Before we exit our home state of Qld, through the Hell’s Gate “goat track”, we can’t resist the temptation to find out the local history of the outback towns we pass through, what made them famous and what continues to keep the tourists calling in to say “hi” or as they say it in the outback “g’day cobber”.

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So starting with Croydon, this little town is steeped in a rich decadent history which stems back to the lucrative discovery of gold in 1886. Station hands, Walter and Dick Aldridge were digging fence posts on Croydon Downs cattle station when they struck it lucky. Not bad for a day’s bit of hard yakka! For the next 35 years the goldfields were teaming with miners and almost 24 tonnes of gold was extracted. Although, the mining has stopped today there are other precious icons which are bringing the crowds into town, that being the Gulflander Train or more fondly known as the “tin hare” and the Croydon Club Hotel which is still selling liquid gold and has been since 1887.

Just like the Gulflander Train that travels from Croydon to Normanton, we decide to make tracks and stop over in Normanton for the evening. The must do in this town is to have your picture taken with Kyrs the crocodile. This reptile was shot in the wild by Krystina Pawlowski a Polish immigrant back in 1957. It was a staggering 8.63m long and she only needed one shot. She was the glamorous version of Steve Irwin wearing jungle green overalls, bright red lipstick and had immaculately painted nails. Believe it or not, the shooting of this incredible reptile wasn’t something Krystina was proud about and vowed after this shooting that she and her husband Ron would become conservationists, protecting the species forever more. Needless to say it would be terrifying to see a crocodile like this in the wild and although every creek/river bed we come to we are hoping to see a beast like this in the estuary, we really only want to spot it when there is safe distance between us both.

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Our next stop Karumba is aptly named, given this town is where the outback does truly meet the sea. Situated on the Norman River, Karumba is well known as a recreational fishing mecca. And the perfect tribute to celebrate the success of restocking the estuaries with plenty of Barramundis is the Les Wilson Barramundi Discovery Centre and Hatchery. There’s alot to learn here about the breeding cycles of the species and interactive displays you can get in on the action by landing yourself one of the beauties. Well, it may not be the real thing but watching the sunset over the Gulf of Carpenteria and enjoying the local seafood at Ash’s will certainly make up for any short comings in Mic’s fishing ability. I’d even go as far as saying it may even be more enjoyable!!

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But as we continue with our travels we feel ourselves blessed to be able to share our stories with old friends and newly made ones. Even if the boys want to talk about trucks and tyres all night long.

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Our final destination this week was Lawn Hill which is part of the Boodjamulla National Park. More swimming, bush walking, cold showers and kayaking. There’s plenty of lush vegetation and bird species in this park to be fascinated by and stopping here for three days was a real treat. Before we continue west to explore all that the NT has to offer and let’s hope it’s more than just the flies, bull dust and corrugated roads.

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The next leg of our journey sees us veer west, for approximately 3700km that is 😁. This track is known as the Savannah Way, which is considered to be one of Australia’s top ten travel journey’s, and if what we’ve seen in the first 2 weeks is anything to go by, we are in for a real treat.

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The trip starts with a visit to Innot Hot Springs. These baths are known for their therapeutic benefits, however, the signs indicate that this water scalds and warns bathers of the imminent dangers of being burnt. It’s winter in the out back, but every day the temperatures seem to soar above 30oC. It’s certainly an interesting phenomenon, but I’m happy to observe from a distance. No need to go for a dip today.

Next, Undara Lava Tubes! Almost 190,000 years ago with temperatures soaring above 1500 degrees Celsius, molten lava was spilling out 160km in one direction and 90km in another. Mother nature was angry 😡! This gigantic eruption created the most significant tunnels underground, without there being any need for expensive tunnel boring equipment. 😮 And today they have been made safe enough for tourists to explore and google at in sheer amazement. As you can imagine by looking at the photos it’s like a forgotten city as there are very few inhabitants and without our torches it’s pitch black. The tunnels do, however, provide refuge for microbates, insects and a couple of frogs.

Back on the road after bunking down at the Bedrock Caravan Park, we’re making tracks and heading to George Town …. Yabba Dabba Do! This country town is part of the Etheridge Shire Council and although the population here is one of the smallest; this region rocks. They have a fantastic public pool, an unbelievable undercover sports area where we enjoyed a game of tennis and a shady park with well laid out facilities. It’s really good to see when a community bandies together to create an environment that’s a fun place to stay and offers a very warm welcome to travellers all expenses paid. We’ve also fallen in love with the working conditions of the local tax accountants and if you get to see their office, the sign outside seems to sum up their profession perfectly, as it states that it’s the villa of reduced circumstances.

In fact, the hospitality was extended to the Forsayth Turnout, which just happened to coincide with our visit. Cattle dogs entertaining crowds, rounding up the Brahmans, the boiling Billy competition, local arts, craft, cooking and fresh produce, greasy pig, best dressed dogs and lollies for the kids raining down on them from the roof top of the canteen building. Good old family fun day. What more could you want??? Well, I probably could have done with an Ekka strawberry sundae 😍 🍨

It also gets very serious when they start auctioning off the freshly caught yabbies for the all important yabbie race. It’s a bit like watching paint dry but it’s high stakes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. This year’s winner was Stoney Tony but my bet was on HotasHell. The race nearly ended in a protest as HotasHell was trumped by a pesky ice thrower. I’m sure it was an innocent mistake and added to the excitement, but the outcry from the crowd almost ended in fisty cuffs, especially given the high value of prize money on offer.

The next natural wonder you may ask 🤔, see’s us visit Cobbold Gorge. Only discovered in 1992, when Simon (the owner) and 2 school friends from boarding school turn up with a tinnie to go fishing. They really do manage to strike it lucky when they discover this hidden gem. It’s not long after that the Cobbold Gorge Tourist Resort was formed. The Gorge is a geological wonder created some 134 million years ago as sandstone sediments were compressed and a large scale fault occurred. Following numerous torrential rains over many wet seasons a ravine was carved out with water flowing to the lowest point. The result being a tranquil deep water gorge that can only be explored with an experienced guide.

Our stay at Cobbold was full of adventure as we pursued all of the ecotourism water activities on offer. There’s also a feast of bush walking tracks to explore as you navigate the working cattle property on foot. To cool off, the infinity pool is very inviting and a great way to unwind if you so choose to lay by the pool at the end of the day. Don’t be surprised though if you find yourself nodding off!!! ☺😴

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Taking the time to immerse ourselves in the surrounds of the beautiful Atherton Tablelands has reignited our passion to buy local and to shop locally. It’s just too easy to pull over and buy a watermelon straight from the farmer’s paddock or to call into the Golden Drop Winery to sample the range of Mango wines on offer and to leave with wine, port and a refreshing Zingo fruit icy pole. It makes you feel good reinvesting in these communities which have been affected by Covid and knowing that we will get through this together. 🥰

It’s definitely the place to treat yourself, as beyond the wineries and fruit orchards, there’s the coffee, tea, boutique cheese and chocolate producers. Mic said I was going to love this place and without a doubt I don’t want to leave, it’s just superb. I guess the best way to remember it is to take home some mementos and some freshly ground Black Mountain Coffee will do just the trick.

On a more serious note the history is just as rich as the soils are fertile. The local museum at the visitor information centre at Mareeba acknowledges the cultural heritage of the timber, tobacco and dairy industries. Some of the displays are so life like and beautifully restored that you gain first hand knowledge of what it must have been like to live regionally. With the railway making significant contributions to connect communities with essential services such as the “Bunny Cart” which was Mareeba’s access to medical services right up until 1983 (picture featured above showing Mareeba’s Ambulance via rail line).

Make sure you take some time out as well though, to enjoy the simple pleasures as around dusk, platypus will be surfacing to find some supper and to prepare their burrows for the evening. They’re fairly shy little creatures so be patient, watching for little air bubbles to rise to the surface and you maybe lucky enough to catch one on camera as we did but you’ve got to be quick!!

For adventure seekers as well, water sports are popular at Lake Eacham, swimming and kayaking at the crater lake or just be amazed by nature’s beauty at the majestic curtain tree fig which is another hidden gem, that is easily accessed less than 100m from the road.

During our visit to Malanda, I thought a movie and pizza night would be the perfect way to end another glorious week. It was a spontaneous decision to seek out the movie theatre in Malanda but when the aroma from the caramel popcorn draws you in, and Charmaine Rayner the owner greets you with such an infectious smile, it’s hard to say you’re not interested. Especially, when this theatre is the oldest operating movie theatre in Australia. It’s good old family fun with canvas deck chairs being the original seating. Bring your pillows and doona if you so desire and settle in to enjoy the show you, won’t be disappointed.

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Finally, amongst all the myriad of activities to occupy your time on the Tablelands, one of the most popular choices is to visit the numerous waterfalls. They have Australia’s widest waterfall being Millstream Falls, the picturesque Milla Milla Falls and the Malanda Falls which finishes our journey through this spectacular Tablelands area, placing a rose on every cheek.

A quick detour outside Mareeba, resulted in a surprisingly interesting three day stay at the small town of Chillagoe. Chillagoe was best known for the mining exploits of copper, silver, lead and gold through the late 1800’s. The smelter, remnants seen in the photo below, employed upwards of 1000 mainly immigrant employees at its peek.

Today, however, Chillagoe is best known for Mungana Caves and National Parks found just outside the small township. National Parks staff provide daily tours of the three main cave systems of the Donna, Trezkin and Royal Caves. We chose to investigate the Trezkin Cave which is by all accounts the most spectacular; housing the Chandelier stalactites formation. The tours are so popular at the moment you need to book ahead to get a spot. The caves are truly amazing and of all the ones we have visited throughout the world the Trezkin Cave has been my favourite so far.

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Of the more precarious things Mic does in his spare time nowadays is tempting fate. This unusual photo opportunity takes me right out of my comfort zone. It would be more aptly renamed “Balancing Boulder” and have a warning sign to alert bush walkers of the inherent danger. But no, Mic believes this outcrop of limestone is worthy of a selfie.

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This delightful swimming hole is a popular spot visited by the locals and tourists alike. It’s tucked in amongst the shady Paperback Trees and provides the perfect setting for chilling down and relaxing after a full day out exploring the magnificent limestone caves.

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Also, if you’ve ever listened to the ABC radio you may have been fortunate enough to learn that Tom Prior has an amazing collection of Ford vehicles and trucks. With so many stories to tell about his truly rare collection, make sure you have plenty of time to listen to them all. As you will leave knowing that chasing a dream can be a life long passion and in Tom’s case one day you’ll catch the one you’ve waited for the longest. Tom has recently purchased a Ford Eifel historic wedding car. He had wanted this car since 1971 and he’s lovingly restored it using baby oil and kerosene for the chrome finishes. There’s alot to take in here but the one piece of memorabilia that I had the biggest chuckle about was the sticker that read “I’d rather push my Ford than drive a Holden” and knowing the rivalry that exists between the fanatics of Ford versus Holden I’d say this rings true to many a fan.

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Finally, the majestic slate grey bluffs are predominant throughout the Chillagoe landscape. They give life to many tree species, a range of bats, a few spiders and some spotted pythons. It’s a great playground to explore, and get lost in the moment given its unique geological environment.

It goes without saying that the climb to the northern most point of Australia was an epic adventure and now having reached the top we must make our way back down. ☹

But it’s fair to say that in our travels we’ve made some mental notes of places to visit on our way back that are just as stunning and as rugged as the places we’ve been too! After all, Mic needs to be challenged, to keep him interested right.

Punsand Bay is definitely the most civilised spot on the Cape. I think they must rake the sand every day as it is devoid of any life. People rave about this spot because there’s a bar, restaurant, swimming pool and range of accommodation options. It’s got more of a resort feel to it but if you think you might be able to pull up stumps here, forget it, as you need to book years in advance. Obviously, this is an exaggeration but the word amongst campers is forget it if you haven’t booked.

But aside from the glamping dilemma at Punsand spare, a thought for the travellers who enjoy physical punishment as a preferred holiday option. We took this photo for our friends who love to cycle. It is possible, if you’re brave enough to have a cycling holiday exploring the Cape. I’m just jealous that my will power isn’t strong enough to endure such a tough ride. Well done, to those who choose this option as it would certainly live up to a unique holiday experience. Either that or crazy 🤪🤣.

Swimming in crocodile free waters is also a rare treat. This large expanse of water forms part of the Jardine National Park. The water is crystal clear at Fruit Bat Falls and before seeking the water, make sure you enjoy the serenity of the spa pools. We were able to maximise our time here floating with our noodles in our own private pools.

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Other favourite stops along the way are Bramwell Station, Chuulangun and Chilli beach. Cattle mustering, cold showers and chilling sums up our final days exploring the Cape. I did, however, avert a running of the bulls crisis at Bramwell Station due to the stock yard gate being left open and my quick thinking to shut it for the musterers. Phew!

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Our final stop was Hann station which should be renamed to “Animal Farm”. The new owners for this lovely spot should be congratulated as they provide shelter and food to rescued animals. Our trusted house sitter profile can now be updated to include Aussie the Emu, Hercules the Pig, Wallabies and Peacocks.

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On our way back from the tip, feeling a little bit more adventurous we decided to explore a side track that promised to take us past some bush camping options on offer. And what a surprise find we made!!! A secluded bay known as Somerset where we could camp right on the beach, fish, rock climb and swim. Maybe not the swimming I’m used to…but more just like paddling my feet, it’s safer that way right. 😉 

However, like any great adventure I’m on the hunt to find more. Before Mic could say “Robinson Crusoe”, I was off to find the treasure. Clambering over rocks, through mangroves seeking out the Aboriginal Cave art we had heard so much about. It took me just over half an hour to find this sacred spot but it was so worth it. If you know me I’m passionate about art and the simplicity of indigenous work always inspires me.

We free camped here for three days and both agree this is our favourite spot so far. ♥️