04.05.2026

Addendum to yesterday, since we had no reception: After we left Magnetic Island by ferry at 10 AM, we hit the 'road' around 11 AM. 500 km to go! Despite a short lunch stop, we arrived at the lodge only around 5:30 PM. The last 18 km were challenging, as the route was winding, it got dark, and we had to take the ferry over the Daintree River. North of the river, everyone is on their own. Upon arriving at the lodge, we received an umbrella and a flashlight along with the key. Today we started at 6 AM from the 'Heritage Lodge in the Daintree'. We had booked a full-day tour through the 'Daintree', the oldest rainforest in the world, and the meeting point was 50 km away. Our group was again international, consisting of couples from the UK, Australia, the USA, and us. The rainforest is enchanting, with gigantic trees hundreds of years old, interspersed with towering ferns and vines... The paths are well-maintained, and there were many explanations from the guide. The enormous bats were impressive, creating a grand spectacle. From various viewpoints, the Pacific was visible, of course with almost empty beaches, alongside a new sign for us indicating that swimming is not allowed here due to crocodile sightings in recent days. Well, we wanted to see them! We also found vinegar bottles at the beach entrances, the 'first aid' for jellyfish stings. After lunch at a lodge, we headed to the river! We enjoyed very tasty fish, salads, and fruits. Everyone was on the lookout for crocodiles hiding in the mangroves on the left and right shores. The birdlife was on break; we only listened to the commentary of the boat driver. In total, two saltwater crocodiles, the Johnston crocodiles, came into view - one in the water and one on a sandbank basking in the sun. It's awe-inspiring to see these large creatures in nature. There was also a stop at an ice cream factory that makes ice cream from various tropical fruits. The corresponding trees grow right on the property. We also passed a tea plantation. In the afternoon, we made our way back. Our destination in this part of the rainforest was 'Mossman Gorge', a huge natural pool in a river. A popular swimming spot, but at this time not very crowded, since it's fresh water, thus cold, and the sun didn’t penetrate as strongly through the treetops in the afternoon. We were taken to our car and then headed back to the ferry... We’re sitting in the empty restaurant since we have reception here! All facilities, whether restaurant or school, are closed today because it’s a holiday - Labor Day. This holiday is unique to Queensland. We didn’t need the umbrella and flashlight!

The last image is an 'audio video' providing a little glimpse of what's happening right outside our door... (click on it and maybe again, and activate the speaker)