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Mike Howells | profile | all galleries >> Galleries >> September 2006 - Australia - Cairns tree view | thumbnails | slideshow

May 2002 - Mauna Kea - Hawaii | May 2002 - Boeing 767-300 Cockpit Tour - Lambert (STL) | December 2002 - Manhattan, New York | In Memory of Laddie | September 2006 - Australia - Introduction | September 2006 - Australia - Sydney | September 2006 - Australia - Melbourne | September 2006 - Australia - Cairns | June 2023 - UK - London | June 2023 - UK - Scotland | June 2023 - France - Paris | In Box

September 2006 - Australia - Cairns

We spent four days in Cairns. Cairns is a regional city and Local Government Area located in far northern Queensland. The city is rapidly expanding, with a population over 146,000 and is reliant on the sugar and tourism industries. Cairns is a popular travel destination for foreign tourists because of its tropical climate and proximity to many attractions. The Great Barrier Reef is only one-and-a-half hours away by boat. Located only 17 degrees below the equator the weather in Cairns was very similar to the weather in Hawaii. It was in the 80's during the day and 60's at night. We never encountered any storms and the weather for the most part was very tranquil. Chelle and I spent our time in Cairns snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef (Michaelmas Cay), visiting the Kurunda rainforest, and visiting with some Australian residents who used to live in our apartment community in St. Louis. Remember you can click on a photo for a larger image.
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Our transporation to the Great Barrier Reef is Ocean Spirit I. A 118 ton schooner rig catamaran
Our transporation to the Great Barrier Reef is Ocean Spirit I. A 118 ton schooner rig catamaran		 People hung out on the deck for the 1.5 hour trip to Michaelmas Cay. Numerous people unfortunately succumbed to seasickness
People hung out on the deck for the 1.5 hour trip to Michaelmas Cay. Numerous people unfortunately succumbed to seasickness		 The captain raises the sail as we hit 9 knots speed with a good 25 knot wind across the bow
The captain raises the sail as we hit 9 knots speed with a good 25 knot wind across the bow		 As we headed out of port there were some sprinkles but it soon gave way to mega sunshine
As we headed out of port there were some sprinkles but it soon gave way to mega sunshine
As we approach Michaelmas Cay the government allows us to feed the fish once a day. They go crazy as we feed them
As we approach Michaelmas Cay the government allows us to feed the fish once a day. They go crazy as we feed them		 Our Beach Buggy is already tied-up as our crew rides a tender to retrieve it
Our Beach Buggy is already tied-up as our crew rides a tender to retrieve it		 A view from the shore of Michaelmas Cay. The Cay was mind bogglingly beautiful
A view from the shore of Michaelmas Cay. The Cay was mind bogglingly beautiful		 Our group gets ready to snorkel. Ocean Spirit is one of only 3 vessels permitted physical access to the Cay
Our group gets ready to snorkel. Ocean Spirit is one of only 3 vessels permitted physical access to the Cay
Chelle with her flippers and wet suit. The wind was 25 kts and the water was 70 F requiring a wet suit for comfort
Chelle with her flippers and wet suit. The wind was 25 kts and the water was 70 F requiring a wet suit for comfort		 Chelle standing with the numerous birds in the background.
Chelle standing with the numerous birds in the background.		 Our Beach Buggy begins to take people to and from Ocean Spirit I
Our Beach Buggy begins to take people to and from Ocean Spirit I		 Indigenous birds to Michaelmas Cay. There were about 5,000 birds that day and they were very loud
Indigenous birds to Michaelmas Cay. There were about 5,000 birds that day and they were very loud
The birds include a: Crested Tern, Common Noddy, Booby Bird, Sooty Tern, Lesser Crested Terns and Silver Gulls
The birds include a: Crested Tern, Common Noddy, Booby Bird, Sooty Tern, Lesser Crested Terns and Silver Gulls		 A view of Ocean Spirit anchored far from shore
A view of Ocean Spirit anchored far from shore		 Michaelmas Cay took 5,000 years to form from the wind and water
Michaelmas Cay took 5,000 years to form from the wind and water		 All of these birds are currently nesting and protecting their eggs from predators
All of these birds are currently nesting and protecting their eggs from predators
Because this is a protected area we were required to stay behind the white rope
Because this is a protected area we were required to stay behind the white rope		 Michaelmas Cay info
Michaelmas Cay info		 Michaelmas Cay info
Michaelmas Cay info		 We are now onboard Ocean Spirit I as we finish snorkeling and head back to Cairns
We are now onboard Ocean Spirit I as we finish snorkeling and head back to Cairns
A few people from other cruise companies are left behind as we begin to head back to Cairns
A few people from other cruise companies are left behind as we begin to head back to Cairns		 This is as close as other people can get to the Cay. Only three tourist operators are allowed to physically land on the Cay
This is as close as other people can get to the Cay. Only three tourist operators are allowed to physically land on the Cay		 As we approach Cairns notice how muddy the water becomes
As we approach Cairns notice how muddy the water becomes		 We must stay within these channel markers which are dredged to 30 ft. Veer outside of this and risk running aground
We must stay within these channel markers which are dredged to 30 ft. Veer outside of this and risk running aground
Our next stop is Kuranda the village in the rainforest. Here we wait to board our train
Our next stop is Kuranda the village in the rainforest. Here we wait to board our train		 Time to head outside and wait for our train. Gotta stay behind the yellow line
Time to head outside and wait for our train. Gotta stay behind the yellow line		 A horse riding academy was right across from the train platform entertaining us while we waited
A horse riding academy was right across from the train platform entertaining us while we waited		 Freshwater Pony Club
Freshwater Pony Club
A view of the obstacle course as the rider and horse cool down in the shade
A view of the obstacle course as the rider and horse cool down in the shade		 Large bush or small tree? This purple flowers had explosive color
Large bush or small tree? This purple flowers had explosive color		 Closeup of the riders and their horses
Closeup of the riders and their horses		 As we begin our train ride up to Kurunda we pass by numerous sugar cain fields which are very popular in Cairns
As we begin our train ride up to Kurunda we pass by numerous sugar cain fields which are very popular in Cairns
This is new housing constructions in Cairns. Notice the solid sheet metal roofs. No shingles used here
This is new housing constructions in Cairns. Notice the solid sheet metal roofs. No shingles used here		 A small waterfall as we get close to Barron Falls
A small waterfall as we get close to Barron Falls		 A view from inside the packed train. We didn't get great seats but our view would improve once outside the train
A view from inside the packed train. We didn't get great seats but our view would improve once outside the train		 If you could get down there it would be a nice place to swim but the water is probably very cold
If you could get down there it would be a nice place to swim but the water is probably very cold
A waterfall feeding a small reservoir
A waterfall feeding a small reservoir		 Another view of the reservoir which is a very steep drop hundreds of feet below
Another view of the reservoir which is a very steep drop hundreds of feet below		 A train stop at Barron Falls. Gives us a chance to take some pictures and stretch our legs
A train stop at Barron Falls. Gives us a chance to take some pictures and stretch our legs		 A view from inside the train. All of the seats are on the right side of the cabin
A view from inside the train. All of the seats are on the right side of the cabin
As we finish the train ride we enter Kuranda Koala Gardens
As we finish the train ride we enter Kuranda Koala Gardens		 Crocodiles sunning themselves
Crocodiles sunning themselves		 Closeup of a crocodile. He was small and nowhere near as big as those Steve Irwin-sized crocodiles
Closeup of a crocodile. He was small and nowhere near as big as those Steve Irwin-sized crocodiles		 Time to see more Koalas
Time to see more Koalas
It's difficult to see here but this Koala has a newborn hiding in its pouch (same as a kangaroo)
It's difficult to see here but this Koala has a newborn hiding in its pouch (same as a kangaroo)		 Chelle is briefed by the handler as she prepares to hold a Koala for the first time
Chelle is briefed by the handler as she prepares to hold a Koala for the first time		 Picture of Chelle holding a Koala. Checkout those claws for climbing
Picture of Chelle holding a Koala. Checkout those claws for climbing		 A mother with its 11-month old baby Koala. Their climbing skills are simply amazing
A mother with its 11-month old baby Koala. Their climbing skills are simply amazing
A good view of a Koala's claws used for climbing and gripping. They have 3 fingers and 2 thumbs
A good view of a Koala's claws used for climbing and gripping. They have 3 fingers and 2 thumbs		 Opals are huge in Australia and this was one of many Opal dealers that we saw
Opals are huge in Australia and this was one of many Opal dealers that we saw		 The sign to the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway as we approach the entrance (www.skyrail.com.au)
The sign to the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway as we approach the entrance (www.skyrail.com.au)		 Spanning 7.5km, Skyrail Rainforest Cableway traverses the McAlister Range, through the Barron Gorge National Park
Spanning 7.5km, Skyrail Rainforest Cableway traverses the McAlister Range, through the Barron Gorge National Park
A view of the mighty Barron River as we pass over
A view of the mighty Barron River as we pass over		 People can also take a boat ride on the Barron River for a more up close and personal tour of the river
People can also take a boat ride on the Barron River for a more up close and personal tour of the river		 It's a long way down (over 100 ft) from where we are to the rainforest below
It's a long way down (over 100 ft) from where we are to the rainforest below		 The cable car in front of us is not really that close as I used zoom in this picture
The cable car in front of us is not really that close as I used zoom in this picture
Only 1% of the sunlight reaches the very bottom of the rainforest below
Only 1% of the sunlight reaches the very bottom of the rainforest below		 This is the highest point in the trip. Notice the anenometer (wind gauge) at the top of the tower (the wind was strong that day)
This is the highest point in the trip. Notice the anenometer (wind gauge) at the top of the tower (the wind was strong that day)		 We are over the top and now headed into our first stop
We are over the top and now headed into our first stop		 We enter Barron Falls station
We enter Barron Falls station
Welcome to Barron Gorge National Park - part of the traditional lands of the Djabugay Aboriginal people
Welcome to Barron Gorge National Park - part of the traditional lands of the Djabugay Aboriginal people		 This is not their wet season so Barron Falls is pretty weak right now
This is not their wet season so Barron Falls is pretty weak right now		 The Falls are at their most spectacular during the green (wet) season, December through to March
The Falls are at their most spectacular during the green (wet) season, December through to March		 This is a picture of what Barron Falls looks like after an all-out rain event
This is a picture of what Barron Falls looks like after an all-out rain event
A view of Barron Gorge way down below. If you are afraid of heights this ride is not for you
A view of Barron Gorge way down below. If you are afraid of heights this ride is not for you		 A zoomed-out view of Barron Falls and the hydroelectric dam
A zoomed-out view of Barron Falls and the hydroelectric dam		 This is a clearing in the rainforest. Sometimes a tree will fall causing new light to fall into formerly dark places
This is a clearing in the rainforest. Sometimes a tree will fall causing new light to fall into formerly dark places		 This gives a good view of the cable structure of the Skyrail. The cables used are seriously think at around 2-3 inches of steel
This gives a good view of the cable structure of the Skyrail. The cables used are seriously think at around 2-3 inches of steel
This gigantic tree is an anomaly in the rainforest. This is called an emergent towering up to 200 ft above the rainforest floor
This gigantic tree is an anomaly in the rainforest. This is called an emergent towering up to 200 ft above the rainforest floor		 As we re-enter the Skyrail terminal we stop to listen to a guide talking about python snakes in the ferns in front of him
As we re-enter the Skyrail terminal we stop to listen to a guide talking about python snakes in the ferns in front of him		 As we exit the Caravonica Terminal we are treated to this jaw dropping scene of the city of Cairns and the ocean below
As we exit the Caravonica Terminal we are treated to this jaw dropping scene of the city of Cairns and the ocean below		 Cairns is a growing city with a lot of new housing construction visibile in the lower center of this picture
Cairns is a growing city with a lot of new housing construction visibile in the lower center of this picture
A view of Cairns and the coastline with a commercial plane on approach to Cairns airport (CNS)
A view of Cairns and the coastline with a commercial plane on approach to Cairns airport (CNS)		 A wide angle view of rural Cairns from just below Caravonica Terminal
A wide angle view of rural Cairns from just below Caravonica Terminal		 A wide angle view of rural Cairns from just below Caravonica Terminal
A wide angle view of rural Cairns from just below Caravonica Terminal		 As we descend we discover this large blue pool and try to figure out what it is. A public pool perhaps?
As we descend we discover this large blue pool and try to figure out what it is. A public pool perhaps?
Upon closer inspection we start to see obstacles such as jumps in the water
Upon closer inspection we start to see obstacles such as jumps in the water		 Closer yet we start to see people water skiing
Closer yet we start to see people water skiing		 Check it out. People are water skiing by hanging onto an elevated rope above their heads. How fun would this be!
Check it out. People are water skiing by hanging onto an elevated rope above their heads. How fun would this be!		 A view of the device holding the automated rotating rope system for the skiers to use
A view of the device holding the automated rotating rope system for the skiers to use
Skiers enjoying a beautiful afternoon. Notice the one dude who wiped out who swam to shore
Skiers enjoying a beautiful afternoon. Notice the one dude who wiped out who swam to shore		 At the end of our Skyrail journey we come to the Aboriginal section of our tour to learn how to throw a boomerang
At the end of our Skyrail journey we come to the Aboriginal section of our tour to learn how to throw a boomerang		 Chelle walks out to the Aboriginal boomerang throwing master. This is much more difficult than it looks
Chelle walks out to the Aboriginal boomerang throwing master. This is much more difficult than it looks		 Chelle begins her throw and by far is the best throw of the day. The instructor asks if she's ever thrown a boomerang before
Chelle begins her throw and by far is the best throw of the day. The instructor asks if she's ever thrown a boomerang before
Next after throwing boomerangs we were taught how to throw a spear which was impossible. Noone could do it properly
Next after throwing boomerangs we were taught how to throw a spear which was impossible. Noone could do it properly		 The next day was a free day as we headed to the Cairns oceanfront to take some pictures. Sign reads 30 degrees C (86 F)
The next day was a "free" day as we headed to the Cairns oceanfront to take some pictures. Sign reads 30 degrees C (86 F)		 A good portion of the beach area is muddy referred to as the Muddies or just plain mud beach. The birds love it though
A good portion of the beach area is muddy referred to as the Muddies or just plain mud beach. The birds love it though		 Kids playing in the sand near the Muddies
Kids playing in the sand near the Muddies
A public pool in the heart of Cairns near the ocean
A public pool in the heart of Cairns near the ocean		 This bird grabbed a huge fish and took a very long time to swallow it
This bird grabbed a huge fish and took a very long time to swallow it		 Pictures of our hotel in Cairns called the Cairns Tropical Bay Resort. This was our floor that opens directly to the outside
Pictures of our hotel in Cairns called the Cairns Tropical Bay Resort. This was our floor that opens directly to the outside		 Palms in the courtyard
Palms in the courtyard
Some people sunned themselves during the day while others played cards outside on the available tables
Some people sunned themselves during the day while others played cards outside on the available tables		 A small pool was available that some people took advantage of
A small pool was available that some people took advantage of		 This reminded me a lot of hotels in Hawaii. Everything is open to the outside. The front lobby desk is to the left
This reminded me a lot of hotels in Hawaii. Everything is open to the outside. The front lobby desk is to the left		 Last but certainly not least we were able to meet-up with some of Chelle's former residents who live in Australia!
Last but certainly not least we were able to meet-up with some of Chelle's former residents who live in Australia!
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