Monday 18^th – Port Douglas

We were off early 8.12 (no applause please!) as we had a decent drive from Cardwell to Port Douglas approximately 400km.

For the first time this trip we have seen bananas ready to be harvested. Along with all the sugar cane fields along the way it will prove to be a busy time for the area.

The sugar harvesting began late last week so there will be plenty of cane trains and harvesters all around the place. On the way south we will call in to a sugar mill and do the tour and Fay wants a ride on the cane train (not too sure about that).

The roadside vistas have certainly turned green over the past few days on the road. The sugar is close to the height of Fanda and the bananas are even higher.

Tully was the first sugar mill we saw in operation today, but we drove past as the steam was pouring out of the chimneys. The mills will be in 24 hour operation right through till all the cane has been harvested.

The road was an easy drive as the road continually turned left and right and, after Cairns it was a non stop series of round-a-bouts for about 10km.

The road for the last 20km into Port Douglas skirted the coast with views to the right of surf and sand (low tide) and to the left, the tall green forest. Quite a few mountains along the way as well, including Mount Bartle Frere, the second highest or highest mountain in Queensland, depending which information board you read.

We arrived just after 12 and had a quick lunch and walked into town.

Marinas and high price stores everywhere but we did manage to see a fish and chips meal for $8 so that’s lunch for tomorrow settled. Walked through the town and consulted the various travel places and information boards to plan the next day or so. The boys arrive tomorrow so we have tomorrow night’s tea sorted – ah no cooking tomorrow.

The Old Port DouglasRailway Station

The Old Catholic Church

View from back of church

We have booked a cruise up the river for tomorrow morning. The inlet here is called Dickson Inlet. We look forward to a day on the water.