Social Media | 2015 | Australia

Australia 2015

Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3
Narration by Susan Sloan
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Photo and Video:

Australia Trip Week Three, April 7 - April 10, 2015

Click on "day" links to see photo albums on Flickr!

In late March early April we went to Australia...

Day 15 - April 7, 2015, Monday
Narrative by Sue Sloan - Our experience today at the Outer Reef was magical. I loved every minute of it and it was Steve’s best day of snorkeling he’s ever had.

We went from Port Douglas to Agincourt Reef on a huge Quicksilver boat. When we arrived our boat was joined to their huge floating platform, a fascinating operation with an underwater observatory, a semi-submersible, the launching point to the snorkeling and diving areas plus lots of other amenities. We took the semi-submersible tour first – I was almost in tears seeing the sheer beauty of the underwater world at the reef. Then after viewing more in the underwater observatory and a great buffet spread for lunch, we got ready to snorkel.

I was all suited up in my stinger suit and life jacket while Steve chose not to use that gear. We got into the water from the very cool launching point and spent more time snorkeling than we ever have before. It was an endless feast for the eyes, so much to see, so much stunning coral, so many beautiful fish, it was truly amazing.

There’s good reason why it’s called the "Great" Barrier Reef. We had a nice boat ride back and enjoyed talking with a lovely young couple from Australia and Poland. An outstanding day in Queensland!
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Day 16 - April 8, 2015, Tuesday
Narrative by Sue Sloan - Today was a down day between Queensland adventures. We spent a relaxing day exploring Port Douglas. It started at Betty’s Bohemian Beach Café, a charming restaurant with great, healthy food. We strolled all around town, did some shopping, hung out at the hotel pool, and enjoyed the tropical weather sitting outside for dinner at a nearby restaurant.
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Day 17 - April 9, 2015, Wednesday
Narrative by Sue Sloan - Our last Australian adventures today feature the Skyrail and Kuranda Scenic Railway over the Atherton Tablelands and Kuranda. The day began with a beautiful, coastal drive along Captain Cook Highway from Port Douglas to Caravonica where we boarded the Skyrail Forest Cableway.

The Skyrail offered spectacular views of the Bush despite some rain. We stopped at Red Peak where we went on a guided walk through the forest where we saw Strangler Fig trees, then onto Barron Falls.

Our guide then transported us from the Skyrail and along the way we got to see a banana plantation, coffee farm, and an avocado farm. We stopped at a funky winery and then had lunch at a rustic spot that had the most delicious tea I’ve ever tasted. After stopping at a local museum we next went on the Kuranda Scenic Railway.

The railway was fun – we rode in a beautiful, old, first class car. It was a beautiful ride through the rainforest where we stopped at Barron Falls. We traveled through 15 tunnels and learned that a lot of the workers who built this railroad were from Italy. Then our guide took us to Cairns. We stopped at a tree with hanging Fruit Bats that feed on mangos. And finally we arrived at the Bay Village Retreat in Cairns to check in for our final night in Australia. The room was strange and we didn’t care for the hotel, but we did get to have dinner there at a nice Balinese restaurant. Some interesting cuisine included Lamb wrapped in banana leaves and rice served from a bamboo bowl .. a nice ending to an adventurous day.
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Day 18 - April 10, 2015, Wednesday
Narrative by Sue Sloan - Left Port Douglas, went to Karunda then to Cairns.
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Special Thanks

All the great folks who helped me out with information and inspiration for these Web pages!