Babinda and Cairns.

After leaving Lucinda we travelled approx 180km to just north of Inisfail, to a small township called Babinda. We have stayed here previously at one of the best free camping areas we have encountered in our travels over the years.The camping area is situated about 200 metres of the Bruce Hwy and within 5 minutes walk of the small township. There is a very large relatively flat grassed area beside a nice little creek, a toilet block serviced daily and a cold shower if required. By providing this level of free 48 hour camping they are encouraging business into their small community. As an example, we countered 16 different on our first night there, then 22 on the next 2 nights. Yes, we stayed 3 nights and not two as the local ranger's attitude is very lenient if you do the right thing.
An interesting aspect of these free areas is that you tend to meet people much easier than in the typical caravan park. We palled up with 3 or 4 different couples, but in particular with a young couple from Narooma who are travelling for 3 to 4 months with two children aged about 8 and eleven years. Their daily school work takes place each morning, leaving the afternoons free. Understandably "Happy Hour" each afternoon was an interesting time which we shared with those around us.
Everyone down south has been complaining about the never ending rain, but we have had very little and what we have had has ben mainly limited to overnight.
Monday morning we moved on and tok up residence for a week at "Cool Waters" caravan park in Cairns. On this trip we have made the decision to visit and stay at different places if possible. This park is lovely, we have a very large, shady site adjacent to a creek where there are turtles and fish.
Our plan is to use Cairns as a base and do day trips during the coming week, to such places as Daintree and Cape Tribulation.
Kevin and Gail.
For those interested see:
www.2008wanderings.blogspot.com