Rainforest retreat

Given our love of rainforests, the offer to house-sit in Rossville seemed too good to be true. The first week we were blessed with perfect weather and made the most of the opportunity to explore the surrounding area. The second week reminded us why rainforest is called rainforest!

We finally managed to visit Kija (Roaring Meg Falls), a waterfall we had long hoped to reach, but had been reluctant to attempt the Creb Track without a four wheel drive. As it turned out, in dry conditions the 4WD wasn’t required (approaching from the north) apart from the last kilometer on the track in to the falls, which was very rough, so we walked it. Kija is quite spectacular, but we refrained from taking photos in respect of the wishes of traditional owners, for whom this is a very sacred place. Some things just have to be filed away in the neurons (though a Google search will retrieve many images). Definitely worth visiting!

We managed to complete our exploration of the Bloomfield Track by approaching the Daintree from the north, having previously been stopped at Emmagen Creek by deep water.

Near Rossville we eventually found our way up to the ‘Rock of Knowledge’ from which we had an excellent view of the surrounding mountains. We also managed dips in some of the freshwater swimming holes, including at Wallaby Creek and also at a confluence of creeks at Ngalba Bulal (Cedar Bay) National Park (Mangkalba). The drive through this rainforest between Bloomfield and Rossville is one of the most beautiful and dramatic the Matey has seen. Ever. Sigh …

We also visited the Bloomfield Falls after rain, which was as dramatic a change from its dry season flow as we could have imagined. On the way home we discovered the joy of strawberry mangoes falling to the ground. It would have been a terrible shame to waste them …

The more time we spend at Cooktown, Rossville and their surrounds the more lovely people we meet and the more amazing homes we are invited to. One family wakes up to Black Mountain every day. Another couple live at Mt Amos and wake to as spectacular a view as we have seen anywhere, and live in a work of art.

Matey makes new friend

Unexpectedly attractive bridge on Bloomfield Track

View from 'Rock of Knowledge'

Brumbies on Creb Track

Refreshingly cool swimming hole, Ngalba Bulal NP

Poor old Capt relaxes his weary bod.

First glimpse of Bloomfield Falls after rain

Confluence of creeks

View at Mt Amos