certain points
had beautiful panorama's towards the Pacific Ocean. One of
the most gorgeous scene's is the view towards Hinchbrook Island,
somewhere between Ingham and Cardwell.
Here the seaside towns really have a distinct tropical character.
Palm trees and other luscious plants all over the place. Though
we were mainly still driving through sugarcane-, banana- and
mango plantations ...
We reached Cairns and drove through one of it's main shopping
area's. One big chain store next to the other. Mainly car
dealerships or home interior specialist actually. It had a
very American feel to it. Big and bold.
Past Cairns we said goodbye to our friend Bruce and joined
the Captain Cook Highway towards our destination,
Daintree NP near Mossman. On this stretch of road we passed
the most magnificent scenery. Bay after bay of desolate sand
and rock beaches on the one side, and open eucalypt forests
with their typical grass trees and termite mounds to the other
side. A couple of hair raising bends in between too though,
so be warned.
We drove through the charming little town of Mossman,
with it's majestic row of arching 'raintrees'. They reminded
us of the rows of ancient oak trees lining the entrance of
'Oak Alley'. (A famous plantation mansion in Louisiana, near
New Orleans.)
To reach the Silky Oaks eco lodge, nestled in the fringes
of Daintree National Park, we had to drive up a hill again.
A steep hill. Luckily it was not too long a drive (not like
Lamington NP). But we still manage to miss one of the signs
and had to turn back ... etc. Ah, no worries. Just meant more
nice scenery to take in.
We arrived at 'Silky Oaks' around 2.30PM,
checked-in and signed up for some of the planned activities
(much like in Lamington's O'Reilly's). Now, admittingly, the
5-star Silky Oaks Lodge was a bit of a splurge on our budget.
But it is worth every cent. We were escorted by the porter,
who, as porters do, helped us drag our suitcases up the steep
path towards our treecabin named 'crocodile'. He gave us a
quick tour of the luxurious bungalow, but we had trouble paying
attention, 'cos the sight of the romantic hammock on the veranda,
the relaxing jacuzzi in the 'huge' bathroom ... and the modern
hifi boosting annoying 'New Age Rainforest Sounds' crap played
havoc on our senses. (Needless to say, once back down to earth
we 'killed' the 'music'. We were in a bloody rainforest! So
just let us enjoy the real sounds of the rainforest, just
outside our door!).
We decided to have a little stroll around the lusciously
planted resort gardens and along the Mossman river, which
flows right next to the eco lodge. The restaurant and bar
area are perfectly located to give you the perfect view of
the rocky river and the thick rainforest just across the water.
There were some people paddling along the Mossman river in
canoes. Silky Oaks provides canoes and paddles
for free to it's guest, so we thought, why not? Let's have
a go! No! You wish! ;-) We did not get wet at all. We had
a great time paddling through the shallow, clear water, dodging
the rocks (ok, so we did get stuck a few times ... haha!).
Searching for fish in the water and wildlife on the rainforest
banks. We spotted a little black starling, struggling it's
way through the undergrowth, learning to fly.
At dusk we witnessed a peculiar habit of the starlings: they
fly in small groups, dive down fast, skimming the water of
the river, almost plunging in. And they repeat this again
and again. Are they having a speedy 'fly-by' drink or are
they trying to catch insects? Strange.
Back on dry land we got ready for our inclusive diner at
the distinguished Silky Oaks restaurant. We got a nice table
with a river view. The food was, as is to be expected, excellent.
We had a delicious 'Mushroom and lemon thyme soup finished
with truffle oil', 'Warm macadamia goat cheese with a rocket
and roasted capsicum salad' as starter and the 'Pan fried
mandalong lamb loin on a mungalli feta & sweet potato
fritter with port wine jus' main for Radica, 'Coconut poached
bug tails with green papaya salad and a chilli & coriander
dressing' as starter and the 'Wok tossed spicy chicken in
a coriander crepe basket with a warm satay dressing' main
for JJ. Quite a mouthful huh. Wait, ... there's more. For
dessert we had the very peculiar local specialty 'Chocolate
and black sapote devils with coconut ice cream'. The black
sapote is in fact a kind of fruit which they bake in the oven
and then ... it tastes even better than your grannies chocolate
cake! DELISCIOUS!
After such a copious diner, we headed back to our cosy treecabin
and found a little surprise. Housekeeping had turned the lights
down to 'chill out' mode, opened up our bed, layed out fresh
towels and even lit some candles with aromatic oils. They
set the perfect mood for a lazy soak in the jacuzzi
and a late night swing in the hammock. Another
perfect day in paradise.
night, night
Radica & JJ |
Itinerary
Sydney
