Ravenshoe

Queensland's highest town is at the crossroads of the Atherton Tablelands/Cairns Highlands and the Gulf Savannah. Its 920 metre elevation is put to fine use at Queensland's largest wind farm which generates enough electricity to supply more than 3,500 homes and, with a dozen species of possums dwelling in the surrounding forests, this may well be the possum capital of Australia!

The unusual name of Ravenshoe (pronounced Ravens-hoe) was bestowed by early settlers milling cedar in the area.

The Ravenshoe Visitor Centre provides first class tourist information besides having excellent displays on the rainforest, timber-milling, dairy farming and WWII activity around the area, plus a section on bats and a noctarium which simulates night spotting. The centre is also the home of the Nganyaji Interpretive Centre which showcases the culture and lifestyle of the region's Jirrbal people.

On weekends and public holidays the Millstream Express historic steam train, Capella, runs on a heritage-listed railway. The 1925 D 17 steam locomotive hauls vintage carriages through forest and farmlands to Tumoulin Station and back.

The wind farm was created on the extinct Windy Hill volcano in 2000 and its 20 wind turbines take advantage of the permanent winds on the volcano's slopes. Each tower is over 45 metres tall and has 22 metre blades - a spectacular sight and a renewable energy resource of great pride to the community.

Ravenshoe is also the nearest town to the Misty Mountains walking trails network. Over 130 kilometres of tracks have been constructed, and several follow the ridgelines to the coast from Ravenshoe on trails first used by the traditiona Aboriginal owners.

Explore the region's renowned waterfalls such as Big and Little Millstream Fails and Tully Gorge and their walking tracks and lookouts.

Its remote location and wildlife-friendly community have made Ravenshoe a great location for wildlife watching, particularly for the region's many possum species and of course, the tree-kangaroos. Enquire at the information centres about current options and tours for meeting the local inhabitants at close range.

Ravenshoe is home to WineWorks Downunder, who offer a range of innovative wines from their outlet in Grigg Street. Drop in for a tasting and a chat.

The town's two original Queenslander style pubs have counter meals. There are cafes, takeaways, and you can stock up from the stores which cater for travellers well.

In town, there is a caravan park, the hotels and three motels, The Old Convent B&B and around the district are more B&B's and rainforest cottages such as The Pond Cottages.

	Web www.portdouglaswebs.com.au