Today I find myself in the kind of sleepy little town you only see in Hollywood films, either about incompetent comedic characters or bloodthirsty xenophobes. The difference is everyone is genuinely friendly and there is no slapstick cow or primed beartrap around the next corner. Ladies and gentlemen, may I introduce you to Yungaburra! I'm here as the result of a tour (yes, I've gone and done it again!) and I actually quite like it here. For those of you who are familiar with Oz, imagine Katoomba about 20 years ago, for those that aren't, wait for the photos. There is a pub-cum-hotel, a couple of local artists and a village green that is almost the size of the inhabited area. The 'Business area' consists of a hairdresser, the supermarket, a gem shop and the local winery. In fact, it's SO peaceful here I've voluntarily stayed for an extra night rather than face the throngs of bronzed backpackers down in Cairns.
That's not to say that Cairns isn't good for anything, far from it. It's a great place for launching off to go diving on the Barrier reef, and there's plenty of cheap (read: smelly) accommodation around. On the subject of diving, it's a must-do. Having spent three days on board what to me was a fairly small boat for 30-odd people, it's well worth the rough trip out and back for the sights of the diving. Seeing more sharks in real life than I've probably seen on the screen was a definite bonus, and I'm still trying to get over the close encounter I had with a stingray I'd managed to upset...but I'm here to tell the tale! There were also lots of turtles, and some spectacular fish including several Titan Triggerfish. And on our second nightdive my little party of seven decided it would be a good idea if I led the way. That brought home just how stressful it can be, but I passed with flying colours and everyone enjoyed themselves.
As I said, I came here as part of a tour which, after the first 30 minutes looked to be a lesson in purgatory. However, once we left Cairns and entered the countryside it was much easier to tune out the drone of the tourguide telling us how sometimes she stops talking to let people enjoy the view. We visited several lakes in the area, and even found ourselves at waterfall that has been used as the backdrop of a Timotei advert and a Peter Andre video. The water was about 8 degrees, and yes, we went for a swim. I stupidly didn't give my camera to anyone and refused point-blank to go back for a second swim, so I have no photographic proof. I also managed to get wet at Lake Eacham which is just as cold but doesn't have a waterfall to swim to, so we dove in several times and then basked in the sun in an attempt to dry off. I think the mountain-bike ride around the park area did a better job of drying us off though!
This afternoon I'm heading back down into Cairns as that's when the free bus is running. Honestly, if I could stay here another night and just go to the airport from here I'd jump at it, but sadly with funds running low I have to take the opportunities as they come. So, dinner and an early night, and hopefully I'll have finished my book so at least my day-bag will be slightly lighter! And after all that an afternoon flight back to Rocky, arriving in the evening. It's going to be good to get home.
