This next stage of our adventure is where we spent the better part of a week hopping from waterhole to waterfall.  The fresh water journey started with a rocky playground.

Stop 1 – The Paradise Waterhole & Rock Slides

Just out from Townsville we made it to Paluma Range National Park early in the morning to enjoy breakfast with nature.  We thought it would be more relaxing than the roadside stop we’d slept at the night before.  A 100m walk to the ‘Paradise Waterhole’ and we had to catch our breath as we plunged into the clearest, freshest (coldest) water.  Now fully awake, we ventured a little further down the road where we found a sign marked ‘Rock Slides’.  Waterslides of all varieties were scattered in this natural water park.  We mucked around on a series of slides while some onlookers laughed with us as we slid.  Making our way further down we stumbled across a small waterfall and a smaller slide.  It wasn’t long until we stacked rocks over a floodway to create a new slide which was longer and faster!!

Stop 2 – Some Fresh Fruit & Jourama Falls

Back on the road we stumbled across a farm fresh fruit stall where the farmer had just restocked!  She was the dearest person passionately explaining the unique tropical fruits to us as we loaded some up for an absolute steal (an enormous cucumber for 40c!)  Once the big bag of fruit and veg was loaded in the car we made our way to Jourama Falls.  On the way to the lookout we had a steep climb before opening up to a view overlooking the falls.  The water flowed from one cascade to another over a vast distance. Quite spectacular!  Enjoying the sights and taking silly selfies on the return trip, we bumped into another snake (becoming quite common now) which thankfully slithered into the bush!

Stop 3 – The Longest Pier & The Highest Waterfall

The next stop was from an extreme length to an incredible height.  First, was the longest pier in the southern hemisphere that was constructed in Lucinda.  At a total length of 6km, this was one monster of a pier.  Unfortunately walking on the pier is prohibited as its purpose is to allow cane trains to travel out to load giant freighters.  Standing on the beach it seemed to just disappear into the horizon.

Going from the longest, we then found ourselves in front of the highest single drop waterfall in Australia, Wallaman Falls (cascading a massive 268m).  Awe struck to say the least, we stood gazing at the sight before us on the lookout platform.  Not enough, we decided to take the plunge to the base of the falls which was an incredible test of fitness.  From an open forest into the depths of a rainforest the temperature dropped and the air became thicker.  The steep decent down had paid off, we found ourselves at the base of this mammoth waterfall.  As the sun crept out from behind the clouds, a rainbow (even a double rainbow at one point!) appeared before our eyes as the mist caused the light to refract.  Absolutely stunning!  With clouds creeping back over, the show was done and we struggled back up the 1.6km stairway to our car.

Stop 4 – Cruising the Cardwell Forest Drive

The next small beach town of Cardwell had a Forest Drive all of its own.  Veering off the Bruce Highway was a small loop that had a variety of pleasant swimming holes.  The first we found was Attie Creek.  700m up the track was a deep swimming hole with a complimentary rope swing and great ledges for cliff jumping! Already occupied by some backpackers we joined in the fun and jumped off the rocks.  All the water through this area was a stunning blue that seemed out of this world.

Back on the circuit we skipped the next stop, Dead Horse Creek, as we were running out of time and shot through to see the famous “Spa Pool”.  Created in combination of semi natural conditions and a man made idea, there was a small spa-like pool that had water flowing in from the creek.  We wished it only had a little more water flowing as the ‘jets’ weren’t too powerful!  This spa also flowed into a beautiful fresh water swimming pool which made for a very relaxing afternoon.

Back on the Bruce we continued north where we tucked into the Girramay National Park which was home to the Murray Falls.  Arriving late it was already getting dark so we just had enough time to set up and cook some grub.  Attempting a fire was too difficult as the wet rainforest didn’t provide any dry wood.  Instead we found ourselves in bed going to sleep to the calming rumble of the waterfalls only 300m away…