Mossman Gorge and Mamu Skywalk

We try to pick at least one day each week to visit and explore the region, and within 1 1/2 hours north of Cairns at the southern end of the Daintree NP we visited Mossman Gorge, and 1 1/2 hours south of Cairns we did the Mamu Skywalk in the Wooroonoon NP.

Mossman Gorge

The Mossman River was fast flowing, cascading over rocks, and included a suspension bridge and a 4km rainforest walk. Plenty of spots for a quick dip and cool off in the side creeks that meander through the rainforest but swimming in the actual river was not advised.

The rainforest was lush and green, the tall mangled trees with huge buttresses never cease to amaze, and the sound of the flowing water all around was perfect. It’s hard to choose just a few photos and do the Gorge justice.

the suspended walkway to the suspension bridge follows the Mossman River

Side creeks below




View from bridge




Rainforest walk










A great spot to cool off at the end of the circuit, and sadly no Cassowaries spotted today


Mamu Skywalk

has a 350m elevated skywalk, 37m high observation tower which overlooks the Johnstone River and Mt Bartle Frere, and over 1km of rainforest walking track 

We had an awesome interactive App downloaded to our phones which also produced this great photo border









Overlooking the Johnstone River




Mt Bartle Frere, Qlds tallest mountain 1622m, felt like it was within reach

Mamu gave us a view from a totally different aspect...looking down on the rainforest

March flies give one heck of a bite.......but this one on the top rail was so colourful so he can be my “winged” creature for the week

Daintree Day Out

Another sunny day between seasonal wet days and we were off again for another fun fabulous day out, this time to explore everything “Daintree”.

The National Park lies on both sides of the Daintree River, and is the oldest rainforest on the planet. 

The Discovery Centre was a great place to start, but this meant a ferry crossing across the croc infested Daintree River.

The Discovery Centre included a 750m long board walk through the lower, middle and canopy sections of the rainforest, a walk through the cassowary habitat and also the Jurassic forest.

Self Guided audio Walking Tour

23m high canopy tower, the view was awesome


The models moved and roared 

Great interpretive centre where we could see this beauty of a python up close

The road through Cape Tribulation is sealed but only after a very controversial decision in 1983 resulting in the Daintree Blockade.

We were grateful the road is sealed as far as Cape Tribulation, and still doesn’t look too imposing.

The view from Alexander lookout to Cape Trib and the mouth of the Daintree River, see the weather stayed good for us

Back across the ferry then further up the river for a quick visit to Daintree Village where many of the croc river cruises start

The bird of the week is the Pied Imperial Pidgeon, which is still visiting our region in abundance before returning to southern New Guinea. We see them every day.

2 Years Full Time !

On the 8th of February it will be 2 years since we moved out of our home (in Finley NSW) to be on the road full-time, live in a caravan, and have Australia as our back yard.

We have been in every state/territory except Tasmania during the 2 years and have clocked up 47,334 km. We still have plans to at least pick up where we left off in Western Australia, get over to Tasmania, and travel the Victorian and New South Wales coastlines. 

So whilst we are still happy and healthy we will continue to take the slow road ahead !

The adventure began almost 4 years ago when Derek retired and we sold our home in Little Mountain on the Sunshine Coast Qld. then temporarily moved to Finley for 18 months to be with our ‘J’ family.

Celebrating our 2 years on the road and our 39th wedding anniversary at Ellis Beach nr Cairns

A Snapshot of Cairns...Part 2

With the weather still raining on and off we managed to work around it and pack our 2nd week with lots of activities.

We picked a glorious day to go 60km off Port Douglas to the edge of the Great Barrier Reef and snorkled off a pontoon in a controlled environment at Agincourt Reef.  The hours drive to Port Douglas was lovely and the 1 1/2 hour fast cat ride with Quicksilver was calm. 

The water looked promising for perfect snorkelling conditions

It was my first time to the outer reef, and Jenna and Jordan had not snorkled before. Visibility was clear, the sun shone the whole time catching the pretty colours of the coral and fish, we even saw a few turtles. We went out on the submersible, had lunch, then geared up.

Jenna and Jordan were awesome, and loved it.

Jordan especially was sad when we headed back to Port Douglas where it had been raining over the coast.

We had a short dash around Port Douglas before heading home. Our classic Palm Tree pose, they look so relaxed whilst getting eaten alive by mozzies 😂

Our next big adventure was kayaking for 9 kms down Babinda Creek, 1 hour south of Cairns. 

After recent rains the water level was high enough to cover most rocks and broken tree logs, and flowed very fast in parts.  We all managed to stay upright, good job!  

Plenty of action

We had plenty of opportunities to rest on sandy beaches, have lunch, and take refuge for 1/2 an hour from a heavy downpour under the Bruce Highway bridge at the 5km mark. 

Again, Jenna and Jordan’s first time, and we all were quite tired after our 3 hour adventure. The creek is crocodile free but does eventually flow into the Russell River which is known for crocs.

10 km from Craig’s place is Crystal Cascades in the Redlynch Valley. The waterfall is 1.2km walk from the car park, but there are many swimming opportunities along the way. Great spot to cool off and have hot chicken rolls for lunch, and is Crocodile free.

We saw this beautiful dragonfly

and quite a few sightings of the beautiful iridescent Ulysses butterfly whilst in the gorge

We picked a not so good day to go up Skyrail on the 1 1/2 hour rainforest adventure to Kuranda 

The Barron Gorge and power station




The Barron River


The Barron Falls


Finally got drenched


We visited the Aquarium, their mums old high school, our old home, did more roller skating, a second visit to the Night Markets, a stroll around the marina and city end of the esplanade. Spotted a shark just 20 metres off shore on the esplanade..and lots of visits with their newest cousin.

Always time to be thankful for our many blessings, and gratitude for this beautiful country we are able to enjoy

Plenty of cousin time too


Sad to see them leave, thanks kids for a fabulous 2 weeks, enjoyed having you stay with us in our Apartment.

Awesome sunrise by Jordan, as they were on the 6am flight back to Brisbane