The sunsets in Croydon (in Far North Queensland) are famous. When my friend moved there, I had to visit – but, of course, by bicycle. I had a smörgåsbord of sunsets, but also waterfalls and long outback roads as I cycled from the tropical eastern coast to the mangroves on the Gulf of Carpentaria.
I wasn’t the only one chasing sunsets. I met a German walking across the world. He is just finishing a circle around Australia after spending the pandemic here. I last cycled past him crossing Khardung La – the highest motorable road in the world in the Himalayas. In Croydon I ran into the cyclists doing the annual Cairns to Karumba charity cycle. They were going out as I was going home.
For such a short trip it had many distinctive parts, making the holiday experience feel longer and more refreshing.
Palm studded sandy beaches at Palm Cove and Turtle Cove
Sunrise at Turtle Cove
Crater lakes and raging waterfalls on the Atherton Tablelands
Ellinjaa Falls
Hot springs and lava tubes on the savannah
Undara Lava Tubes
Sunset at Croydon
Mangrove beaches and offshore sand banks at Karumba
Mangrove beach at Karumba
Bird-filled sandy flats at Normanton
Mutton Hole Wetlands
Many thanks to John Thompson and the Cairns Cycling Group Rides Facebook Group for the tips, especially how to get from the coast to the Tablelands without becoming roadkill (from windy, steep, narrow roads). Quaid Road is the go! Thanks to Elizabeth in Croydon for the motivation to discover this part of Australia!
arctic-cycler.com 