Our campsite for the next three days was in a free camping area behind the Garradunga Hotel. Supporting country hotels by buying dinner and drinks is something that you don’t think twice about when you visit. While sipping on your coldie at Garradunga you can watch the Spirit of Capricorn pass by the front of the hotel.
We used our hotel as a base to explore the area. One of our trips took us to Etty Bay, where we enjoyed a lovely walk on the beach. Etty Beach is a very scenic spot with a beautiful sandy shoreline. We would have loved to have a coffee by the beach, but unfortunately, the café was closed. There is also a small waterfront caravan park at Etty Bay.
While we were there we drove over to Mourilyan Harbour, a popular location for fishermen that features a good boat ramp. The Port of Mourilyan exports raw sugar and molasses from the Innisfail and Atherton Tableland districts. We have stopped at Mourilyan Harbour before, but at that time, we were on our sailing vessel, Sedna. It was an excellent spot for an overnight rest, free from swell and wind.
A local in Innisfail told us they had received 3.1 meters of rain by the end of January. After such colossal rain, you can only imagine how lush and green everything was.
On a cloudy Sunday, we decided to drive to Millaa Millaa in the Atherton Tablelands. We were glad we made the effort! When we arrived, we discovered the rumours diner. The cafe had plenty of knick-knacks and souvenirs, as well as good coffee. We purchased some souvenirs, and then took a stroll to explore some local history. The township of Millaa Millaa emerged in response to the demand for timber throughout the North brought about a boom in the local timber industry. The bullock teamsters moved loads from the base of the hills to the top of the range.
The Giant Kauri Pine Tree in the photo was cut into:
3 x 4 metre & 1 x 2 metre lengths.
Total Length – 14 metres.
Average Girth – 10 metres.
Carbon dated by Dr. Les Moore
870 Years
In the park, you will find a statue of Christie Palmerston and Pomo (his aboriginal companion), created in 1893. They were explorers of the rainforest, with Pomo serving as Christie’s guide. Christie was tasked with finding a new route from the Deep Water Harbour at Mourylin to Herberton, which was a major link to the goldfields. The track he discovered is now known as the Palmerston Highway.
