Thursday, March 1, 2012

29Feb Cairns, Australia

Cairns (pronounced similar as cans for those who are not familiar with Australia) is located in far north Queensland of Australia.
It is hub of Great Barrier Reef which is number one tourists’ attraction in the state of Queensland.
We had heavy rain fall every few hours as we arrived in the middle of monsoon season.
Our sail away time will be 3 am next morning for a high tide.
No sail away party this time, I guess? hhh

Town center, especially early in the morning, was very quiet compare to couple of years ago due to strong Australian dollar to US dollar.
According to a local business lady we have spoken to, their average business and regional in-bound tourism (noticeably from north America) has been decreased by more than 25%.

We decided to walk around the town to spend a day leisurely as we have been up here few times and have already been to most of tourists’ destinations.
Meanwhile, other fellow passengers were out and about to enjoy snorkeling in the reef, ride scenic railway or cable car to gorges and falls in Kuranda, experience aboriginal adventure, explore in tropical Daintree National Park, cruise to spot crocodiles in river…


Double rainbow surely is welcoming us.



Cruise terminal is currently undergoing construction for extension. White building behind the terminal is Cairns convention center.


Aussie way of having a break – drinking beer with mates!



Tropical trees know how to live together!



Spot the orange Teletuby! ^^





Trees and plants with exotic flowers make this place extra special.








The Esplanade with fox-tail palm trees lined up, the waterfront of Cairns



This tree has flowers resemble pineapple fruit



Helicopter tour must be the way to enjoy the bird-eye view of the Great Barrier Reef!!



Having a break


Exotic ginger trees



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