Golden Orb Spider

We found this very large Golden Orb spider (and her partner) on a banana tree at the rear of our tent. Quite scary at first.

According to my research, the Golden Orb spider is unusual in showing a marked size difference between the two sexes. The bodies of the males are only 6mm long but the females are giants, with bodies up to 60mm long and leg-spans reaching 200mm or more. The female can be 600 times bigger than the male.

Note the very small male spider on the back of the female spider while the female is busy eating breakfast.

Cape Tribulation, Qld

This is a sensational area of far north QLD. Beautiful rain forests and beaches.

Wunjal Wunjal & Bloomfield River, Qld

We decided to travel down the Bloomfield Track to get to Cape Tribulation. On the way, we stopped at the Bloomfield Rvier crossing to take a look at the Bloomfield Falls.

Cooktown, Qld

Cooktown is a delightful town in far north Qld. The town is steeped in history. Of particular note is when Captain Cook beached his ship, the HMB Endeavour, on 18th June 1770 to undertake repairs to the damaged hull of his ship.
The town has a number of beautiful old historic buildings that are well worth exploring. In particular, the James Cook Historical Museum, is well worth a visit explore Cooktown’s interesting past including the gold rush days and Cook’s voyages.

Interesting Wildlife, Cape York Peninsula

Just some of the interesting sights we have seen along the way.

Chilli Beach, Iron Range National park, Cape York Peninsula

This was a very pleasant camp site we found at Chille Beach. The only problem was is that we could not go for a swim as there were crocodile warning signs everywhere, which was a real shame as the water was very warm.

Rio Tinto Mining Operation, Weipa

The size of the mining equipment is something else...simply huge.

Sunset, Weipa

One of the beautiful sunsets we experienced in Weipa.

Termite Man, Cape York Peninsula

This is Queensland's version of a snow man.

Old Telegraph Trak, Cape York Peninsula

This was an interesting find on the Old Telegraph Trak. While driving along the road, we came across several old telegraph poles. As for the road, it was very narrow, and in some places, quite uneven and 'pot holed', but overall, a very interesting drive.

Creek Crossings, Old Telegraph Trak

This is another example of creek crossings on the Old Telegraph Trak.

Gun Shot River Crossing, Old Telegraph Trak

Gun Shot River Crossing - an incredibly diffilcult crossing to attempt (in its present condition) unless you are highly skilled or perhaps an old heap of a 4WD that you weren’t worried about wrecking. Eitherway, we decided to take the Gun Shot Bypass route.

Cockatoo Crossing, Old Telegraph Trak, Cape York

One of the interesting crossings along the Old Telegraph Trak. The entrance and exit to the crossing was a little tricky but the river was quite low and therefore, apart from the deep holes, did not really present any problems.

Fruit Bat Falls, Cape York Peninsula

Continuing down the Old Telegraph Trak, we stopped off for lunch and a swim at Fruit Bat Falls. The water was warm and crystal clear. A great location and well worth the visit.

Jardine River National Park, Cape York Peninsula

The Jardine River National Park is a sensational place to camp for a couple of days (or more). Great camp sites, toilets and water. No showers but they were not needed when the Elliot Creek, Elliot Falls, Twin Falls and the Saucepan were in close proximity to cool off and take a very enjoyable swim. The water temperature was around 29 degrees.