Cairns

On to Cairns we go. Only a couple of hours and we stop first at Mamu treetops Skywalk. Very similar to Denmark, but tropical rainforest and better view.

After this went to Josephine Falls. Very pretty, but slightly touristy. Water off the mountain was cold.

Onwards to Cairns Coconut Resort caravan park. Kids really excited as more waterslides, jumping pillows and 3 swimming pools. Also playground, table tennis and tennis.

Trip into Cairns to vote next morning. What a challenge to decide who to vote for. Miserably poor selection of candidates for lower house, but relatively interesting compared to the depressingly poor upper house. Really politicians have got to be able to do better than this. Edwina overheard people next to her discussing voting for United Australia party, but then this is Queensland .

Also went to the free public swimming area at the wharf. Really good facility although rather full of backpackers. Aren’t I turning into a snob.

Went on reef tour, but unfortunately weather has turned and overcast and windy. A bit of a swell also developed. 2 hours out to the pontoon and miraculously only Vivienne vomited. Travacalm worked beautifully and amazingly Edwina and Robbie managed to keep their breakfast down. Booked in a guided tour for the family when we arrived and a marine biologist towed the kids around, pointing out things to see. They got to see loads of fish, including “Nemo”, giant clams, a huge wrasse and a turtle.

Kids enjoyed, but had enough as pretty cold in the wind.

Rest day in Cairns was a relaxing day in pool and playing about.

Decided to stay one more night so we could stay for Mother’s day. We went up the coast to Port Douglas. Really busy road which follows the coast. Very pretty, but very bendy and only got halfway before the vomiting started. First Estella and then Robbie. Luckily we had restocked the plastic bags. Of course as it’s Mother’s day, Edwina had the bright idea that dad got to sort out the vomit bags.

Port Douglas had a Sunday Market which was good for the kids. The girls got bracelets and Robbie an elastic band gun (we may live to regret that). Also got to try sugar cane juice at last, and definitely worth the wait. Delicious straight or mixed with lime or ginger. Mother’s day lunch in pub and then ice cream before trip back (travacalm assisted this time).