Cairns and Cape Tribulation

Drive back to Innisfail which has lots of Art Deco buildings and an office for Bob Katter MP. Great drive 100kms to Cairns past big mountains including Bartle Frere the highest in Queensland. About 1600m. Can't climb this time because Youngmi's feet have two big blisters from the bites. We are told if you start very early it can be done in a day from Josephine Falls.

Cairns is big, hot, and difficult to park. Have lunch in the botanical gardens then drive to DHL to pick up my passport. I collect the envelope from the UK passport office but it contains my old passport!. DHL check and there is another package still in Melbourne which will be sent on. I have been chasing this package for weeks since I applied to renew it.

Cairns too hectic on this day so continue .Beautiful drive along the coast to Port Douglas Another place which has grown since I was last there in 1990. I remember one Mirage resort and a pie shop. Now loads of resorts,restaurants etc. Not for us. Mossman has also grown but the caravan park is a shocker. $30 and a rusty barbecue. Eventually find a beaut place at Pinnacles campground. Lovely place with great facilities. Sit by a fire on the beach chatting to Tyson. 17yo from Woodend who has been living here 6 months.
Sign on camp kitchen door "keep door closed to keep snakes out". In morning daylight see a crocodile warning at the beach.

Daintree village nice with a $20 campground next to the Croc River.Just missed a croc trip so get 5 minute car ferry to Daintree park.

Drive to Cape Trib is nice winding through the jungle and up and down. Stop for $10 fish and chips at a beach cafe. Irish lady working there has lived in the jungle for 24 years but seems far removed from the wild man of Borneo.

PKs jungle camp is a great place to stay. Backpackers with camping sites. Walk along beach in the sun and on to Cape Trib beach. Red hot until suddenly it was pouring down. That was it as the rain continued till the next day.

 $10 jugs of beer in the bar.Chatted to Mick from Williamstown who has driven around half of Oz with two guitars and a tent.Rainforest vegetation is wonderful but we didn't see a python