Lake Barrine - Temporary Home

 13 - November  2025 - 19 January 2026

We moved into the guest house at Lake Barrine and were very glad to be settled while we waited for our house to be finished. There had been some delays and it looked like we would not be moving in for a while yet, so we set about enjoying our temporary home. Even though we hadn't budgeted to pay rent at this stage, we knew we couldn't continue to live in the camper trailer through the wet season.

The guest house has a magnificant view over grazing lands towards Yungaburra, and backs onto the National Park rainforest surrounding Lake Barrine. All in all a fabulous location. We made the most of our time there and did lots of organising for our own home, as well as going out and about in the area.

A foggy morning at Lake Barrine

We were staying very close to two of our favourite places - Lake Barrine and Lake Eacham - so we visited often, sometimes to walk all the way around and sometimes just to hang out and do some birding. We also had a lovely lunch at the Lake Barrine Tea House one day. 

One day while on our way to Lake Eacham we stopped to walk down the Wright's Creek Road. Mick was hoping to do some birding along the road that has been closed since flooding damaged the bridge some years ago. On the way to the bridge we noticed a sign to Vision Falls - no indication of how far - so we ventured along the bush track anyway. This turned out to be a lovely spot with a beautiful small waterfall and some terrific birding. 

Vision Falls

A visit to the famous Yungaburra Markets to do some Christmas shopping was also in order. There are markets held  on the Tablelands every weekend and Yungaburra is the biggest and the best, but you have to be early to get a parking spot that doesn't require a long walk. We bought lots of locally produced goodies to give as gifts to family - and to eat ourselves too!

We also had lots of "regular" outings including trips to Cairns to pick up things for the house (and a spot of birding) and coffee with our Ravenshoe friends Rob and Cheryl. We were starting to feel quite at home up here.

We had invited our Warnambool birding friends Tony and Julia to stay with us for a few nights, thinking that we would be in our house by the time of their visit but that wasn't to be. We hosted them in the guest house instead and had a great time touring some local birding spots including some that Tony had heard about that we didn't know. We also did some of the "tourist" spots like Malanda Falls and Peterson Creek.

As Christmas approached I travelled to Cairns to pick up daughter Jo from the airport on her way home for her grand adventure sailing to Darwin and back to the Torres Strait. Her flight was coming in mid-afternoon and then she would leave on an early flight to return home to Hobart. I decided to spend the night in Cairns so I could do the last of my Christmas shopping, pick up some of the furniture we had ordered, as well as do the airport pick-up and drop-off. I was nice to have a night out with my daughter, even if it did mean getting up very early to get her to airport for a 6:00am flight.

When we thought we would be in our house we invited both the girls and my sister to spend Christmas with us. As we became more and more concerned that the house wouldn't be ready we sought an alternative and found an apartment at Trinity Beach that we thought would suit our needs. We didn't want to cancel so booked and set about re-arranging our plans. Julia and Jo had booked to fly in on the same flight, arriving on the Monday before Christmas. Mick and I decided to head to Cairns early to do some birding before picking them up at the airport and it was just as well we did, as we had serious car trouble and couldn't get it going. After many calls to RACQ and mechanics we eventually arranged for the car to be towed to a repairer in Cairns and for Julia to pick up a hire car. I travelled in the tow truck and the girls picked me up at the mechanics. What a day! We were all worn out by the time we arrived home, but the good news was that the problem was going to be easily and cheaply fixed.

The following day we packed up the hire car with all the things we would need for a family Christmas and drove back to Cairns. We were able to check in to the apartment before picking up my car, returning the hire car and then collecting Bronwyn from the airport. After depositing her at the apartment, Julia and I headed back to the big shopping centre at Smithfield armed with a huge grocery shopping list. 

Family drinks at a brewery.

We arranged to have a simple grazing platter for dinner, and accompanied by a few drinks we were finally able to relax after a couple of busy and stressful days.

We even managed a Christmas tree!

We spent the next 5 nights eating, drinking, lazing in the pool, walking on the beach and generally having some fabulous family time. We visited a local brewery, a bar and a pub. We also ventured into Cairns for some birding and an ice cream on the Esplanade.

A bit of excitement for Julia was the impending blooming of four Titan arums - Amorphophallus titanum at the Cairns Botanic Gardens. As luck would have it there were actually three about to bloom, but unfortunately none were ready on our first visit the day before we were to depart. We would have to return.

On our final day we dropped Bronwyn off at the airport and Jo off to pick up her hire car. We then went back to the gardens where the arums were closer to blooming - but not quite there. From Cairns we drove with Julia on a bit of a long way home - via Mossman and Julatten so we could do some birding. Julia had bought herself some binoculars and had started a bird list so was very keen to add some more new species to it. Our main target was the Buff-breasted paradise kingfisher. This gorgeous bird migrates from New Guinea to breed in the rainforests of north Queensland around November each year. It was raining and miserable when we turned down an unsealed road but we were well rewarded with a number of close sightings. The first bird flew right across the road in front of the car, and after that we saw several more. It was well worth the detour even with the awful conditions.

We returned to our temporary home with Julia and spent the next couple of days doing some Tablelands touristy things, including birding at Hasties Swamp and Lake Barrine. The day Julia was to fly home to Hobart we left early enough to include a return visit to the Botanic Gardens and were delighted to see that not one, but two, Titan arums had bloomed. Such a treat!

Jo was enjoying her time in the Daintree and even managed to get photos of cassowaries. She called in to the gardens on her way back to the airport and was rewarded with the last of the titan blooms that had started to open the evening before. How lucky was that!

We spent the next couple of weeks quietly, mostly at home waiting to move into our new house. After a number of delays and some very stressful times we collected the keys and moved in. There is much work to do, particularly in the yard and garden, but we now have a home again. We'll still travel, but will probably not embark on any more trips that take us away for months at a time, or maybe we will.

Cheers to a new home!

Lake Eacham - House Sit

 3 - 23 April 2025

When we first started out on this latest journey we considered the possibility of doing some house sitting while we waited for our house to be built. We registered with a well-known company and received a number of responses. Unfortunately none were suitable in terms of location and/or dates, until we found a homeowner ad for a three week sit at Lake Eacham at about the time we figured we would be back in the north.

We made contact and were eventually accepted, met with Frank and Pauline to go over logistics and receive all the information we would need. We moved over from Atherton and set about establishing a routine which included looking after a small flock of chickens, as well as a geriatric cow. Most house sits include a dog, so we were more than happy to have a cow instead. Circe didn't take much looking after - just some hay in the afternoon and check she had access to water.

Early morning fog 

Being at Lake Eacham we were central to most places we like to visit so were able to get out and about in the mornings, and be home to let the chooks out to free-range after lunch. We went for a couple of walks around Lake Eacham itself as well as Lake Barrine. We also took another drive out to Mount Hypipamee crater as well as numerous visits to Hasties Swamp.

One morning we set off early for a birding and shopping trip to Cairns. We drove down the Gillies Highway and visited a number of special spots including the turf farm near Gordonvale and the boat ramp on the eastern side of Trinity Inlet. Mick was chasing some new birds and he scored 2 out of the 3 he was after. From Gordonvale we headed into Cairns to pick up some new camping gear and then went down to the Espanade for lunch and a walk. By then it was time to return "home" to tend to the animals.

We had three weeks at the house sit and enjoyed the luxury of a proper home for that time. It gave us the chance to get some life admin done, and to be out of the rain for a while. On our last day, we packed up ready to go once the homeowners returned from their early morning flight into Cairns. We had a bit of a plan for the next week, but still had some decisions to make. We made Atherton our first stop, to pick up supplies and some odds and ends, then headed towards Mareeba.

Atherton

 23 March - 2 April 2025

Before we left Cairns to return "home" to the Atherton Tablelands, we made one last visit to the Esplanade in search of birds, then packed up and were on our way. We made the usual stop in Kuranda for a walk around and a coffee, before continuing on to Atherton.

We checked in to the caravan park close to town, where we have stayed a few times. It is one of the best kept caravan parks we have visited and the bonus is that there is lots of birdlife around. The down side was that the rain we had been experiencing for more than two weeks, was forecast to continue. With that in mind we chose a site with a slab, close to the amenities.

We had originally planned to stay for three nights but decided we might as well stay for the ten days we had left before our house sitting commitment in Lake Eacham. We were glad we did as the rain continued on and off for the whole time, including a couple of nasty thunderstorms. There was significant rain across most of the state so we couldn't have escaped it anyway.

Lake Eacham has long been a favourite spot

We did all the usual things while we were in Atherton - Hasties Swamp, Petersen Creek, Mount Hypipamee Crater, a walk around Lake Eacham, and this time we went on the cruise around Lake Barrine. The Lake Barrine Tea House had a special on the cruise - free for over 65s in April so we took advantage and were very pleased we did. We've been on this tour a number of times and each time the guide had told us about the resident python that is "usually over there", but not when we've been there. This time there were four pythons spotted! Success at last!

Dinner Falls in Mt Hypipamee NP

Lake Barrine Teahouse seen from the cruise

We were lucky that on our final morning in Atherton the sun was shining after a very loud and heavy thunderstorm overnight. We were able to get the canvas mostly dry before packing up, knowing that we would be able to open the camper trailer once we were settled in at the house sit.

Yungaburra - Lake Tinaroo

27 – 30 September 2023

We had never stayed at the caravan park on the lake at Yungaburra and were pleasantly surprised by the warm welcome, even though it was well before usual check-in time. We were also allocated a site just as requested – not too far from the amenities. To top it off the site had a view of the lake in two directions.

We went for a couple of walks down by the lake and enjoyed some lovely weather while we were there. It was busy with families but we had a site on the end of a row, the amenities and camp kitchen, so didn’t feel hemmed in. There was a long weekend coming up and the park started to fill up on Friday afternoon.

While we were on the Tablelands we took the opportunity to catch up with friends who live in Mareeba. Bill and Kerry drove over to have lunch with us at a very nice restaurant in Yungaburra. We hadn’t seen them since we left North Queensland two years ago, so had lots of stories to share. Bill took Mick out for a paddle on the lake early one morning – a new experience for Mick. We also visited our favourite Lakes – Eacham and Barrine and went for a short walk at each. It was late in the day when we went to Lake Barrine this time and there was plenty of parking.

We still had at least a week before we had to be back in Townsville so we decided on a few days in Cairns before heading south again.

Malanda

22 – 25 September 2023

We stopped for a late lunch at the rest area at Forty Mile Scrub and then continued on to Mount Garnet. We pulled into the caravan park, but despite the glowing reviews, we found it underwhelming, so continued on to Ravenshoe.

The community run caravan Park in Ravenshoe looked really nice, but it was full and there were only spots in an unshaded paddock. Because it was still quite early we decided to go to Malanda. We’d stayed there a number of times before and knew it would be a good spot. Being a Friday, and school holidays, we called ahead and were told there was a spot available.

When we arrived we were actually given a choice of several spots and we chose the one in the corner of the park near the falls, backing on to the rainforest. As we sat having a Friday drink we caught sight of something moving at the back of our camp. To our delight we realised it was a couple of Lumholtz Tree Kangaroos! Mother and baby skirted the edge of the trees, then climbed one where we could watch them for a few minutes. This was a truly special experience.

On Saturday morning we drove over to Yungaburra – as luck would have it we had arrived on markets weekend. First we went for a walk along Petersen’s Creek and down to Frawley’s Pool. This tranquil spot is named for a local school teacher who taught children to swim there in the 1950’s. We then walked back along the creek and across the suspension bridge – looking for birds the whole time.

From there we went to the famous Yungaburra Markets. Always busy, and with lots of local produce, food and handicrafts, we enjoyed wandering around. We bought a few things then went back to Malanda for lunch. There was some rain in the afternoon and more forecast for the coming days, but nothing too drastic – so we thought.

On Sunday we drove over to one of Mick’s favourite spots – Hastie’s Swamp, near Atherton. The two level bird hide allows good views of the swamp where there were many different varieties including heaps of Magpie Geese. Once again we headed home for lunch and then a drive to Lake Eacham in the afternoon. It was a beautiful day so we also had a walk to the Malanda Falls – adjacent to the caravan park.

Unfortunately the rain started in earnest during the night and by morning we had a significant amount of muddy puddles to contend with. The original forecast that had indicated “0 – 6mm” of rain, had been revised twice and was now showing “0 – 15mm” so we had to decide whether to stay and wait it out, or move to a drier location. More rain was forecast for the next 5 days so we chose to move on. Packing up in the wet is never fun, and we had the added complication of the sticky red mud. Thankfully the rain had stopped briefly so at least we weren’t wet. We managed to get everything done and reluctantly left Malanda bound for Mareeba, on the dry end of the Tablelands.

We visited Platypus Park near Atherton looking for birds, and hoping for a coffee, but the café was closed. Devonshire Tea at Lake Barrine was our next choice, but with no designated long vehicle parking, and the parking area full we drove back in to Yungaburra where we enjoyed a very late morning tea at one of the cafes there.

Back on the road and we stopped at “The Humpy” at Tolga for some fresh fruit and veggies, as well as some treats, then continued on to Mareeba.

Lake Eacham

 25 – 27 May 2021

Having made the big decision to sell our home of more than 30 years we wanted to take a short trip up to Artemis Station before knuckling down to get the house in order. We visited Artemis Station some years ago and have always been keen to return. As a bird photographer Mick was keen to try his luck with the Golden-Shouldered parrots on the property.

We set about getting the camper trailer ready, including having a lithium battery set-up installed in the hope of extending the time we could stay “off grid”. Our Cub Daintree LE has followed us to many places throughout the country, and all states except Tasmania. Each time we pack up to go away we seem to do things a little differently and this trip was no different. With only one, lighter, battery we had regained some space under the bed – room for more beer!

We had upgraded the car’s suspension recently so had to get the Prado in for a 500km check. Instead of waiting at home to make the magic number we decided to head for the Tablelands and have the car checked in Atherton, on the way to Artemis Station. Once we had made up our minds to go that way, there was nothing stopping us – even rain.

It seemed like a great idea to head for Lake Eacham – in the rainforest, with rain forecast for the next few days. Despite the mud and everything feeling damp, it was a  good couple of days. We left home in bright sunshine, and stopped at Tyto Wetlands in Ingham for a cuppa where the first spits of rain occurred. From there we continued north and drove down to Alligator’s Nest in Tully Gorge National Park for a picnic lunch. This lovely spot looked like it had recently been the site of a party of some sort as evidenced by broken glass in the grass and a wrecked car in the carpark. Still, the sheltered picnic tables allowed us to keep out of the rain. We walked down to have a look at the creek, which is a popular swimming spot.

From there we drove up the Palmerston Highway to Lake Eacham. We have been regular visitors to the Atherton Tablelands for over 40 years (Mick for more like 55) but we have never stayed at the caravan park near the lake. Neat and tidy but small, with a camp kitchen it would do us nicely for a couple of nights.

On the afternoon we arrived we drove the short distance to Lake Eacham and went for a short walk in between showers of rain. Some folk were swimming but at only 18 degrees it wasn’t on our agenda this time. The next morning we set off to visit a few of our favourite spots – Curtain Fig Tree (just out of Yungaburra), Hastie’s Swap (near Atherton) and Atherton itself. The first two are great bird watching spots and the latter allowed some shopping time. Later in the afternoon we went back to the Curtain Fig and the swamp.

The following morning we had to be up early to get the car to the 4WD centre by 7:30am. Once that was done we still had time to go back to the swamp and the Curtain Fig before returning to the caravan park to pack up. Fortunately for us, there had only been a few showers overnight and the morning was sunny so the canvas wasn’t too wet. Armed with a take-away coffee we headed further north towards our next destination – Artemis Station.

A Quick trip up north - Atherton Tablelands

Once again we decided to make a short trip to the Atherton Tablelands to escape the oppressive heat on the coast. Even as regular visitors we are always on the lookout for new places to stay and this trip – without the camper trailer – was to be no exception. With one new location, a return to an old favourite, as well as a return to a new favourite, this was to be a trip full of bird photography opportunities.

From a bird watching and photography point of view, North Queensland in summer offers many great opportunities that are not available in the more comfortable winter months. Summer migrants like the Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher and Metallic Starling are busy nesting. The colourful Blue-faced Parrot Finch can be found at its favourite feeding sites on Mt Lewis and Superb Fruit-Doves are vocal prior to nesting.

I had a wish list of tropical specialties, that I had seen in the past but had not photographed satisfactorily, to look for on this trip. In addition to the birds mentioned above, Tooth-billed Bowerbird, Barred Cucko-shrike, Atherton Scrubwren, Fernwren, Bridled Honeyeater and Mountain Thornbill were all on the list. I also hoped to photograph Boyd's Forest Dragon, a lizard I had often looked for but never seen. Mick

Wondecla

27 – 30 December 2017

We headed up the Bruce Highway towards the tablelands and stopped for lunch at Henrietta Creek campground. Last time we were here we had camped overnight. There is a shelter with picnic tables so it seemed the ideal spot to stop. We then drove into Atherton for a visit to Platypus Park, and then some shopping before making our way to Wondecla. Had we not had time to kill and a need to shop, we could have turned off at Millaa Millaa towards Herberton to reach our destination.

Our first stay was new to us – a birdwatchers cabin inWondecla. There is only one cabin on the property so guests are assured of peace and quiet in the very well-appointed cabin which faces out into the wet sclerophyll forest. A number of bird feeders have been set up a short distance from the verandah. There is a network of walks, some well-established and some being created, mostly along the creek which unfortunately had little water.

Here my target was the Superb Fruit-Dove. Several birds could be heard along the walking tracks but I only saw one briefly at a great distance. Oh well, we'll just have to return for them another time. This is a wonderful place to indulge in my favourite type of bird photography... sitting on a verandah with the camera on a tripod and clicking away at whatever comes in for the feeders. To me this is blissful, as I'm not carrying a heavy camera around! One of the highlights was a visit from Mountain Thornbills. Mick

Eastern Spinebill, one of the many honeyeater species that visited regularly.

Macleay's Honeyeater

Yellow-faced Honeyeater

Scarlet Honeyeater

White-naped Honeyeater

White-cheeked Honeyeater

Red-browed Finch

Mountain Thornbill

Sub adult Australian King-Parrot

Male Australian King-Parrot

A family of Pale-yellow Robins come in to drink around sunset.

Peaceful Dove

The property owners are very happy to share their knowledge and also offered to take us spot-lighting which we declined this time. During our three night stay we completed the loop walks – retracing our steps to the best spots, and spent hours on the verandah watching (and photographing) the birds as they came and went for food and water. We didn't leave the property, just enjoying the peace and quiet - including no phone or TV which is something we quite enjoy.

A Green-eyed Tree Frog waiting for bugs on the window.

Brush-tailed Possum

 Coppery Brush-tailed Possum

A Northern Brown Bandicoot foraged around the cabin in the evening.

Northern Sword-grass Brown Butterflies were common.

There were lots of nocturnal visitors and the regular calls of frogs despite the lack of water in the creek.

Julatten

30 December 2017 – 2 January 2018

Our next stay was at Kingfisher Park – another birdwatchers’ spot – at Julatten. We first visited more than 25 years ago and even though the place has changed hands several times since then, it remains a specialist birding destination. At this time of year the attraction is the buff-breasted paradise kingfisher. Visitors include many international birdwatchers.

Leaving Wondecla in the morning we visited Hasties Swamp (another regular stop-over) and then Platypus Park for lunch. Grocery shopping in Atherton, then the drive through Mareeba to Julatten.

Nankeen Night Heron at Hasties Swamp.

Azure Kingfisher at Platypus Park.

 There are lots of good spots on the property but one of the big attractions of a stay at Kingfisher Park is its proximity to World Heritage rainforest at Mount Lewis. We spent two mornings on the mountain staking out the blue-faced parrot finches. An unexpected bonus was a sighting of Atherton Scrubwrens.

It was great to see Atherton Scrubwrens but this was the best pic I could manage.

Blue-faced Parrot Finch

 I was happy to get shots of Blue-faced Parrot Finch and the Atherton Scrubbie on Mt Lewis but they could have been a lot better. I didn't even get time to look for Fernwren, another very challenging bird to photograph. So it looks like we will have to come back for another try next summer. Mick

Red-necked Crake bathing near our room. These could be heard calling at night.

Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher

Noisy Pitta sub-adult

Dinner on New  Year's Eve at the nearby Highlander Tavern was a bit of a treat - nice meal and a fabulous view.

Eastern stony creek frog at Kingfisher Park

As we were packing to leave Kingfisher Park we noticed a musty smell in the car. A quick check didn't reveal the source - we suspected wet clothing or boots, so we headed off towards Mareeba and a stop at the op-shops. By the time we arrived the smell had started to become unpleasant but we still couldn't find it. 

Lake Eacham

2 January - 5 January

We stopped at The Humpy at Tolga to pick up some fresh produce, snacks and other goodies from this popular fruit and veggie shop. Their selection of other things is fabulous and we always stop and buy ourselves something as a treat. Getting back in the car the smell had started to smell distinctly like something dead!

We stopped for a while in Atherton then made our way through a tropical rainstorm to Lake Eacham and Crater Lakes Rainforest Cottages. We have stayed once before and really liked the accommodation, location and the many visiting birds - so now it's on the favourites list.

On arrival we decided to unpack the car as completely as we could to try to find the source of the offending odour, but without any luck. By this time Mick had decided there was something dead in the air conditioning system, as the smell seemed to be worse we first starting the car. I wasn't so sure and really didn't want to have to start removing bits of the car to find it. I eventually found the instructions for removing the aircon filter - first you have to remove the glove box - and Mick set about the task. Well, he was right - there was a decomposing and very smelly antechinus (native mouse) just behind the filter. Fortunately it wasn't too hard to get it out - just really stinky. A quick drive into Atherton the next morning for a new filter and some heavy duty air freshener was in order. We have no idea how this lovely creature came to find itself in the air conditioner, but we suspect it climbed up into the engine bay when we first arrived at Wondecla looking for warmth - it was very cool in the afternoons and overnight there. We checked that off as a new experience and one we had no desire to repeat.

The climate on the tablelands is significantly cooler than on the coast, but at the height of summer, it was still hot enough away from our rainforest hideaway to go for a swim. Lake Eacham is a very popular spot and there were heaps of people there when we visited each morning. The water was perfect and there was plenty of room for everyone. We also visited Lake Barrine and had morning tea at the tea house - another favourite place. There are walks right around both lakes as well as shorter ones. We went on short walks looking for birds of course!

Lake Eacham is a reliable place to find Barred Cuckoo-shrike.

Little Black Cormorant

Boyd's Forest Dragon

Bridled Honeyeater

Dance practice for a young Victoria's Riflebird.

Lewins Honeyeater

Ginger flower

Tooth-billed Bowerbird at Lake Barrrine

Most of our time was spent at the cottage, feeding and photographing the birds. Mick was also excited to see and photograph his first Boyd's forest dragon. Once again, we enjoyed the peace and quiet of a beautiful spot.

Metallic Starling

On the way home in Tully's Gum Boot Park I found Metallic Starlings nesting down low. Unfortunately it was raining so I only had a very quick session with these amazing birds. Mick

Tropical North Queensland - again!

A winter trip north is always a favourite and this year we decided to travel to Cairns and Lake Eacham on the Atherton Tablelands, without the camper trailer. A last minute decision also added a couple of nights at Daintree Village. As usual, the main motivation for this trip was to do some serious bird photography in some lovely spots.

Daintree Village

14 – 16 June 2017

A reported sighting of spotted whistling ducks on the Daintree River had us heading there first. An early start and a very leisurely drive up the highway and we still had time to go out to The Boulders just out of Babinda, for a picnic lunch. This is a very popular spot and there were lots of people enjoying the surrounds even though it was mid-week.

After enjoying the beautiful coastal drive north of Cairns we arrived at Daintree and checked into the lodge at the caravan park. Our room was perhaps the best on offer – the last one in the row, with uninterrupted views of the river. The lodge consists of a number of ensuite guest rooms and a communal cooking/dining/lounge area on the expansive deck. The views are fabulous too!

The spacious deck of the lodge.

The view from our verandah.

 We spent the afternoon in and around the village and then ventured across the road to the pub for dinner.

From our balcony we saw a native White-tailed Rat gnawing coconuts.

We saw a couple of White-lipped Tree Frogs around the lodge building.

Nutmeg Manikin near our room.

We were booked onto a wildlife cruise in the afternoon so spent the next morning looking for birds along the roads “up river”. We drove along Stewart’s Creek and Upper Daintree Roads, with only moderate success. Back at the lodge I spotted the whistling ducks paddling down the river towards us.  Out with the camera and Mick was well pleased. Later in the day we met out guide, Ian, for the 4:00pm wildlife cruise. Some boat tours are designed specifically for those wanting to spot crocodiles and others are more suited to bird watchers and those interested in other wildlife. Some leave from the boat ramp at the village and others from a tour centre a few kilometres down the road.

A favourite thing to do here is to drive along Upper Daintree Road and see what birds are about. There is usually plenty of Rainbow Bee Eaters and Forest Kingfishers around but you never know what might turn up. Mick.

It was overcast for most of our visit.

Cattle Egrets

Rainbow Bee Eater

Willy Wagtail

Like a bird on a wire... exactly. Tree Martin.

Once out on the river we saw lots of birds, some snakes and a few crocs as well. We spotted the ducks and Mick was able to get a few good photos although they wouldn’t turn their heads and smile for the camera.

We didn't spend much time with the Spotted Whistling Duck but I ended up with a record shot.

Seven of the eight ducklings the pair were raising in this dangerous place.

This is what most visitors to the Daintree want to see. We saw four or five individuals on this trip.

Forest Kingfisher

Forest Kingfisher

Christie takes a photo of a female croc on the bank.

The cruise took us a fair way up Barratt Creek looking for kingfishers and big crocodiles.

The sun begins to set, signaling time to head back to the jetty.

Cairns

16 - 19 June 2017

We left Daintree in the morning for the drive south to Cairns. We had plenty of time so we took our time packing up and called in to Port Douglas for morning tea. We stopped for lunch on the Esplanade in Cairns before making our way to our accommodation – an apartment further down the Esplanade.

Not a great view but an excellent location.

We spent the next few days doing some of our favourite things – a couple of long walks along the Esplanade, a drive out to Centenary Lakes and a walk around and a visit to the Mangrove Boardwalk. Each of these places have the potential for good bird photography.

Pacific Black Duck

A Striated Heron grabs a snack.

At Centenary Lakes we found Radjah Shelduck.

Radjah Shelduck

Grey-tailed Tattlers all in a row.

Some of the usual birds seen along the Esplanade. Gull-billed Tern

Eastern Curlew

The Whimbrel is similar to the Eastern Curlew though smaller and with a shorter beak.

Terek Sandpiper. This bird's broken bill probably prevents it from gaining enough condition for the annual northern migration.

Cairns waterfront.

Cairns waterfront.

We were entertained by a talented busker as we walked the Cairns Esplanade.

One of the many tourist boats comes in.

After three lovely days in Cairns it was time to set off for our next destination – Lake Eacham on the Atherton Tablelands. We used our superpower for this one – the ability to take all day to get a short distance. The trip via Kuranda is about 115 kilometres and should take approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. With our superpower we took over 5 hours! Well, we did stop at the Mangrove Boardwalk and spent a good bit of time walking around looking for birds (and being bitten by sandflies despite the insect repellent). We also stopped for morning tea and a look at the op-shop in Kuranda, and for a picnic lunch and a look at the op-shops in Mareeba, and for groceries and a look at the op-shops in Atherton.

Female Shining Flycatcher.

Lake Eacham

19 - 22 June

We have stayed in many different places on the Atherton Tablelands over the last 35 years, and I think we have found our new favourite. Crater Lakes Rainforest Cottages at Lake Eacham suited us perfectly. The owners John and Jenny are welcoming and knowledgeable about the local wildlife, which is abundant. Mick had hoped to see the Victoria's Riflebird - displaying if possible, so we were allocated the cottage with the best chance for a photo.

The back deck of our cabin.

No sooner had we settled in than the birds appeared, looking for the mealworms which are provided so visitors can feed them with something appropriate. We were also provided with pellets to feed the other creatures which included pademelons and Musky rat-kangaroos.

Rufous Fantail

The light was very low but I managed to get some reasonable shots of the Victoria's Riflebird.

Male Victoria's Riflebird displaying. Getting far enough back from the action was problem with the 500mm lens.

A female riflebird mistakes Christie for a tree.

Bridled Honeyeater

Lewin's Honeyeater

Spotted Catbird

Musky Rat-kangaroo

Musky Rat-kangaroo

The weather wasn't great, but the location was perfect so apart from a quick trip into Malanda one day, and Yungaburra the next, we spent most of the time just enjoying the surroundings.

At night the cabin was snug and warm despite the cold and rain.

After a relaxing short trip away we headed home  and back to Townsville's warmer weather. No need for the fire at home!