Family Trip to Australia - Part 6: The Rainforest

We spent a day travelling to Mossman Gorge in the Daintree Rainforest then up to Cape Tribulation.  We stopped at Mossman Gorge and hiked from the Visitor's Center.  There is a shuttle that takes people nearly all the way to the Gorge, but we chose to walk.  I had read reviews ahead of time, and the general comments were that the walk wasn't far and the shuttle was overpriced.  I agree.  And, when things like shuttle costs need to be multiplied by 5 for our family, a little overpriced becomes a lot overpriced.  The walk was pleasant, and am glad we selected the option.  It really was not far.  And, the scenery was beautiful along the way.  There were little streams that were charming.  We would have missed these on the shuttle.  

Most interesting were all of the no swimming signs... and the locals ability to ignore them.  They frolicked in the stream in some of the most beautiful scenery.... large boulders with water meandering around them.  Had I been a local, I would have probably ignored the no swimming signs, too.

We continued on to Cape Tribulation.  To get there, you need to take a ferry across the river.  It is then a long drive down a winding (and often hilly road).  We had the wonderful opportunity to have a Cassowary cross in front of us.  I handed my daughter the camera to take a picture of it (as I was driving).  But, I think she wasn't fast enough to catch an image of quick bird.  She didn't tell me this at the time, but I cannot find any pictures.  

We walked a long way on the beach at Cape Tribulation.  This is where the Rainforest collides with the coast and the point that the Great Barrier Reef touches the mainland.  I know, I haven't talked about the Reef.  I am saving the best for last (sorry, it won't be today).  I also had hoped that the worry of crocodiles was not enough to dissuade people from snorkeling there.  I was wrong.  I didn't see any crocs, but I also didn't see anyone snorkeling.  I took that as a sign.  Had it been practical to snorkel there, I am certain many would avoid the high boat cost to be transported to the reef.  

I do want to mention the trip back.  I was hoping to make it back before sunset.  We made it to the ferry around sunset.  It was about 2 more hours drive beyond this back to our apartment.  The road was not straight and not flat.  I thought it was challenging during the day, but it was ever more so during the night.  However (I will admit), the beautiful sunset over the mountains was worth the drive.  Had I known that ahead of time, I would have less feared the drive.

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