Have slowed down already having booked into a park for 2 nights.

There probably were lots of things to see between Normanton and Cooktown, the lava tubes for one but I wanted to get back to the east coast and have now have done that.

There is nothing for me on the Gold Coast now but I enjoy the coastal areas and am looking forward to cruising down the east coast.

If the Gold Coast was the main objective I wouldn't have gone out of my way up to Cooktown when I could have more easily gone to Cairns.

John

Should have also added as soon as I see a new post from you I get the map out so I can follow you on paper too.

My original plan was to go round Australia via the coast and to date that is what I have done as far as my 2WD Hi Ace has allowed me and that is why I have gone to Cooktown. Even though it will be more costly I will continue to follow the coast down to the Gold Coast.

My longer term plan is to go inland and take my time travelling north in the winter and south in the summer. Then I will be looking to see as much as I can in  each area but the original plan did not include seeing as much as I could although recently with Steven I have seen more than I expected to and enjoyed it.

I intend to be back north next winter and then explore the Tablelands and other places that I have just skipped past. In the middle of winter I expect to spend a couple of months around that area just as in the middle of summer I expect to be down as far as Victoria for a couple of months.

John

I have been elsewhere for all the get togethers to date but will make a point of getting to one next summer at Greens.

I spent time looking at the sights in Cooktown, firstly went to the Information Centre which is in the Botanical Gardens and asked for guidance on seeing Cooktown in a day. I was told that the museum was a must and that I could spend a couple of hours there. Cooktown is mostly historical and that is the main subject to persue there.The previous Botanical Gardens I looked at were in Darwin where the manicured lawns and maintained pathways did stand out in comparison but the natural look was appealing and some of the trees were enormous.

At the end of the road where the Gardens are located is Finch Bay a lovely spot and from there I went to the lookout with 360 degrees of magnificent views. Down to the Esplanade with it's interesting shops, pubs and cafes complete with a boat ramp and many historical sites with plenty of parking along the foreshore but the no camping signs were evident.

John

 

It's a place which demonstrates history and much of the buildings are still there as evidence of settlement.
Now, if you want a great feed of barra, the cafe' on the jetty does a bewdy. Well they did in 2008-09. Haven't had barra since, so I don't spoil the memory. Great feed for a reasonable price.
It seems as though you're achieving your dream John. It's a great feeling.

When I set out from Broome in 2007 with the van, my goal was the Daintree, and I gave myself 12 months to do it, and I did.
I was so flabergasted at my achievement I pulled into the car park at Mossmon Gorge and cried with pride and satisfaction. "I did it!"
After that, and anything since that has really been an anti-climax, but achievements none the less. I have more travelling to do too.

Mergatroy wrote:

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Hi John, Im currently staying in Port Douglas, when do you plan to come through ? would like to catch up and have a coffe, or something.

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 Would like to meet up am leaving Cooktown in the morning (Monday) and intend to go down the inland route and back up to see some of the Daintree but have no idea of timing or of internet/phone/optus.

I will access my PMs before leaving can you send me details as to where you are staying plus phone number?

Look forward to catching up with you,

John

Hi Bill we hope to go on the bloomfield track whilst up in Cairns late July.we have 4x4 can you tell me what the track is like and do you go right though from Daintree to Cooktown? We will leave our van in Cairns.
Cheers Jill

Hi yeoeleven,

I have been reading your blog, you certainly had had an adventure packed trip and you photo's are excellent.

Will certainly be visiting some of the places you have visited in the future, much visual splendour along the way if your blog is anything to go by.

Safe travels,
Cropper

jilly888 wrote:

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Hi Bill we hope to go on the bloomfield track whilst up in Cairns late July.we have 4x4 can you tell me what the track is like and do you go right though from Daintree to Cooktown? We will leave our van in Cairns.
Cheers Jill

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 When you get to Cape Trib, stay a while, beautiful spot! And call into the general store (used to be called Masons) to pick up their detailed map of the Bloomfiels track. Some of the water crossings are bumpy, and theres a couple of 1in3 slopes, but its ok so long as its dry. You can go all the way to Cooktown, and that road is narrow and rough but less steep.

Thanks for the info on the bloomfield track guys,hopefully it wont be too wet after the rain they have had up north lately,if not we will give it a go.
Cheers Jill