Cairns, THE GREAT BARRIER REEF, and the Rainforest

We flew from Sydney to Cairns early Monday morning, and spent the afternoon wandering the streets of Cairns and contemplating which day-trips we should embark on.

 We also checked off the Aussie "must-do"... HOLDING A KOALA!!!  Unfortunately, the people working there were a bit too cool for school.  Not sure whether they were just sick of their jobs, or whether we were pissing them off because we were taking personal pictures when we were not supposed to be.

 At night, we hit up the "night market" which was entertaining for a little while...

 To be honest, Cairns itself was a bit dissapointing.  There wasn't much going on and the city seemed pretty low-key.  However, we quickly found out that this is why Cairns is called the "Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef"- because it's gateway rather than a destination in itself.

The Great Barrier Reef (Scuba and Snorkle Trip)

 For our first full day in Cairns, we set out on a magnificent Scuba/Snorkle trip to the Great Barrier Reef!!!  It was an amazing trip.  The staff were friendly and accommodating, and the boat was super awesome.

But most importantly, I had the chance to do 2 scuba dives at THE Great Barrier Reef.  It was so cool to see the reef, even from above the water!!!  Actually, it's possible to see it from space!!!

Here are some pics:

Me All "dolled-up" in my Scuba Gear- Too bad Aritzia doesn't sell this stuff :(

If I have to be honest, the visibility under water was not as great as I would have expected, given the fact that it is, after all, the GREAT BARRIER REEF.  We even listened to advice and took a trip to the "outer reef" (whatever that means) becasue it is apparently better.  Either way, we had a really great time and saw some really cool things including: A SHARK!!!, Clams, Shells, Nemos in their anenome, a Baracuda, and other pretty and colourful fish!!!

Snorkling!

These underwater pics were taken by Simonne's digital underwater camera that she hired!!! COOOLLL!!!  Crazy where technology is taking us these days :)

We were even rewarded with a treat (actually more than one) along the way.  Here is a little clip of what we saw:

Atherton Tablelands (Rainforest)

Captain Matty (Barefoot Tours... literally)

Our Bus!!!

That Green Stuff is Water (nobody knows exactly how deep... but VERY deep)

Waterfall 1

Famous waterfall featured in a Herbal Essences Commercial

Mimicking the Herbal Essences Commercial

Out for Drinks Post Dinner!

Green Island

As our final outing from Cairns, we took a trip to Green Island.  Admittedly, I had my doubts about going at first because the hostel staff didn't seem too enthused about the idea... and seemed to suggest that some of the less touristy areas were more worthwhile.  Luckily, Simonne encouraged me to go anyhow... and IT WAS FANTABULOUS!!!  It was truly an unbelievable day.  The water was the most turquoise and clear I have ever seen and we had almost an entire beach to ourselves!!!

The pictures speak for themselves:

Green Island

It was particularly cool to see how quickly the tide went in and out.  When we arrived, the tide was in, but within a matter of, say,  20 minutes, the tide went out and you could walk about 100 meters into the water around the coral!!!  It was unbelievable.

Tide Went Out!!!

And then the sea creatures emerged when the tide went out!!!

Found a Star Fish!!!

Found a Big Clam!!!

A Sea Cucumber!!!

Fish Feeding!!!

At the end of the day, we went snorkling in the shallow waters.  All was fun and games, until I stumbled upon what I still believe to be 2 SHARKS!!!  Needless to say, I went into a state of panic and began yelling GET OUT OF THE WATER!!!  Eventually, we made it out of the water... but with wounds to show for it...

You should see what happened to Simonne...

And then... We were OFF for Part 3 of our adventure: Airlie Beach.  (but we had a 12 hour overnight bus ride to conquer first). 

We Bought a Magic Sketch Pad (and a Crossword book) for Entertainment Purposes