Atherton to Hydeaway Bay

Around Atherton

Crops in this area include sugar cane, banana, avocados, mango, passionfruit and lots more. Roadside fruit & veg stalls dot the roads with amazing produce. Take cash as they rely on honesty boxes for payment.

We had left our van at Atherton Holiday Park while we explored Cape York in our tent. It was great to be back in the luxury of our van. It could rain all it wants and we were cosy and dry inside.

Tim spent the first few days fixing things; not sure whey they decided to break when we got back. The new hot water system sprung a leak at the join. The lid on the toilet cassette decided to break, and the car boot glass wouldn’t shut. I am so thankful that Tim is able to fix anything he turns his hand to.

Mareeba Coffee Works

“Our boutique Family business began as small home based roaster trading from a single market stall at Rusty’s Markets, Cairns, in 1988.“

Blundell Classic Ford Museum

“Blundell Classic Ford Museum houses an impressive collection of over 40 Classic Ford cars, along with a collection of vintage tractors.“

Despite its proximity to Chillagoe, it is unrelated to Tom Prior’s Historic Vehicles, which we visited in 2015.

Paronella Park

From Atherton we travelled to Mena Creek and Paronella Park. The rain set in again on our way south, but Paronella Park was as enchanting as ever. Since we first visited in 2015, they have established The Paddock, a large, modern caravan park just up the road next to the Mena Creek Hotel.

Mamu Tropical Skywalk

“Elevated walkways, a cantilever, and observation tower offer visitors the exhilarating experience of being high in the rainforest canopy …”

Townsville

A quick overnight visit to catch up with friends, Marg & Clem in Townsville. Discovered Otto’s Market. OMG amazing.

The journey began in 1966 … Our founder, Otto, took the reins in 1994 armed with little more than a big dream and a bigger passion for food. He longed for the gourmet offerings of his home country Germany, and set about creating a complete foodie experience.

Bowen & Home Hill

Thanks Marg & Clem for telling us about ‘The Prawn Stop” in Home Hill. They don’t have a website, but they are AMAZING. Fresh and frozen seafood, pre-made meals, amazing amount of seafood in everything. The lobster pies were FULL of lobster and totally delicious.