We really liked Mission Beach, as Lonely Planet described " it has the feeling of a tropical island" . The early morning run along the beach was a bit boring, sea on one side, palm trees on the other and it was very flat!
This piece of coastline is known as the Cassowary Coast. The Cassowary is a large ostrich like bird with a blue plumage around Its head. Everywhere there are signs telling you not to feed the Cassowaries, drive carefully because of the Cassowaries, Cassowaries crossing here but did we see a Cassowary ? No. We even detoured to a beach where they are suppose to frequent, but no Cassowaries.
We did some more rainforest walks, geocaching and went for a dip in a forest river. The national parks are all amazing not only do they have wonderful marked trails they all have shaded picnic areas and even provide changing rooms for swimming in the river.
We drove up the last bit of the Bruce highway which took us through yet more miles of sugar beet and banana plantations. Through the large city of Cairns to reach Port Douglas, our final destination on the East coast. The road from Cairns to Port Douglas is an amazing coastal road which winds with the coast which is the first windy road we have driven on.
Port Douglas must be the Monte Carlo of Australia, Big flashy resort hotels and loads of apartments and all the usual shops and restaurants of a large resort. It happened to be Melbourne Cup day and it's a big day for Australians. The ladies all dress up in their best dresses and fascinators and there seemed to be one big party going on. Our hotel was a bit more formal than we were used to but as usual, we were the only occupants of the swimming pool.