Tablelands, Daintree Rainforest, Port Douglas and Mossman Gorge

Tuesday 03.03.2020: After driving through the scenic Tablelands, we reach the northernmost destination on our tour of Australia, the Daintree Rainforest. We ferry across the Daintree River. Caution is required here as the saltwater crocodiles, known as Salties, can grow up to 8 meters long. Our first stop is the Alexadra Range Lookout, followed by a hike on the Jindalba Walk. We can't pass by the Floravilla Ice Cream Factory or the Daintree Icecream Company, where the local fruits are grown and turned into ice cream. For example, the Jackfruit, which can weigh up to 45 kilograms. We wanted to buy a small Jackfruit, but the owner said he could sell it to us for $5, but if he were to turn it into ice cream, he would charge $50. So the deal didn't happen. Instead, we buy an Icecream-Fruitcup with Coconut, Yellow Sapote, Wattleseed, Davidson Plum, and of course, the Jackfruit. Refreshed, we continue to the end of the paved road, Cape Tribulation, with a short hike to the Lookout. On the way back, we hike the Marrdja Boardwalk. Then we ferry back across the river and continue to Port Douglas.

Port Douglas is a beautiful port town with a great beach. There is a swimming area equipped with nets to keep out the Stingers (jellyfish). However, the water is not very refreshing at 29 degrees Celsius.

Wednesday 04.03.2020: In the morning, we explore Port Douglas before heading back a bit to visit Mossman Gorge. From there, we drive along the Cook Highway to Cairns. We take a break at Ellie Beach and go swimming in the ocean for the first time in Australia. For the planning of the next day, we first visit the train station. The counter for the Scenic Railway Tour to Kuranda has already closed. Directly across the street is the Travellers Oasis, a hostel for backpackers. We can park our camper van in the courtyard.