Basecamp Mareeba

Probably the biggest life lesson so far in our journey was learnt in Mareeba.

We made our way to Mareeba stopping only at Etty bay as again, it was highly recommended to visit. Although it was an overcast day, I can see why its so popular. Secluded from everyone else, it is a small, private piece of paradise. Unfortunately, like Airlie beach, dogs were not allowed and the reason behind this was because of the cassowaries which roam wild. We didn’t see any though.

On the way there we also stopped at a cheese factory in Galon, just like Carlos has made his conquest to find the best pie in Australia, I have made it my conquest to find the best cheese. The cheese factory did not disappoint, really fresh produce and there was a viewing platform where we could see how cheese is made. It was so hands on that probably the only downside was the smell of cow manure from the paddock outside. Anyway got my supplies of cheese and we left pronto.

At Mareeba Rohan was waiting for us. We met Rohan and Yui back in Lowood as they camped next to us and even took us on their small sailing boat the Zin. Back then they kindly offered for us to leave our van in their property while we go up to Cape York, we were excited and really looking forward to seeing them again.

Their house reminded me of the little house of the prairie, nestled among acres of bush land, you can see nothing but grass and horses (which belong to his brother and sister in-law). The house although small, was simply perfect and the orange tree next to it had to be magical as I have never seen an orange tree so full of oranges and the oranges itself sweet, so full of juice, so much so that it never fail to drip all over your face every time you had one.

We set up camp and planned our visit. First Rohan wisely recommended a trip away to try out our “Cape York “set up, since notoriously known for its rough terrain and 4WD tracks there was no way we were going to take the caravan, so we bought a tent that attaches to the car awning, big enough for us 5 to lie down, sardine style of course and sleep. That was not a problem, our problem was space for food as knowing how remote that area is we knew that food was going to be expensive and it made more sense to take as much food as possible, secondly all of our clothes and finally sleeping bags and mats, actually not to forget our dogs.

But before going on any trip the day we arrived at Mareeba was the day the famous “Wheelbarrow race” started and Jake, Rohan’s youngest son was taking part in it. Now, let me set something straight, we are in the country, there is no such thing as just running, like the Melbourne marathon, or run for the kids fun runs, the wheelbarrow race is a 140 km race where you run pushing a wheelbarrow. The race takes place on the course of three days, Jake although young (still in high school) demonstrated maturity, perseverance and determination, something that my kids were able to notice and admire. As a family, we all think very highly of Jake and of course Rohan and Yui who have brought him up with such strong values.

On our first week in Mareeba we visited Barron falls which are enormous and although not flowing at maximum capacity it was still an amazing sight to see.

We did a loop that took us around Palm Cove and Port Douglas, again, well known travel destinations and yes although beautiful beaches it becomes quite repetitive, the same commercialised tourist beach with expensive stores, fancy cafes and tourist information about tours especially to the Great Barrier Reef.

On our way back to Mareeba though we accidentally discovered a small true Mexican cafe/restaurant which believe it or not is owned by Mexico born Mexicans.

The name is Lobo Loco and it is in Mt Molloy, the food was not only fresh and different, authentic I guess but the size of the burger was just incredible and unlike the “road train burger” in Nindygully where you needed 4-6 people to eat it, this one was enough for one person to devour and Carlos was definitely ready. Instead of going on and on about it, I will let the photo do the talking.

Not longer after we set out for our trial trip, this time we decided to go to Cape Tribulation. Excited to try our new tent we packed the car and left, of course we had to go past Mt Molloy again and of course Carlos managed to squeeze in another massive burger.

To get to Cape Trib we had to board a barge and that was different and as soon as we did the climate seemed to change dramatically to what we had been living in Mareeba and it become quite humid and wet.

We set up tent, went for a quick walk to the beach before too late and that is when everything turned…it started pouring, loud heavy rain but it was not cold.

We went for showers (not sure why as we were already getting showered), had some dinner at the camp kitchen and when got back to our tent the roof had caved in with water and water was seeping in through the zips, there was some water inside the tent around the mats, disaster! as it was late, our dogs were scared, we were wet and all of a sudden, our plan of taking this tent to Cape York did not seem so great after all. Wet and disappointed we managed to get a cabin, sneaked in the kids and dogs and slept nice and dry wondering wether our tent will be covered in water next the morning.

From Cape Tribulation and before making our way back to Mareeba we explored the Bloomfield track and visited the Wujal Wujal falls, to get there we had to do a bit of 4WD and river crossings which made us a little excited about our trip to the famous Cape York.

Coming back to Mareeba with our heads down, after our experience at Cape Tribulation the only one thing that we could cheer us up was a meal from Lobo Loco in Mt Molloy but this time when we got there, we must have arrived just a little to late and it was closed. Life could not get any worse, we made it Mareeba, starving and doubting our tent. Luckily enough the solution was not really so complicated, Rohan suggested a tarp over the awning, of course! And Carlos thought of getting extra support poles for the awning so it would not cave in and just like that we were in business again.

I will do a different entry for Cape York as it truly deserves one on its own, so two weeks later we arrived back at Mareeba. It took us a couple of days to settle back from Cape York, we were full of dust and dirt, filthy as anything and oh boy, it was so great to sleep in our soft and comfortable mattresses again.

Two days later we took a tour to see the Great Barrier Reef, I mean, how could we not. The boat took us to Green Island, we paid extra for a snorkelling trip out in the reef and that was really worth it.

While I was worried on how the kids would go swimming in the deep and snorkelling they did not look twice and jumped into the water. Visibility was not the greatest but the kids got to see many beautiful fish, coral and turtles. In fact, I was with Noah watching a turtle eat and we saw it coming straight up towards us so close that I actually had to pull Noah back as he was just about to touch it, this was without a doubt one of my most memorable experiences in the reef. The kids really had an amazing time and I think they appreciate and respect the Great Barrier Reef more in its grandiosity as well as its uniqueness.

We left Mareeba a couple of days later, our van had been parked at Rohan’s close to 4 weeks and we as a family were getting quite used to living there. Rohan and Yui hospitality was just overwhelming, not to forget Pat, Rohan’s mum who was also very kind to us and has given us a book which we have used more than any other book we have in the caravan, and that is, a guide to Australian Birds. Unfortunately, we ran out of time to get to know Rohan’s brother and sister in law better but overall undoubtedly one of the most caring, giving family we have come across.

What is the biggest most valuable lesson learnt so far? I’ve been taught about the wealth of simplicity and minimalism. Rohan and Yui have taught me through their example that life is a lot easier and happier when it is less complicated. Is it a question of whether ourselves, with our never ending “needs and wants” that create a vicious cycle of stress and debt, never seemingly satisfied and so an ongoing strain ultimately affecting our health? Or is it lack of judgment of priorities and/or prioritising the wrong things. What comes first the chicken or the egg? If I was to ask my kids this question their answer is “THE CHEGG” so no help there… Happiness comes from within, lets start with that and try to make our lives less complicated shall we?