We have been in Cairns for 5 days now and its just nice not to be running about everyday sightseeing. We have spent two days just shopping and wandering about the city. The hostel is mega loud at night but we are managing to get some sleep!

Yesterday was the most amazing day so far this trip. We were up at 6am to get down to our catamaran to sail out to The Great Barrier Reef! There was about 80 passengers but the boat was big and never felt too crowded. Claire unfortunatly was very very sick, i think 4 times. It took us 2 and a half hours to sail to our first stop, which was Michaelhas Cay. It was a little beach with a massive bird santuary on it. The reefs were really shallow so we had to be careful we didnt scratch our legs on the coral. The colours were amazing and fishes of all the colours of the rainbow. We hired wet suits to save us burning as much. Lunch was a big buffet of pasta, salad, bread, meat and hot pasta and of course prawns. Claire didnt eat much incase of her throwing it all up again. Our second stop was right in the middle of the sea at Paradise Reef. We just had to jump pf the boat, which i needed a little courage to do! The sea was mega choppy so we decided to follow one of the crew and she showed us around the reef. We saw Nemo and a few massive clams. I enjoyed this snorkel better as the reef was deeper so no fear of cutting myself on coral.

We both agree its the best money we have spent. The company was Passions of Paradise and i would recommend them to everyone. The crew made sure claire was ok when she was ill and everyone was so helpful and friendly.

I did have factor 50 on and reapplied it many times but i managed to burn my arms a little. Whoops! First time in 3 weeks, not bad for my white scottish skin.

We have had some great meals in Cairns and i'll leave that for claire to fill in on the blog.

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Ok ...so the boat trip didn't agree with my stomach and i was 3 times not 4...spending most of the trip at the back of the boat with my head in a bag ...boo!! but the bumpy journey was worth it ....amazing snokeling on the first beach...right up close to the coral and fish...used up all my photos on that reef whoops! the sea drop reef was great too....long drops down the side though into the darkness...sharks???

food wise we ate bugs....mini local lobsters yum!

bought some dodgy white trainers for ayres rock...matching of course 2 for 15 pounds...and can't forget the 80's bargin bin johnny depp t-shirts...you gotta see the photos to understand! Claire