Checking out Cairns......

The next morning we woke to a fine though cool day and decided that our first port of call would be the Information Centre in Cairns.  We drove the few kms in and found a park near the Esplanade where their Saturday market was in full swing.  We had a wander around here and then went in search of the 'i' first and then coffee.

Over our coffee we perused the brochures and decided that we would take a half day cruise to Green Island.  This was the easiest trip to see the Great Barrier Reef without all the added extras of scuba diving etc.

We had a walk along the cruise terminal which is where all the waterfront cafes are located and stopped at one for a bite of lunch before we boarded our Cat to take us to Green Island.  It was a great trip and we enjoyed our outside seat even though we got a little damp from the sea spray.

Once on the island it was time to board the Glass Bottom boat and spend some time getting a close up look at the reef and its inhabitants.  It was so good to see the beautiful coral and colourful fish up close and all too soon it was time to head back to the jetty where we hopped on a semi submersible boat to go a bit further out.

Unfortunately it was a bit later in the day and we saw much more on the first boat, this one being very cramped and the fish and coral quite colourless.  If ever I was to go again I would not bother with this.

Back on land again we had 45 mins until we had to return so we had a walk around a small part of Green Island and were fascinated by how cheeky these usually shy Rails were.

This is a coral cay situated 27 kms off Cairns.  It has a resort, a little village shopping precinct and a crocodile park.  Very commercial but it did its job and gave us a look at part of The Great Barrier Reef.

We had a much rougher trip back but loved the excitement of it even though I remained firmly in my seat.  Back in Cairns we drove home and spent a quiet night deciding what tomorrow would bring.

Rain overnight and in the morning made our decision a little easier and we decided that wandering around the botanic gardens was not a good idea so we jumped in the car and drove up to Kuranda - A village in the mountains.  You can choose to go up by rail, by Skytrain - a gondola running up the side of the Mountain or drive.  As we wanted to go further afield up the top we decided to drive.

The drive up was windy and steep but fairly easy and once up the top we parked and enjoyed a walk around the quirky little village that really seems to exist just for the tourists as they get off their train etc. Lots of markets and art/craft shops make up the main streets with a few cafes dotted around for good measure.  We did enjoy our walk around but did not stay for too long before we headed out of town to see the spectacular Barron Falls.

As we drove through the streets of Kuranda to leave we were amazed by the group of Bush Stone Curlews crossing the roads.  They were only one block back from the shops and seemed quiet happy amongst the people.

At the falls we walked along the walking track to the few viewing points to see these falls and I can only imagine how incredible it must look in the wet season with water rushing over all the sides not just the two parts now.  

Following the path right to the end we arrived on Barron Station where the outlook is just as spectacular as from the top.  The train ride must be something to see, maybe another time!  Walking back up the path we stopped again for a list look from the top before heading back home for lunch.

The rain had stopped and so we decided to go and have a look at the mangroves in the afternoon.  These are over by the airport and are a good location for many of the birds Cairns has to offer.  Once we arrived and started our walk in I was attacked by mozzies and decided that as I was already covered head to toe in bites I didn't need anymore so returned to the car to wait for Bill.  He lasted a little longer than me but soon returned after seeing more mozzies and crabs than birds.

The next morning was bright and sunny so once the washing was done we set off to the botanical gardens and enjoyed a few hours exploring the rainforest walks, Centennial Lakes and the Bamboo Gardens.  

What a lovely place to wander around in and Bill was happy with all the bird life he was able to find and photograph.  The Yellow Sunbird was certainly the brightest of the day and the Darter with his 'catch of the day' was pretty special too.

That afternoon we took advantage of the lovely sunny day, one of the few we have had since leaving home, and went back into Cairns to The Esplanade.  We enjoyed a walk along the wonderful boardwalk before stopping for an ice cream in the sun.

Back at home we caught up on the household chores, shopping and petrol in readiness for a quick getaway in the morning.  Not quite so quick as it decided to pour with rain overnight and it was a slow and soggy pack up sloshing around in the mud but Bill managed to get us hooked up and on the road with a minimum of fuss.  I gave up on the inside deciding to let the mud dry on the floor before I tried to get rid of it.  

We were glad to be on the road again and while we had enjoyed our look around Cairns we didn't really enjoy our location or the fickle weather.  Isn't this meant to be the dry season!  Perhaps it will start to improve as we continue to travel north.

until next time........