 |
Within easy reach from Port Douglas are
some of the most exciting areas of Tropical North Queensland. The
Atherton Tablelands is a scenic world of contrast and colour, from
the lushest tropical rainforest to the edge of the outback with some
of Australia's richest farming land in between. Several tours depart
from Port Douglas and many include a trip on Skyrail or the Kuranda
Scenic Railway or both. Browse the Kuranda markets, go hot air
ballooning, white water rafting, explore the local museums and some
of the historic Tablelands towns. Take a scenic drive to the
numerous waterfalls, lakes, giant curtain fig tree or the Wetlands.
West beyond the Tablelands the
landscape is equally stunning. Eerie limestone outcrops are
Chillagoe's dramatic backdrop. The small outback mining town is
renowned for the mine that produces the marble used in
Parliament House, Canberra. Further south a fasinating
geological formation, the Undara lava tubes, reveal the region's
volcanic past.
The Gulf Savannah offers travellers a remote, yet accessible,
outback adventure, from vast cattle stations and Aboriginal
communities, to outback towns and fishing lodges, while a wealth
of bird and animal life adds colour and movement to the raw
natural environment.
North from Cape Tribulation the rugged Bloomfield Track travels
through Aboriginal lands of the community of Wujal Wujal to the
Bloomfield River, another haven for crocs. This is some of the
last untouched rainforest in the Wet Tropics. The Bloomfield
Falls are magnificent especially during the summer months. This
rugged section of road is only for the experienced four-wheel
driver.
North of the Bloomfield River along the rugged 'four wheel drive
only' Bloomfield Track, the road leads to Cooktown. For most of
the year conventional vehicles can reach Cooktown via the inland
Peninsula Development Road. Cooktown, named after explorer
Captain James Cook, is steeped in history and genuine Australian
character which is shown in the unique architecture. The James
Cook Museum is well worth a visit, there's some good fishing in
the area or just relax over a cold beer in an authentic outback
pub. |
|
|
|
