Rain again! We really appreciate just how much more pleasant rain is when the temperature is still in the high 20’s. 

We headed for the Daintree National Park and Cape Tribulation. It is necessary to cross the Daintree River via ferry to travel into the National Park. The return trip was $23 per car, much cheaper than trying to drive across at low tide. We had heard that someone tried to do this recently in their 4WD and ended up with a retrieval bill worth more than their car. We willingly paid the fee. 

The Daintree is lush green and truly what you would picture a rainforest to be like. Picture a jungle complete with Tarzan vines, and there you have it. It was actually reviving to walk along the many boardwalks and soak up the nature all around. 

Cassowaries inhabit this area and there are warning signs all around because they are not particularly friendly creatures when they come across humans in their natural habitat. Caleb proudly led the way along the boardwalks putting out his arm to stop us trailing along behind him whenever he heard a noise within the forest, which was quite often. We managed to get through the day without a cassowary confrontation. 

Cape Tribulation was thus named by Captain Cook because it was where all his troubles started when he hit the Barrier Reef in 1770. It is largely undeveloped and there is a big push to protect the ecosystem there. 

We explored the coast, more boardwalks, and spent some time on the Cape Tribulation beach skimming stones and walking. It was very overcast, not at all like the postcard pictures of this area. We weren’t disappointed though because it was still stunning. The clouds were rolling, the wind blowing a gale and we even got some light rain. It was one of those moments when you really felt alive and invigorated. Once the rain got heavier, and the wind colder, the invigorating aura lessened and it was necessary to retreat to the car. 

We drove for a little on the unmade road, the Bloomfield Track, which joins the Cape and Cooktown. When we saw the sign that said “No more toilets for 30kms”, we turned around. (Ray wants me to mention here that he saw this sign, I didn’t. He thinks it’s proof, contrary to my previous posts, that he is unable to read signs and obey them). Yeah, yeah…

An enjoyable day, we highly recommend a visit to this World Heritage listed area.