20th October 2014 Paronella Park

Paronella Park was one mans dream that came to reality.  Jose Paronella left Spain as a young man to come to Australia in the early 1900s, to be able to earn a better living, he started working in Mt Isa then went into sugar cane cutting in far North Queensland, it wasn't long before he had saved enough and was buying small run down sugar cane farms, he would build them up and sell them at a good profit. In ten years he had worked and sold 12 farms.
After 11 years he returned to Spain,  brought back his wife and took her to the site which is now Paronella Park.
It took him 3 months to build their stone cottage, while he was doing this he installed a hydro electic power station in the river on his property, they had hot running water and electric lights, 20 years before anyone else in the area of Queensland.
He alway wanted a castle so he built one, the family didn't live in it, they stayed in their cottage,  the castle and botanical gardens he made were all part of a business he got going.
He built a huge ballroom,  on the lines of the great European ballrooms, in this he would hold weddings, shows the latest movies and newsreels, hold great balls for all sorts of dignitaries. All this was possible because he had electricity, with freezers people could enjoy ice cream, a real luxury, a lot of the time he could have up to 500 people a day in his park, his wife and family done all the catering for the restaurant that was there.
There is a beautiful waterfall in the river beside the property,  that is what enabled him to have the hydro system.
At the bottom of the waterfall was a swim area in which he had small boats people could paddle, there is a cave that runs in behind the waterfall which was popular for paddling.
He also installed change rooms as he had a dress standard, no one was permitted walking around in their swim costume.
He built everything by hand and it is very decorative, there was 500 separate plant pots he made for around the tops of buildings etc.
Unfortunately he died at 62 with stomach cancer, his children and their children continued to run it, during its time it had servived 3 massive floods and cyclones
  but it wasn't until a fire burned the big hall that his aging daughter with her children decided to sell. It sat untoched for 15 years.
New owners are finally working to restore what is possible, it is a national trust now so they are a bit ham strung but the hall is going to be rebuilt, they are not allowed to work on the decaying walls of the castle.
The gardens and paths he put in are magnificent, there are tree ferns there that are the largest in the world, an avenue of Queensland karrie trees which can grow to an age of 900 years with and a diameter of 3 metres,  black bamboo forest, just beautiful plants everywhere.
The army used to go to the area for training and r&r during the war so they built him a great swinging bridge over the waterfall.
We stayed in the caravan park, the people were very friendly, there was day tours that ran every half hour and an evening tour at 6.15 at which time they light up the ruins and the waterfall.
If you are staying in the park it is free for one night.
The whole experience was inspirational, peaceful and beautiful, well worth doing.

Dunk Island and Mission Beach

Just a couple of pics not the best I took them with my note not the camera

17th, 18th, 19th October 2014 Etty Beach

We had heard a lot about Etty Beach but it was still a lovely surprise when we got there.
After setting up we went for a walk along the foreshore then had a  swim, the water was lovely clear and warm. Later we walked to the top of the hill we had just driven over, to the lookout., we wasn't there long and Merv noticed a cassowary walking down across someone's front lawn. It crossed the road near us then continued to walk down the hill, we followed at a distance not to frighten it, there was 2 cars that came along, we got them to slow, one lady I spoke to later told me her sister had lived in Gordonvale just down the road for 4 years and had never seen one, she couldn't wait to show her the photo. Latet that afternoon the same cassowary had walked into  camp and was happily sitting next to someone's tent eating a piece of pineapple, you are not supposed to feed them, the saying goes,  a fed bird is a dead bird, I suppose it was fruit and I don't think anyone would be game enough to take it away. We have been very lucky there is supposed to be only approx 1500 in the wild and we have had 6 different sitings.
18th Next morning it was out with the canoes again, we started paddling up the coast but there was quite a bit of swell so I suggested going across to the other side of the beach as there was a little shelter on the lee side of the hill. Merv was trolling with different lures but didn't get anything. The wind started to pickup so we headed in, a bit of surfing to get in as the swell and wind had really got going. We went for a swim, then out to Morilyan Harbour to check the ramp, on the way back we stopped at the bakery for the most delicious cream lamington. The wind has continued to pick up, getting quite nasty.
19th we take the boat out today around to Morilyan Harbour, we figured if it was too rough to go out we would fish the river. When we got there it was rough, nobody would go out so we anchored in the inside where there is a deep hole where the shipping boats turn, I caught a small cod. We then explored the river, no fish up there,  we didn't try for barramundi. Before we left we tried the hole again, I caught another cod, not quite big enough, meanwhile the weather is getting nastier and nastier. When we got back there was some really good waves coming in on the beach, the surf life savers were there and it seems all the locals had come down to enjoy the beach. The sound of the  waves reminded me of at home in Tassie.

10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th October Wonderling Beach

We have arrived at Wonderling Beach which is between Mission Beach and South Mission Beach. This is only 4km from Dunk Island, we do intend exploring around and on the island, we will be taking our snorkel gear out when we go. There is a taxi boat that runs to the island that only charges $35.
The park is run by a company that organizes skydive,  they call it, jump the beach. What a fantastic place for anyone doing a skydive, they take the people out over 6 islands and the reef on the way up to 14 thousand feet, then they jump and all land on the beach in front of the park, it is very spectacular. The beach is beautiful,  we had a swim after setting up and checking the boat ramps.
11th, we decided not to go in the boat today as my back was playing up  little, so we went for 3 walks on the beach, had a swim, fished from the shore, Merv caught a shovel nosed shark approx a metre long. During the day there was lots of activity on the beach as there was 62 people that done a tandem jump, very colorful.
12th, we had intended to take the boat out today but slept in, so we went for bush walks through the national parks instead. After walking we went to a secluded beach and had a picnic lunch and swim.
13th,  we took the boat out today headed down around some of the great islands that are there,  we trolled around several searching the bottom for good fishing spots, we fished for awhile and then landed on a beautiful beach that was part of one of the islands that was a national park. we stripped off and had a skinny snorkel then came back to the beach for a picnic lunch. When lunch was settled we went back to fishing, had a bit of luck and a lot of fun. When we arrived at the boat ramp the seabreeze had made quite sizable waves that made it a bit tricky retrieving the boat.
14th, out in the boat again today, this time we left from another boat ramp that had protection from weather. When we got out the wind was blowing approx 10knts with a metre swell, it was supposed to drop, so we trolled again this time out around Dunk Island, we found a couple of places that looked promising and which was sheltered from the wind, one in particular was great,  we were catching saddle tailed emperor one after the other but they all went back as they were just under size they had to be 40cm most were between 36 and 39, we were so used to throwing back when we caught some blue lined emperor and finger mark emperor we threw them back only to realize they were well within size. The wind came up more so we thought better head for home, we had approx 9kms after we came around the island, the water had turned very shitty, swell had picked up and the sea from the wind didn't know which way to run, it was certainly a trip where you had to hang on tight and we both got soaking wet by the time we got in, the only good thing is the water isn't cold.
15th, today was canoe day, we put in at the boat ramp at south mission and headed for Dunk Island. When we got halfway there I was feeling a bit sore on my hands so I thought maybe we shouldn't go right over as we would have to paddle back. We then headed toward a headland, all the time we are towing lures, Merv caught a grinner, we trolled over sandbars hoping for a flathead, then I spotted a coral reef so we went to that, the sea breeze came in strong and fast which made it a bit of a challenge to get in, but it was great surfing down the waves, not so easy trying to paddle side on to them.
16th, we decided to take the boat out again today, we left from the exposed boat ramp but had decided to get up at 5am go fishing and be back in before the seabreeze. When we got out to our spot the swell and wind with the tide was making it like a washing machine, I took a quell.  We had a lot of fun caught a lot of fish, one that we released couldn't go back down, I didn't feel too bad as a big white sea eagle had been sitting watching us and in seconds he was down and grabbed it for his dinner, I never get sick of seeing them do that. After approx 3 hrs  Merv had caught a large blue lined emperor to take home and we were getting hit by huge cods, there wasn't any chance of landing one of those, just break the gear and go, I just wanted a medium size. I was feeling exhausted from all the pitching and the activities of the 2 previous days, so we went inside of Dunk where it was more sheltered to drift for awhile, I caught a ramoray, we went in as soon as we saw the seabreeze coming on the water, when we got to the ramp retrieval was easy.

7th, 8th, 9th October 2014 Cardwell

We left Kurrimine Beach today headed for Cardwell, on the way we stopped in at several of the beaches on the way down. Of course we did what we always do, check out the ramp, looks good. Went to happy hour at the pub that is part of the park we stayed in, we sat looking over the bay but it is not as nice as we have been to, when the sea breeze blows it turns the bay into what looks like a mud puddle. There was a crocodile came ashore and caught a turtle a few days before we arrived,  one of the guests caught it on camera, the photo was great, it is not an area that you would go for a swim in.
8th, took the boat up the channel between Hinchinbrook Island and the mainland, no fish, we explored around a bit, it was very hot on the water today, not much wind. Hinchinbrook Island is amazingly rugged and big,  you could be forgiven for thinking you were looking at an island on Hawaii rather than on the barrier reef. As we came back into the harbor there was a crocodile,  approx 3 metres,  lying on the bank.
9th,  today we took the boat out to Gould Island, this was approx 15km out, the weather was quite nice, there was an area near the island that was supposed to be good fishing but with 3 other boats there none of us was having much luck. We left and went exploring up some of the rivers on Hinchinbrook,  there are 6 in one area and very long, we also checked the other little island, there are some nice beaches and areas around them.
As we went back to the ramp the crocodile was on the bank again.

1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th 7th October 2014 Kurrimine Beach

After leaving Bramston Beach we intended to do some shopping at Innisfail, as we crossed a rail line there we got a flat tyre, luckily we were close to a bridgestone shop so when Merv changed it he took the tyre to them, unfortunatly it was buggered,  a new one neaded.  Shopping finished we are now headed for Kurrimine Beach, another absolutely beautiful place.
2nd, we took the canoes out today, paddled out to the inner reef then tied the canoes to ourselves and snorkled in towards the beach, towing the canoes as we went, no big fish but some really pretty ones and large spiney sea urchins.
3rd,  we took the boat down to the river, we wanted to know how easy it was to get out the entrance,  there was a lot of sandbars in the river and when we got to the mouth there was also a lot of rocks under the water, we did go out through but the weather was choppy so we went back in to try the river for a fish.  The river is quite a large river but we have never known so few fish in a river. It was ok that we didn't catch a fish for dinner as we went to the motel for a seafood buffet with heaps of salads and desert for $10 each, the food was great.
4th, We woke to a beautiful day so we went out with the boat to the furthest reef, it was pretty choppy too much for anchoring. While drifting we came across an area with good sadle tailed emperor,  I was catching them 2 at a time, Merv could only catch 1 at a time as he only had 1 hook on, ha!  We took 6 good ones home, more than we usually take, they were delicious for dinner.
5th back out in the boat today we had decided to go down to an area that the locals call "the rock", the trip down was a bit rough and it was 14km,  when we got there it was far too rough too fish around the rock so we went behind one of the islands in a bit of shelter to fish, other people came out to fish but found it too rough and came behind the island as well.  After several hours the weather seemed to drop a bit so we went back to the rock, it was only slightly better and after catching only a small cod left again.  We fished several more spots catching more saddle tailed emperor and a variety of other fish, but we released them all as we had enough at camp. It was bbq night at the motel tonight, wonderful steak, sausage, patties, salads, soup and desert for $10, fantastic value.
6th, the weather is very windy and rough today so we went for a long walk on the beach.

24th, 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th, 30th September Bramston Beach

Today we have arrived at Bramston Beach camp ground, it is right on the beach with a great water veiw.
The night we arrived we went accross to the happy hour camp fire with the managers then went to the beach fishing, we fished for about 4 hrs, I caught a small mulloway and Merv caught approx 7 small sharks.
Next day we checked out the boat ramp, the ramp is in a creek and getting in and out can be tricky, you need at least half tide coming in or out as there is a sandbar at the entrance which blocks it at low tides.
Next morning Merv had checked what the tides were so we were up early and went out for a fish, when we got to the place we wanted to fish we were the only ones there, but not for long, 7 other boats soon turned up. There wasn't much in the way of fish, I caught a large silver cobbler and it broke me off, Merv got onto a Spanish mackerel,  that broke him off, then I got another silver cobbler, this time we landed it, there were quite a lot of other small fish, trevalley etc, hard work for what you get.
We went out again the next day to an island approx 15km out, bit choppy so we went in behind the island, not a lot of fish but Merv caught a nice coral trout for dinner.
Another day so we thought we would do some sightseeing, the boulders are approx 23km away so that is where we went. Crystal clear swim hole that was very cold and shallow so we never participated, the march flies were everywhere, thank heavens for bushman. This area has claimed several lives and is dangerous due to flash flooding, it is wise to know if it is raining in the tablelands. On the way back way back we stopped at the barbinda bakery for one of their pies, one of the best we have ever eaten, pastry was the best. When we got back out to the beach we went for a drive out behind the beach to a national park,  it is where a river flows out, great camping area.
Next day more sightseeing,  this time, wait for it, more falls, this one is The Josephine Falls, another area that has claimed a  number of lives, due to flash floods but mainly people's stupidity. The swim hole there is crystal clear and is the most beautiful emerald green, the problem is that there are very huge smooth boulders around it and the young people climb up them and slide down like water slides, thats ok, only you are likely to hit your head on a rock, the chances are great, they closed off the top swim hole as it was too dangerous but while we were there we could see people climbing up to it. The whole area was quite lovely, lots or march flies again.  When we left there we dropped into Golden Hole, another swim area in a very clean river. On the way back to camp we dropped into Eubenangee Swamp, lots of big beautiful water lilies, not a lot of birds but there was approx 13 royal spoonbill.
Last day went for a walk on the beach around towards the ramp, took it easy.

22nd, 23rd September 2014 Cairns

Leaving Port Douglas wea head for Cairns, on the way we stop off at Palm Cove, this is a very beautiful beach side area,  it has a large jetty where there was quite a lot of people fishing, we watched for awhile, there was a lady using a throw nett from the jetty, she made it look easy so we observed her techniques to be able to practice. There is a nice little island not far out with a great lagoon we are thinking if weather permits to go out in the canoes.
We booked into the big4 caravan park that we are going  to stay in when Liza comes over, it is a lovely park..
Next day Merv had to go for a check at the doctor then in  the afternoon we had our taxes done, had a quick look around Cairns but we are leaving most of that till Liza comes up.

20th, 21st, September 2014 Port Douglas

The wind was still too strong for the canoes so we decided to leave and head to Port Douglas.
We booked into the big4, which is a little out of town,  then went to check out the town.
The town is very clean and neat, quite pretty, we thought it would be a nice place to retire, we had a good look around after I had bought myself another phone.
The park was nice and quiet but it was hard to eat dinner without eating mosquitoes.
Next morning we went to town for breakfast then wandered around the local markets, they were quite big and popular.
The next best thing to do, we went to the beach for our first swim in the ocean in Queensland, it was pleasantly cool and the waves were just the right  size for body surfing, great fun.
We then went to the marina and bought some prawns from a boat, Merv cooked a fish pie for dinner.

Daintree

Some pics

19th September 2014 Daintree

This was the day we were going to paddle out behind snapper island and snorkel but when we got up it was too windy to go out there, so we decided to take the canoes out and try for a fish without going that distance.
As we launched the canoes it was a bit of fun, I thought a bit like surf life savers paddling out through the waves, when we got to the back of the surf it wasn't much better, I paddled for a short time then thought, out here if I put this over I am going to be in trouble, so I turned and went back in, coming back in through the waves was a lot of fun, it took a lot of paddling to keep it straight and not capsizing.
Merv stayed out for quite a while then came in, we thought we may go out in the afternoon if the wind dropped.
The wind dropped a little, Merv went out while I sat on the beach watching and reading, he got a couple of bites but no fish,  he was trolling as it was too windy to sit and fish

18th September Daintree

Today was fishing day, it wasn't too bad launching the boat off the beach even though it was quite shallow.
We trolled for awhile tryig to pick up a mackerel,  they were jumping everywhere,  the area was full of baitfish but with all that no luck.
We anchored up on a small reef, there was plenty of small fish but I only caught 1 size to take back.
The day was magic, the veiw of all the mountains from the water,  stunning,  so we just hung about enjoying being on the water.
We had 6 mantra ray continually up around us feeding, we have never seen them that close before, I tried getting some photos with not a lot of success due to the sun relecting on the water, Merv fastened the gopro to a pole but we were never quick enough to get it in the water when they were close.
Around behind snapper island is where we spent most of the day, as we went into shallow water we saw wonderful corals, very large brain and staghorn with a huge variety of different types of coral, with lots of pretty fish, an amazing place to snorkel, this was just out from a lovely sandy beach.
We tried taking the boat into the beach but the water across the reef was too  shallow, we didn't want to drop anchor on the coral so we decided to canoe out the following day and snorkel.
On the way in we went out from the mouth of the Daintree River, I was hoping for a flathead, we got nothing.
When we got back in the retrieval of the boat was quite difficult as the water was shallow, we took the trailer from the car and pushed it out deeper but it was still very hard to winch on, we then towed the trailer out with a rope, after that we decided we wouldn't launch the boat there anymore. 

17th September 2014 Daintree

We were going to go fishing today but the park management was working on the access road to the beach.
We headed up through the Daintree going towards Cape Tribulation, it was another very windy road up over the range, but who was in a hurry? Not us, we were there to enjoy the scenery.
As we travelled up it was great to see so many great beaches.
When we got to the beach at the cape there was a lot of other people who were all trying to take photos of one another.
On the way back down we stopped at an icecream factory that made their own icecream from the fruit they grew in the orchard, they had wattle seed, which tasted like cappuccino, chocolate pudding fruit, just like chocolate,  I forgot the correct name, passionfruit like you wouldn't believe and macadamia nut all served in a bowl together, yum yum, a reason to go back.
Next down the road was a discovery centre, it had a hsnd held audio unit so that you could get information about the rainforest as you walked through, there was elevated walkways as well as ground level walkways.  There was also a tower that went up 75 metres, there was 5 landings all with information about what you may be looking at eg: plants, birds, butterflies, one of the walkways was called the cassowary walk, as the birds often walked through there, none fid while we were in there.
As we were about to reverse out of the carpark Merv looked in the rear vision mirror and saw a cassowary in the carpark. We jumped out quietly but it was in the bush before we got there, they move so fast just with their normal stride. We couldn't see it, I walked up another road near it to look in the bush, then I saw it, they camouflage so well, I sneaked into the bush to try to get a photo,  it was hard it kept getting behind a bush, then suddenly it came straight at me, I just held my breath and hoped it wasn't mad at me, it passed me no more than 1 metre away then continued across the road and back in the bush. Merv stopped another car that wanted to rush through as it was coming out.
What a day, so many wondrous things in one day, then as we were driving back there were Ulysses butterflies flying back and forth across the road in front of us, what a shade of blue.