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Published: August 30th 2010
The journey from Alice Springs north would be our last on the Stuart highway. We had spent a good part of the last 2 months travelling to and from destinations close to this major road and the time to head east had arrived. We spent our last night in the NT at the devils Marbles climbing on and around the massive granite boulders that appear to balance so precariously. With much excitement we crossed the boarder into Queensland. Jack wondered aloud where the castles were and what the Queens name was! Clearly another educational opportunity. Lawn Hill National Park was our first destination in QLD and after traversing some pretty bad roads we arrived. The camper didn’t like the roads much and it was here that the electric brakes failed to work. Luckily PB has become quite the bush mechanic and after a process of elimination (involving removing wheels and testing all things electrical) he found that a rouge stone had knocked the magnet part of the brakes out. We now have brakes again. Lawn Hill Gorge was breathtaking. We hired a canoe and took the kayak off the roof (first time in a while) and explored the gorge from the
water. We all loved the paddling adventure and it was great not to hear Jack asking “how much further”. The next couple of nights we camped by the river at Gregory Downs. The fast flowing river (stream) provided hours of entertainment with the boys throwing countless stones into the water, making boats, swimming and fishing. Jack caught his first fish on his new rod (thanks Nanna) and even though we had to throw it back as it was so tiny, he was very proud. The road out to Burke and Wills Road House was as bad in the road into Lawn Hill. We were glad to get back on bitumen and started our journey toward the little fishing town of Karumba. Here we feasted on fresh prawns (for $15 /kg). It was great to be at the coast again, even though the crocs kept us from swimming. We took a sunset cruise into the Gulf of Carpentaria. As the sun set we ate more prawns and sipped on white wine. It doesn’t get much better than that. After a few days relaxing (and eating) we headed east with a freezer full of fish. In Normanton we stopped to see the
model of the largest crocodile ever caught (in the world). “Krys - The Savannah King measured 8.63m long and even the artists impression was a little scary. As we drove along the Gulf Developmental Road and onto the Kennedy Highway, we saw the grassy scrub of the Gulf Savannah disappear. The new rainforest scenery was far more enjoyable. We stopped to climb down and see Millstream Falls (the widest in Australia) . While eating lunch a group of very hungry Kookaburras decided to join us. They swooped our roast beef sandwiches hungrily. We retreated to the car. Ravenshoe would be our camp for the next 2 nights. We stayed at the Rail Co. which is a cheap camp near an old railway station. Our camper was right next to the steam train, which obviously delighted the boys. We spent a morning exploring the surrounding area, taking in the luscious green dairy farms and the waterfall circuit at Millaa Millaa. We took the journey on the train (it only runs once a week now) up to Tumoulin and back. With the camper already hook on we made our way through the picturesque tablelands down to Bramston Beach. Here the rain forest
Gregory Downs
Jack's first fishmeets the sea. Driving around the area provided something for everyone. With the sugarcane plantations Finn admired the countless tractors and assorted farming equipment, constantly asking for “one more” . Jack got his fix of trains, with the sugarcane trains. Paul and I, even though we loved the happiness that these things provided for our boys mostly enjoyed the walk through the rainforest to Josephine Falls and the peaceful afternoons looking out over the Coral Sea. It is great to be enjoying some summertime warmth again, after the chilly red centre. Thanks to all those who have sent messages. We feel so lucky to be enjoying such a wonderful trip. We hope you are all keeping safe and well. N,P,J & F.
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Otti
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I want prawns
$15/kg for prawns sounds amazing. I want to go there and feast.