Hello!

We were picked up by Matt, our tour guide, at 7am, and after a quick stop at Port Douglas for the rest of the group we headed north along the Captain Cook Highway, where lush farmland contrasts with seascape, and we soon arrived in Mossman, at the majestic Daintree River.

After morning tea, it was ALL ABOARD, for our informative Daintree River cruise. We cruised down the river, checking out the local bird and plant life, and keeping our eyes peeled for lurking crocs. Then we spotted it - our first wild crocodile, and from here it didn't stop. We saw lots of tree snakes and crocs upto 4m long.

After a great experience on the river, we got back on the bus and drove up into the Alexandra Range. We stopped at a lookout for panoramic views over the World Heritage Tropical Rainforest and the mouth of the Daintree River as it flows into the Coral Sea. We then continued on to the elevated natural park boardwalk, where Matt took us on a walk through the rainforest.

We then drove on to our lunch stop for a delicious BBQ. Once full, we made our way up the Bloomfield Track - 4WD only, very bumpy. We soon arrived at the pristine Emmagen Creek. Here we had chance for a refreshing swim in the crystal clear, cool waters. Once we had dried off Matt made us some traditional Billy Tea, and we indulged in a feast of tropical fruit tasting.

Next up was Cape Tribulation Beach, where we walked along the boardwalk to the photographer's platform, taking in the magnificent views where the rainforset meets the reef. We walked along the beach - the only place in the world that you can stand in 2 World Heritage Parks at the same time. With one foot in the sand of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, and the other in the dirt of the Daintree Rainforest.

We soon headed to our final stop, the Daintree Ice Cream Parlour. Here we tried some home-made tropical fruit icecream (not so nice) and saw the biggest spider we've seen in our lives!! The Golden Orb!! It's probably so big because the staff feed it giant marsh flies.

We headed back across the Daintree River on the cable ferry, and then set off back to Cairns.

What a great day.

Love Emma and Lee

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