Had an early morning start and explored some of the attractions of the Atherton Tablelands. It was a very impressively beautiful area with a nice drier climate due to its elevation. Visited a few national parks, including the Mount Hypipamee Crater, a deep volcanic crater surrounded by dense rainforest and tree kangaroos (they were around, but I couldn’t find any).
The Atherton Tablelands were a very beautiful countryside of mainly agricultural land and rainforests.
After a few hours driving, I found myself back down at sea level, waiting for a ferry to cross into Cape Tribulation and the Daintree National Park.
I made reservations to stay in an air-conditioned private room at a YHA and was feeling a little nervous about being the oldest one there – only to find plenty of people older than myself. And a brand new yuppie Range Rover sitting in the parking lot. Funny how YHA’s have changed over the years. This one was much like the kind you find in New Zealand that operated more like a hotel than a hostel. They had towels, soaps, shampoos, and conditioners on your bed; they changed your sheets and cleaned your room every day (sleeping bags are prohibited), and you could even charge your meals to your room! They had a variety of individual cabins sprinkled along a rainforest walk that led down to their swimming pool, bistro, bar, and, eventually, the beach. There was a mix of dorm rooms, private rooms with shared bathrooms, and family cabins with en-suites.
Today’s Drive
