Day 11 - Cairns - Lake Tinaroo - Undara

Out of Cairns, we headed westerly over the Gillies Highway to the Atherton Tablelands. This road was built on an Aboriginal walking track and orginally had some 612 bends in 20 km. It has since been straightened to 260 bends. Hold on for the ride.

Off the highway we drove Danbulla Forest Drive around Lake Tinaroo stopping for short walks to Heales Lookout, Cathederal Fig Tree, Mondo Crater Lake, and the Lake Tinaroo spillway.

Giant Termite Mounds 4 to 5 ft tall dotted the landscape. The tall mounds provide a natural sort of air conditioning for the nest, drawing cooler air from underground and venting through the upper sections.

On reaching Undara, we found our booking had been thoroughly confused by Cairns. Ah well - nevermind. We got it all straight and booked in for 1 night in the Wilderness Lodge and 1 night in the family swag (tent). We also booked in 2 adults and 2 kids for the 1/2 day Lava Tube tour ($222) and Sunset Tour ($114).

Recomendations:

Seek out a guide book "Atherton Tableland - Over 150 Attractions, Places and Activities" ($6.50). It was an invaluable source of information for this area.

HOME >> DAY 12

Organics of OZ

Cathederal Fig Tree
This giant Strangler Fig killed off its host long ago. The drop roots form a hollow 'trunk' you can stand inside. It would take 26 people holding hands to encircle the base. Lori, Nic & Mikayla stand at its base.

Quick Facts

Distance
300 km

Temp
22 - 26 C

Accomodation
Undara
Wilderness Lodge
: )

Fuel
n/a

Attractions
Lake Tinaroo
(more)
Cathederal Fig
forest drive
3,600 ft highest point

Non Attractions
260 turns
over 26 km
on Gilles Hwy