Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Wooroonooran National Park
Part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, the rugged rainforest in the
Josephine Falls
sec-
tion of Wooroonooran National Park creeps to the peak of Queensland's highest mountain,
Mt Bartle Frere (1622m). It provides an exclusive environment for a number of plant and
animal species. The car park for Josephine Falls - a spectacular series of waterfalls and
pools - is signposted 6km off the Bruce Hwy, about 10km south of Babinda, followed by
a steep paved 600m walk through the rainforest and along a mossy creek.
The falls are at the foot of the Bellenden Ker Range. The
Mt Bartle Frere Summit Track
(15km, two days return) leads from the Josephine Falls car park to the summit. The ascent
is for fit and well-equipped walkers only; rain and cloud can close in suddenly. Get a trail
guide from the info centre or contact the
NPRSR
(
person $5.45)
is permitted along the trail; book ahead.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Cairns' Northern Beaches
Despite what some brochures may infer, Cairns city is sans-beach. But just 15 minutes, a
Sunbus ticket or a foot on the gas will bring you to a string of lovely beach communities,
all with their own distinct character: Yorkeys Knob is popular with sailors (though a pro-
posed mega-casino could change that vibe), Trinity is big with families and Palm Cove is
a swanky honeymoon haven.
All beaches can be reached via well-marked turnoffs on the Cook Highway.
Yorkeys Knob
Yorkeys Knob is a low-key settlement that's known for its Half Moon Bay, home to 200
bobbing boats. The 'Knob' part of the name still elicits nudges and chortles from easily
amused locals; others wonder where the apostrophe went.
Kite Rite
( 07-4055 7918;
www.kiterite.com.au
; Shop 9, 471 Varley St; per hr $79)
offers kite- and wind-
surfing instruction, including gear hire, and a two-day certificate course ($499).
A block or so back from the beach,
Villa Marine
(
07-4055 7158;
www.villamarine.com.au
;
8
)
is the best-value spot in Yorkeys. Friendly owner Peter
Rutherford St; d $89-159;
