Saturday 5th August Crystal Creek Caravan Park

We had a great day weather-wise (sunny and 25 degrees) and despite poor Rob having to do the driving along the steep, windy, narrow roads, we both enjoyed ourselves. (Rob always likes a challenge.) Our trip took us first to the beautiful Little Crystal Creek Falls. We visited this spot last year and enjoyed the views including those of the old stone, arch bridge built in the depression during the 1930’s. As we continued on to the rainforest retreat town of Paluma, the road became windier, steeper and narrower. Arriving at the lovely little village of Paluma, we visited McClelland’s Lookout before stopping at the only café for a magnificent serve of scones (2 x pumpkin and 1 banana and sultana) and coffee. We hadn’t packed lunch so this ended up being lunch! We continued further along the road and reached the Birthday Creek Falls, home of the elusive Golden Bowerbird….and they were elusive. A lovely walk took us to the top of the falls for a great view. From here we continued on higher up and the road became narrower and turned from bitumen to gravel, very wet in places with large water-filled potholes.  This drive was well worth it because we arrived at Paluma Lake/Dam. A beautiful lake set in dense rainforest. I was delighted to find a spot that I could put the kayak in. No power boats were allowed on this lake. There were quite a few camping sites and some comfortable day use areas with tables, seats and toilets. I spent an hour and a half kayaking while Rob went walking and also found the manager/ranger of the area. He spent time in the guy’s office chatting and finding out more about the area. The kayaking was nothing short of magnificent. I found several small creeks to kayak up in search of platypuses. I found several places where they may have been but like the bowerbirds, they were elusive! Anyway I enjoyed the beautiful, tranquillity, the crystal clear, calm water and the lush, dense tropical rainforest surrounding the creeks. Returning back on the windy road and having not had any lunch, we had to call in to the nearby “Frosty Mango” for an ice-cream for me (because I earnt it) and a coffee for Rob.