Seb's round-the-world tour: Australian life @ Cairns

Yeeeehaaa, so I made it to Australia, flying from Bangkok to Sydney then Cairns in a 17h trip. Quite smooth except that I have been sick most of the trip, probably with something eaten in Bangkok streets just before leaving... not the best experience, but ok, that's part of traveling so fine ;-)

View from the plane of Australia North-East coast

I have chosen to stay in Cairns few days, then do the great Barrier Reef then Sydney for a week. Originally, I wanted to do all the East coast then the Red Center, but this would have been too tiring, and not the best to really enjoy the places I see.

Arriving in Cairns Friday May 24th afternoon, I meet some people in the evening, and we plan a waterfall trip on Saturday. Great to start discovering the North-East Australia area, which is much greener than expected! There are big forests and a broken coast reaching the sea, nice views from the plane then trekking to the waterfall.

Jaap & Allan at the waterfall

Waterfall view

Trying my camera settings on the water flow...

Cairns partying :-)

In the evening, Jaap and I meet Allan's japanese friends for a fun party in the lively Cairns town, full of backpackers and youngsters :-).
After a great barbecue at Allan's place, we move the Cairns classics of PJ's and Woolshed... a long night!

Yorkey knob kitesurfing beach

On Sunday, tough wake-up at 9am but this is to go kitesurfing on the North beaches, as a good 25 knot wind was planned. The beach is quite nice, with a kind of white sand and a quite shallow bay where we can kite on a flat water. Despite the wind wasn't as strong as forecasted, this was still a great day in the sun & sea, enjoying Australia. Another nice Dutch guy met after the session, who's sharing beers and driving me back to town, fantastic.

On Monday (May 27th), I take easy, rent a bike and go touring Cairns city. Not so much to see, but enjoyable to ride around, see the city organization, various shops & building, waterfront and lagoon, as well as the small Botanic garden.

Cairns esplanade pool

Cairns lagoon view... city in the background
Also, potential risk of crocodiles, wow!!

Tuesday (May 28th), I join a day-tour to the Daintree rainforest & Cape Tribulation. Daintree is a tropical rainforest, reaching the edge of the sea, and is the oldest forest in the world, with very ancient and diverse species of plants, insects & animals.
I was not especially thrilled to go there... but found it very interesting, as this is clearly something we do not have in Europe! Great feeling to walk into this rainforest, with amazing plants & trees. Pictures do not really show how it was, but still posting few ;)
Also, had a brief but interesting contact with the local Aboriginals Australians, talking a bit about their habits & culture, and of course showing the Didjeridoo!