The day started in Townsville with a visit up Castle Hill. After our previous failed attempt due to the mass of exercise walkers. (Not content to walk up the constructed paths, Townsville people walk up and down on the road).

A drive through coastal lowlands saw our arrival at Ingham and a visit to the Station Hotel for a family history chat with the owner. A much loved family member visited from Townsville and stayed and set up a veterinary clinic at the back of the hotel in the 1950’s.

(Family members read from page 142 in Goanna Tracks)

We then went west from Ingham up the range to Wallaman Falls – the longest single drop waterfall in Australia.

There were turtles in Stony Creek above the falls but the real highlight were the tropical butterflies that were so bright, they were visible from 40 to 50 metres away.

Cairns Birdwing butterflies

Ulysses Butterflies – huge contrast from above and below wings.

Union Jack butterfly and Green Triangle butterfly

The road to the falls had populations of agile wallabies. We also saw an orphan at the Station Hotel being looked after by a wildlife carer.

A late afternoon drive drive to Cardwell took us past the fabulous Hinchinbrook Lookout with its commanding view of Hinchinbrook Island and the mangrove wetlands.

Our accommodation at Cardwell is on the beach less than 30 metres from the water – the 4.5 metre crocodile “Bismarck” is a local who regularly cruises along the beachfront. Beach curlews call regularly with their mournful cries – a great night ahead!