We took our bus to the Sydney airport domestic terminal (farther from the hotel). Group check-in went very well. It was a 3-hour flight from Sydney to Cairns. There were a lot of people boarding, but the flight wasn't full.
Our Site Coordinator, Mark Pugh, met us at baggage claim. We boarded our bus for the day's activities (check-in later in the day).
We drove through the rainforest to the town of Kuranda. We walked through the market to Frogs Restaurant. Our area was already occupied. By a huge lizard. He wasn't afraid of us at all and hung out for our entire lunch.
We had a guided walk by Russell Boswell. We walked by the Barron River and learned about the river and rainforest.
We then had about 45 minutes of free time to wander around the town. I'd like to buy a didgeridoo in Australia. Russell directed me to an art gallery, Doongal Aboriginal Art. There was a lot to choose from. But the shipping was crazy expensive. It had tripled in price in the last couple of years. I need to think about it.
We met up at the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway (gondola) over the Wet Tropics World Heritage site (world's oldest tropical rainforest). We were surprised how long the ride was. The views were stunning. Barron Falls was roaring, due to recent rains. We also walked the boardwalk at Red Peak. Russell educated us on the unusual plant and animal life in the rainforest. At the very end of the ride, we spotted some wild wallabies!
We drove to the Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort and checked in. I grabbed a beer from the bar and took it to my room. Our bags were already in our rooms. I rested and organized.
We had a light dinner, while receiving a lecture from Dave O'Brien. He showed us where we'll be snorkeling (on the Great Barrier Reef!) tomorrow. He had pictures of the coral and fish that we'll see. I can't wait! I was too keyed up to sleep. So, I had a glass of wine by the pool.
Photo: Me at Barron Falls.
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