Cairns, Queensland, Australia

Because we were still adjusting to the time difference, we were waking up very early while we were in Cairns. This actually worked well for us because we had full days planned. We had a fabulous villa in Cairns. It had a balcony with views of the ocean in one direction and the mountains in the other direction. If we were at the villa and it was daylight, chances are that we were on the balcony! On our first full day in Cairns, we visited the zoo where we fed the kangaroos. Amanda also fed the pelicans and got to hold a koala. We also saw a cassowary, emus, kookaburras, and a red panda. We loved the zoo.

After our zoo visit, we drove into Cairns to get our bearings. Alan did an excellent job of driving on the left side of the road. There is only one main highway leading into Cairns with quite a few roundabouts so it wasn't too hard to keep track of how to get around. We passed fields of kangaroos and sugar cane. It was amazing! There were "kangaroo crossing" road signs along the highway.

We then stayed at the villa for the afternoon. We strolled down to the beach where there were signs warning about crocodiles and marine stingers (jellyfish). We did not get in the water.

 On our 2nd day, we went to the Great Barrier Reef! Again, Amanda and I took our Dramamine and we were off. We took a tour. The boat carried our group about 26 miles out to the reef. We, fortunately, did not get seasick. The tour company has a permanent station at the reef with underwater viewing, snorkeling equipment, and glass bottom boat tours. The water was choppy and the day was overcast and windy. Alan and Amanda got in first. It took me awhile longer. I don't like cold water. Again . . . amazing! Then we were treated to a buffet which was great . . . until the rough ride back. However, we made it back without getting sick!

On our 3rd day, we took the Kuranda Skyrail and Train rides. The skyrail spans 7.5 kms over tropical rainforests and took about 1 1/2 hours. There were two stops along the way where you could exit your gondola and walk on trails through the rainforest. It was a rainy day in the rainforest. Fortunately, umbrellas were provided at each stop. We also saw  Barron Gorge. At the end of the skyrail was the village of Kuranda. After visiting the shops and eating lunch, we caught the train down the mountain. This ride also took about 1 1/2 hours. Kuranda Scenic Railway Train was built over 100 years ago and winds through 15 tunnels and over 36 bridges.

 

On our last full day in Cairns, we ventured north to the Daintree Rainforest area. It was another day with overcast skies. We took a river boat cruise to see the saltwater crocodiles on the Daintree River. "It is important not to step close to the riverbank and absolutely never swim in the river." They didn't have to tell me twice!

We then drove to Cape Tribulation. We had to take the Daintree Ferry to get across the river to the cape. We saw "cassowary warning" road signs along the windy, narrow roads. We ate lunch and headed to the beach. On our way back toward Cairns, we visited Mossman Gorge (which is also part of the Daintree Rainforest).

We made it back to Cairns in time to do some souvenir shopping. After that, we had to head back to the villa and begin packing for the next leg of our adventure.

 (Cassowary photo from our zoo visit.)

On Saturday, June 1st, we said goodbye to Cairns and boarded a plane for Ayers Rock.