Tully Gorge National Park

The day dawned perfect and we decided to back track a little way and visit Tully Gorge. Most days the range is cloaked in a cloud of mist but today looked clear. The enjoyable drive was under 80 km through sugar cane and banana plantations of immense size. At the base of the range is a wide strip of forest that is still recovering from Cyclone Yasi of 2011. All the tall trees are either stripped of foliage or broken off at mid height. The scene looks like a giant brush cutter went through the forest.

The Tully River runs through the gorge and is renowned internationally for White Water Rafting. Championship Events are held here as the river flow can be modified by the release of water as required through the Hydro Power Station.

There are many entry points to the river for the Rafters along the gorge but they all exit the river at The Tully Gorge National Park Picnic and Camp Ground. The Camp Ground is quite open and capable of taking moderate sized caravans or motorhomes.

The Power Sub Station below the Hydro Generator.

First sight of the Tully River below the Power Sub Station.

This is the upper most rafting entry to the river.

Rafts are lowered from the road above via a Flying Fox apparatus to this receival table. As we were following the walking track back to the road Jude was leading the way until a large Python fell from a tree onto the path immediately in front of her. I don't know who was startled the most, Jude or the Python.

Ulysses Butterflies abound in the Wet Tropics of this area. This was the best photo I could get as they were constantly on the wing and you only see the blue as they are flying. This one was nearly 100 mm across. We also saw a Bird Wing Butterfly that was about 200 mm across.

The very quiet exit point from the Tully River at the Gorge Camp Ground.

A couple of rafts almost at the end of their experience. The exit point is about 100 m from this point.

Tully, Tully Heads and Hull Heads

After 'The Maroons' lost Origin 1 we had to leave The Beachcomber at Cardwell as it was a'Blues' nest. We were out numbered about 6 to 1. We edged a little further north to the Tully Area. Other travellers had told us of the camp at Hull Heads so we decided to look there first. Only one other camp set up when we arrived, we found a great spot with an outlook over The Hull River and could follow all 'the goings on' in the camp. Terry and June, people we had met on another trip, live at Tully, we contacted them and they drove out to Hull Heads for a chat along with their Chihuahua, Dolly. We stayed at Hull Heads for three days until rain made the decision to move on an easy one. Our visit to The Wet Tropics is living up to it's name, seems to be raining every day since we arrived around Tully. Other travellers are saying we have arrived too early, the better weather will be next month. I don't know whether they are having us 'ON' or not.

Tully is known for it's high rainfall, therefore they have the BIG GUMBOOT. The low mist on the range behind Tully is very evident, but at least it wasn't raining at this moment.

Some of the Tully township as viewed from the top of The Gumboot.

Also viewed from the top of The Gumboot is The Tully Sugar Mill, which is right in the town area.

If you can enlarge this photo you will be able to read all the statistics of Tully.

While we were camped at Hull Heads we rode our bikes the 5.5 km to Tully Heads. This is Carron Esplanade on the way into town. We were facing a SE breeze on the way in but the return trip was easy.

Looking northwards along the beach with The Tully River at my back.

As you will remember this area of Queensland bore the brunt of Cyclone Yasi, February 2011. Many homes are still vacant and unrepaired. The upper level from the front of this house has disappeared. Many homes have been completely destroyed with only the plumbing remaining on the property.

Another deserted home, it is really depressing to see the damage inflicted on these communities. Many families have moved away for good. The Caravan Park that was here has closed down as well.

On our way out of Tully Heads now, on Carron Esplanade from the south end.

This is The Coast Guard Station at Hull Heads, the camp area is behind the building and extends along The Hull River.

The Hull River at near high tide looking towards the river outlet. Colin is trying his luck at a bit of fishing. No one was very successful at this time.

Looking upstream along The Hull River towards the Boat Ramp. The ramp is fairly difficult to see as the tree line obscures plain view.

On the beach at the river outlet looking back towards the homes of the Hull Heads Community. Many of the homes here have been restored to liveable status but some have been demolished and vacant blocks is all that remains.