Week 11 – On the Road Again

Day 71 to Day 74 – Rollingstone

We spent these four days exploring Ingham, Forrest Beach, Taylors Beach and Lucinda.  We ventured as far north as the Hinchinbrook Lookout.   The rest of the time was spent lazing around the van, walking the beach, and enjoying our afternoon drinks with Barb and Martin, our next door neighbours.

Day 75 – Rollingstone to Paronella Park (Mena Creek) – 202klms

After farewelling Barb and Martin, our trek north began early as we wanted to spend as much time at our destination, Paronella Park.      

Our morning tea stop was beautiful and scenic Cardwell.   What a beautiful place overlooking the tropical paradise of Hinchinbrook. 

Moving on to Paronella Park our drive was through acres of sugar cane, mango plantations and up through the ranges to Mena Creek.    The scenery of was magnificent.

Paronella Park is indescribable.  You cannot put into words the way the dreams of one man and his desire to bring his childhood fantasies to life in 1930 could still life on today.  Paronella Park is located on 13 acres at Mena Creek in North Queensland.  The park was built by Jose Paronella and he built a castle, picnic areas beside Mena Creek falls, tennis courts, tunnels and bridges and planted over 7000 tropical plants and trees including an avenue of Kauri trees and its own hydro electricity plant.

We spent nearly three hours trolling through the gardens before taking the night tour.  I never expected to be moved so much by the finale of the night and the lighting of castle.  The music, the castle and the most beautiful night sky was magical.

The video below is worth a look. Its only one of three beautiful pieces.

Day 76 – Paronella Park to Atherton – 105klms

After our beautiful night it rained, yes rain.   Who would have thought, when we went to bed the sky was full of stars and the brilliance of the milky way.      This too was the first rain in nearly 12 weeks. 

On our way we make a stop at the Mamu Sky Walk.      We spent nearly two and half hours walking through the rainforest, along the walkway through the trees to a 10 metre cantilever and onto a 37 metre high observation tower.

Again, our drive further north lead us through beautiful fields of sugar cane, mangoes, tea, and other produce originating from this area.     

On arrival at Atherton we set up and took off for a quick bite and a tour through the Crystal Caves in Atherton.

Day 77 – Atherton Tablelands

The rain has followed us to the tablelands but being the troopers, we are, we ventured out after a sleep in, smashed avo and poached egg and brewed coffee. 

Our first stop was the Mount Uncle distillery and to the finest gin I have tasted.    Needless to say, we left with one of everything (well at least one).    

From there we ventured out to Granite Gorge and thankfully for George the Gorge was too wet to walk to, but we were treated to a wildlife display.   Not sure which was more interesting, the snake or a fellow traveller.

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After the gorge we headed into Mareeba for lunch and coffee at the Coffee works in Mareeba. 

The drizzle followed us onto Yungaburra where we stumbled on the Avenue of Honour, a tribute to the fallen and those who served our country in Afghanistan.     It never ceases to amaze me how places like this produces instant respect and sombre thought.   The avenue was a tribute to a young man from Yungaburra who lost his life in Afghanistan and to all those who unquestionably served their country in such a futile war.

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So, to top the afternoon off, we headed out to Lake Barrine for tea and scones by the misty waters of the lake.      We had actually been to Lake Barrine about 32 years ago, but George still maintains he cannot remember!!   That’s old age for you!!

Whilst the rain is pleasant, it is a lot colder than the coast and I think the gloomy skies after the beautiful sun and beach have left me a little homesick.    Its funny how weather can impact the senses so much.     

We are here for until Thursday before moving on.   We think we will venture back further inland before heading south again.   As we have been to Cairns, Port Douglas, and Cooktown before, we won’t venture any further north and we are definitely not prepared to do the Cape.

Whilst a little homesick, not enough to want to come home yet.

So hopefully whilst it is raining here, home is getting a little warmer and sunnier. Happy birthday to Jason for the 18^th don’t overdo

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