Australia

Back in 1987, after spending a year in Singapore, we spent a fortnight in and around Cairns, Queensland, in the ending winter (September). There, we found a fantastic travel agency: every day we were free, they would find on the spot a trip, ranging between one and four days, in the Cairns surroundings. That’s how we walked, drove, rod, sailed, swam, dived or flew in the bush, mountains, sea or islands. Here’s a few details.

*** DRIVING IN THE BUSH ***

A three day trip in the moutains north of Cairns, with Mike, our very friendly German driver. After 15 years in Australia, he was the perfect guide, knowing all plants, animals and tricks to « survive » in the bush. We rode up to Tribulation cape, a wild coast were Captain Cook endured some sailing problems, then up in the Main Coast Range mountains.

With Mike, our German driver and guide, and his land cruiser

We’re like ants on a tropical ficus tree!

Dancing on Tribulation Cape, two centuries after Captain Cook!

Catching a young python…

At night, we would enjoy lunch cooked on a campfire, while drinking the famous Foster’s lager!

I did fetch that wood, but don’t expect me to do the cooking!

We’re starving and it takes ages to get that meal cooked…

Mike, I’m ready. Do you want me to drive?

Swimming in the icy water of Blomfield waterfall is just great!

Blomfield waterfall seems the coolest place ever!

Beware of one legged croc!

Near Mossman, fetching a drink…

Having a drink…

… and being happy!

I think we’re lost. Where’s the sea?

It doesn’t matter, just look at me!

*** RAFTING DOWN THE TULLY RIVER ***

Are you sure we should go?

Just get ready!

The next pictures were taken by the organizing people.

Before the departure, everyone is confident…

The first rapids are hilarious!

Its getting tough!

Now, it’s really exhilarating!

The big dive!

Eventually, we survived…

*** BUSHWALKING NEAR PORT DOUGLAS ***

This is not bushwalking, but rather bare-foot walking in a soft sandy path…

What will I do now?

Fetching a coconut, the local way!

I did it!

***  OVER THE CORAL REEF  ***

On Helen’s yacht!

Don’t worry, I can drink and drive… Specially when Helen is at the wheel!

With Helen, it’s total friendship.

Snorkeling over the coral reef is stunning!

***  RIDING A VINTAGE TRAIN  ***

Kuranda station displays luxuriant plants!

Boarding the Cairns to Kuranda train

In the train, some people keeps their eyes wide open…

while others don’t!

The Barsan waterfalls, near Kuranda…

… seen from the train.

***  RIDING A HORSE IN THE BUSH  ***

First encounter of the horse type…

Getting ready!

Off we go!

BBQ time is welcome!

After lunch, I’m in a much better mood!

Experienced riders…

***  FLYING IN A HELICOPTER TO THE WHITSUNDAY ISLANDS  ***

Waiting for the pilot…

Who’s the pilot?

Arriving at the Whitsunday_islands

At South Molle, playing with a wallaby…

… can turn out dangerous!

Unless you can tame the wallaby!

Definitively much easier with the parrots!

Touring the island seemed an easy job… until we faced the mangrove!

Would be much faster if I could move as Tarzan…

Eventually, we did it!

***  A DAY IN TOWNSVILLE   ***

Back to civilization!