After a wonderful week in Sydney (Part One), we packed a weekend bag for a trip to the Great Barrier Reef. Visiting the Great Barrier Reef was a bucket list item for as long as I can remember. The reef spans 1400 miles. One of the better places to explore the reef is in Cairns, in the northern portion of Australia. A short plane ride later we were in the mountainous, tropical city.
Cairns, itself, is popular for tourists due to the many activities available, and its close proximity to the reef. During the day most visitors are out on excursions, visiting the reef or nearby waterfalls. Crocodiles and jellyfish are abundant, leaving the Cairns coastline quiet and swimmer free. At night the town bustles with sun-kissed tourists filling up the rows of restaurants, ice cream shops and shopping market.
The tours to the Great Barrier Reef are plentiful. We chose a full day excursion that offered two stops with both scuba diving and snorkeling for all levels. In addition to scuba diving and snorkeling there are many other tours and activities available in the areas around Cairns.
The scuba diving was suitable for beginners, like myself, and allowed us to get in close proximity to all the jewels the reef has to offer. Snorkeling was equally satisfying as some of the more colorful fish swim close to the water’s surface.
Even with cloudy skies and rainy weather the reef delivered one beautiful sight after another. Enormous clams, robust coral, sea turtles and vibrant, social fish were some of the many wonders visible at the Great Barrier Reef.
The outskirts of Cairns, in the Queensland countryside, the rolling hills and green mountains create many waterfalls. During our second full day in Cairns, we did a tour of the waterfalls and nearby rainforest. One of the more notable waterfalls is known as Millaa Millaa Falls, meaning “water” by the Aboriginals.
After a few days in Cairns we flew back to Sydney to enjoy a little more time in Australia before flying back. We soaked up time at the beach and all the other little areas around Sydney that we loved during our first week.
In the mornings I was quick to adopt the habit of visiting one of the many independently owned coffee shops for a morning treat while quickly catching up with family via wifi. (My brother and sister welcomed twin boys during my trip overseas!) My drink of choice was the flat white, a popular Australian espresso beverage covered with a creamy layer of microfoam. After morning coffee I enjoyed walking around the neighborhood, window shopping the many shops and markets.
While the scenery throughout the trip was continuously beautiful, the locals also added to the appeal of Australia. Their politeness and inclination towards hospitality were welcoming in a world far away from our own. Phrases like “darling” and “good day mate” spoken in a lovely Australian accent made it fun to converse.
We stayed with my friend’s family while in Sydney and were fortunate to have their generosity and local suggestions. After work they would meet us at the beach or for cocktails. O Bar was a favorite, as we dined 47 floors up, rotating above the Central Business District.
I’m so thankful for this wonderful vacation to the land down under. If you love the beach and have a sense of adventure, add Australia to your list! Don’t let the long flight deter you. We left LAX around midnight (Dallas time), requested exit row seats, and slept a good portion of the flight out there. As far as cost, our biggest expense was the flight. Almost half of our day’s activities were free, and the cost for excursions and tours are reduced as the exchange rate favors the US.
Australia will forever hold a special place in my heart and I hope to visit again soon!
If you go to Sydney:
- Free activities: Walking tour, Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk, Manly Scenic walk, stroll across iconic Sydney Harbor Bridge, relax at one of the many beaches
- Favorite beaches: Bondi, Manly, Palm, Balmoral
- Favorite excursion: Blue Diamond Tours
- Favorite places for a cocktail: OBar (downtown with a view), Beach Club at Watsons Bay (on the water)
- Public Transportation: Opal (recommended)
- Current exchange rate
Live your life joyfully so,
Ashley
