Man I love FNQ. Day 3 had a GORGEOUS sunrise, then starting my Uncle Brian’s tour headed out towards the Atherton tablelands region.
Day 3
An early start for me! I had a couple hours left before I had to return my rental car, so I made the most of it by driving up to Halloway Beach to watch the sun rise. There wasn’t much beach to be had, with the tide being in, but the view was nothing short of spectacular, perhaps one of my favourite photos I have taken in Australia yet. I didn’t venture too close to the water, as this far north there can be crocs anywhere, but I did get to soak up my slow start to the day before my tour started.
After my 7:30 tour pick up, we headed south west of Cairns to see the Babinda Boulders. Kurt, our guide, gave us no shortage of hilarious commentary along the way – I wish I was as chipper as him that early. He walked down barefoot, so I channelled my inner Queenslander and sent it, too. The boulders were cool, with the rushing water demanding your respect. It’s not surprising they’ve killed 20 people over the years. After a quick swim in the brisk water we stopped for morning tea, then were on our way to the next stop.
At Josephine Falls, we walked the couple hundred metres in, then got to go for a swim and try out the natural waterslide (with proper precautions!). It was a bit slippery, but so much fun. There was a bit of a technique to climbing the rocks, but I got it soon enough.
We stopped for lunch near the same dairy where I had my ice cream the day before, then went and saw Millaa Millaa falls. They were absolutely picturesque, and I felt like I was on the set of Tangled. This swim was certainly the chilliest of the day, but that didn’t stop me. We swam up behind the falls, it was a monsoon between the falling water and strong winds. And loud!
Our afternoon tea was at Lake Eacham, Lake Barrine’s neighbour, with its resident crocodile. But it’s only a freshie, so we swam anyways. Apparently someone set a pet free ages ago. The result is that now there is a hilariously oddly specific warning sign at the shore that reads “beware of the crocodile”.
We returned to Peterson’s Creek, but this time for Platypus spotting. And we were successful!! They are timid little things, but so neat to watch.
We finally arrived at our accommodation for the evening and had dinner (steak!). Then we were off for our night canoe in Severin Creek. The sky was surreal! We didn’t see too much for wildlife, cause it seems most people forget that they have ears too. The stars made up for it! I adore the southern stars, especially without light pollution. We did see a couple sleeping birds and micro bats, flying foxes, pademelons (which I thought only lived in Tassie), an Azure kingfisher, along with the water rats and a water dragon.
I was absolutely buggered (thanks Jess for the word recco!) after my day, and was out like a light, resting up for day two!
See you soon,
Kate