Tropical North Queensland

Port Douglas

We had a fantastic holiday in Tropical North Queensland. It was such a needed break, and we had the best time.

Cape Tribulation - rainforest meets the beach

The Incredibles about to go snorkelling at Low Isles - jellyfish 'stingers' protection

Watch out for the wildlife - it may cause a temporary loss of sanity if one lands on you...and may cause you to throw off your shirt in a frenzy!

Crocodile spotting on the Daintree River (upper left) and the lush view at Mossman

The beach at Low Isles (lower left) and Fig Tree

10 Favourite Holiday

Things-to-do in Port Douglas

1. Eat tropical fruit that you've never eaten before, even if it's expensive
2. Go on at least 5 boardwalks through the rainforest
3. Go to the Sunday markets - and buy fresh bananas and pineapple, frozen mango, and experience the real flavour of fruit
4. Buy vanilla beans - a bundle of 40 for $17
5. Go to Cape Tribulation and see the rainforest touching the beach
6. Go crocodile hunting on the Daintree River - get the guy with video camera
7. Visit Kuranda village - cute, and go on some boardwalks to see the Barron Falls
8. Find accomodation with a pool - and swim in it twice a day
9. Go out to the reef - Low Isles was great for the kids to snorkel off
10. Chill out - it's casual, watch DVDs and cook your own food...everything tastes better there anyway even if you're shopping from Coles

Ben's Guitar

Ben started learning the guitar this year. At first I wondered why we bothered as he never wanted to practice, and if Ben doesn't want to do something he can be quite difficult to convince. But this term he's been more willing (upon threat of forfeiting his lessons), and has learned his first two chords today - G and D7. Up till now he's been finger picking - and doing well.

Ben says, "guitar lessons are fun and very easy". As you can clearly see, he has no problem with confidence.

Li-il Round Balls

We're now at the site of the Moeraki Boulders near Oamaru. After passing them by for 40 years, we decide that it's 'time' to go and see them.

At first glance, you'd think you've walked onto the set of a pre-historic dinosaur movie. A real Jurassic Park experience. As I was being asked what these round spherical mounds were, all I could think of were dinosaur eggs.

I could have had the kids convinced if they weren't so rock like. The eggs of a very large T-Rex.

But, surprisingly enough, these eggs are accessible to the public to jump off, rock hop, smash, whatever you want. It made me wonder how many people have them as ornaments in their gardens...

And there are still some imbedded in the hillside - amazing little structures.
Li'il roun' balls.