter in the details below).

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TRIP DETAILS:

LILY ST CAMP to PORT AUTHORITY (3.4km 15 min)

Cnr Grafton and Hartley (can just do a drive by wharf and if no parks head for here)10min walk(800m) from here

Snorkelling, hiking, paddle board

Fitzroy Island– 8.15 check in at Reef Fleet terminal dep. 9am return 5.15pm

Pier point rd at the end of Spence st

the far end of the beach to Bird Rocks. That’s where we’d be most likely to see a turtle.

(But The waves are a bit stronger here)

From <http://www.bootsandabackpack.com/fitzroy-island-an-underwater-paradise/>

Vinegar for stingers

PORT AUTHORITY to YORKEYS KNOB (18km 35min)

Cnr Evans st and Sims Esplanade – park across from beach

Beach

*FREE CAMP (not designated)

NEXT: Rainforest on steroids and a resort with wildlife as a feature

Historic railway travel and terror in the parking lot

Heading North for winter – 5 Kuranda and Cairns We made our way through the now familiar flowering cane fields that now in full bloom seemed cloud like. An image that seemed  fitting as we arrived at the Sky rail and glided above the rainforest like a bird. There was only a slight moment of terror … Read moreHistoric railway travel and terror in the parking lot

The Ghost of Johnny Chinaman

Heading North for Winter – 2 Lillyvale Waterhole The morning was a whole other story, with fire embers well and truly snuffed the 2 degrees created some morning stiffness (not a term usually acquainted with the female species) and certainly not a pleasant sensation. I greeted the morning sunrise as a bright red monk worshipping … Read moreThe Ghost of Johnny Chinaman