Palm Cove and Bramston Beach, FNQ

Palm Cove Foreshore at Daybreak

Today I'm writing from a lovely seaside spot, called Bramston Beach, about 50 kilometres south of Cairns.  I shall recollect my thoughts to write we're we have been, what we've seen since parting ways with Les and Stew. 

We left Wonga Beach (Live longa at Wonga) to head a little further south to a delightful seaside village, Palm Cove.  The lush tropical setting here made you think that you were in paradise. The main esplanade filled with beautiful landscapes of tropical flora that adorned the many private run resorts, restaurants, cafes and the beach front.  There were a few great giant trees that were preserved for their beauty in stature, aged around 400 years.

The Esplanade

Daniel and I spent two days here. Weather was warm, but the South Easterly wind around 30 knotts which made the surf rough.  A walk along the jetty was also a little cool.  My early morning walks continued having established a routine on our final days together with Les.  A few happy shots captured to remember the beauty of this little seaside village.

It has only to be said that there are many such little places along this stretch of Captain Cook Hwy, north of Cairns that are dotted with pretty beaches, stunning gold, white, red sands, stretching palms, glossy green mangroves, cedars, eucalypts.  The sea that stretches out for miles in front of you peppered with little islands, hideaways for some are spectacular sights. 

Our stay in Cairns was extended as the mail from Melbourne had not yet arrived.  Once that had been collected we were ready to continue on the journey that was now going to be south heading back home to Melbourne by the New Year. 

Just one of the many resorts at Palm Cove

Friends that we'd made along the way had suggested that we stop at Bramston Beach for a couple of nights.  With the school holidays having just commenced up here we thought if we could still could get in then we'd stop.  Arriving at the council run park we were not disappointed.  The place, what can I only say, was beautiful.  It was very relaxed with families, kids and their beloved pets, dogs! We set up adjutting the lawn.  It wasn't noisy.  Again the foreshore was dotted with lots of trees, palms, mangroves. 

Another vista of the main street

We took our bikes out for a run to the Russell River National Park, where the creek runs into the mouth of the ocean.  A great ride for sometime upon which we promised to continue as we headed south.  After washing, lunch we headed out to one of the secluded beaches.  Gold sands for miles either side of us, with blue waters stretching out dotted with a few small sail ships, masts up, blowing lazily as the wind took them.  Daniel dropped his line to see if he could catch a few fish.  I just thought that we were in such a beautiful place and have been even luckier to experience just this little amount of what we've already seen in Australia since setting out in January.

By the Fig Tree

The views in this tropical paradise were immense.  To one side we were exposed to mountains rising high above us, covered in the sun's spring mist.  The mountains continued as a full range along the coast line.  Heading east from the highway through thick rainforest, the limest of green grasses, sugar cane fields before hitting the edge of the land to view the beautiful sea.  Still there were the few signs of warnings about crocs in these parts!

Our couple of days here were fantastic, idyllic really, but then where hasn't it been? It's been 'eye candy' everywhere.  I can't and I don't believe that Daniel can complain about anywhere we've been or what we've seen.  We were to be heading on to Townsville but we got a call from Stew and guess what?...we're catching up with them tomorrow at Kurrimine Beach (on the way to Townsville). We'll catch up for a day or two have dinner before we head on down.  Look forward to seeing them both. Bye for now.

River creek in the rainforest

Very cold water

By the Fig Tree

Bramston Beach

View to the Southern end of the beach

When he's not fishing!

The view from our van onto the ocean

The van with the car in the background at dusk

The view at Dusk at Bramston Beach

Wonga Beach, Goodbye Stew and Les.

Stew and Les on the Tip of Cape York

Our time had come to say goodbye.  We stopped a couple of nights at Wonga Beach but we shared dinner with the locals at the caravan park to celebrate someone's birthday and those who attended brought a meal to share. It was another great night. 

Next day we took a trip out to Mossman Gorge and had a plunge in the water. It was really cold but very refreshing.  As Daniel and I were making our way to the car to gather up lunch I noticed a couple they approached us and asked us from where about in Melbourne we came from and I said that they probably speak Polish. They did! we have mutual friends back home in common. What a small world this is!

Our final night together with Stew and Les was lovely.  Dinner, drinks, gifts exchanged as tokens of thanks for the time spent together.  Les got to read out her poem that she'd made to express the Cape York journey.

Here it is:

    To The Tip And Back

We met Marysia and Daniel our Cape York  companions on a Wednesday night at the Cairns campsite. We spent some time planning this trip so we could get safely to the tip. Well leave the caravan, the caravan stays, our tent is the accommodation for the next seventeen days

We set off from Cairns on a sunny day but things didn’t start off the right way, see stew went to Bunnings to get some timber, got back to the car and it could have burned to cinders, cos he had a mishap and it could have been dire cos he’s car nearly set on fire

Our first big stop was Chilli Beach, we knew this place wasn’t out of our reach, but there was a storm not long ago and it brought heaps of rubbish up onto the shore. We drove down the beach to do some fishin and Stew just kept hoping and wishing that a fish would jump right on his hook and at last we’d have something to cook. He struck it lucky and got a hit then he was as happy as a pig in shit. We did Chilli Beach and we also did Weipa, he fished some more and he got a keeper.

After a few more days we hit the Telegraph Track but once we’d started there was no turning back. The creeks got deeper, the tracks got rough but that didn’t stop us cos our men are tough. After crossing Palm and Dulcie creek we Came upon Alice but that was so weak. We came upon Gunshot the one that everyone fears, and it nearly brought our men to tears, so to get across and have some fun we decided to do the chicken run, it was the cowards way out so everyone told us, so the guys crossed the water and we took the photos.

That night we settled for Elliot falls as a campsite base so we could recall how much fun we’d had that very day and hope it would carry on that way. The falls where beautiful, the saucepan cool and we just jumped right in that pool. We had a swim and it was amazing and then we spent some time just lazing. Fruitbat Falls was our next destination for another rest and relaxation, the water was clear and so pure we had a good time that’s for sure.

We stayed in Seisa but it wasn’t very nice so the next day we headed to paradise. Punsand Bay was the name of this site, it was that nice we stayed for two nights.

The next stop the tip, the tip of Australia at this point you can’t go any further. Me and Stew ,Marysia and Dan we’ve come as far as we can. The four of us have made it here we’ve had a top time that’s no fear, but now we are all down in the mouth cos the next part of the journey is heading south

This part of the trip is almost to an end and well have to say goodbye to our friends, but we’ll keep in touch they will be on our mind cos good friends like these are hard to find.

We’ve had good food and good beer to, but the cask wine was cheap but what can you do, but now’s the time to start the diet give up the booze and start to be quiet, cos the tip has been done, there’s no misgiving, now were on our way home to see the kids and make a living.

                                                 By Lesley Treagust

We had such an amazing time with them.  Stew and Les were great companions.  We'll be catching up with them in October closer to their home.  We'll definitely see them again next year when visiting Brisbane.  Take care guys, you're the best! 

Mossman Gorge

Bush Turkey checking out the bags for lunch!

Wonga Beach Caravan Park

Mt Carbine, QLD

An Azure Kingfisher at Mt Carbine

An early rise in the morning to the gentle sounds of the tide going out from our little camp site
at Noah's Beach. Sunlight streaking through the canopy, water boiling, cars being packed and we're ready to hit the road again to catch up with the loves of our lives.....our caravans!  Boys' day off today, girls behind the wheel as we trek through the balance of our journey through the Daintree.
The views were spectacular....maybe I shouldn't have been driving in order to capture more on film.  Arriving at the ferry to cross the Daintree River at $12.50 (for about 12 metres) was fantastic, since we paid $88 to cross the Jardine River of approximately 50 metres!!! ...yes it was a return journey though!!

Cape York Crew...Les took the photo.

It was only Wednesday but we were all so really happy to have achieved just another simple pact to have spent 17 nights under tents, camp kitchen, showers or bathes in rivers, streams, gourmet dinners under stars with orange blazing fires for hearth. Time to kiss our tents goodbye as we were all excited to be heading home....to our caravans....luxury at last!!

On arrival at Mt. Carbine all parties picked up momentum, pulling all out from cars to clean, repack vans and cars.  Don't ask me why but why is it that guys spend so much time on their cars? Stew washed and washed, whilst Daniel washed yesterday and then again today!

Just relaxing!

In the meantime, I've been bitten crazy by mosquitos, ankles, wrists, shoulders, thighs. 
Cannot wait to get back to give my tootsies a pedicure! Rub some fragrant body lotion over me, the welts, do something with my hair...although I always still put it up!!!! I've also now grown accustomed to Daniel's beard.  Having grown it, cultured it for almost 2 months, I can only say that it is quite soft. I would say that it actually makes him look quite rugged,awesomely
handsome.....but then he always was.....it gives him another charismatic persona.

Les' famous roast chicken, potatoes, carrots, pumpkin, sweet potato was a God send to cap off the day...so to say the 17 days too! Beer, white wine.......then red wine.....then.....lemon lime  bitters with Vodka..........Oh boy!.....who's suffering with hangovers today???? still, rise to shine as the jobs need to be done as we depart the next day to say our last goodbyes with our Cape York Crew!

One of our many shared dinners together!

Not sure if this raft will get them off the island!



Fire for the evening



Cooktown, QLD.

The thrashed Alternator belt

Another night of strong winds in Cooktown.  Les and Stewart were lucky to make good use of their earplugs for a soundless night's sleep.  Morning cleared, gear, cars packed we started to make  our way out of Cooktown.  Suddenly as Daniel accelerates taking a turn a screeching noise from under the bonnet sounds out.  I pose the question "fanbelt?" Daniel pulls to the side of the road, Stew and Les turn round park beside us check out the noise to discover it's the alternator belts.

Our first croc sighting on Daintree River...yeah!

Lucky for us Daniel's forward thinking came prepared having purchased spare belts when we were in Port Hedland in Western Australia.  I mean you never know when you're doing a big trip when what will come in handy!! Bonus points for Daniel.  Anyway we still had to go to the Cooktown mechanics for replacement.  Twenty minutes later, forty dollars less we hit the Mulligan Highway before turning off for Brooklands Track through the northern end to the southern end of Cape Tribulation, Daintree Forest. 

Second croc sighting in one day!

The drive was a 4 wheel drive track in most places with some tarred roads along the stretch.  It wasn't too bad in fact it was quite lovely as we weaved into hilltops of lush green tropical rainforest.  Sometimes you could see the treed hills pop their thick green peaks ascegending behind blankets of white clouds.  Scenery was stunning yet somehow the four of us still perhaps a little disappointed in not having seen a crocodile in the wild then as we approached a bend in the road with the river wide and flowing alongside of us we all spotted him lying on a bank as we pulled over to the side of the road.  Excited we were as cameras clicked away watching him sunbake cooling himself off with his jaw gaping towards the sun.  Yes! a croc at last.

On we drove to Waljum Waljum Falls.  Parked, we made our way along the river's edge towards
the thundering sound of water spilling over.  Then again, another siting of a croc perched on
a bank in the water just lying there basking in the morning sun.  Not camera shy at all as
our walk brought us closer to the falls.  At our destination the view was majestic with thousands
of litres of water cascading down the mountain slope beneath us.

Wuljam Wuljam Falls

Our drive continued on through winding road up one side of mountains to come down again the other with the Great Barrier reef to the left of us.  We pulled over at a camping area, selecting a spot large enogh to accomodate the two tents and dining areas.  Dining table set up all ready for a bite of lunch, now we were on the tinned stuff, soup of course! and a piece of bread to go with it. Daniel thought the better and decided to ring to make sure we could stay the night.  Lucky for him as the place was booked and there was only one site left which he booked.  On return from the phone box at Mason's point he moved us on to the allocated site. 

Campsite pitched, we headed back to Mason's Point to buy some liquid beverage for the night.  The laws up here stated that limited quantities of alcohol was purchasable.  Stocks in the car we headed back for our final night under our beloved tents in the Daintree Forest under a rainforest canopy with  homemade turkey bush burgers on lettuce, tomato and barbecue sauce!  Music to accompany some dance, jokes and lots of laughs was par for the course of the evening.

Time for a snap!

Oh and that's me!

A visitor at Noah Beach Camp site

Don't ask me how we slept 17 days under this!

Let the party begin!

...and we're still going!

I think they've had plenty!

Party!

OK fun's over time to pack up!

Bamaga and Back.

Ready for return trip South

Heading on and moving on out!  The Tip of Cape York now behind us it was time to make the road back south.  The road back would be the Bamaga Road, bypassing the Old Telegraph track route.  This road was almost as bad as the road we travelled to Cape Leveque (WA), the corrugation, the  red dust behind cars left us pulling back away to avoid the clouds, but the corrugation was not  avoidable.  Our first stop for the night 5 hours later having left Punsand Bay was Coen. 

The crew arriving at Bramwell Junction thought that we would stop at Moreton Telegraph Station but decided that we were all in good spririts to keep the momentum, briefly stopping at Archer River Roadhouse before deciding to continue and make the night's stop at Coen.  In Coen we'd heard somewhere that the pub had tenting accommodation behind it with hot showers.

Very friendly Coen locals

 
Arriving around 3.30pm we made inquiries, filled up on diesel before pitching camp for the night for an unpowered site of $5 per person.  We'd all decided the day's journey long enough to celebrate with a beer.  Before long we were being joined by some of the locals and entertained with music!

Next morning's early start took us onto Musgrave Station before heading out to Lakefield National Park to camp at Kalpowar Crossing.  With not much to do except a little fishing, tidying up the cars since they were incredibly dirty, with mess everywhere, music practice, some notes taken, maps studied, information literature read, a few games of 'Rummikubb' before calling it a night.

A good night after a long day's drive south

Packing up, moving on to Cooktown was the day's destination.  On arrival we all piled into the Information centre seeking appropriate lodging for the next 2 nights with time to explore this region.  Set up camp, a bit of lunch, where we all packed in the 'minute'noodles!  Our supplies of fresh produce, after 20 days on the road, was beginning to run out so we had to start getting through the tinned and packeted stuff we'd packed for the right moment....like now!

A night of music with the local guitarist

It was now Sunday, Father's Day 2011.  The lads decided to shout themselves a bottle of Jamieson's Whiskey for that special celebration.  That night as we were all in our tents lets just say that the weather in Cooktown was probably the worst we'd seen for quite some time.  The rain set in for some time, but the wind was almost a gale.  At one point I thought the tent was going to take off with us inside!.....unfortunately not the case. 

All risen the winds subsiding, the showers passing and onto the James Cook Musuem for some historical knowledge before heading out to Trevethan Falls, then onto the Lion's Den where we decided on a beer and bite of lunch before heading back to base for another night of the usual, cards, Rummikubb, talk and tomorrow's trek onto the Bloomfield Track through to Cape Tribulation. 

Daniel's turn at the gig!



Catching up on emails at Cooktown!

Kalopowar Crossing at Lakefield National Park

Daniel fishing on the banks...watch out for Crocs!

Endeavour Falls on the way to Cooktown

Tents pitched in Cooktown Caravan Park

Our communal dinner table

Daniel standing outside the James Cook Museum

Over looking the Endeavour River over Cooktown

The James Cook Museum formerly Catholic Boarding School

Playing Rummikubb

Les and myself outside the Lion's Den

Now one of us!

Lunch!

Trevathan Falls

View of the Cooktown Harbour from the Lighthouse