Monday 31st July 2023
We woke to inclement weather again today but it was showing a little promise. We went for an early walk to look for the crocodile which has been seen in the area lately. We were told that it wouldn’t be out today As it only comes out to bask in the sun.

We decided today that we would go to Wallaman Falls which are a spectacular waterfall with a height of 269, with a pool 20m deep. When we arrived it was raining and the fog so thick we couldn’t see the falls at all.

We drove to the camp ground and enjoyed morning tea, reading some of the information boards. They were very interesting. We then did the loop track at Stoney Creek. This was a short walk through another rainforest where we enjoyed the varied plant life yet again.

As the weather had lifted, we decided to try our luck for the steep walk down to Wallaman Falls. We were lucky that the fog had lifted and it had stopped raining. The track weaves through open forest along the escarpment and offers amazing views of the Herbert River Valley. As the track goes into the gorge, open forest gives way to vine-thicket rainforest. We enjoyed the steep descent to the lookout of the magnificent falls. The rain and the mist prevented us from making it to the pool for a swim. We tried for a short while but it was too dangerous to continue any further. We enjoyed our lunch with the view of the amazing waterfall, watching the plummeting water fall with such force and beauty.

We then walked back up the steep track to the top where we were lucky enough to see a Ulysses butterfly. They are so magnificent and their iridescent blue wings are unbelievable.

We then headed on our way home, about 2 hours later than we were expecting due to the fog this morning. We were very grateful to have been able to experience this adventure once the weather cleared, we thought it was going to be a non-event. We were so lucky.

We got home about 5.45pm, combined all our efforts under the direction of our Italian chef tonight. We enjoyed a beautiful meal of Pepperonata with turkey meatballs on a bed of sweet potato mash and haloumi. It was amazing as always.

David has had a very big 3 days as the driver and tour guide for Broady Tours. He will enjoy the rest on the island. We ate as prepared as we can be for the rain forecast. Silly me should have brought my heavier rain jacket but I left it in the shed at Townsville. I have bought a poncho just in case we get torrential rain but the guy from the ferry said we should be fine when we saw him this morning.

The next couple of hours was spent packing our bags for tomorrow’s 4 day adventure hike on Hincinbrook Island. We are expecting inclement weather which is very disappointing but hopefully the rain won’t be too heavy. Wish us good luck!