Under the Sea and Up in the Clouds

As my visit to Cairns has been so rudely interrupted by my uncooperative immune system, I thought I’d split this location up into two parts. I had a list of about thirty things to see and do in Cairns and actually managed a fair few so here we go…

There’s so much free stuff to do here and the climate is a big bonus. Although it’s the Australian tropics (which means that yes, it rains, quite a lot), it is more-often-than-not sunny and very very warm! Because you cannot swim in the sea here (jellyfish) or even really wander on the beaches (crocodiles) there is a lovely, large lagoon right on the water’s edge. It’s similar to Airlie Beach but a lot bigger and there’s real sand here so you feel like you’re getting the whole ‘beachy’ experience. If, you’re like me, and you’re kinda sick of sand getting e.v.e.r.y.w.h.e.r.e then there’s also grass areas to lounge around on and take a picnic. If you’re into your fitness (I have maybe let mine slip whilst being over here in the ‘holiday’ mentality) then there are free classes held in or next to the lagoon: aqua Zumba, yoga, volleyball… the list goes on! Next to the lagoon is a market, which hosts daily night markets from 5pm-11pm and literally sells anything you could ever imagine you’d need. A pair of real kangaroo testicles that double up as a key ring- no problem. A bottle opener that plays Kylie Minogue – you bet. If you’re looking for more a ‘high-end’ shopping experience then there is a large shopping centre in town and also an outlet shopping centre about a 10 minute drive away so when it does rain you can still fill your time wisely.

When I think of Australia, one of the first things that pops into my head is the Great Barrier Reef. With all the talk about it’s uncertain future I wanted to see it before it is eventually destroyed by global warming. I mean, the effects of coral bleaching was obvious, but I still was in awe of the remaining beauty and marine life I got to experience. We visited two spots to snorkel and dive, spending over an hour in the water at each location. No pictures could really do it justice, it was just breathtaking. And… I saw a shark. A wild shark… it swam about 10 metres below me and the scariest part was… I wasn’t scared in the slightest. It was just surreal. This is a moment I will never forget.

After exploring the depths of the ocean, my next stop was to see Queensland from a completely different angle- the sky. Kuranda is a mountain village, tucked away in the world’s oldest rainforest. We took a scenic train ride up the mountain before arriving in the picturesque village. Here we visited Australia’s largest butterfly sanctuary and had tea and cakes in a cafe overlooking the rainforest. If I thought that the views on the way up were breathtaking, then the views coming back down on the Skyrail were something else… Above the canopy, we descended down over Barron Gorge and numerous waterfalls. Although it started to rain, this only added to the atmosphere (after all, we were in a rainforest)!

I still want to visit the Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation and the Atherton Tablelands whilst staying in Cairns. Fingers crossed I can get myself well enough to continue my adventure because I’m not ready to pack my bags just yet!

Good things to come…

Annabel x