The drive up Bloomfield Track up to the aboriginal community of Wujal Wujal was one scary but exciting ride. Though I didn’t need to use the 4WD on my Wicked Camper, it was nice to know that it was there. The track is labelled ‘4WD only’ and is closed whenever it has just rained, and during the wet season.
Tag Archives: queensland
The Hideaway that is Cape Trib
It was on this drive from the start of the ferry crossing to my stop at Cape Tribulation Camping that I really wished I had someone to share this experience with. At one point, I saw a cassowary along the side of the road and I wanted so badly to tell someone but there was no one around me to share in the excitement.
Tastes Like Chicken?
On my way up to Cape Tribulation on Tuesday, I made an unplanned stop at Daintree Village. I had thought that I needed to go through the village to get to Cape Trib because the only sign that pointed to Cape Trib pointed in the direction of a ferry terminal and I didn’t know you had to cross a river to get there. This is what happens when you don’t follow a map. 
Being a Tourist in Kuranda
Queensland Armchair Guide had contacted Kuranda Scenic Rail (KSR) to ask them if they would be interested in sponsoring a trip for me to ride the famous railway line. They wrote back saying they’d be happy to offer me the industry rate. I made a reservation for Monday morning but didn’t know anything about it, other than the fact that lots of tourists go on it. Heck, I didn’t even know how much it would cost until after I had already made the reservation!
One Lucky Duck
It was my first time snorkelling and I really wish I had an underwater camera with me because I got to swim with a green turtle that was about a foot and a half long!! That was definitely the highlight of the day for me! I had been snorkelling for about an hour trying to find a turtle, and although I saw a ton of really cool fish and weird coral reef formations, it just didn’t compare to actually being right beside a turtle in the water. Our co-pilot for the day, Shane, knew that it would make my day if I got to swim with one so when he found one, he came over to tell me and I made an b-line straight for it. So cool!
On the Way to Airlie Beach
When you round the corner towards Airlie Beach (which is essentially one street full of busy shops, hostels etc), you see a glimpse of the water and it’s just incredible! I actually found myself talking out loud about how gorgeous it was! The water here is turquoise and comes in different shades depending on the depth. The Whitsunday islands (named by James Cook after the religious holiday) are covered in greenery because most of them are protected areas, and they serve as the perfect backdrop for the crystal clear waters. When I was looking down at the water from the mountains, I was sure that I’d be able to spot fish if they were there because the water was so clear. Tony and his wife told me that the water wasn’t even nearly as clear as it usually is.
Stop Revive Survive
1. Take a cat nap (10 — 15 minutes)
2. Wash your face
3. Go for a walk to get some fresh air (one of the reasons you can get tired is lack of oxygen)
4. Eat or drink something sweet (I had a chocolate mini muffin washed down with Sarsparilla)
5. Keep yourself hydrated (baking in the car under the sun can make you drowsy)
Stop at Gin Gin for Pie and Fuel (in that order)
I made myself a lovely breakfast of instant coffee and advocado on toast (you would’ve been proud of me boiling the water over a gas camping stove — I’ve never used one before).
Now I’m in Gin Gin, a little town that won an award in 2003 for being the friendliest town in Queensland. For such a friendly town, you’d think they’d put soap in their public washrooms. The little sink at the back of my Wicked Camper has come in handy several times already!