Day 61 - CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA

 Date: 3/6/2024       Day 61                       Port: CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA

Description: Cairns is the capital of Far North Queensland, and its east coastal cities rest along the Great Barrier Reef. The state of Queensland occupies a vast 667,000 square miles and much of the land remains uninhabited, covered with miles of rainforest where Australian teak, hopp, pine and fig trees abound. Before 1879, when the city of Cairns was established, the only inhabitants of this region were the Aborigines, the culture for which Australia is perhaps best known.

Planned Excursions:

GREAT BARRIER REEF ADVENTURE (Ed)

9:15 AM 8.0 Hours                          Moderate Activity                           #CNS-008: $229.00

Enjoy a leisurely 90-minute sail to the Outer Great Barrier Reef by luxury catamaran.  Arrive at a pontoon atop the world’s lushest marine habitat, your playground for the next few hours.  Choose from a range of activities offered – semi-submersible ride, independent snorkeling, onboard underwater viewing chamber, optional scuba or escorted snorkeling, and more.  Experience breathtaking views of colorful reef fish and intricate coral gardens.  Graze an extensive buffet lunch with soft drinks included; bar drinks are available for an additional cost.

BUTTERFLY SANCTUARY & AUSSIE WILDLIFE (Cathy)

9:15 AM 4.0 Hours                          Moderate Activity                           # CNS-001: Free

Travel by coach to rainforest-surrounded Kuranda and enjoy an introductory drive through this charming mountain township.  Step inside the natural aviary at Australian Butterfly Sanctuary to meet its colorful residents; wear something bright and they might land on you.  Encounter kangaroos, wallabies and irresistibly cuddly koalas at the Koala and Wildlife Sanctuary.  Catch great Coral Sea and Green Island views on the way down the mountain and back to Cairns.

Today's Notes:  Two days ago I was able to change my excursion from what Cathy, Joe and Pat went on today, to snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef.  I nearly missed it.  The ship provides expert talks on places we are going to be visiting.  One of those was a talk on Cairns.  OMG we were going to be visiting the Great Barrier Reef, why had I not booked a snorkeling excursion.  So immediately, after the talk, I went down to the Destination desk.  I was lucky space was available.  You see, I have brought my own equipment and have not had a chance to use it yet.   At some of the South Pacific stops we missed due to weather, I had booked a snorkeling excursions.  

Pat got another chance today to hold a Koala.  So that's two days in row she got to hold one.  They enjoyed their excursion as I with my trip to the Great Barrier Reef.  There was quite a bit of rain off and on today.  Forecast for the next two remaining stops in Australia is much of the same.  

Click Here --> Great Barrier Reef video part 1

Click Here --> Great Barrier Reef video part 2

Click Here --> Great Barrier Reef video part 3