Blogs from Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia, Oceania - page 35

So onto the next part of our crazy adventure...... Our plan was put on hold by the arrival of Cyclone Larry in Cairns on the day of our flight. This was a serious cyclone (Category 4) and has caused lots of damage though luckily no casualties. We managed to change our flight to the Whitsunday Islands (several hundred miles further down the coast.) We flew into Hamilton Island (where Los lived and worked while she was here!) but it was a bit classy for us so we caught the ferry to Airlie Beach - backpacker town on the mainland. This was going to be the high point of the trip and I'd been looking forward to turquoise beaches and white sands but sadly the weather was pretty awful due to the after effects of the cyclone. ... read more

Well we finally see the ocean again and hit the east cost of Cairns!!! Cairns is a lovely town, very popular with tight arse backpackers like ourselves, so it's right up our street!!! The only downside is we arrived mid rainy season, and when I say rainy, non stop torrential raining for a week. With non stop rain, heat still early 30's, and 90% humidity, you can imagine the sweathole our camper was in!! We tried to escape the rain and headed north slightly to a gorgeous little town called Port Douglas. Albeit, the rain still followed! We stuck around for a few days, taking in some of the fantastic sights. Just a wee shame the weather was not on our side!... read more

Hello again. Hot and sticky in Port Douglas with yet more new software for dealing with photos. Fingers crossed - if not will try again next week - maybe my friends in Brisbane will have the facilities.... Great time in the Flinders last week - really enjoyed the peace and quiet and some walking. Driving around was good - so nice to have some independence. ... read more

Port Douglas I completed three dives on the Australian Great Barrier Reef on Friday October 21st. All three dives were fantastic, especially the last one. So many different types of fish to see. On the second dive, there were 5 foot reef sharks in the water with us. They were quite tame and swam around us. The tour group shot a video of us and Sarah and I purchased it to show all those who doubt that I was diving. As well, I have pictures to show everyone. Of course in typical Sarah and Nancy fashion, we left the DVD in Port Douglas, but luckily the hotel is mailing the DVD to Sarah in Ottawa. Cairns On Saturday we checked out of the hotel in Port Douglas and we headed on a one hour bus ride ... read more

Well a swimming and diving trip into the rainforrest south of Cairns yesterday- an amazing trip - infact the best organised trip weve been on yet. Jumping and sliding down waterfalls/ bum surfing and crocodile searching - will explain more tomorrow but for now onto Rob for todays briefing! Rob_ Today we were up at 6am for a coach trip down to Port Douglas, to catch the SILVER SWIFT (new boat) to the great barrier reef. Fantastic sunny day ideal for diving and snorkling. Boarded the boat for breakfast and set sail for the reef some 1 hr away. 1st stop. Dave and myself were first into the water, without wet suits, bad idea because 20mins later I was stung by a jelly fish on the shoulder and arm. Fantastic dive with great coral beds, and ... read more