Blogs from Cairns, Queensland, Australia, Oceania

So here goes! I got to my alarm at 8:30. I’m showered and sorted, and on the hunt for breakfast. I hope I can find where to eat! it is very quiet here. I set off moseying around. I passed a cleaning lady, then another guest, it looks like he’s just arrived, and had his own breakfast all appearing out of his bag. He’s sitting comfortably at a table around the poolside with his coat on, on his own. I walked around the pool looking for tables that are set up for breakfast, or at least people eating breakfast! No joy. I finally went to reception. I had to ring the staff bell. I feel like I’m at, ‘The Bates’ Motel’! But we’ve had no shower scenes, so I’m fine… ha ha! Finally, the girl told ... read more

DISCLAIMER: Bill Gates decided to remove the “ability to capture a still photo from a movie” tool during his latest “update,” so you’re missing out on some tremendous scenic shots of the Great Barrier Reef. Thanks again, Bill! Tour Day 61-63, Cairns, Australia – Part 2 Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruise I selected this particular vendor for the Great Barrier Reef trip because the advertising touts free hotel pick-up. What I saved in two Uber trips damn near paid for the excursion itself and definitely made it much, much cheaper than any of the competition. The ride to Green Island was just over an hour. I had paid the premium for both the glass-bottom boat and the semi-submersible experiences and was scheduled for the former shortly after we were moored to the Green Island dock. ... read more

After an all too brief visit to Cairns to celebrate the boy's birthday, we headed once again toward Kuranda. This time by car rather than tourist train or Skyrail. As you pass over the Kuranda Range, rainforest changes quickly to dry eucalypts, grass trees and bigger ant hills. Davies Creek was our first stop. Massive granite outcrops with cool clear water making its way to the Barron River. The 850m circuit was a nice walk with some scrambles over rock face and pretty creek spots as well as a good view of the falls that would no doubt be very different in wet season. Next stop was Emerald Creek Icecreamery. The chocolate ginger was exceptional. We visited Meerba to grab a couple of things from the IGA. Kust past there Mount Uncle distillery had 4 gins, ... read more

On Saturday we arrived at our mooring outside Port Douglas. We weren't able to go ashore until after 10am. We went down for the morning quiz, (which we won again) and snaking through the Ocean Bar was a long queue waiting for tender tickets. I waited until it was near the end and then joined. We were still able to go in Group 4. After the quiz we watched as they launched the tenders and then noticed two large ferries coming from the mainland. Then we went into the bar to wait for our group to be called. It was not until about 11am that we got on board one of the larger boats and then it was a short ride to the wharf.It was a beautiful day and we enjoyed the sunshine and the fresh ... read more

After being spoilt for facilities (and having enjoyed a powered caravan site with an ensuite at Cairns), it was time to stretch our wings and enjoy another farm stay, this time at a little town called Mirriwinni, near Babinda. The farm stay had a crystal clear creek running through it, a spacious camp kitchen, a tropical fruit orchard, and two swimming holes, one with an Aqua Bike (more about that later). There were also two ponies who were always up for a pat, named Caramel and Cisco, and three dogs. We also captured our first image of a wild Ulysses Butterfly. Our first call of duty was to try out the new Italian Café in Babinda, called Francesca’s, and the coffee and cake did not disappoint. A genuine taste of Italy thanks to Francesca. We were ... read more