Tuesday 27th July 2021
Today we decided to do the Lake Tinaroo scenic drive. Our first stop was at Gillies lookout which was via a winding steep high clearance 4WD track on private farmland which was lush and green, this quickly changed to rainforest and became a national park. The lookout was great but would have been spectacular if there was less cloud and mist. Oh well, maybe next time. We could here the black cockatoo but didn’t manage to see any.

Next stop was a quick loop walk (700m) at Mobo Creek crater in the Danbulla National Park. The geology of this area has perplexed scientists for many years and, despite its name, it is unlikely that is was formed from volcanic activity. We were on the lookout for tree kangaroo and platypus. It was a lovely walk through lush rainforest with a lovely creek which if lucky you could see platypus.

Next stop was Lake Euromoo in the Danbulla National Park – the unique dumbbell shape of the lake, formed from twin volcanic explosions. This unusual formation sets Lake Euramoo apart from other crater lakes as it has a double crater.

Then on to Downfall creek camp in the Danbulla National Park – this is a lovely peaceful beautiful campground on Lake Tinaroo. There were lovely grassy sites and many beautiful birds around. On the other side of the lake is the Afghanistan wall of honour which we visited at Yungaburra a couple of weeks ago..

Next stop was Platypus rock – we climbed the steps to lookout at the top of the boulderbut unfortunately the vantage point was overgrown.   We then headed to Platypus campground for lunch by the Lake, this campground was also very good too.

Our next stop was an engineer’s dream – Tinaroo Dam outlet. The noise and power was frightening, it was great to watch David’s excitement here.

Our last stop for the day was Emerald Creek falls in Dinden West Forest Reserve. Emerald Creek rushes out of the rainforest-clad heights of the Lamb Range and down into open eucalypt woodland. There the waters of the creek tumble over granite boulders, forming the picturesque falls that plunge into placid pools. Emerald creek has a series of cascading waterfalls over granite boulders. It was a lovely 3km walk on quite different walk to on the other side of the mountain. From rainforest to savannah. Beautiful falls with amazing smooth rocks and peacefulness we wish we had more time to enjoy.

Then off to our new home at Speewah. Today’s travels took us 14km closer to Cooktown. Hehehehe!!