North Queensland Runs

Waterfall Run in the Tropics

Photos and stories by Drew Dundas.

New Year’s Drive

Sunday morning saw a contingent of two Lotus, (John and Drew) along with one Mini Cooper S (Kaine) meet at Green Fields coffee shop on the Cairns Esplanade to catch up on the 2020s new stories and an adventure to the Atherton Tablelands.

We set off with a leisurely drive up the Gillies range and onwards towards Atherton for another coffee and chat stop.

There were some comments about one of the cars, ‘Driving Miss Daisy’, but it fell on deaf ears.

After a short and scenic drive through the historic town of Herberton, (note to self, drive this road again), we were treated to sweeping bends that negotiated their way around large eucalypt trees that quickly gave way to tropical rainforest. Turning right onto the Kennedy Highway, we found some challenging corners, past Mt Hypipamee and onwards to the Gentle Annie turn off. This road provided picture perfect panoramic views of the tablelands as we descended onto the waterfall circuit that leads to the infamous Milla Milla falls.

Time out for a pic at Milla Milla falls and then onwards to support local business in Milla Milla with yet another coffee at ‘Barista in the Mist’ that is located in the main street.

After a delicious break, the next stop was Lake Eacham where the crew separated with some having a quick swim in the Lake while the others returned to Cairns.

We are so lucky to have challenging roads, great scenery and terrific coffee shops so close to our door steps.

Rex Range and Omelettes

February Drive

Sunday morning saw the same 3 suspects and their crew, meet at Green Fields coffee shop on the Cairns Esplanade to catch up on the past month’s stories and then plan an adventure north to Port Douglas and surrounds.

We set off on a leisurely drive along the coast road north of Cairns towards Port Douglas. Eyes on the road as we drive past the nudie beach and then a few sideways glances at the spectacular views of oceans and beaches that this stretch of road offers. Gotta love Far North Queensland.

Driving past the Port Douglas turn off, we turned left before Mossman and strangely found ourselves on a short, winding and exhilarating drive up the Rex Range. Stopping only at the top to take in the views with a few local bikers who were also out enjoying the morning.

Back down the range again, twice the fun on the way down, and a stop in Port Douglas at Café Ziva. Talk was split up between cars, coffee and just what makes their omelettes so delicious,

Reverse direction along the coast road and back to Cairns.

Might need to consider a small fishing rod for the next drive north.

Until next time – Tight Wheel Nuts