Itching to see Julatten and Port Douglas

As part of a recce for a trip further north later this year, we drove to Julatten to see the famous Kingfisher Park, known to birders for exotic species, not least the buff breasted kingfisher. As soon as we reached the forested reception and opened the car door we were met with a cloud of bloodthirsty mosquitoes which drilled us within seconds. A quick check of the office showed no one at home except a massive Great Dane, so we made a mental note to pack repellent on our next visit, and retreated to Port Douglas to itch and scratch.

Port Douglas is a tropical gem, where the Main Street was bursting with beach clothing shops and open terrace eateries. 

The sun shone, and the wind blew big breakers on the coast around, bringing marine stingers with them.

Returning towards Cairns, we saw a beach of cairns carefully balanced.