Page 70 - Port Douglas Magazine 31

[ pools, see dinosaurs, eat crocodile and float across a river in your car all
whilst enjoying an envious menu of yummy fresh food along the way.” ]

“it’s not too often you get to see and catch monster fish, swim in crystal

oldest living rainforests. The narrow but scenic roads were
perfect, and with the windows down we felt submersed in
nature and a moment of well-deserved quiet swept through
our car. The Great Barrier Reef drive ended at the jewel,
Cape Tribulation, and its beach did not disappoint. The
kids enjoyed the space to run and beachcomb, giant beach
oaks providing a shady retreat for our picnic as we looked
in awe at the stunning views. Our food journey continued
with a takeaway lunch thanks to Mason’s Café and an
interesting selection of tasty burgers. After a lucky dip I was
happily munching on crocodile (much more preferable than
the other way around), hubby beef and the two girls had
jackfruit burgers. Not 100% sure of their “lucky choice” they
both admitted it was absolutely delicious!
After lunch, Angus joined the girls in our car, hardly giving his
parents a fleeting glance as we parted ways. Their journey was
taking them to Mist at Cape Tribulation and I was looking
forward to hearing about their Pavilion in the rainforest.
Mountain views, exotic fruit orchards and a crystal-clear
creek running through the property. It all sounded divine.
There was also the added bonus of their next day plans which
included exploring a cocoa plantation on a Sweet Farm Tour,
local Daintree Tea plantation and topped off with a tasting
at a tropical fruit winery in Shannonvale valley. In my mind
these were three of my favourite things, tea, chocolate and
wine and I was assured samples of each would be returning
with them.
Back to our adventure, we decided to pop back to Masons
Café, but this time for a swim! Apparently for only a $1 you
could experience an amazing freshwater swimming hole.
A safe swimming spot, it was full of native fish that darted
inquisitively around your feet and was well worth the extra
drop in to float under the rainforest canopy in cool pristine
water.
Feeling healthy and refreshed, we all agreed it was time for a
sweet treat, so our next pitstop was the Daintree Ice Cream
Company. Handmaking their ice cream using fresh local
ingredients and tropical fruits, we ordered the four flavours of
the day; Black Sapote, Passionfruit, Wattleseed and Coconut.
Strolling around the orchards, reading the labels on the trees,
we tasted each flavour excited to be able to touch and feel
the samples on display, freshly picked that day. It was safe
to say this stop was a resounding success. Sweet, educational
and yummy!
Making our way back to the river crossing, our last fabulous
treat of the day was actually not of the culinary kind but
equally memorable. As we cruised back down the Range
from the depths of the rainforest, there emerged the most
fabulous looking creature we had ever seen in our lives.
Dinosaur-esque, it slowly crossed the road, certainly in no
rush to get to the other side but long enough for a few dad
jokes (about the strange looking chicken). Later identified
as a Southern Cassowary, a giant rare bird of the ancient
Daintree, it was remarkable.
Arriving home to Coral Sea Villas in Port Douglas, we all
agreed it had been a big day but one with so many fantastic
holiday memories. After all, it’s not too often you get to see
and catch monster fish, swim in crystal pools, see dinosaurs,
eat crocodile and float across a river in your car all whilst
enjoying an envious menu of yummy fresh food along the way.
daintreefoodtrail.com

70 tourismportdouglas.com.au