We enjoyed our stay at Wonga Beach. Walking the beach and swimming in the park pool. As we mentioned we decided not to go to Cooktown as Murray was quite keen to drive the Bloomfield track and with all the rain we weren’t sure we could get across the rivers. We instead spent a day up at Cape Tribulation, visited the Rainforest Centre and picnicked on the beach. We visited Coconut Beach resort where we stayed with Kel 19 years ago. Friends from home, Clarence and Gail were up here on holidays so we managed to catch up with them for an afternoon.We also spent a morning wandering around Mossman. At the market I met a guy who we thought might be able to cut my piece of topaz. After taking it home and viewing it he decided this piece would be best left as is as, but we were invited to his home where we were made very welcome and shown all his lapidary and gem cutting gear. Much to my delight we left with many samples. I am once again hooked on fossicking and now we have our license will be looking for more places to have a dig.
From Wonga we had 3 nights at Ellis Beach Caravan Park. This park is situated right on the picturesque coast just south of Port Douglas. The park is right on the beach which we were able to walk and swim. A place definitely worth visiting again.
Onto Cairns. Our first night we parked our van at Yorkeys Knob in the yard of my friend Wendy I had met again. It was amazing we had ran into each other after so long. We had a beaut evening with lots more catching up. Its amazing how much catching up and reminiscing there is after 25 years and we didn’t seem to be any older!!
We then moved into Cairns city and found a park closer to ‘the Craigs’ with whom we caught up with on the Sunday and enjoyed a lovely Sunday night meal with the extended family. We visited Rustys Market and the weekend market on the Esplanade and had a day at Karanda. We also enjoyed a lovely Balinese meal with Wendy and Marty, yeah more reminiscing!
Our leaving Cairns was delayed by a day due to continual rain. We weren’t keen to pack up in the rain so stayed another night. We have had a fair bit of rain since reaching Atherton. A bit of a shock after the long dry spell we had experienced.
The day we did leave we didn’t travel far - Etty Bay 100kms south had been recommended to us. It was a beautiful little bay just out of Innisfail. A windy road led down to the coast through the thick rainforest to this small bay which consisted of a cafe/small van park and a surf lifesaving club.
We were able to park our van right on the waterfront so the view from our van was just beach! Once again the weather wasn’t that good, (windy and showers although still very warm) but we managed many swims.
From Etty Bay we had a night at Kurrimine Beach and a night at Rollingstone. Both on the coast but with beaches not suitable for swimming because of croc sightings. Again more wind so we moved onto Townsville.
Just a few days in Townsville. Shopping, hairdressers and a wander around the Sunday morning market. Our caravan park is at Rowes Bay, just north of the city right on the beach. We have to make the most of the coast as when we leave here we will be heading back inland.
We have got the bikes back out and from the van park we can cycle 2.5kms into the Rockpool on the Strand for a refreshing swim. Today we will cycle a little further and enjoy lunch on the Strand.
Magnetic Island was on the agenda but due to a couple of croc sightings this week we decided not to bother as we were going there to snorkel the lovely beaches. A bit disappointing as Magnetic Island is a favourite of mine, maybe next time!
Tomorrow we will leave here and drive to Charters Towers. Only a short drive but this will be the start of our journey inland home.
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