Visit to the Tablelands.

We booked Warwick to guide us on a foodie tour of the Tablelands called Food Trail Tour . It was more than I expected and a nice touch, just three guests this morning; I  love small group tours. Personalized service.



While we wait a  row of rubbish bins await nearby.

As we went to pick up the third guest, our guide described buildings and their varied architecture around town.

Then south to Gordonvale and the Gillies climbing up and up, back and forth about 260 switchbacks!

 Looking back to the sea.

We reach pristine lake Barrine for a rest, a delicious scone and tea breakfast. Then an informative walk along the shore.

 

One ancient 700 year old trunk, 6 m around, is being prepared for display.

The walk leads to massive Kauri trees towering 45 m above us.

Then we are off to the strange parasite fig tree that kills it's host and takes it's place. It's huge roots run off looking for water. Some vines are so twisted they look like ropes.

Right in the middle of nowhere, Gallo, a large dairy farm with modern cheese making facilities on site. It seems the Gallo brothers do well everywhere.

We tasted delicious Swiss Chocolate as well as locally made Macadamia cheese and Camembert.

Now, everything you ever wanted to know about macadamia nuts. Not surprisingly, everything is mechanized. Very few people are seen.

How they grow,

are harvested,












are protected from insects.












Next to a quaint hotel for a lovely lunch with big prawns and fish. Delicious.

An hour later it is fruit wine tasting, a nice surprise. But so many, I couldn't try them all.

On the way back, a coffee plantation and how it all works. Very interesting, very industrialized, . We sipped delicious coffee and tasted sweet bananas on an expansive veranda with a beautiful view with some interesting bird watching opportunities. Very nice.













Oh, and breathtaking views on the way back to Cairns.

Thank you Warwick.