Port Douglas, Qld

First thing to do today was to replace the left hand low beam light, which blew out a few days ago, producing a ‘check low beam light’ warning message, which made a change from the ‘check park light’ error we have had since before getting into Broome. The park light may have gone away a few days ago, but having put a new headlamp in we definitely don’t have it any more. And as a bonus, the ‘angel’ eyes (a ring of soft light around the edge of each headlamp – who knows what they are for) are all working again as well.

Decided to go the long way round to get to Port Douglas, up through Mareeba and Mt Molloy then down the mountain, through the windy twist road, all in 2^nd gear, and popping out on the coast just south of Mossman.

We were a bit disappointed by the van park, it’s out of Port Douglas about 5km further down the road toward Cairns, and compared to Atherton, it’s a dessert. It’s not really, just a little less greener and lush than up on the tablelands. We took a drive into Port Douglas itself and ogled all the changes since we were here last, about 10 years ago. As we wandered down onto the marina we came across the Lady Douglas, a faux paddle steamer going out on its cruise up the river, so we jumped on.

Very pleasant way to spend a hour and a half. Their highlight is spotting a few crocodiles and feeding a few birds. The Sea Eagle just ignored the offerings of fresh fish tossed up on the mud bank, until we started to steam away and then it swooped down and grabbed the free feed.

Failed completely to find any beach except the start of the 4 mile, up in town. We’d like to take a boat ride or two out to the reef, and spent an hour choosing which ones we liked the look of. I think that last time there was only the one, the one and only FantaSea. Now Quicksilver seem to be everywhere and own everything.

Port Douglas, Qld