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Part 4 - Cairns

We drove back to Brisbane and flew up to Cairns - felt even hotter when we got off the plane, the temperatures now being in the low 30s. There was a bit of a mix up over our accommodation but I think in the end we benefited from it. Our host, Otto, was really nice guy and he showed us all around the apartment - Tradewinds Trinity Bay. It was beautifully decorated and furnished, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, one complete with big circular spa bath, large lounge/diner, big kitchen with cooker, microwave, fridge, dishwasher, separate laundry with washing machine and tumble dryer, 2 balconies. Nice pool outside too. And since we had trips planned for both days here, it was much nicer being away from the town centre. Views of the sea too. Otto recommended a restaurant just around the corner, called Diggers - run by an Englishman who has been in Cairns for the past 16 yrs. We went there that evening and had a truly gastronomic meal.

Had to get up early the next morning for our day out on the Great Barrier Reef - we had been recommended a small dive operator called Tusa Dive - and they picked us up as arranged. There were about 20 of us on the boat, beginners and experienced divers alike. Martyn had booked an introductory dive while Jo, Sarah and I had decided just to snorkel. The journey out to the Reef took an hour and a half - we went to Milln Reef. Although the sea looked calm, we did seem to move about a lot - in fact I was still swaying about 24 hours later! Luckily I don't suffer from seasickness. Once we had anchored - there was only 1 other boat in sight at all, so plenty of room for us! - we got ready for our diving & snorkeling. I declined the offer of a wetsuit, thinking the indignity of trying to squeeze into one was more than I could face in that heat! The boat was still rocking all over the place so it was very difficult to even walk, let alone attempt anything as complicated as that! Big mistake, I found out later. We were accompanied by one of the Tusa crew who was very knowledgeable, pointing out particular things of interest, bringing things up to just below the surface so we could see them better. What a fantastic experience it was, and those that only snorkeled didn't miss out at all. The colours are brighter nearer the surface. It was just beautiful - the coral, the fish, the clear warm sea. A fantastic experience. I took one of those underwater disposable cameras (cost just a few pounds) and have some pretty reasonable pics. I'm not sure how long we were out there, but probably well over an hour. Had lunch on board and then we moved on to a site a little farther away, where we got the opportunity to have another go. It was even better this time, the reef being that bit closer to the level of the sea, colours were even more brilliant. Had another hour or so and then headed back home. A professional video of the day was made and we placed our order. Apparently some of the larger tour operators use a standard video and just add a bit of the punters to it, but this was genuine and was to be delivered the same evening.
When we got home we realised how many bits of us we had missed when applying the sunscreen, bright red patches all over the place, not very comfortable (or attractive!). It was not a particularly comfortable night and I regretted refusing the wetsuit which would have offered protection for the most vulnerable bits!  
The next day, four red and white streaky people emerged in the morning to be picked up for another coach trip. Our first stop was at Smithfield to take the skyrail, which crosses 7½km of rainforest - the Barron Gorge National Park, a World Heritage area. Skyrail cost $35million to build, everything being flown in by helicopter to minimise damage to the environment. You travel in a "gondola" which seats up to 6 people. It felt quite safe and the whole journey to Kuranda takes 30-40 minutes but there are 2 stations at which we stopped en-route to look more closely at the rainforest and take photos etc. The views were magnificent. Kuranda is a town which relies completely on tourism and the majority of the population are aboriginals. Lots of shops and there is also a market but unfortunately we were there on the wrong day - or maybe that was fortunate considering how much we had already spent! Also in Kuranda is the Rainforestation to which we next went. We were given a short guided tour of the wildlife park and got to see the largest croc in captivity in Aus. A magnificent specimen he is too. An excellent barbecued lunch was included and after that we had a tour through part of the rainforest on board the Army Duck. Army Ducks were first used in 1942 and can operate on land or in water - and are great fun in peacetime! Our driver/guide was very knowledgeable and pointed out many interesting plants in the rainforest. I think your safest bet is not to eat any of them! Nasty things can happen if you eat the wrong thing - and most things seemed to be the wrong thing! After that was a dancing show by the Pamagirri Aboriginal Dancers who appeared to be having a great time, especially when they taught a traditional dance to a group of 3 male "volunteers". Martyn was extremely relieved not to be volunteered for that one! All a bit corny maybe, but enjoyable nevertheless - I particularly enjoyed the music of the didgeridoos. Then came a demo of boomerang throwing - you can get them for left or right handed people incidentally - spear throwing and didgeridoo playing.
The final part of the day was the return home via the Scenic Railway which was completed over 100 years ago. It goes through the most beautiful scenery, the journey back to Cairns lasting 1½hrs. I'm afraid it was a bit of a disappointment though as you couldn't see much unless you were standing up or had a window seat. Before WW2 the seating ran along the carriage in 2 tiers, facing the window so everyone could see. Apparently when the train was restored after service during the war, someone forgot about putting it back that way, which is a great shame. It had been a busy day but very well organised and we didn't feel rushed at all.
That evening we went back to Diggers and had another gastronomic blow-out although I did manage to resist a dessert this time! We experienced a bit of rain on the way back and reflected how very lucky we had been with the weather. The next day we left for our flight back home, stopping off briefly in Darwin where the temperature was 33°C. Had a couple of hours in Singapore airport too where we marvelled at the price of CDs - about £6 each, and bought a couple we wanted. Not a bad flight home but felt very cramped. At least we weren't plagued by altitude sickness this time. Arrived at Heathrow at 5.50am, to temperatures of just 1°C - brrrr and were amazed to see snow on the fields on our journey back home.
It had been a fantastic holiday - well worth waiting for - and we have some wonderful experiences to remember. I would thoroughly recommend Australia as a holiday destination for all sorts of reasons - the people, the places so unlike anywhere else in the world, the climate, the food.......everything. And you don't have to spend a huge amount of money these days either. GO!
 

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