Flight Out

We had an early flight from Melbourne, so we had to wake up at 3.30 am and leave the house at 4.15 am. Fortunately, we left early because we struggled to find the entrance to the long-term parking lot. The darkness and heavy rain caused us to miss it entirely, and we ended up back on the freeway. We had to take the next exit, return to the highway, and head to the airport. All the while, we were stressing about missing our flight! We finally parked the car, boarded the shuttle bus, and arrived at the terminal by 5 am.

Our flight departed on schedule, and we arrived in Cairns, FNQ, at 9:20 am. The weather was windy, but it was a pleasant change from the chilly 12C temperature we left behind in Melbourne. We stopped for lunch at the Wildlife Habitat in Port Douglas after breakfast.

Wildlife Habitat

The Wildlife Habitat has been around for 25 years. Besides the birds, the habitat houses Kangaroos, snakes, koalas, and crocodiles. The venue is beautiful and reasonably priced, and once you are in, there are numerous free shows to enjoy. However, I suggest skipping the buffet lunch and ordering something from the cafe instead. In my opinion, the lunch buffet was not very impressive.

After leaving Wildlife Habitat, we booked in to Thala Beach. Upon arrival, you drive up to the entrance, where you hand the keys to the valet and head inside. While they take your luggage to your room and park your car, you can relax and enjoy the view from the sitting area. All while sipping on your complimentary tropical punch.

Thala Beach

We were only at Thala overnight with our next stop, the Daintree River – so we called up for the golf buggy to take us to breakfast; while we ate, they took our luggage back to the car and then had the car waiting for us at the foot of the steps ready to drive off (gotta love the Thala VIP treatment!)

Mossman Gorge

Leaving Thala Beach, our first destination was Mossman Gorge. The place had undergone significant changes since my last visit. They now boast a beautiful new visitor centre and deluxe coaches that transport visitors from the centre to the gorge for a fee of $15. On my previous visit, we had to self-drive a bumpy, floodway-riddled goat track before squeezing into a small parking lot. Mossman Gorge, located at the southern end of the world heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest, is the oldest surviving rainforest in the world.

Below is the Rex Creek Bridge. It’s a swing bridge, and boy, does it swing. Trying to take a photo while standing on it is a challenge. People kept walking over it, and it would start swinging again. One step from the edge, and you can feel it instantly in the middle. It’s like trying to take a photo standing on jello. I waited for ages until traffic had left both sides, and it stopped wobbling enough to get the shot quickly.

Daintree River

We stopped in at the visitor centre on the way out for coffee and a muffin. Next, we drove up the Captain Cook Hwy again towards the Daintree, stopping at Daintree Cruise Centre, just before the village. We booked a 2-hour Croc Cruise with Adam on the Matilda II. Yes, I had the theme song of Gilligan’s Island stuck in my head for hours.

According to Adam, a veritable Crocodilia encyclopedia, the Daintree River has about sixty crocs. Which he said is a ‘low’ population, while Kakadu has more. But in his quote for the day, “It only takes one to ruin your day.”

Reflecting on my unforgettable journey through Cairns and Far North Queensland, I am grateful for the remarkable experiences and natural wonders I have encountered. From the vibrant coral gardens of the Great Barrier Reef to the lush rainforests of the Daintree, this region has left an indelible mark on my soul. Simply basking in the tranquillity of nature, every moment spent here has been a treasure. Until we meet again, Cairns and FNQ, thank you for the adventure of a lifetime.

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