Cairns - pronounced Cans
16 - 22 January 2023
Cairns!! Our last, real, stop in Australia.
View from our hotel room, looking at the rainforest across the river.
We landed on Monday and finally found summer! It was hot and muggy!! We had lunch in a wonderful restaurant on the river. Julie’s back was still messing with her, so she rested, and Anthony took a nap. Next thing you know, the day was over.
A storm moved and the rain obscured the rainforest on the other side of the river.
On Tuesday, Anthony convinced Julie to find a place to get a massage. She did find one, just around the corner from the hotel, and it did the trick!!
That afternoon, we took a walk down the Cains esplanade keeping a close eye out for the crocs.
Artwork on the Esplanade
That night we went to the Night Market and FINALLY found a blown glass shop. We bought miniatures of Australian things that could kill you (Shark, Spider, Crocodile, Koala???) and plan to order a few more (Snake, Cassowary, Manta Ray, Wombat???). We came in 4th at trivia night at Hemingway’s, a local brew pub.
Julie and Turtles in the rain.
The massage made Julie feel so much better that she booked appointments for both Anthony and Julie for Wednesday morning. After, we drove to Port Douglas, had lunch and Julie got a hair cut. IT WAS AWFUL! She asked for 2 inches… and the lady took 5! Once again, Julie looks like a mushroom. Very Very not Happy.
Julie in the surf at 4 Mile Beach
Four Mile beach - swim at your own risk.
Four mile beach in Port Douglas
When snorkeling, we had to wear lycra dive suits to protect us from stingers.
We went snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef on Thursday. It was raining the whole time, but the fish did not care. We rented a Go Pro and got some photos.
The water rushes past as the Silverswift cuts through the waves. We were glad to have taken our Kwell before getting on.
Our dive boat, the Silverswift
Julie and Anthony with Darryl overlooking Cape Tribulation
On Friday we took a tour to the Mossman Gorge, Cape Tribulation, the Daintree rainforest and took a river tour looking for crocs. Unfortunately, the Mossman Gorge was closed due to a death a few weeks prior. Our guide, Darryl did his best to make up for the lack. We had a terrific lunch, featuring cooked crocs, hoppers and a wide variety of tropical fruits. We also had Daintree produced ice cream at Betty’s. We saw 5 small crocodiles on the cruise, which we think was 5 more crocs than the boat guy expected.
Julie on the walk at Cape Tribulation
Various flora and Fauna in the Daintree
Our guide, Darryl, convinced Anthony to eat a green ant, they are a good source of ascorbic acid. But Anthony is now paranoid his brain will be hijacked by zombie fungus.
Daintree Signs
Looking for Crocs in the Daintree, we saw some juveniles.
Saturday may have been the best day yet. First the sun was shining. Second, ANTHONY FOUND HIS WEDDING RING!!!!! It was in the suitcase, just sitting there.
Stoney Creek Falls from the Kuranda Scenic Railway
We took the Skyrail up to Kuranda, and then the Kuranda Scenic Railway back to Cairns. So many beautiful sights. Oh, yeah, and ANTHONY FOUND HIS WEDDING RING!
Skyrail selfie
Gliding over the rainforest. Yes, the gondola had a glass bottom.
Julie and Anthony at Barron Falls, on the Skyrail side of the mountain.
We visited the Butterfly Sanctuary in Kuranda.
Going to catch the train back down to Cairns
We stopped for a terrific view of Barron Falls.
Did we mention we sprung for the wine and cheese option? Thanks to Kevin and Nancy for the recommendation.
Anthony got video (which Julie edited in post) as the train past Stoney Creek Falls.
Our hotel had some of the best views of any place we have stayed so far, we took a lot of pictures off of the balcony.
Boat lit up, coming down the river.
Aussies love their building murals (apparently, Anthony does too.)
We stopped at Holloway’s beach on the way to the Cairns airport, where we took the obligatory rental car photo.
On Sunday we flew back to Sydney for one last night in Australia. Hello New Zealand!!
A view of the river, and our hotel from the plane.
One last sign at the Cairns airport.