I really enjoyed Cairns. In terms of the vegetation, and some of the architecture it kind of reminds me of Brazil. The trees especially - they have the same kind as in front of the beach house.
Our hostel, the Cairns central YHA was ok - beautiful courtyard, and nice location, though we did have to switch rooms. They were also able to book us on to our tours as soon as we arrived which was convenient. We were originally booked in a 4 person ensuite, but arrived and found the room tiny, and filled with stuff as the other two girls in the room were in the midst of packing. So we went down and got a twin room without baths, which with my HI card only worked to a dollar more per night which was nice. The shared baths had little changing stalls outside each shower, and there was always one free, do it was possibly easier than sharing a single shower with 3 other girls. I think I'm too old for dorms - next trip I might have to stick to hotels. New Zealand should be interesting, but at least I have private accommodations in HK and Beijing.
Our first full day in Cairns we went snorkeling on the great barrier reef. It was definitely worth getting a little sea sick. We went to two different sites, and between them saw a bunch of fish, coral, even a small shark and a ray. The second of the sites, which they called Shark Mountain (oddly not where I saw a shark) was definitely better - the reef was really close to the surface and there was a lot more going on. Some guy claims there was an octopus, but I didn't see it. Still got some really cool shots though - my underwater camera purchase was definitely worth it.
The company we went with was called Reef Quest I think, and they were pretty good - served lunch, and then lent us a towel when we has left ours behind. Mainly because they felt bad for me when I got sick :). If I'm ever out here again I think I'll dive though - it might raise my chances of seeing things like sea turtles.
Our tour yesterday was with a company called Uncle Billy's which was really good. It was a rainforest tour of the table lands outside Cairns - essentially we went to four different swimming holes/ water falls, bookended with little walks through the forest - all the paths were paved which made it easy - though I ended up spending most of the day soaking wet. I did have multiple opportunities to take advantage of the waterproof capabilities of my camera. And even the shockproof capabilities, when I slipped trying to get up a rock slide at one of the water falls. I'm not hurt though I was a little shaken up - considered not going back up, but I'm glad I did because it was really fun.
The tour guide (Cousin Rohan, with his trusty side kick Gus the bus) was really nice, and we engaged in random silliness, like dancing on the bus and waving to strangers all day. Part of the fun was the group we were with - everyone was really friendly.
The food they served was really awesome. Morning tea was cakes and juice, lunch was an awesome homestyle meal of chicken, couscous and salad, with chocolate cake and ice-cream at this little place called the tea house. Where I coincidentally bought tea, grown on a plantation that we passed by - the roads also reminded me of Brazil - lots if sugar cane and bananas growing. Our last snack was hot chocolate and a muffin which we enjoyed while watching for platypuses (platypi?) in the wild - saw one, but not really a good view. They're sneaky creatures. Oddly though, a better sight than at the Sydney Aquarium, where I'm not even sure it was in the tank.
Anyways, they just made a boarding announcement for our flight. More later.
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No go on the koalas. Currently sitting in the art gallery here in Brisbane. Will explore the area for awhile then head to the airport for Auckland. We had found the bus we would have needed to take, but would have had just barely enough time, and weren't sure what it would have cost. One more thing to add to my to do list for the next time I'm in Australia. If it hadn't been for Cairns, it would have been like I came all the way to Australia without really seeing anything on my list of things to see. Still had fun here though.
Next stop: Auckland!
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