Butterfly Valley via Cardwell North Queensland

 My daughters and I recently took off for a mini get-a-way to glamp in the Australian bush. Youngest daughter, driver...eldest daughter, co-driver and 'moi', back seat driver. 

Heading north up the Bruce Highway it was a 2 hour easy drive passing sugar cane country along the way. Before heading west to Butterfly Valley a quick stop was called for at Cardwell to sit a while on the beachfront which looks out to Hinchinbrook Island. Cardwell suffered major damage in 2011 when cyclone Yasi hit and took years for this gorgeous seaside town to recover. But recover it has and its a popular stop for tourists going up and down the east coast.

Paperbark gums and cane fields

Beautiful Cardwell by the sea looking out to Hinchinbrook Island

Arriving at Butterfly Valley at Damper Creek we were thrilled with our cabin, location and rear pavilion which overlooks the river. The sound of water running over rocks was a soothing thing to sleep by. Me-thinks we had the best cabin - 'Paradise-Kingfisher'. 

Ive already mentioned to my FB family about the very rare Cairns Birdwing Butterfly and it is such a thrill to see that the bush village management has planted numerous native Dutchman's Pipe vines for the caterpillars to feast upon. Watching them feed is amazing. There were several Ulysses butterflies flittering about but they are notoriously difficult to photograph! 

Cairns Birdwing Caterpillar

We were lucky enough to enjoy watching a (very large) goanna visit the backyard near the pavilion but he was too quick for photos - across the yard and up a big tree in seconds!

There are several short walks of varying difficulty around the site with the most notable and poplular being the waterfall swimming hole. It really is quite lovely. All the walk tracks are pretty basic, real bush so good footwear is a must. And there are LOTS of mosquitoes! Forget your insect repellent at your peril.

I spy co-driver

We departed Butterfly Valley on the third day and headed back to Cardwell to take a turn off into the Cardwell State Forest to visit  Attie Creek (we didn't visit the falls this time) and the Spa Pools neither of which we have ever seen and being north Queenslanders that's saying something. Both are absolutely beautiful. We were lucky enough to have set out reasonably early and had both places more or less to ourselves, with the crowds starting to arrive as we were leaving.

Driver could not resist....

Leaving Cardwell's stunning state forest it was time to head for the highway and home south but first, tradition dictates a quick stop at the Cardwell Range Lookout with its beautiful vista across the Hinchinbrook Channel.

Wherever you are, take care of you and yours and stay safe.

Rose