Where the forest meets the sea

Woah, times flies! I can't believe how long its been since I have last posted. But to me it feels like it was only last week. I can't believe it already nearing the end of November! How has time gone so fast! It makes me so sad knowing that I have been here almost a year already! I guess they do say time flies when you're having fun!

Tropical north Queensland is a special place. It is known for Cape Tribulation and the iconic Great Barrier Reef. But the north really has so much more to offer. Its full of mountains, waterfalls, the rainforest and so much more. I was originally supposed to travel up to Cairns much earlier in the year however that was cancelled as Brisbane had a covid outbreak and we had gone into lockdown.

Cairns is one of the more northern towns in Queensland, and this is where I flew into and started the trip! Cairns is close to many attractions and actually a short drive to a Port Douglas (a vacation destination). While in Cairns I was able to explore Cascade falls, and beautiful little spot you can drive up to and bring your togs (swim wear) and relax in the pools! There is many different pools so its never too busy. And trust me, you will want to take a dip as the humidity here is crazy. The water is so refreshing!

Because of the diverse landscape the north has to offer, there are so many waterfalls in the area. about an hour drive from Cairns in Zillie Falls, Ellinjaa Falls, and Millaa Millaa Falls. The best part is these are all along the same road, so super easy to see them all. Again, just make sure to bring a towel and swimming everywhere you go in Queensland, you never know where you you can take a dip! Along this road I saw a wild Cassowary and her baby! Which is so amazing as they are rare to see in the wild, however you also don't want to come across one walking as they can be aggressive. Especially when the babies are around. One other waterfall I was able to see was Josephine Falls! This was a great little spot with a natural waterslide and everything! Even a school group was there for a little afternoon field trip!

Other waterfalls that I just ran out of time includes: Nandroya Falls, Mungalli Falls, and a bit further away is Wallaman Falls, which I believe is the tallest water fall in Australia!

North Queensland is also the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef (GBR). You are able to do take trips to all sorts of islands and snorkel, dive, or just beach and enjoy the sun (while being sun safe of course). Being limited on time I had to choose only one island. I chose Fitzroy Island, it was about a one hour cruise to the island. Here we were able to rent snorkels, clear kayaks, and you can even go paddle boarding. If water isn't your thing on the island has many walks, a turtle hospital and a butterfly sanctuary! The water is so blue, it is picturesque on its on. You are able to stay on the island if you like, it would be a great way to have the island more to yourself as tourist arrive at 9 am and need to catch the boast back to the mainland around 4 pm. If you do decide to day trip like myself there is a small store and a restaurant where you can get food and refreshments. Just be aware is island prices!

From Cairns I drove up to Palm Cove, and in my opinion I reckon this is the best spot. I had the most beautiful place on the beach, and just like its name its covered in palm trees! Its only 20 mins from Cairns and just that much closer to The Daintree Rainforest! if you stay here make sure to check out the best little Italian place called "il Forno Pizzeria" hands down the best Italian I have had in a while!

Now the Daintree Rainforest, Cape Trib. First lets start with the most beautiful drive up there. The twisty road with the ocean on one side and the forest on the other is like non other. It really is where the forest meets the sea. While in the Daintree you have to do a crocodile cruise, see these dinosaur like animals in their natural habitat. To get to Cap Tribulation you take a little ferry across the croc infested river and you just drive forever, many little stops around, its a very family friendly area. Any walks, and tours to do, on the website has a great useful map to download for free! Now because your in croc territory you can't just swim anywhere, watch for signs!

The last stop on the list was, Kuranda and the markets that they are known for! They have a few different markets, some more local and others more tourist and full of little trinkets. But who doesn't love a good market! From here the Barron Gorge wasn't to far away so I definitely made a stop here! One cool thing you can do in this area is take a scenic train! You see all these beautiful spots and can even stop and get off at these places! I think this is definitely a much do if you don't have a care or aren't short on time!

xo Nic