Proudly Australian – Landscapes III, FNQ 2

On the main highway north from Cairns, there are regular exits towards the coastal beach communities and resorts. One exit between Cairns and Palm Cove leads to the delightfully named Yorkeys Knob. After passing through the village, at the end of the road is a rather smart marina protected by a breakwater.

However, it was not the expensive pleasure craft that piqued my interest, but something else. Part way between the highway and the coast, we came across the Cattana Wetlands.

A relatively recent project (2009), funded by the State and Local Governments, the whole wetlands have been created on the site of former sand mining operations. The site is well marked with appropriate signage, including recognition of the original land owners.