Cairns To Charters Towers, QLD

CAIRNS TO CHARTERS TOWERS

Many southern visitors take the coastal route to Cairns, and then return via the Atherton Tableland and down through the Lynd Junction to Charters Towers and beyond. Although it’s about 100km longer, it is perhaps more interesting than the coastal route, with many changes of scenery along the way.

LAKE PLACID TOURIST PARK

In Cairns, we stayed at the very tropical Lake Placid Tourist Park, a Top Tourist Park, and noticed several changes since our last visit. While well-behaved dogs are still welcome, there is a new dog-free section at the rear of the park for those who prefer to holiday without pets. Backing on to rainforest, this area overlooks the park and has its own amenities block. It’s probably the most appealing area in the park.

ATTRACTIONS

The Atherton area is famous for its waterfalls and rainforest. From Atherton, you have a choice of three routes: we chose to stick to Highway 1 this time. It takes you through some great rainforest with a side road to view Mt Hypipamee crater and Dinner Falls.

As you approach Ravenshoe, you see Windy Hill wind farm. While you’re in Ravenshoe, be sure to visit both Little Millstream Falls and the better-known Millstream Falls, reputedly the widest falls in Australia.

After Ravenshoe, visit Innot Hot Springs where there are three pools in a new building, and three open air pools.

In Lynd Junction, stop by the Oasis Roadhouse – the smallest bar in Australia. It will hold only two people at a time, but you can fill up with fuel and food while waiting your turn to order a beer!

CHARTERS TOWERS TOURIST PARK

This park is a member of the Top Tourist Parks group. Steve and Maxine Thomas purchased the Charters Towers park in 2006 in a very rundown state, and have transformed it. This quiet, shady park is close to town and offers excellent TV and mobile phone reception. There is also Wi-Fi access throughout. The park is dog-friendly, but check before you arrive.

We noticed that the ensuites have been completely refurbished with tiled walls and floors and new stylish hand basins and taps. The amenities block has also had an update and gardens and paving have been added to reception area. New cabins have been built, too.