After the hectic time and steep learning curve of the dive course it was bliss to spend 4 days at Cape Tribulation. A very beautiful place of contrasts where the Great Barrier Reef meets the Daintree Rainforest, the oldest in the world. The two hour journey from Cairns to Cape Tribulation included a river cruise along the Daintree River where we were able to see crocodiles of all sizes, some of whom were up to 5 metres in length, though thankfully viewed from the safety of the boat! The stay at the cape was at a small budget resort, Ferntrees, situated in the rainforest where I met Christine and Stephanie, a mother and daughter from Vienna. We found the local water hole, a crocodile free Mason's Pool, where we were able to swing from a rope into the river and generally have a few hours of undignified behaviour and fun.
I took the opportunity to go on a three hour jungle hike, led by an extremely knowledgeable local man, who taught us about the plants, trees and local wildlife. I came away with a healthy respect for the jungle environment and how it protects itself... A further diving opportunity arose so having brought my snorkel and fins decided to make a further trip onto a different part of the Great Barrier reef. The weather was perfect and we snorkelled in the morning and scuba dived only to about 12 metres in the afternoon and again saw the rich variety of life that inhabits this unique environment. Visibility was about 15-20 metres and I saw 2 stingrays as well as "nemo" fish and more white tip sharks, as well as a vast number of different live corals (not much bleaching here) so a very worthwhile day.
The last evening was spent having dinner with Steph and Christine sitting by the poolside at the resort drinking Australian wine, a great finish to 4 days.
The final journey back to Cairns, included a stop at the Mossman Gorge (part of one of the national parks in North Queensland), and an hours stop at Port Douglas, an up-market edition of Cairns, where we had time to discover the locally made icecream (scrumptious - to die for!)before finally journeying to Cairns. A further 2 nights back at the YHA in Cairns (quieter this time....) allowed me time to prepare for the next leg, Hobart.
Photo 1. A jungle vine that has completely destroyed the prayed on gum tree, a process that can take many years.
Photo 2. A small-ish crocodile (?) sleeping on the side of the Daintree river.
Photo 3. The mangrove swamps in the Daintree Rainforest.
Photo 4. Cape Tribulation (the promontory on the left) as seen from the dive boat as we journeyed to the reef.
Photo 5. Steph, Christine and myself on the last photo opportunity before we left the cape.
Photo 6. The one that should not be there!!!!!
Photo 7. Part of Mason's Pool, it was about 8 feet at it's deepest and refreshingly cool.
Photo 8. Mossman river, apparently low at the present time as there had been so little rain this season.
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