Picture perfect locations
You may have missed the news that the sun will soon set on Freshwater’s famous field of sunflowers. Farmer Mark Savina’s paddock is to be ploughed and prepared for sugarcane, once the flowers perish. The field has been a huge hit providing a stunning backdrop for photos. But there are plenty of other amazing places across the Far North, where you can take the perfect pic.
YOU may have missed the news that the sun will soon set on Freshwater’s famous field of sunflowers.
Farmer Mark Savina’s paddock is to be ploughed and prepared for sugarcane, once the flowers perish.
The field has been a huge hit providing a stunning backdrop for photos. But there are plenty of other amazing places across the Far North, where you can take the perfect pic.
VLASOFF CAY
One of the most stunning places on the Reef – a pure white sand cay, virtually in the middle of the ocean. The colour of the water lapping at the shore is incredible, and the waters are teeming with life. Getting there: Unfortunately, there aren’t many day trips out to the cay, which is about 40km northeast of Cairns.
There are helicopter scenic flights out there – with a gourmet picnic provided but your only other option is private charter or a mate’s boat.
CARDWELL SPA POOL
You’ve most likely seen photos of this incredible creek in the hills surrounding Cardwell.
The electric-blue “spa pool” is naturally-fed and regarded as a geological wonder due to the unique chemistry of the rocks and water. Depending on the time of the day, the colour of the rainforest swimming hole changes in hue, as well. Getting there: Take the Cardwell Forest Drive loop route from either Cardwell or Kennedy. If travelling from Cardwell, it is the turn-off on the left after Dead Horse Creek.
REX SMEAL PARK
The stand of coconut palms at the water’s edge of Port Douglas’ foreshore park are a majestic sight along with the ocean and mountain vistas. The park is also a great place for picnics – devouring food and slurping sugarcane juice from Port Douglas’ Sunday markets. Getting there: Turn right at the end of Macrossan St, Port Douglas and go for a wander through the park.
STRATFORD EXPLOSIVES MAGAZINE AND DETONATOR STORE
You may have driven past this heritage-listed building and noticed newlyweds posing for wedding photographers.
The 117-year-old building is not only an intriguing part of Cairns’ history (make sure you read the signposts while there), it is also beautiful to admire, with its wooden door and steps, and concrete-rendered walls – a marvel at the time of construction in 1901. Getting there: Magazine Rd, Stratford, next to Rankine Timber and Truss.
MILLAA MILLAA FALLS
There are a heap of waterfalls vying for the title of our most photogenic falls but Millaa Millaa deserves to win.
These falls are accessible, reliable and well, just sheer lovely. It’s not surprising this Tablelands treat is regarded as the most photographed waterfall in Australia.
The falls are a wonder to behold year-round, and there is an easy, jaw-droopingly great pic you can get walking down to their base, straight from the carpark. It’s also a very refreshing swim and a good precursor to a tour of the Tablelands’ waterfall way. Getting there: Theresa Creek Rd, Millaa Millaa.