"Sunday with Mum" at Palooka Restaurant, Cairns, in Far North Queensland

 Mother's Day at Cairns Palooka Restaurant, in Far North Queensland, totally exceeded my expectations. They describe their food as contemporary modern European dining, or Mediterranean, and the French and Italian influences in their cuisine are very obvious. The restaurant is situated in the heart of Stratford village in Cairns, offering cosy seating inside or outside on the footpath, which is well protected from the weather by sturdy blinds if needed. The restaurant is very accessible, and parking along the side street is generally available.

The River Rock Cafe, Gorge Road, Finch Hatton

Finch Hatton Gorge is a scenic 45 minute drive inland from Mackay in North Queensland. On the way there, we travelled through lush canefields, across a few very low running and clear creeks, and through untouched rainforest before entering an area which is as green and tropical as you will find anywhere. 

The air here is so clean and fresh and crisp. Mackay residents regularly swarm to the Gorge to swim in the large, beautiful waterhole as an escape from the Summer heat. In Winter, it is too cool for us to swim, however the European tourists and the southern Grey Nomads still have it on their list of destinations when travelling North.  I don't do many promotions of local businesses in and around Mackay, however I was so impressed with the River Rock Cafe that I thought I would tell you all about it and encourage you to go there for lunch or breakfast.

We had arranged to have lunch with our wonderful Eungella friends, Ann and Wayne, and formerly our neighbours, at the  River Rock Cafe, located in the heart of the Gorge area. Swimming definitely wasn't on our agenda, we'll save that for a Summer's Day. It was all about eating, soaking up the scenery,  and catching up. 

Enjoying lunch on the timber deck overlooking the rainforest, and listening to the sounds of the birds and the beautiful creek just below.

The food was delicious, simple, beautifully presented, and not a chip in sight. Very refreshing. The hosts, Tracey and Stephen made us feel very welcome, and Stephen came over for a chat in between courses and brought us up to date on the progress and the happenings at Finch Hatton. Of course we were all ears being locals.

Nearby rainforest

Beautiful view of the rainforest creek from the timber deck

 The Main Courses were all delicious, and I was extremely happy that I ordered the fish as it was perfectly cooked and tasted so fresh. Local Reef Fish is hard to beat. It was just procured from Mackay Fish Retailer Debbie's Seafood that morning.

Locally caught Fresh Red throat Emperor and salad from Debbie's Seafood, Mackay. Delicious - $22.00

Open Steak Sandwich - $22.00

Pumpkin and feta tart - $22.00

Potato and Chorizo Salad - $22.00

Pancakes with maple syrup

Classic Caramel Tart. 

View from the Timber Deck

If you can see yourself living and working in this environment and enjoy cooking and meeting people, then the good news is that the business is for sale.

View of the restaurant. Photo courtesy of Tracey and Stephen

A Monitor Lizard basking in the sun in the grounds. Photo courtesy of Tracey and Stephen

There's plenty of room for everybody on the large timber deck

 Bookings for the restaurant can be made on 4958 3281 and the cafe is open for lunch Wednesday to Sunday, from 11am - 2 pm, although I think we may have stayed later than that. This is a wonderful spot to take visitors to if you live nearby. Just drop in for coffee and cake if you wish.

Self contained Cabins are on site if you wish to stay overnight and Dinner can be delivered to your cabin. This is the perfect location and opportunity for a relaxing getaway. If you are travelling to Mackay, take the drive to Finch Hatton. You will be so pleased you did. The address is 730 Gorge Road, Finch Hatton, Qld. 4756. 

(All meals were independently paid for and all opinions are my own.)

Best wishes and I hope you enjoy a good week.

Pauline x