Friday 9th July

We finally made it to the lava tubes and it was a mixed experience.There is a feeling of awe, wonder and tranquillity about the tubes themselves but there are currents of anger and hostility around the place which taint the atmosphere.First the positives they are a wonder of natures and the tours are well done.You are taken by bus out to the tubes of which there are 30 odd they know about but only 3 are open to visitors. We expected to see evidence of them on the surface but apart from a scattering of basalt rocks you wouldn't know you are stood on top of a tube until the guide tells you. You walk and climb up and down for an hour and it is not suitable for any one with walking difficulties or young children in fact it is difficult in places.The tubes you walk into are really like caves and it is only having it explained how they were formed which makes them special.

The catering facilities are also mixed there are free hot drinks available all day but for day visitors it is a buffet lunch at $22 or a pie from the shop there is no food available at other times.The negatives stem from their advertising and information they do not make it plain enough that you have to book accommodation and tours as a result lots of people we have met have not been able to book anything for at least 3 days ahead by which time they will be far away and there is nowhere else to stay or anything to do so they move on without visiting a place they really wanted to see.Also people just turn up we were met this morning on the car park by a couple who had done that and couldn't get a caravan space or a tour.They were furious and of course they will tell everyone they meet about it not good publicity.Was it worth the trip yes but as I said the other day the best way is to go on an organised holiday or day tour doing it yourself is not a positive experience.Tomorrow we head back to the coast to Innisfail where on a beach we are assured we will see cassowaries but we shall be there mid day so we don't rate our chances very highly.We have booked in what appears to be a very nice motel in Ingham for the night and hope it lives up to its hype and price the last 2 accommodations have been rather rough but was all there was in this area.