Innisfail to Ravenshoe

Innisfail was going to be the last major town we would see for quite some time so we took plenty of time to fill the car, the pantry and the wine cupboard, as well as attending to things like haircuts etc. By the time we left town it was well into the afternoon so we only travelled a few K’s out of town to a convenient well appointed free camp. Early next morning it was time to begin our journey westward and tackle the steep climb over the range and onto the southern part of the Atherton tablelands. Arriving in Ravenshoe late morning the first stop was the information centre. This centre is almost a destination in itself with great displays, loads of info and very friendly and helpful staff. On the recommendation of the staff at the info centre we found ourselves setting up in the campground attached to the Steam Railway Museum for two nights, where a powered site costs all of $15 per night. Ravenshoe is the highest town in Queensland so a drink in the highest pub in Qld. is a must as well as a visit to the highest bakery etc, etc.

Next day was Sue’s birthday so a special treat at her request was a day trip to Innot Hot Springs with it’s complex of 7 mineral spa pools. The pools range in temperature from about 18º C. to 45º C. A day pass into the complex costs $7.00 per person, or you can stay in their attached caravan park for $22 per night and get free entry into the pool complex. Another option that costs nothing is to take a shovel down to the adjacent creek and dig a hole in the soft sandy bed for yourself to soak in. However you need to be quite careful how deep you dig because the hot mineral water beneath the sand runs at a scalding 78.5º C.

On the way to the hot springs we stopped in to view Millstream Falls said to be the widest in Australia – we’re not convinced about that claim – even though they are quite spectacular. On the way back we took another diversion to view Little Millstream Falls, not as wide but to our way of thinking, more interesting and attractive. With our visits to the hot springs and waterfalls, and a delicious picnic lunch at Archer Creek it was a very enjoyable day.

Little Millstream Falls

Millstream Falls

Millstream Falls