Cardwell and Mission Beach

Driving north from Townsville with good scenery of mountains. Tried Paluma national park campsite. Pretty place near a river but busy and you could only camp if you had an epermit booking. Crazy system where you have to book in advance for bush campsites. Carried on a came across a driver reviver site as it was a long weekend. Enjoying a free coffee near Ingham the couple suggested we go to Cardwell on the coast. Great views of Hinchinbrook Island and its big mountains. Lovely campground in Cardwell on the sea front. Top Tourist.
Sunday was hot and sunny so we did our laundry before walking along the sea front. Chatted to a family living in a double deck bus as they drive around Australia.

Met a young korean couple going fishing on the pier. They have backpacker visas and have had to tell employers they will call Fair Work Australia in order to get paid.
A fantastic hardware shop sells us a bigger tent for $83. The Port Marina has lots of new houses but looks empty. Drive up to lookout for sunset then cook dinner in the excellent camp kitchen. Meet Helen and Alan again. They have done the 5 day walk on Hinchinbrook Island and were very impressed. They got the a boat through the visitor centre to the Island.
A really comfy camp ground but we decide to move on. Hot as we drive to Tully. Big sugar factory and lots of indiginous people. Drive 50kms through banana plantations to the the Tully Gorge campground. Nice but not much to do. Have lunch and are joined by rafters. Drive a bit further into the wettest area in Australia in glorious sunshine. Not very exciting. Back to Tully then Mission Beach.Top Tourist campground Ok but $35 after discount. Freezing evening. Walked along beach looking across to Dunk Island. Fish and chips to take back to camp kitchen. Chat to people from Armidale and world travellers from Poland.

Tuesday morning operate on Youngmi's giant blisters by pricking them to release fluid.

 Lunch at Lucas picnic ground before rainforest and Cassowery walk. Didn't see the cassowery but did see droppings full of fruit seeds. 35kms to Peronella Park. Spanish castle folly next to a waterfall. Admission charge $42 includes campsite but this is full.

Go on to Innisfail and then Flying fish point campground. Still chilly. Marinara pasta for dinner in comfy dining room. Chat to Irish couple from Brisbane.