G’day all
Today we were going to head from our free camping spot a Babinda about 6klms West to the Boulders free camping ground situated about 6 klms West of Babinda set in beautiful rainforest on the Babinda Creek on the boundary of the Woonaroonan National Park.
Before going there, I decided to get on the roof of the caravan and clean the solar panels and to try and figure out the issue with the “Fantasic Hatch.” I worked out that by reversing the car along side the van and hopping on the wheels held by the dual wheel carrier I could safely climb onto the roof of the van.
I cleaned the solar panels and checked the output in full sun. We were getting about 21 amos which was down on full capacity. This confirmed my suspicions that one of the solar panels was not functioning properly. I checked the fuses in the battery and regulator compartments but found all in order…back to the drawing board I guess.
Next the Fantastic Hatch. There is a switch on the hatch similar to that on a fridge or car door which allows power to the fan only when the hatch is open. These switches get dirty and get sticky. They can, however only be reached from the roof of the van which is a little bit of a pain. This was the problem the switch had pretty much ceased up. I took apart the switch but no amount of cleaning or WD40 would get it function properly again so I joined the wires together to act as an override whilst I could source a replacement switch. Perfect, fan is now working again.
It was now 11:00am and we figured we had probably missed the boat as far as getting a spot at the Boulders was concerned. We decided to leave the van at Babinda and drive to the Boulders free camp first. Arriving there confirmed what we already thought. Oh well, we left with a new determination to get there tomorrow.
We did however go to the day area and have some fun. There is a great swimming hole at the Boulders (croc free) and Bushman Bud, Joey Jess and Orangatang Amy were quick to jump in and out cool down. While we were swimming some other kids came along and showed JJ and OA a rope swing…awesome. The next ½ hour was spent getting enough courage to let go of the rope swing and the next half hour having great fun dropping from the rope into the creek. The kids had a ball and I enjoyed videoing the experience. The drop off the rope was really high so I was impressed with the courage they found. Check out the video here:
After the fun was had, the skies darkened and it began to rain…hard. It was about 2pm and pointless going back to camp to spend the afternoon inside so we decided to check out Bramston Beach. It certainly was a nice beach with some Islands just off the coast(for exploring if you have a dinghy) but for me Cowley Beach was a better spot. There were two caravan parks here, one private and one run by the council. The council park was the pick of the two, more shade, better spot and far cheaper. The private caravan park looked run down, had no shade and was $30 plus a night. The only downside of the council park is that it did not cater for power. I however would pick the council park every time for sure.
We left Bramston Beach and still had plenty of time left in the day and so we headed for Josephine Falls and the beginning of the Bartle Frere walking track. By the time we had reached the walk track to Josephine Falls it was pouring down. We got the wet weather gear from the back of the car and we were off. Other than me who had left my jacket back at the van and had to improvise and use a tarp.
The walk to Josephine Falls is an easy 700m one way walk on bitumen and is easy for all fitness levels. At the falls there is a swimming hole at the base of the falls with a water slide courtesy of huge slippery boulders. This would be cool fun on a warmer sunny day.
The falls themselves are fed from Babinda Creek which starts high up near the peak of QLD’s highest peak – Bartle Frere. By the time the water hits the falls the creek has swollen into a cascading torrent and is an amazing sight as the water spills over massive boulders and down the three tier falls…this is spectacular, especially with beautiful rain forest as a back drop.
There are three viewing platforms for the falls and creek as it cascades through the gorge, each worth a look. Josephine Falls is a must !!!
Back to camp, dinner, Wipe Out and bed…awesome day!
Bushman Bud…Enjoying Australia