CAIRNS. TO MILLAA MILLAA. Wednesday 15th May, 2019.

Last night spent the night in Cairns as we decided not to go up to Mossman Gorge and on to Port Douglas due to Cyclone Anne approaching the coast. As it turned out Cairns avoided it the most. North and south of Cairns had a lot more rain. The worst was north of Port Douglas so probably would have been Ok but better to be safe than sorry. It's still showery but not heavy rain. We wondered if we should head back up to the Atherton Tablelands as they were predicting more rain up there. After all that's where the tropical rainforests are so would have to expect more rain up there. As that was an area I really wanted to see off we went after we had our van groomed change all our linen and cleaned toperfection. That was the purpose for going into Cairns to have this done. It was a free offer so thought we may as well have it done. Especially after coming back from the outback the van had a glow of the outback orange soil. As well as squashed bugs all over nose.  We couldn't get over how smart she looked after all that. By the time we had waited(two hours) for all this we didn't get away from Cairns until mid day. The weather didn't look too bad so took off back up to the Tablelands  going up further south than we came over yesterday. Crossed over the Gillies Highway very twisty but was great.  We were climbing until we reached  2221ft. Although the views were a bit hazy for good photos still blazed away as I do. The views going up over the ridge seemed so high and looking down was very sudden. We finally arrived at Lake Barrine. I place I had read a lot about and was really looking forward to seeing this area. Unfortunately the weather was a little drizzly but when we arrived at the cafe on the lake the heavens open. I thought Oh no all I wanted was a beautiful sunny day to see this beautiful spot. We ordered our coffee and their famous scones, jam and cream then it started clearing. The sun came through just for a moment but still cloudy but at least the rain stopped. We then continue just a few kms to Lake Eacham. Another lovely spot. Then continued on over rolling hills to   Millaa Millaa we are now in campsite beside the tropical lush forest.

As we were climbing over Gillies Highway. The above doesn't look very high but it certainly felt like it looking down.

Still climbing passing a lot of these granit boulders on the way. To the left it was a long way down to the valley below. A fairly sudden drop in places.



Now we are going through the dense tropical forest. Wouldn't like to wonder through there, as it is so thick you would never find your way out.

The twin volcanic crater Lakes of Barrine above and Eacham below are pools of water fringed by rainforest. Formed approx 12,000 years ago ( not sure how they really know this) by violent volcanic eruptions, it took several hundred years for water to fill these giant craters and for trees to grow back, creating the lakes used by local families and visitors for recreation. They both have boat ramps so used for boating, swimming  although Lake Eacham motor craft are banned. It has an average depth of 65m. At Lake Barrine above we are sitting on the deck of the Hertage Teahouse Cafe  a great setting to enjoy light lunches or their famous  Devonshire tea. They reckon they have the best home made scones on the Atherton Tablelands. The setting would have being perfect if the sun was shining on the lake but at least the rained stopped.

This is the sign at Lake Eacham

Above and below Lake Eacham. There is a pontoon, top left of photo, provided for those who want to play in the deeper water. Even thoug the warning of the sign above they still say it's OK for swimming. Richard I can't see you out there , swimming with the crocs!! As I know this is what you do.

This is a photo of Lake Barrine I took from a brochure, just to show clearer how beautiful the area is with the old cafe right on the waters edge. You can see why it brings so many people to the area. This is what I was hoping for a nice sunny day to enjoy but unfortunately the sun didn't shine for us. 😢 makes my photos look dark and gloomy, but we still enjoy today.

The van sitting by the lake, looks very clean after her outback trip. I wish I had taken a photo before and after.

Now leaving the Lakes and heading to Millaa Millaa for the night. Above and below showing the lovely farmland up high in the mountain.

Certainly is a great area and so pleased we ignored the weather and still came to enjoy it.

We will be back down on the coast for tomorrow night at South Mission Beach but lots of stops on the way, places to see mainly lots of waterfalls in this area but we won't see them all. Even though the weather wasn't the best today We still really enjoyed being up in the Tablelands again.