Clifton Beach & Kuranda
Majella and I were awake around 6 am and stepped out of our bedroom a little later to find Peg and Dave already moving about. There was some discussion about what direction it was to the beach – the apartment had been described as 300 m from the beach – and we agreed to take a walk and find the beach.
As advertised, the beach was not far. A short walk to the end of the street where we had picked up the gate control last night and through a narrow band of bush got us there. I was wearing sandals but not wanting to get my feet wet or sand between my toes. Everyone else removed shoes and walked along the edge of the sea, in or out of water depending on how the waves were breaking. I followed a little further up the beach.
Our walk took us a kilometre or so north along beach bordered by forest. Eventually we reached a break in the forest where we walked through a playground and then back along a path. For most of the way it was in the shade of the forest but crossed back to the beach side as we approached our starting point.
Back at the apartment we ate breakfast of muesli with yoghurt or soy milk and tea or coffee from what we found in the pantry. It was simple but enough.
After breakfast Majella and Peg drove to Coles to shop for more provisions. When they returned we gathered what we needed for the day and set off.
First stop was in Cairns near the boat harbour to book a trip to Green Island. As we approached the parking area someone spotted the tourist information office so once we had parked we walked the short distance to see what we could find.
Our thought had been to take that trip on Thursday but the agent checked weather and water conditions and advised that Thursday would be a little rough but by Saturday things would be calmer. We booked and paid for Saturday.
Before leaving we took a short walk along the esplanade. It was pleasant where large trees provided shade but too hot in the sun. We saw some birds and interesting plants along the way and then crossed over to walk in the shade past shopfronts on the way back.
From Cairns Majella drove us back north and then up the range to Kuranda. Roadworks on the highway slowed us a little and we were ready for lunch by the time we arrived.
Luckily there was parking in the main street and a cafe where Majella and I shared a steak burger and drank coffees. Peg and Dave also found food to their tastes.
After lunch we walked down to the train station which had lots of greenery but not the flowers Majella was expecting. Perhaps the season was against us.
The main street had several shops worth exploring, some with First Nations art work. We spent time in a few of them and Peg found some compact and practical gifts to take home.
Beyond the end of the street we found the butterfly sanctuary. We thought about going in but could not justify the entrance fee for the short time we would be there. Luckily we saw a Cairns Birdwing in a tree out front and soon after saw a Ulysses Blue nearby.
Our next stop was the Barron Falls lookout a few kilometres out of Kuranda. The top lookout was a short walk from the car park on a suspended walkway. The lower lookout was several hundred metres further down along a graded walkway much of which was suspended above the forest floor. We enjoyed the walk through the forest and the views over the falls.
Soon after we reached the foot of the mountain on our way back to Clifton Beach we paused at a Dan Murphy store to purchase some drinks – white wine (Pinot Gris and Chardonnay), red wine (Majella Cabernet Sauvignon), and some non-alcoholic beer. Once back at the apartment we were soon sitting in the outdoor area enjoying our aperitif with cheese and crackers.
Peg and Dave had gone out earlier and located the pool. It was a warm afternoon so we decided to change into swimming gear and go down to see if the water was warm enough. It was and Dave, Majella, and I spent some time floating and moving gently in the warm water. Peg watched but was not tempted.
After lunch and aperitifs we were not very hungry. Dinner was scrambled eggs prepared by Peg with salad prepared by Majella. I was pressed into service to make some dressing from the oil and cider vinegar found in the pantry with some herbs to add flavour. That was good enough to eat.
After dinner we went out for a short stroll to see what stars might be visible. We got as far as the nearby restaurant where we checked out the menu before raindrops began falling and we scurried back to the apartment.
We relaxed for a while in the air conditioned cool but soon drifted off to bed and sleep.
