Daintree Dreaming Day 3
This morning our itinerary included a drive from Port Douglas to the Daintree, a boat ride along the Daintree River, more lookouts and more beaches.
We decided to get up and watch the sunrise across Four Mile Beach, following our sunset adventure yesterday. Nature did not disappoint, and by 0630, we had watched the sun burst onto the horizon in a dazzling display of golden rays. The beachfront is only a few minutes walk from the Ramada resort, and there were very few people around, besides the occasional local walking in the early morning light.
The drive from Port Douglas to Daintree town proper was beautiful. One thing I have realised during this trip is that everything up this part of the coast sits very close together, merely a few hours from top to bottom (that is accessible by car without 4WD capabilities). The drive took about 45 minutes, which left plenty of time for sightseeing on the way. The first stop was Wonga Park Beach, where there were no other humans in sight! There was a strangely prehistoric feeling of the Daintree encroaching directly onto the beach. I felt like the idea of a shipwreck on this incredible land would be both delightful and terrifying. The sheer beauty of the land that surrounded us was overwhelming.
Our next stop was in Daintree town itself, where we came across a group of cyclists clad in blue lycra; what the ride was in aid of was indeterminate!
The only planned activity for the day was a river cruise down the Daintree River, with a side of crocodile spotting. The Daintree River Cruise Centre team were friendly and knowledgeable. We had apparently picked a good time of year to go as our guide mentioned that the floods in the last couple of years had meant that there hadn’t been a hatchling season in years. We saw several tiny hatchlings and a couple of notorious local adult crocodiles. These prehistoric dinosaurs are always fascinating to behold, up close.
After our journey back in time, we drove to the Daintree Ferry River Crossing. Luck was on our side once again as we boarded within minutes, driving straight onto the vessel. Within 5 minutes, we had crossed the river and disembarked.
Making our way slowly up the winding road toward Cape Tribulation, we stopped to take in the rainforest at the Mt Alexandra Lookout and put together sandwiches on the shores of Cow Beach.
We then strolled the boardwalk at Jindalba before making our way to the Daintree Ice-cream Company for some exotic and locally flavoured frozen desserts. The selection on the menu at the time of our order was; Jackfruit, Soursop, Wattle Seed and Coconut.
Heritage Lodge is where we called home tonight, checking in to the beautiful rainforest ensconced getaway just in time for happy hour at the Lodge’s own restaurant and bar, On The Turps Restaurant. An absolute standout of a meal tonight! We ordered the Kangaroo with Mash and the mushroom Cannelloni. Five stars to the chef! Even if you are not staying in the Lodge, I highly recommend the restaurant for dinner.
Reference List:
Daintree, Far North Queensland
Cape Tribulation, Far North Queensland
Note: All reference links in this post are unsponsored