North Queensland Experience March 2006

Chris, Pat, Jack and Sue from Seattle took a trip with us in March.
Chris and Pat did a trip with me 10 years ago into the Kimberley region of WA and decided to come back for more with colleagues.
Our 7 day itinerary started with two nights at Silky Oaks Lodge in Mossman, then up to Cooktown, across to Laura to see Quincan art with Steve Tresize, a flight to Mareeba and two nights at Allawah Retreat while we explored the Atherton Tableland, then out to Undara Lava Tubes , flight to Tyrconnell Gold Mine - then to Kuranda and the enchanting Cedar Park Lodge. Next morning Chris and Pat flew to Japan for business, whilst Jack and Sue and I explored Cairns ..mmm.... Johnos Blues Club.. then Tjapukai, Skyrail, Kuranda Scenic Railway and two nights at Palm Cove. All in all a great trip -- Cairns VERY touristy (and in MARCH!) - lots of highlights -- email if you want to know more !!

Bloomfield Falls, Daintree Region, North Queensland

Historic Jehovah's Witness Kingdom Hall in Cooktown.

The local Jehovah's Witnesses in Cooktown were looking for a place to meet in and the rumour goes the local shire offered them the old rundown hospital for a carton of beer ..

Not sure how true that story is but they got in a heap of volunteers , dismantled it and put it in a new location- and I guess shared the carton of beer!!

Whatever, it is a stunning looking building fully restored to it's 19th century glory -- and it's open for tours. 

Beware of cows eating cars in Queenslands far north!

 

Quincan Country rock art with Steve Tresize

 

The road less travelled...................to Laura N Qld

 

Curtain Fig - Atherton Tablelands

 

Dinner Falls - Atherton Tableland

 

A visitor at Allawah Bush retreat

 

eeenie, meenie, minie, mo...........

 

Hanging out in North Queensland

 

Bats 3 , snakes nil.

At Undara Lava Tubes in North Queensland , for one hour each night in March - 40,000 bats play 'catch me if you can' with snakes as they emerge from a cave to go hunting for dinner. 

A grassshopper walks up to a bar ......................

What can I say?? 

Kris, Pat, Jack and Sue at Cedar Park

Every so often I come across a place that is the full deal - unique accommodation, spectacular scenery, awesome food and wine -- and hosts who make you feel like long lost buddies. Cedar Park lodge takes my vote for best property I have taken guests to in at least the last 4 years.

Nestled in rainforest with a creek flowing nearby - and abundant in local birds and wildlife ( see the wallaby who joined breakfast) this is where I am going for my next break.

PS and it's only 45 mins from Cairns! 

A visitor at Cedar Park restaurant

Kris and Pat meet a furry little Aussie who hopped in for breakfast. 

Skyrail - Cairns to Kuranda

Skyrail is one of Australia's most awarded tourists attractions.
If you want a birds eye view of ancient rainforests then this is the way to do it... 

Kuranda Scenic Railway

Kuranda Scenic Railway departs from Cairns and Kuranda - a spectacular way to see the rainforest and waterfalls Thats all from Tropical North Queenland - now on to my piece of paradise!