The Whitsundays

We had a lovely day sailing out in the Whitsunday islands to Whitehaven beach, which is arguably the best beach in Australia. The sand is silica which is incredibly fine and white. It makes a squeaky sound when you walk on it and it never gets warm as it reflects the heat. It's also very good for cleaning your jewelery. I forgot to bring my sovereign rings...ah well next time!! :)

The boat was very cool. A catamaran with netting on the front to chill out on. There was also lunch and free booze on the way back!

Cape Tribulation

After leaving Port Douglas (and all the comfort of a luxurious hotel) we decided to head up to Cape Tribulation in the Daintree Rainforest. This is regarded as one of the oldest rainforests in the world. As we drove up we realised how remote and away from civilisation we were, with no Internet or mobile connection. The roads got worse and the jungle became more dense. Luckily we ended up in PK's backpackers jungle retreat! :) (serving beers and pizza)

Scotland's answer to David Attenborough

Fruit bats

The dodgy roads

The mangrove walkway to the beach

Snapper island...can you see the crocodile?!

...here he is!!!

These signs are everywhere!!!

Look out for Cassowaries (we never saw any)

Lovely Cape Tribulation!
This is where Captain Cook ran aground on a reef, on the 10th June 1770.

Paronella Park

We actually didn't plan to come here, but it turned out to be an amazing experience. It made a pleasant change from all the beaches and palm trees. The Mediterranean/South American architecture made a welcomed change from the tin roofed houses on stilts (Queenslander houses).

The Paronella Park story began back in 1913 when a man called Jose Paronella had a dream of building a castle in a virgin forest alongside Mena Creek, and by 1935 his dream had been realised. A magnificent castle with grand staircase, lakeside tunnels and bridges, picnic areas and magnificent gardens, opened to the public. On Saturday nights Jose and his wife invited everyone to the movies. They even built a "Lover's Lane"!

Lovers Lane

Over the years the property has seen tragedies, fire and cyclones, but today the castle is once again open to the public. We did a day tour and an evening tour where we saw fire flies, frogs, eels, turtles and shitloads of insects!

You can see the plaques on the staircase that shows the flood level from each of the devastating cyclones.

This is the reason Jose chose the location for his dream!

The night tour

Lunchtime at the zoo!

Innot Hot Springs

We headed to Innot Hot Springs, a small town west of Ravenshoe to detox after rollies and beer in Cairns. Ravenshoe is part of the Tableland region of North Queensland. Driving through it made us think of the green rolling hills of the UK.

Right, a little bit of history (if you are interested)...
"Here, natural underground water issues at a temperature of 78C (though temperatures vary). Up until 1900, the mineral water was bottled and sent to Europe - mules hauled the water over the Cardwell Range to Townsville for bottling at the Innot Cordial Factory. The spring is still known and recommended by European travellers for its healing qualities. Draw its magic power at swimming pools and soaking houses in the town. You can stay at a hotel and there's a camping ground set close to the hot springs."

All relaxed after a thermal bath

Looking hot next to the hot spring

Steam coming from the hot springs

Great Barrier Reef

Arnold's aunt Lana treated us both to a snorkelling trip to Moores Reef. A catamaran took us from Cairns to a pontoon about an hour and a half from the coast. It was a bit of a bumpy ride out and Arnold was busy looking after two seasick women!
We saw all sorts of beautiful and colourful fish - even reef sharks!!

Snorkelling with "noodles"