Cairns

Midway through our week, we stayed put and had a relaxing day of leisurely bike riding, walking along the beach and lots of balcony sitting.

The next day we were rested enough for a trip to Fitzroy Island where we took a long hike and enjoyed the coral beaches. Jim swam and tried stand up paddling-more like kneel paddling.. We had heard this was where the locals go, and thought it would be less hectic than some of the touristy islands, and indeed, it was relaxing.

 

The Coral Beach

This is Nudey Beach, but you need to take your togs!

After a late start on our last day, we were off to Daintree Rainforest. We prefer exploring on our own to the commercial tours, but that is not as easy in Australia as it is in New Zealand. However, we did manage to find our way to the Rainforest and the National Park. We took the ferry across the Daintree River and drove through the forest hoping we would spot a cassowary, but unfortunately we only saw the signs. I did, however catch sight of the “electric and iridescent” Ulysses butterfly. Absolutely stunning!

Ferrying across the Daintree River

I saw the butterfly for only a second, and took this pic from the web.

Serious speed bumps, but they have slowed the cars and saved cassowaries.

                                      

Thankfully, it was not the season for crocs, but we were careful regardless.

The meeting of Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef at Cape Tribulation