Cairns 01.07.17 - 09.07.17 - Part 2

4th July
Great Barrier Reef trip

Up early and down to the peir to catch our boat out to the reef, it had finally stopped raining so we had a beautiful day with the weather. Upon boarding the boat we had to collect snorkel, mask and fins. Then we were briefed about safety and the day events. It took about 2 hours to reach the first reef, many people got sea sick...I stayed clear of them! 

Norman's reef...we had arrived so we geared up and jumped in the water. It was so much fun seeing all the fish and coral. Joaquín and I hired an underwater camera and had a blast taking photos and videos of us and the fish. 

We also joined another couple for a guided tour around the reef with a marine biologist. She told us lots of facts about the coral and fish. One fact I loved (and remembered) is: Sea cucumbers breath out of their bums so there hole is always open, some fish have decided that in there is a perfect place to make a home! I got to see Nemo (clown fish) but numbers of these have declined in the wild because people come and take them for pets and selling since the movie was made. That is a real shame! After about 2 hours in the water it was time for lunch. Off to another reef called Hastings Reef for some more snorkeling, saw more beautiful fish and took many more photos. 

It was annoying being on quite a big boat with many people, you had to swim quite far to have your own space and not be kicked by people who had never worn flippers before! It was then time to get out and dry off for the journey back to main land; we had some live entertainment all the way back. After arriving back at the hostel we were both soooo tired, after downloading the photos we had a nap but my nap turned into a nights sleep. Joaquín went out with Pablo for pizza.

5th July
Rainforest

Up early again to be picked up by minibus which took us to Freshwater station. We waited here to board the train which took us up to Kuranda, we saw some magnificent scenery and went past a huge waterfall. 

We passed through loads of tunnels, went over many bridges and round lots of bends. 

Before arriving at Kuranda we stopped at Barron Falls, another huge waterfall, for a few minutes.

Monty enjoyed the views from the window.

After arriving we got some lunch and then had a wonder around the markets. Joaquín hadn't tried fudge before so we got some. Eating fudge we did a jungle walk through the rainforest and down by the river before coming up to the skyrail.

Monty enjoyed hanging about in the rainforest!

We jumped on the skyrail and headed over the mountains just above the canopy and heard some lovely bird songs. 

Took a coach back to the hostel and had a chilled evening.