The Israels Australian Adventure

Stopped in a cabin in a caravan park just outside Yeppoon which had been recommended to us.  The ladies at the visitors' center were very helpful, suggesting the snorkeling we had already arranged for Sunday.  They then suggested Emu Park and the Caves Karen was very interested in already.  They helped us book the caves for Monday.  We then drove to Emu Park via the marina to check we new where to go on Sunday.  Emu Park and the drive via the scenic route was lovely.  We felt the Anzac walk was brilliant and the glass artwork really helped you see what it must have been like on many a beach landing in the Pacific during WWI and WWII.  The coolest thing which we tried to video but to no success was the ship pipes which sing with the wind. Sunday off to the Keppel Islands - what a treat but confirmed we are not as fit as we used to be.  Scotty and our co-day trippers on the ‘Keppel Explorer’ were great helping Karen and I when we were silly enough...

When someone says Horseshoe Bay, I immediately think of Vancouver and getting the ferry to see either my Dad on Vancouver Island or my Aunt and Uncle on Bowen Island. Yesterday we went to Horseshoe Bay on Magnetic Island and today we went to Horseshoe Bay in Bowen part of the Whitsundays - anyone else spot the Canadian link?  People had told us the waters were turquoise and you could see for miles.  Apparently you can snorkel straight off the beach but we didn't give it a go.  Instead we sat on rocks eating our lunch as the waves came in.  Stunning. We had planned to spend 3 nights in the Whitsundays but have decided to go down to Yeppoon instead so we continued our drive to MacKay where we stopped for the night.  Had an amazing dinner in a Greek restaurant with the best Calamari we have ever had.

Townsville has the best esplanade we have come across in all our travels so far.  Lovely seeing people actually using the gym facilities and outdoor swimming pool.  They have the best children's (<10) free waterpark I have ever seen which includes some high star rated all inclusive hotels.  Loads of seating and people of all ages used it from dawn till dusk. This should have been the view from our hotel room (only better as would have been higher!!)  but when we arrived, the receptionist couldn't find our booking.  I(we) had managed to book Fri and Sat 27-28 Oct.  How I have no idea.  The receptionist was amazing.  The hotel was full booked.  However, they had a chalet at the back of the car park which they only let for weekly bookings.  She took pity on my stupidity and offered it to us for the two nights.  It was more expensive than our original room but beggars cant be choosers.  Although it had no view it was awesome and...

  The highest, permanent, single-drop  waterfall  in Australia.   On our way to Townsville we decided to call in.  Another mountain climb but well worth the trouble. We also stopped off at all the viewpoints on route so loads of aerial photos.  Finally we have passed lots of signs about being wary of cows and did have some cross the road in front of us BUT this is the first time ever they have been sat in the road. When we arrived in Townsville we went to the hotel only to find out I had booked it for the 25-26th Oct - what!!  I guess it was at least the right hotel in the right town this time - progress I guess.  The lady was lovely as they were full.  They have a chalet they rent out weekly.  No-one is in it for the next couple of days so she let us have it.  Off to Magnetic Island tomorrow.   Blog finally caught up - yay !!

We decided to stay at our first Big 4 campsite in one of their cabins for two nights.  We were pleasantly surprised - really nice.   As we had such a busy day yesterday we thought a quiet day looking at beautiful beaches was in order.  Driving along would also give us chance to catch this elusive cassowary - it is endangered sadly.  No luck even after going to the spots the tourist office suggested at dusk. However sitting on the secluded beach just north watching a turtle swim back and forth with the tide and finally seeing flying-fish was fantastic (sorry you missed the flying-fish Karen).  Even with having to call out the RACQ because I left the lights on in the car as I rushed to the loo after watching the turtle!!  Well it made it worthwhile getting it even though the car started straight a when the guy came - why do they always do that? One advantage of clear water is you can see crocodiles!!

We love this place and there is so much to see and do.  Hard choices had to be made and often depended on cost and fears.  For instance we didn't do the Kuranda Train nor the Skyrail and yet I was sure I wanted to do both.  To save this post from being 2 feet long I asked David to summarise our days and I would do the photos.  This is not an easy task as he took about 200 a day - 400 in some places !!!  You are welcome round for coffee when we get home to see them all.  Anyway here goes. Day 1 Rested, sat in the sun and cooked us not food.  After doing the laundry. Day 2 Trip into Cairns and took a walk along the beach; wondering why all the locals are playing in the wonderful kids water parks and not in the sea; stupid me - as the salt water crocodile will eat you!  As we have been told again and again. More chores - washed the car in Cairns.  Then up to Kuranda Butterfly house and the markets.  Yes there are a few in such a small town,...

I changed the tyre so off of the Daintree ferry.  Lovely trip if you can see from the last post.  We could not; as it is a flatbed car ferry and we were in the middle of the middle row.  Over the river car travelling well on the spare.  Decided to go to our overnight accommodation rather than into the next town - Daintree River Lodge.  On arrival our lovely host suggested an early morning boat trip from the jetty right next to the hotel down the Daintree river.  Trip booked we settled in for the night.   The Daintree river trip was great.  Saw lots of crocodiles and was pleased I made Karen come off the rampway last night.  Even better all four tyres still OK but off to Mossman for a tyre company.  Arrived and the machines were all over the car damage tyre checked.  No chance for a repair so two new tyres on the front best two on the back and final good tyre moved to the spare rim.  All done and back on the road in un...

We left Cooktown on State Route 40.  Diane's first suggestion was to stop at Archer point.  Again we didn't go down to the beach but what a view. We were thinking of seeing Trevethan Falls as we travelled through Daintree but Diane suggested Wujal Wujal Falls instead as Trevethan needed a good hike to get to them whereas Wujal Wujal were just off the road with a close car park.  Again lovely and worth the stop. Up until now the road was single track in places but a road.  Once you cross the river at Wujal Wujal, no more.  We knew there was a running creek you had to cross as Diane had warned us but by the 5th one we were wondering which was the one she mentioned and then we came to it and my comment was - oh crap!!  It wasn't just in and out like the others hehe.   I took so many photos but I don't know they captured it well. The actual track runs from Wujal Wujal to Cape Tribulation and because we weren't in a true 4 WD we decided not to stop on ...

My favourite place so far but was the start of David's.  The drive up to Cooktown was spectacular but the drive down the other side was a memorable life experience (David's favourite).   Going up the Mulligan Highway we were lucky to meet a couple of cars an hour.  On the Bloomfield Track (https://www.destinationdaintree.com/locations/the-bloomfield-track) we met loads of vehicles - all going the other way - up to Cook Town.  Donald/Sam - I have put the link in as you are both so going to want to do this - if you haven't already.  Although we did this in an AWD and we have heard of some nutters do it in a 2-wheel drive - it really needs a 4WD.  Anyway more about that later! Cooktown It is such a smaller, quieter town than I expected.  Being a huge Captain James Cook fan from my early teens I wanted to see it all!   Grassy Hill had amazing views from all aspects.  David took a panoramic photo. Botanical Gardens Finch Bay  ...