Week 13 Aug 4th – 11th
We had a couple of days seeing the sights of Cairns. It is a huge city now, but when you have been in the bush for a while it can be very over whelming. Same shops as home, the attractions are still the same, the only thing that was different was “The Esplanade”. The foreshore has been opened up to cater for family picnic and swimming areas. The marina is a large part of the complex and blends the tourist sailing craft, commercial fishing and recreational boats all within the Eastern end of the precinct. The Western end has open wide footpaths that cater for walkers, joggers and bikers.
From Cairns we moved about 50kms south to Babinda. We have meet people along the way that had spoken highly of this free camp. But when we got there it had been raining there for the last 2 days and everything was soaked. We had to park on the high side with about 20 other van, very cosy. It was only when we went to the information centre that we were welcomed to the wettest town in Qld.
The rain persisted for a couple more days and we were caravanned out, so went to see the sights regardless of the weather. The Boulders were not far away so donned the coats and umbrellas. Huge granite boulders dictate the flow of water down the Babinda Creek. “Nature at its best”, this was a great chance to try out the new camera. From here we went to Josephine Falls, Brampton Beach and saw Qld’s tallest mountain, Bartle Frere in the clouds.
Monday came with the sun out. We were excited about our day, we had booked into Paronella Park Qld’s #1 tourist attraction at Mena Creek. So it was down the road for another 100kms with a great welcome. We got there around 10.30am with a staff member on the side of the road waving us down and directing us to our campsite and then booking us in. When you book in you get a card that allows free entry over the next 2 years. “Wow something for nothing”.
The park is amazing, a group of buildings, a ballroom, teahouse, reception house, walkways, waterfalls and grand staircase, all built by Jose Paronella in the 1930’s and 40’s. We were able to stroll through the park until 11.00pm at night. Guided tours are every half hour during the day, where you can hear the full history of the park from an expert. Night tours are offered and recommended as different buildings are flood light, as are the waterfalls. The story of the park is all about one man’s dream for his wife and family.
We thoroughly endorse this attraction as being, value for money, helpful, friendly staff, tour guides that are passionate about their environment, spotless café and a place where the owners are there all hours of the day and have contact with visitors.
Definitely # 1
