Walkamin to Port Douglas

Time to clean car of the dust and red dirt we have accumulated over the last 18 days. Loads of washing and clothes and car then off to Mareeba to give another wash of the car, at least it is now looking like white.

Today we are on our way to Atherton to see the sights and a break from cleaning well that is our excuse. Mango trees being trimmed and bales of hay which Cameron is impressed as they only 3’ bales. Peanuts were a crop when Cameron was up here 30 years ago but now only the odd crop which we found. Lunch at Gallo’s Dairyland.

Driving back towards Walkamin we call into Tolga see the museum but closed so another visit tomorrow but stop off a Rocky Creek where both our fathers were during the war. Memorial for Lots of Army Units and we find both of parents. Quite moving to see all the units and there memorials.

We revisit Tolga War Museum and the displays are very impressive. They are all about the district which includes the hospitals at Rocky Creek. We then tour around the area visiting Yungaburra, the Avenue of Honour, pub and also a walk to the river.

We have found the these little towns are very impressive with their efforts to keep them alive and the streetscape and parks are all being well kept.

We did a walk around the big Fig tree with its roots to the ground. Massive.

We venture to Kuranda and see the old markets and their cute shops. Cameron even got a hair cut.

Went to the butterfly house and loved the beautiful surrounds and of course the butterflies.

Lunch up at the Wrights Lookout, then a walk to see Barron Falls, and the sky rail line weaving through the forest.

Had a phone call from Trudy Bath to see where we are and to let us know that Sue & Tim Collins were in the area. We phone them and were moving to stay the night in Mareeba suggested perhaps call and stay at Walkamin with us. What a lovely surprise to be able to catch up.

They moved onto to Port Douglas and we moved onto Malanda, but not really a good idea rained all day and of course the whole time we were there.

We did visit the Malanda Falls and Millaa Millaa Falls. We walked through the rainforest at Malanda and cannot get how big these trees are. Fortunate to see a turtle coming up for air. The twisted roots and vines around the tress quite amazing.

Standing still we actually see a bush turkey building his nest. Quite impressive his kicking skills to build up the walls.

On our way returning from falls we see excellent parking in a drain, not sure how the driver got out, amazing what you see a statue Advertising the food mart, very clever.

We stopped at the Chinese Museum and temple and find out just how much the Chinese have contributed to Queensland economy. Starting many businesses such as bananas, lychees and many store to supply the miners in the area.

Decide to move onto Herberton and hope a bit warmer and sunny. Spent 3 days there but the display Village is very impressive, with Buildings from all over the state and the displays of everything possible.

Hundreds of photos later we then visit the Miners Museum and boy Cameron can pick them. We actually get given a guided tour of the museum by one of the volunteers. They are so passionate about their town and its history.

After 3 days at the historic village we decide we need warming up, so we head back up the highway and at Rocky Creek we see the igloo is open so we decide that we would like to see inside! There is to be a big dinner tonight for the 80th Anniversary Second War end, and we are lucky enough to get a look in. Made with wooden trusses which over the years have been replaced and a new roof it is quite spectacular to see. This was the site of 2/2nd district hospital which my dad spent time in with fractured foot. Tents were the norm but a few igloos for the worst cases and theatres. Quite moving to be there, considering there were at least 40,000 soldiers went through the camp not including all the staff, nurses & doctors.

Head to Mareeba and then through Mt Molloy and Rex Range where we get first sight of the sea at the Rex Range Lookout.

We will be staying 3 days at Big 4 Port Douglas Glengarry Holiday Park.