We set off from Cowley Beach and were lucky to have had light SE winds as we paddled the 7km to Stephens Island in the South Barnard group for a quick lunch.

We are always impressed with the huge turtles on the south eastern side of Sisters Island and the rays and fish in the shallow coral flats between Stephens and Sisters Islands.

After a quick break we headed north east to Kent Island and this was a pleasant 7.5km paddle in light following winds.

We appreciated having this quiet coral fringed camp-site to ourselves as we set up camp and had a brew before heading out to explore the adjoining islands as the sun coloured the western sky.

Sunday morning had the group packed and away by 8.30 am and we traced a gentle path, island hopping between the 4 other islands that make up the superb chain of the North Barnards.

After about 7 km of paddling we landed at the crescent shaped Browns Beach for lunch under a shady Beach Calophyllum before threading our way south along the deserted coastline over 8km back to Cowley Beach.

If you would like to experience this pristine island group in a kayak call Peter on 0448517979 and we will happily take you there! Go here for details.

These superb continental islands are readily accessible for adventurers with some knowledge of kayaking and our highly professional sea kayak guides will ensure your safety and comfort.

During this season we are also considering offering guests a 4 day Sea to Summit Adventure – 2 days kayak camping the Barnard Islands followed by a 2 day ascent of Mt. Bartle Frere – Queensland’s highest mountain. The addition of these tours will certainly add another dimension to what we already offer.

As a matter of interest to ‘Peak Baggers’, the eastern ascent of Mt. Bartle Frere is purported to represent the biggest elevation gain of all mainland Australia’s hikes. The climb starts at 120m asl and the summit is at 1,622m asl giving an elevation differential of 1,500m over the 8km one way climb.

We look forward to facilitating your chosen adventure during 2012.

In early June we facilitated a 4 day programme for 22 students from Saint Kevin’s College Melbourne, with great cycling and kayaking activities around Tinaroo.

Following this we ran an 8 day Rainforest, Waterfall and Outback Cycle Tour and a 3 day Outback Cycle Tour taking in some of our favourite places including the Waterfall circuit via Millaa Millaa and the Lappa Trail.

A drizzly day in early July did not deter this group of 4 Multisporters who kayaked from Tinaburra to Kauri Creek and then cycled up into the Lamb Ranges – a big day out.

We also enjoyed taking a group of cyclists along Danbulla Forest Drive and out to Stannary Hills.

At a more relaxed pace we are currently on a 6 day Walkabout Tour visiting some of the iconic sights of the Tablelands

JOIN A TAG ADVENTURE SOON AND YOU TOO CAN BECOME PART OF THIS BLOG!!

Race history and results can be found at www.cairnsmtb.com/rrr/

This little known gem is situated on the eastern bank of Lake Tinaroo within an hour and a half’s paddling north of Tinaburra Peninsula and a half an hour east from Tinaroo Village. The 5 discreetly positioned bush camps are only accessible by water craft and offer no facilities apart from seclusion, tranquillity, a superb ambiance, birdlife…..  and a fire ring for open wood fires! Visited by only those who seek out the simple pleasures of bush camping and occasional school groups, the sites are easily accessed by kayak, canoe and non powered watercraft but remember to take a hammock, good book and victuals – you will not be disappointed!!

More information including location maps, bookings etc. can be obtained off the DERM site.

The track is situated at Davies Creek just off the Kennedy Highway between Kuranda and Mareeba and offers a great half or full day out.

Comprehensive details including directions to the trail, maps and track description can be found at the Mareeba Mountain Goats website at http://web.me.com/mountaingoats

The Cairns MTB Club recently held its first XC event for the 2011 season at Little Transfield and race results can be found at their website: http://www.cairnsmtb.com/

Little Transfield has added another excellent cycling opportunity to the Tablelands which will benefit the local region as well as the ADVENTURE SPORTS reputation of FNQ.

Looking for a relatively relaxed 40 km ride out of the rain just 30 minutes drive from Yungaburra? Look no further than the Silver Valley Ride which starts just to the west of Herberton and ends at the Wild River west of Ravenshoe. The ride is all on good gravel, is relatively traffic free and travels through a range of open eucalypt country.

There are a few great downhills – with obligatory corresponding uphills, but the road is mostly easy rolling to undulating. There are Aboriginal rock paintings and historic mine features as well as a number of shady spots for picnics and smoko stops next to the Wild River along the way. Click on the photos for an enlargement and a sense of the ride.

Checkout our 3 day Outback Adventure ride!

WHERE: 40 km circuit in sunny Irvinebank/Stannary Hills area

WE PROVIDE: Pick up in Yungaburra, transfers, quality cannondale mtb’s and helmets, vehicle backup, safety gear, smokos and lunch

YOU PROVIDE: Sunsmart cycle clothing, sturdy cycling shoes, water carrier/camelbak, A SENSE OF ADVENTURE

PRICE: $175/guest, discount for 3 or more, max. 7 guests

Checkout our recent adventure in the area.

CONTACT: Peter on 044 851 7979.

Myrtle Rust has already been discovered in Lamington and Kondalilla National Parks.
 
Bushwalkers are asked to clean all their equipment, clothing and particularly hats before venturing into the bush. If a site is discovered, don’t touch it but photograph the affected plants and report the location.
Report all suspect plants immediately to Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 or the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline 1800 084 881.
 
http://www.derm.qld.gov.au/parks_and_forests/myrtle-rust.html
 
Thanking you.
 
John Marshall
Pres.   BWQ”

We started the ride at Watsonville – the settlement with the windmill in the middle of the road!!, and headed toward Irvinebank before turning off onto the well marked Stannary Hills Road. We were pleasantly surprised at the good condition of the gravel road as it had recently been graded and rolled making for a firm, level surface. The countryside has never looked better after one of the best rainfall seasons on record; creeks were running strongly and herbage and trees were a flourishing verdant green.

About 6km along Stannary Hills Road we took a right and headed north through beautiful rolling hills, perfect for cycling. The support bus was waiting for us at Stannary Hills Pioneer Cemetery and we had a walk through the small enclosure and quickly appreciated the sacrifices made by the hardy early settlers. After a welcome smoko we continued north to the site of the former Stannary Hills mining settlement which sits on top of a knoll and offers excellent views of the surrounding ranges.

After tin was discovered in the region in the 1880′s Stannary Hills developed into a sizable township expanding to 725 souls by 1906. Records show that at its peak there were 8 hotels, a number of stores, a hospital, two butchers, two bakers and a teacher.

In 1902 a two foot gauge tramway was built from Stannary Hills to the Cairns-Chillagoe railway, following the Eureka Creek valley and joining the railway at Boonmoo to the north. The tramway lowered the costs of transporting tin out of Stannary Hills and in 1907 it was extended south to Irvinebank’s tin mines, making Stannary Hills and Irvinebank a major base-metal region. Ref; Centre for the Government of Queensland, 2011.

Today most of this former infrastructure has disappeared and a few stone middens, mining overburden and artefacts are all that remain of the township.

We heard that parts of the former railway alignment are accessible and that one can get from Stannary to Dimbulah via Boonmoo but that’s another day and perhaps another story.

We backtracked to Stannary Hills Road and enjoyed the freedom of a wide, gently undulating road under a brilliant blue sky before reaching Montalbion on the Irvinebank to Petford Road. An easy 6 km had us back in Irvinebank for a snack and drink by 12.30am.

A most enjoyable day with excellent cycling, beautiful fauna and abundant opportunities to appreciate our history.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SPEND SOME TIME EXPLORING THIS REGION PLEASE CALL OR EMAIL TAG AND WE WILL TAILOR MAKE A TRIP TO SUIT YOUR GROUP’S NEEDS AND INTERESTS.