The Far North | Bike Paradise

I’ve been ready for every week of fantastic days within the northern tablelands to do a journey however it’s the wettest place in Australia. Lastly a 3 day window appeared so I grabbed it.

All that rain feeds many waterfalls within the north of Queensland, together with what is maybe probably the most spectacular waterfall in Australia, the Wallaman falls. With a complete drop of 305 metres (identical top as Sydney tower) and essential drop of 268 metres that is the very best in Australia. It’s way more spectacular than my picture can convey. I particularly just like the rainbows within the mist.

The highway as much as the falls from Ingham is terrific. Now sealed all the best way with about 20 km of twisty highway up and one other 20 again down. A pleasant viewpoint half manner too.

I’ve added it and a pair extra from this journey to my Finest Australia Bike roads map which has not had any updates in a very long time.

Be careful for these guys on the highway to the falls.

The Bruce Freeway AKA Pacific Coast Approach north of Townsville is riddled with pace cameras in parked vehicles and yellow field trailers, I counted 5 by lunch at KFC Ingham. For as soon as I remorse that us Aussies handed in our weapons after the Port Arthur mass capturing. Previous to that Bogan’s (Rednecks for my US buddies) would have merely shot up these cameras like all our highway indicators have been as soon as riddled with holes.

Want I might go journey these mountainous islands. Residing in Japan I bought used to seeing an island and realizing there was a ferry close by and could be viewpoint to search out as soon as on the island.

Down south I noticed Wild Life zones for Koala’s however right here within the north they’re for Cassowary’s. These are a big flightless fowl that like so many animals in Australia will assault you if approached however are clueless concerning the hazard of vehicles and get killed too usually on our roads. I used to be scanning the countryside to see one however was out of luck. Picture by way of Wikipedia.

Aspect be aware. Each time I journey over considered one of these Wild Life highway markings I begin singing the INXS track Wild Life.

I went to Mission seaside nonetheless on the lookout for indignant birds. It’s a good seaside however the northern oceans have harmful jelly fish so no swimming.

I’m in Innisfail tonight. The city with I feel the very best rainfall in Australia. I went on the lookout for one thing good to eat however I ended up getting a pizza and penning this journey report whereas listening to INXS stay at Wembley which was nonetheless enjoying in my head.

A cool and cloudy begin within the morning, a great deal of rain on the mountains simply off to my left as I blast north to Gordonvale to journey the Gillies freeway.

I final traversed this highway in a (then new) rental mid 80’s Ford Falcon at breakneck pace with a loopy mate. We rode 1st class within the luxurious Queenslander practice (now defunct) to Cairns from Brisbane for nearly nothing as we each labored for the corporate and proceeded to drink the practice dry of Castlemaine gold beer – the one earlier than the mid energy version now (offered to compete with Crown Lager however discontinued). Ah, loopy days after I was younger and clueless. Now simply clueless.

The Gillies is phenomenal. As a rider, you understand how some highway surveying is superior and the way just a few roads each nook flows good on a bike. The Gillie’s is that. Each nook appears a pleasant radius and camber. The floor is nice hotmix and there are few blind corners.

The opposite good factor with the Gillies is regardless of the highway being tight and pretty steep there are many laybys and a lot of overtaking lane sections. The vehicles and camper vans I encountered have been no downside in any respect even on my child bike that lacks prompt passing energy.

On the prime is the Gillies lookout on the highway to the Tinaroo dam. It’s accessed by way of a gated monitor which began straightforward however quickly deteriorated to a muddy pink clay hill climb. I might need tried on my previous KX with knobbies however not on this bike. However right here is the Google view.

I made a decision to strive some ADV kind of driving on the forestry roads to the Tinaroo dam. The filth was properly packed down from in a single day rain however ho hum, yawn. Sorry, it’s not my type of driving.

Loads of rain so the spill gates have been open on the dam.

Stopped in Atherton for an early lunch. This area appears to be like remarkably just like the northern NSW border area I used to journey a lot. Purple soils, lush inexperienced rolling hills with dairy cows or big macadamia nut plantations.

I fairly ambitiously thought I’d journey north to the Rex vary so set off to Mareeba nevertheless by there I realised I didn’t have sufficient time to make it and the skies past there have been darkening so I retreated south and went to Herberton as a substitute.

This was an ideal choice. The highway from Atherton to Herberton is beautiful flowing with a pleasant small vary to cross as effectively. Using on in direction of Ravenshoe the highway took on a definite pink color which I don’t suppose I’ve seen wherever else.

Earlier than Ravenshoe I detoured to journey the very best highway in Queensland. After driving the three highest motorable roads on the earth within the Himalayas this one is modest however proper right here proper now I’m nonetheless feeling I achieved one thing and hey anyway have a look at that sky.

From Ravenshoe I took a have a look at the previous freeway however then circled and adopted a newly upgraded highway to Milla Milla which was excellent.

Alongside the best way I got here to the Milla Milla lookout and wow this joins my favourites in Australia.

I visited the Milla Milla falls however didn’t keep lengthy. Final time right here very way back I assumed they have been spectacular however after seeing the Wallaman falls all the things else falls quick (see what I did there haha).

The Palmerston freeway is a quick flowing highway of sweeping radius curves which rides downhill as good because it does uphill. Most corners carry a advisory/instructed pace of 80kph however on a motorbike you possibly can journey them twice that. In fact the times of driving quick on public roads in Australia are lengthy gone. Right here is the place the small capability of my G310GS feels good. I get some satisfaction in having the ability to twist the throttle to the max usually and work the motor at excessive rpm however not be risking jail.

I’ve tried up to now to say much less highly effective bikes might be extra enjoyable on our overpoliced roads however was scoffed at. Ryan from Fort 9 says comparable however in a extra entertaining manner. Nonetheless for many of my driving since I’ve returned to this nation I lengthy for my former Yamaha FJR1300 tourer. Not as entertaining within the curves as my present bike however fabulously comfy for the opposite 99% of the journey.

Actually bought fortunate with the climate up right here in the present day.

I selected cheapo motels this journey as a substitute of my standard Aussie pub rooms. I just like the pubs however they aren’t a lot lower than a motel which has ensuite and kitchen gear within the room and desk to arrange my pocket book PC to do just a few issues. Truly a meal and beer or two at these small city pubs and it’ll set you again $50 today so not the economical possibility it as soon as was.

I rode all the way down to Etty bay the following morning seeking indignant birds having been informed I’m positive to see Cassowary’s there.

Alas that is as shut as I bought.

Mena Creek Falls and warning signal.

In actual croc nation right here. The South Johnston river and hereabouts are well-known to have many crocs.

Beautiful countryside on the Innisfail-Japoon highway. 1000’s of banana’s.

The forecast had been rain nevertheless it was a fantastic day. I took a glance on-line for a room tonight however being Saturday and final minute that was all the time going to be pushing it and certainly I didn’t discover something so determined to stay to my authentic plan and journey again house.

An early lunch at Cardwell to get a desk earlier than the hordes of motorhomes resolve to eat out. Severely there are 1000’s of them up right here within the north escaping the southern winter. Street aspect relaxation areas appear to be caravan parks.

The closest mountain highway to me is the Paluma highway to Crystal creek (above) There are many mountains round me however no roads have been constructed on them. A preferred swimming spot (too excessive up for crocodiles) the highway is suitable however not effectively surveyed or effectively surfaced.

Only a small have a look at the northern highlands and an opportunity to check some gear earlier than my USA journey. I’ll go to the realm once more for positive as there may be far more to discover.