To Cairns & Return Pt.3

Day 6 of trip -  well we made it to Cairns and today we are up early to head down to the wharf area in Cairns to board the catamaran for our day trip to Green Island. Because we were early, we decided to have a cuppa and something light to eat at a coffee place on the wharf.

The trip out to the island is just over an hour and considering that is was a bit 'bumpy', it was a pleasant trip.

Heading towards Green Island.

Once the vessel docked and tied up at Green Island we were able to disembark and go discover and enjoy the island. Although there is a resort on the island, 'day trippers' are able to avail themselves of some of the resorts facilities. We decided that we would not avail ourselves of the snorkelling or scuba diving options, however with a little encouragement from her hubby, Janine was persuaded to have a go at snorkelling - something she has never done before. Janine's Peter and I chose to do the semi-submarine option, and all four of us chose to go on the glass-bottom boat (included in basic price). For an additional cost you could have a buffet lunch on board the catamaran, however we chose to just get something on the island.

Prior to lunch Janine did her snorkelling and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. (My) Peter and I decided to walk along the boardwalk to various sections of the island which was most pleasant, although the wind was quite strong.

This second photo is looking across the water towards Fitzroy Island.

We met up for lunch with us and Janine having hamburgers and chips and Janine's Peter decided to try a kangaroo hamburger and a beer! That is one thing I could not bring myself to do - eat our iconic Australian emblems(being the kangaroo and the emu).

Whilst Janine & Peter wandered off for a wander along the boardwalk, (my) Peter and I indulged in an ice cream each.

Once Peter & Janine came back, it was time to wander back down to the catamaran to line up for your glass-bottomed boat excursion, which although choppy, was very good, and we saw lots of what is know as 'dinner plate fish'.

This photo is of the 'fish frenzy' happening when they were fed.

Now came the time for Peter and I to go aboard the semi-submarine to see the fish from under the water. Sadly it was not as good as I thought it would be, the tide was going out and the water was being stirred up, as well as the windows being a little on the not so clean side. I did not have a pleasant time with the semi-submersible being buffeted around with the wind and swell, and with this in mind, I beat a hasty retreat to the top area of the vessel which was above water. (My) Peter said I looked rather white on my return, which means I must have been really seedy as I wore a tinted moisturiser and for him to say I was white ....... well!!

Anyway, I had some water and a couple of ginger tablets for the trip back to Cairns which was marginally calmer than the trip over to the island.

Back on dry land again, and everyone agreed that a great day was had by all.

Day 7 of our trip - saw us heading off early again, this on different modes of transport. Today we are heading up to Kuranda and their famous markets. To begin, we drove over to the Freshwater Station in readiness to catch the heritage Kuranda Rail train whish would take approx. 1 1/2 hours to reach the top. Again, because we were early - much rather this that be running late - we had a cuppa on the station.

What a lovely trip! The train meandered it's way through the suburbs of Cairns before beginning a steady climb up the range.

There was a 10 minute stop at the Barron Falls for everyone to jump off and take some photos before getting back on the train for the climb up to Kuranda.

As you can see, there is some water going over the falls, but when it is in flood, it truly is a magnificent site.

Finally we reached the top and pulled into Kuranda Station, and oh my goodness, what a beautiful looking station.

We wandered our way up through the main street of Kuranda, before calling into the information centre to show Peter & Janine a model of the Cassawary bird.

Then it was onto the markets area before returning up town for lunch. And of course, true to our form, we found a bakery and had a yummy lunch. We also found a fudge shop and oh yum, were they delicious.

 

This is a chilli shop at the markets that caught Janine's eye. Her Peter had a couple of taste testing and eventually purchased some chilli.

Now was the time to head back up the main street and over to Skyrail Terminal for our return trip to Cairns.

On this trip we have a break at Barron Falls again (from the other side) and then Red Peak before heading into Cairns.

Overlooking Cairns from the gondola of the Skyrail.

Now to all intense and purposes I don't believe I was suppose to take this photo as it was taken and you were supposed to pay for the print. However, it was shown on a screen as we walked into the shop area and me being me, took a photo of it!

Once outside of the skyrail terminal, we hopped onto a shuttle bus to take us back to Freshwater station so we could pick up the car and head back to our caravan park base.

Day 8 of our trip - not quite so early a start today, with us heading north out of Cairns for a day trip up to Mossman and the Daintree.

The drive along the coastline is beautiful particularly with the sun sparkling on the waters of the Coral Sea.

As you can see, the road is right beside the ocean.

First stop was Mossman for morning tea before heading onto the Daintree. A little disappointed with the small township, however I guess it is just a 'staging post' for heading further north across the ferry and up to Cape Tribulation.

The Daintree Ferry
We headed down the road towards the ferry to have a look, turned around and started to head back, but we spotted a parking area with a bit of activity over the other side and decided to investigate.

Having parked the car and starting to walk over, we were greeted by a man who offered us a 'young senior's deal'  ($20 each) on a boat trip up the Daintree river.

Oh wow! What a beautiful location. Our guide pointed out a green tree snake on the edge of the river, before heading further upstream.

There he showed us a total of 3 crocodiles - 2 females (Lizzy and Dusty) and a 4m male called Nate. I think it was Lizzy who our guide said had just polished off a wild pig and was rather 'plump' and taking it easy sunbaking on the bank.

On returning to the jetty and back to the car, we headed back to Mossman for lunch - another bakery, and then out to the Mossman Gorge.

These days you cannot take your vehicle up to the Gorge, but leave it at the Visitors Centre before hopping on a shuttle bus to take you up to the Gorge so you can take a wander and have a look at a great sight.

Time to now head back to Cairns, have a nice dinner and an early night, for tomorrow it will be time to start to get things ready to hit the road again the day after, when we will be beginning to head towards home - our time in the tropics has all but come to an end.

Day 9 of our trip - Today is was a day to relax - sort of - first off was a lazy breakfast, then catch up with some washing before heading into Cairns itself for a leisurely day of some retail therapy. (My) Peter is planning on taking the car into a carwash, and Janine's Peter has hired a road bike (he is an avid bike rider) and is going for a ride around the hills of Cairns.

Janine and I wandered around town stopping off and surveying a lovely tea/coffee/chocolate shop. Next came a cuppa at a lovely café before some more wandering around the shops and along the lovely foreshore of Cairns.

We finally ended up at a café on the wharf where Janine & I indulged in a lovely lunch with a beautiful lookout over Trinity Inlet.

Definitely time to head back to base, and get things in order for our departure tomorrow.
So for now, farewell from Cairns and Far North Queensland.