Mt Quincan Crater Retreat near Yungaburra

1 - 4 July 2014

Our next destination was to be quite different again - and very indulgent. We had planned to spend a few days at Mt Quincan Crater Retreat during the Easter holidays but were chased away by the impending arrival of Cyclone Ita. We didn't escape the cyclone completely as she moved down the coast and was still classified as a category 1 cyclone when she hit Townsville and beyond.The managers at Mt Quincan were very understanding of our reluctance to stay with a cyclone approaching and happily rebooked us for the June/July holidays. 

This place is absolutely beautiful and very well appointed. The pole-house style cabins are situated so that you cannot see your neighbours. Our cabin had a great view across farming lands but some have what we consider a better view into the crater itself - and the swamp. The cabins are absolute luxury -including a wood fire and spa bath.Ours also had an outdoor shower - although we didn't use it. The bathroom inside was much cosier! Our package also included breakfast provisions  for each morning - cereal, yoghurt, sausages, rissoles, bacon. mushrooms, eggs, break, muffins - so much food we actually ate some for dinner.

There are a number of walks on the property and we tackled the Crater and Wetlands walking track which takes you down into the crater itself (and a bit of a climb back up again), as well as the Lesley Creek and Fig Tree walk. Both were really nice walks downhill...

One of the features of Mt Quincan is the resident population of Lumholtz's Tree Kangaroo which apparently frequent the trees around the cabins - but not while we were there. We were visited by birds and had a nightly visit by possums looking to be fed.

We often visit the Atherton Tablelands so did some of our favourite things while we were there including lunch at the Malanda Hotel, a visit to the very popular Gallo Dairyland to purchase cheese and chocolate, wandering around the shops in Yungaburra and two visits to Hasties Swamp near Atherton where Mick photographed a huge flock of magpie geese and a platypus.

We also had afteroon tea at Lake Barrine, a short walk at Lake Eacham and a visit to the Curtain Fig Tree. We were fortunate that although the weather was very cold at times, the rain held off for most of the time we were "out and about".

Jabiru Safari Lodge at Mareeba Wetland

29 June - 1 July 2014

We arrived at Mareeba Wetlands shortly after 2.00pm and were told our tent was not ready so were treated to a coffee - local of course. After a short wait we were taken to our accommodation - a safari tent which was much more glamorous than the tent we had been camping in over the last few weeks, and it even included a very nice ensuite. 

We had booked the "all inclusive"package so were advised to be at the visitor centre by 3.30 for a cruise around the lagoon and then a safari tour. Out host and tour guide Greg did an excellent job of meeting the needs of his guests - photographer and bird watchers. He kept a bird guide to provide extra information to the international tourists. 

We had previously walked around the lagoon a number of years ago so it was interesting to see it from the water. After a half hour tour we climbed into the old Landcruiser for a safari tour. Greg takes his guests to various spots on the property depending on the needs and interests of his guests. 

He tried very hard to take us to spots where Mick might see and be able to photograph the birds he was after - but alas - no luck. We returned to the visitor centre just on dusk for drinks and nibbles. Greg and wife Marg are excellent hosts - mingling with guests and sharing their story. They are actually cattle farmers who own the property next door and took over running Jabiru Safari Lodge and Mareeba Wetlands when the previous managers walked out. They are doing a great job! Dinner was a choice of fish, chicken or steak and salad or vegetables. A delicious home style meal - served with more drinks and dessert of we had wanted it - we declined. Because it was a cold night, Greg lit a fire outside and we stopped there to finish our drinks before retiring for the night. 

The following morning we enjoyed breakfast of fruit, toast, cereal etc on the deck before heading off on another safari. This time Greg took us along different tracks, including on his own property. 

Lunch was from the cafe menu - wraps, sandwiches, quiche etc, and local coffee and tea. We managed to have a restful afternoon before heading out on one of the many walks. We didn't go too far but Mick was happy when he found a "birdy spot". We joined our hosts and other guests again for drinks and nibbles at sunset, followed by dinner (and this time we did have dessert - very yummy apple, rhubarb and berry crumble).

After breakfast on our second and final morning we packed up our things and heading out for another walk - back along the Pandanus Walk - the one we had been the day before, but we walked a bit further this time, all the way to the "washout". Again there were a few opportunities to photograph birds. After saying our goodbyes we headed off to our next destination - Mt Qunican Crater Retreat near Yungaburra.

Mission Beach and Malanda Falls

28 - 29 June 2014

Our next trip away took us to Mission Beach for one night then up onto the Atherton Tablelands. At Mission Beach we stayed at the Rainforest Motel which is close to shops, restaurants and the beach, and is great value for money. We went for a wander and were astounded at the number of people on the beach. We are usually here in summer when there is hardly anyone there. We had dinner at Sandbar and again it was great value for money - we shared a pizza then indulged in some yummy desserts. The service was super quick and cheerful. 

The next morning we had breakfast at Earlybirds which has become something of a tradition for us when we stay in Mission Beach. We called in to the "Monster Markets" and then headed for the highway. Being the start of the school holidays there was plenty of traffic and a police breathalyzer unit set up on the highway. I passed with a perfect 0.0.

We stopped at Gooligan Creek  - just because Mick hadn't been there in years. It's a pretty little spot with toilets and picnic area, as well as easy access to the creek. 

Our next stop was the Malanda Falls Visitor Centre. This new centre is very well set out - with lots of interactive displays and even a spot for young children to sit and colour in while mum and dad gather information. Very thoughtful!

I have been to Malanda so many times but have never been on the either of the walks which take in the rainforest near the falls so this time we decided on the aptly named "Rainforest Walk" which starts and finishes across the road from the visitor centre. The walk winds down to the creek and through the rainforest. Many of plants are labelled. The resident turtles show interest in visitors as they approach the creek - I suspect they are sometimes fed so check you out just in case you have something for them. We crossed the road for a look at the falls as well. 

Broadwater - Abergowrie State Forest

26 - 27 June 2014

After two very cold nights up in the mountains behind Ingham we opted to return to the coast and Broadwater in the Abergowrie State Forest. We had been here before so knew what to expect - grassy campsites, toilets and cold shower as well as fire pits. We selected a shady site and although there were a number of other campers (including some pretty flash looking campervans) it was quiet and peaceful. We went for a walk along the Creek Walk which doesn't go very near the creek at all! It's a nice walk and Mick found a very "birdy" spot so he stayed on to take photos while I walked back to camp. I can only spend so much time standing around, staying quiet, waiting for that one magic shot.

We also visited the creek swimming spot - although we weren't tempted to swim - and the Rainforest Walk which takes you to the strangler fig. A very nice, and easy walk along a well maintained boardwalk.

Wallaman Falls - Girringun National Park

24 - 26 June 2014

  

Wallaman Falls is one of those places that is close to home that we had never visited. We had always intended to visit and decided this would be our next camping destination. We booked to stay for three nights. 

On the way through Ingham we stopped for a quick visit to Tyto Wetlands, but decided against the long walk as we were keen to get to our destination. When I had booked the day before it appeared we would be the only campers on the first and last nights and with one other camper registered for the second night we were looking forward to a peaceful and restful time. How wrong could we be! No sooner had we arrived and set up camp in our chosen spot, than we were visited by a "grey nomad" asking about how to register to camp. We provided the information - go to the phone box provided and call - and settled in for a relaxing afternoon.

Juvenile Comb-crested Jacana at Tyto Wetlands

Comb-crested Jacana at Tyto Wetlands

Throughout the afternoon more campers arrived with camper vans and tents to fill up more of the remaining sites. Not a problem really until we were invaded by a horde of noisy teenagers. I have nothing against young people - I have two of my own - and applaud their willingness to get out into the great outdoors, but these young folk seemed to have no idea that most campers in National Parks are there for the peace and quiet, unfortunately their loud voices persisted until late at night.

The campsite was well appointed although only a couple of sites were suitable for our type of camp set up. Toilets and a cold shower were provided as were picnic tables, shelter sheds and fire pits (BYO firewood). There was plenty of grass to set up the tent not far from the car. We knew a cold night was forecast, but hadn't expected the extreme lows that eventuated. Fortunately we had brought fire wood (purchased from Bunnings for $12) and were snug in out tent with the warm quilt. Getting up in the morning was a bit of a challenge though.

Sunset and food preparation.

We went for a walk in the morning along the well-marked Bangguru Walk which took us along the creek and down to beautiful rock pools. We spent some time there just taking in the surroundings. Later in the day a ranger advised that there would be some burning off near the falls and not to be concerned abut the smoke. Mick asked about the distance to the falls as this information was not available on any of the signage or National Parks website. He advised it was "about a kilometre". It seems National Parks has a different measuring system to the rest of us. We attempted to walk and were overcome by the steep hills along the road so didn't make it up to the falls lookout that afternoon.

Evening Brown Butterfly

We made the decision to move on to Broadwater in Abergowrie State Forest the following morning, mainly because of the cold. Because we had booked three nights at Wallaman Falls, I called National Parks from the public telephone provided and discovered you cannot change a booking once it has started and have to make (and pay for) a new booking. Seems ridiculous! I'm sure there has to be a better way. You cannot self register at the site so must book online in advance but without any flexibility to change if needed. It's no wonder many people just camp without registering and paying. After another cold night we packed up camp and drove up to the lookout - definitely more than the quoted distance. 

Wallaman Falls

Cameras at ten paces.

The view to the falls is magnificent and well worth the time to get there. We stayed a while and took lots of photos. We decided not to attempt the obviously challenging walk to the bottom of the falls but did walk a short way down to another viewing spot.

The campground and surrounds were excellent for birding. White-throated treecreeper, female Victoria's Riflebird, and the endemic Yellow-breasted Boatbill were all encountered. Golden Penders had just finished flowering along the river on the Bangguru Walk. These prolific nectar producers would attract lots of lorrikeets and honeyeaters when in bloom, something to keep in mind for next time. 

Despite the numbers of birds, I didn't manage many good shots on this particular outing. Mick.

White Mountains National Park

11 - 13 June 2014

After a night in Richmond we headed for White Mountains National Park, between Torrens Creek and Charters Towers. We knew it was accessed from the highway but had some difficulty finding the entrance.The park itself was well signposted but the entrance was hidden down a track at the edge of one of the rest areas. Perhaps someone wants to keep it a secret. I had been worried about accessing the camping area (Cann's Creek) as the information provided by Parks Queensland seemed to be a bit contradictory - on one place it indicated you could access the camping area in a conventional, but high clearance, vehicle and in another it indicated 4WD only. Mick had phoned and spoken to a ranger who was familiar with the area (a challenge in itself) and he assured us that we would have no trouble in my 2WD Mitsubishi Outlander. While the steep bank into and out of the creek had me a little nervous, we managed it without incident. The rest of the track had been an easy drive through some interesting scrub country. We had booked to stay for two nights and for the first night we were the only ones there - so peaceful. The facilities were basic - 8 marked campsites and a hybrid toilet, but perfectly adequate for our needs. The area was extremely dry and there was no water in the creek at all. In one place you could see where kangaroos had dug down to get to some moisture. We walked along the creek bed and marvelled at some magnificent sights. 

Mick spent a good bit of time photographing (or trying to photograph) birds. 

On our second day there we were joined by another couple.The campsite remained peaceful. We went walking along the creek and generally relaxed. Mick was somewhat disappointed at the lack of birdlife which was as a result of the extreme dry conditions. 

On our final morning we packed up, successfully negotiated the creek crossing again and headed back towards the park entrance. We took the detour to the lookout which was well worth the few extra kilometres, and again the road was in good condition. You get a feel for the ruggedness and remoteness of this park when you take in the view from the lookout. 

We returned to the highway and stopped for a cuppa at the well presented rest area - toilets, water, shaded seating. We continued on to lunch in a park in Charters Towers before home.