To Cape Tribulation

We set off after breakfast and headed north again, this time our objective was to cross the Daintree River on the ferry and then to drive up to Cape Tribulation having a look at the Rainforest Experience on the way. The drive to the ferry was uneventful but after we had crossed the forest really closes in and you begin to feel like you are somewhere very wild.

We stopped at the Rainforest Experience (to use their loos) but decided we would give it a miss when we discovered that it would cost us $32 each for the privilege. When you add in that we had already paid $23 to get over the river we thought it was a bit steep (see I can be careful with money!)

So we carried on along the road through the jungle. When you realise that the road you are on is the only one for miles and the only way to it is across the ferry it brings home just how isolated the place is. And the jungle is very, very thick. Occasionally you get glimpses of water or green spaces through the foliage but more often it feels like plants are closing in all around you. What it must have felt like to the early explorers when they cut their way through beggars belief.

And the road zig zags in and out and up and down in an alarming way. It takes a lot of concentration to drive along this road I can tell you. One slip and the car would be round the trunk of a massive tree and the passengers would be covered in creepy crawlies!like Not my idea of a good time....

We followed the road for what seemed like forever until we got to Cape Tribulation itself. After such a long drive it felt like a let down as there is very little to see, but the beach is fab and the view from the headland just sublime. Our intention had been to find a cafe and have a bite, but the options were very limited so we decided to head back and stop at one of the Ice Cream parks we had seen along the way.

So we set off for the long drive back to the Ice Cream Factory. Along the way we were treated to what is now an extremely rare site. We came upon a number of cars scattered alongside the road, almost as though they had been abandoned, with the people from them standing and pointing into the jungle. And therem right before our eyes, was a wild Cassawary! They are evil looking birds (see picture) with a reputation for bad temper, so we decided to observe from the safety of our car, rather than risk life and limb, but what a privileged to see one in the wild.

From there we made our way to the Ice Cream Factory (see, I do get obsessed) where we could choose from something like 62 different flavours (in theory, they have the place up for sale and are running down the stock).

From there is was back across the ferry (over the crocodile infested river) and back to the Cove for a well earned drink.....