Far North Queensland, Part 1

In place of journeying to a winter and riot-stricken city, we holidayed in somewhere quite the opposite: warm and sunny, laid-back and simple, where the rainforest meets the ocean. Of course, none other than our very own Cairns.

So as to not bore with wordy tracts recounting our every adventure, below are some pictorial highlights, with captions (days 1 & 2):

The Lakes Resort and Spa.

Only minutes by car from the airport and to Cairns, and right beside the Botanical Gardens, this is a well-equipped, convenient and comfortable place to stay. Good value too.


Lake Barrine.
Right in the heart of the Atherton Tablelands, this lake was formed some 10,000 years ago, a result of volcanic activity. Serenely pleasant, beside it sits a tea house with the best scones I've ever had. Bad coffee, alas.


The Cathedral Fig Tree.

Nestled in the Tablelands, this is a particularly grand example of fig trees found throughout the rainforest. It is a result of relentless root formation by epiphytic, not parasitic, growth.

The Millaa Millaa Falls.
No better way to cool off in the tropical north.

Afternoon Tea.
Sumptious ice-cream served, worth every yard of the windy and occasionally hazardous road to get there.