Whyanbeel Valley

A little north of Mossman, the turnoff to the small community of Miallo leads to the beautiful Whyanbeel Valley with its many acres of sugar-cane set against a lush backdrop of rainforested hills.

Whyanbeel is the local Aboriginal name for a canoe.

As you follow the meandering road past cane farms, picturesque creeks, tropical fruit farms and gardens you may catch a glimpse of the impressive High Falls cascading down the hillside above you.

This peaceful valley also offers some exciting and different things-to-do. At various times of the year world-class events are staged at a famous outdoor theatre – watch a famous glass-blower create miracles before your eyes – or ‘visit the outback’ at a spectacular Australian cattle mustering show.

Drive along Bamboo Creek Road on your way back to the main Mossman to Daintree road and you will pass a small memorial to a World War 2 bombing.

World War 2 Bombsite

From the turnoff to Whyanbeel (named after the local Aboriginal name for "Canoe") follow the signs to this interesting memorial on Bamboo Creek Road:-

"At 3.30 am on 31st July 1942 a Japanese aircraft dropped eight bombs in this Shire, one landing 50 metres directly behind this point. Carmel Zullo, aged 2 1/2 years was asleep in the home of her parents when the bomb exploded nearby. Shrapnel pierced the iron walls of the house, one fragment grazing Carmel's skull.

She was the only civilian casualty inflicted by the enemy on the Eastern Australian mainland throughout World War 2.

This plaque was unveiled by Mrs Carmel Emmi (nee Zullo) on 31st July 1991 at a public ceremony to commemorate the attack, 50 years later."

Credits

Photos and text courtesy of Daphne Titus-Rees from Daintree Valley Haven.