A plaque partially wrapped around a wooden stump is there in honour of Christie Palmerston. It reads “Parthfinder, Explorer, who searched the ranges from Port Douglas to Innisfail for a route for the railway to the Tablelands. 1882-1883. Discovered the Bump Road 1877.”
A more detailed information sign is there of Christie Palmerston next to one of the original Anzac Bridge piles. Before climbing the Great Dividing Range over the Bump Track, teamsters had to cross the Mowbray River. Crossing the river over a rocky bar had its difficulties, considering the flood waters and salt water crocodiles that had to be negotiated.
In 1919, after several deaths, a vote for a bridge to be constructed over the Mowbray River was made with the Douglas Shire Council. The bridge became known as the Anzac Bridge because it was built with the labour of returned WW1 soldiers.
The bridge was replaced in 1940 and again replaced in 2017. A pedestrian bridge has been built over the former 1940 bridge and viewing platforms where you can watch for crocodile spotting. It is located just over 2 kilometres south of Willie Pye Teamsters Memorial Park.
Willie Pye Teamsters Memorial Park is a 20-hour rest stop with a dump point if needed. However, it can be used by recreational vehicles. There is no accommodation for camping with a no camping sign displayed.
There are a couple of sheltered picnic tables and free electric BBQs for use. It is a good spot for stopping for a break heading north from Cairns, especially if you are not stopping at Port Douglas.
To Get There
From Wet Tropics Visitor Information Centre, head to Captain Cook Hwy and turn left. Follow Captain Cook Hwy for 1.5km and the entrance to Willie Pye Teamsters Memorial Park is on the right.
From Palm Cove Visitor Information Centre, head to Captain Cook Hwy and turn right to travel north. Follow Captain Cook Hwy for 34.7km and the entrance to Willie Pye Teamsters Memorial Park is on the left.