Japan & Oceanic Adventure 2017: Part 3: Cairns, Australia
4 friends. 3 countries. 5 cities. 3 weeks.
We said goodbye to Japan and headed south to Australia. Our first stop was Cairns. We didn't stay very long, only two and a half days. The main reason we stopped was to see the Great Barrier Reef.
Day 1:
We arrived in Cairns way too early in the morning, but luckily the hotel was ready for us and we were able to sneak in a quick nap.
After we rested for a bit, we set out to see a koala! Though, along the way we got a little distracted by the beauty views and wildlife.
After a short walk, we arrived at Cairns Zoom & Wildlife Dome. Here you can get your picture holding a koala! And if you aren't interested in seeing anything else there, you don't have to pay the entrance fee to get the koala picture.
Afterwards, it was time for some breakfast. We found a fantastic waffle place called Waffle On Cairns. Sweet, savory, something for everyone!
For the rest of the afternoon, we walked around town checking out some of the shops. We even came across a tree full of BATS!
We went back to the hotel for a quick break afterwards. Ali decided to try some of the Marmite & Vegemite he bought earlier. Conclusion: Big NOPE! I had a good laugh at his expense, though. Money well spent.
After our afternoon naps, we were off to the beach to enjoy the sunset. Ali found out that the beach was more mud than sand.
Once the sun was gone, we headed to Cock & Bull for dinner, where Ali was able to try kangaroo & alligator steaks. I stuck with fish & chips.
To end the night, we stopped by the Cairns Night Markets. A great place to grab a few souvenirs. I was able to get a "I love Cairns" t-shirt for just $7 there.
Afterwards, we headed back to the hotel again to get some rest for the night.
Day 2:
Day 2 was Great Barrier Reef Day! We had to get up with the sun in and head to the docks. Our guides to and around the reef for the day were Seastar Cruises. They were great.
Our day was divided up into two parts. The first stop was Michaelmas Cay! They took us to a little island and from there, we walked into the ocean and started our snorkeling. Here we saw some huge clams, beautiful fish, and even a sea turtle!
After a lunch break on the boat, we headed to Hastings Reef for another round of snorkeling.
Admittedly, I was a little disappointed that it wasn't as vibrant and colorful as I thought it was going to be, but it was still awesome to be able to experience the reef in person. And, one of the snorkeling guides were from Ohio (like me)! So, of course, we did the classic O-H-I-O photo.
After a full day of snorkeling, we grabbed some burgers at Outback Jacks.
Then some dessert at the night markets!
Day 3:
Day 3 was our last day in Cairns. Or last morning, to be more precise.
So, of course, we went back to Waffle On Cairns to eat those beautiful waffles one last time.
And so ended our time in Cairns. Its a small little town, but it was so relaxing and nice there. I'd love to go back and spend a little extra time there.
Next Stop: Sydney, Australia
