October 28 , 2012
Cairns To Brisbane
Cairnes to Brisbane
It's about 1,050 miles from Carns to Brisbane. We travelled at a much slower pace than when we were in the Outback, and visited some interesting places.
Malanda Falls
We had to make one more trip up into the Atherton Tablelands. This time we used the caravan park at Malanda Falls as our base. Not only is it conveniently located, it's known for its tree kangaroos.
More about Malanda Falls.
More about Tree Kangroos.
Malanda Falls Caravan Park website.
Malanda Falls and Swimming Hole
A Tree Kangaroo? Maybe, But It's Not In A Tree
Neither Is This Amethyst Python
Victoria Riflebird, A Male Juvenile, In A Tree
Mission Beach
Mission Beach is a great little resort area. But for us, it's the destination we've been told is the best place to see the Southern Cassowary.
We looked and looked, but no Cassowary. Finally, we stopped at the visitor center and they gave us a tip.
According to the guy at the counter, if you are looking for the bird you won't see it, but if you don't really care you will.
Not much of a tip.
An Encouraging Sign
Another Encouraging Sign
Is It A Cassowary? Nope, A Scrub Fowl.
Finally, When We Least Expected It, A Cassowary
Townsville
Townsville reminded us of Cairns, mostly because of its waterfront Strand. It's another pleasant Australian town.
More about Townsville.
Townsville's Strand
Boats Moored On Townsville's Ross River
Cape Hillsborough National Park
The Cape Hillsborough Nature Resort, a caravan park, is known for its many kangaroos and wallabies. When we visited not many were around. We did get to see some kangaroos on the beach, an unusual sight.
Cape Hillsborough Nature Resort website.
Sunrise at Cape Hillsborough
Kangaroos On The Beach (You Have To Look Close)
Blue Tiger Butterfly
Cape Hillsborough Seascape
Eungella National Park
This national park, a few miles and a steep climb west above the coastal plain, is known as a great place to see a platypus in the wild.
There's a convenient little commercial campground at the top of the climb, and it has power, reasonable prices, and Free WiFi! It's called the Explorers' Haven.
More about Eungella National Park
Explorers' Haven website.
The Road Up, View From The Top
Platypus
Tin Can Bay
Travelers know Tin Can Bay mostly for one thing. Like Monkey Mia on the west coast, Tin Can Bay has a group of dolphins that visit for brekky every day.
There's another attraction too. Nearby Inskip Point is one of the best places in Australia to see Button Quail.
More about Tin Can Bay.
Waiting For Dolphins
And They Arrive. Right On Schedule
Black-breasted Button-quail
Variegated Fairy-wren From Inskip Point
Rig of the Week
Another Aussie bus conversion.
