One primary reason I chose Heron Island of many, many possibilities was that it's possible there to experience the reef without snorkeling. I'm a miserable snorkeler. Here, at low tide , being very careful where not to step, one can just walk out around the reef and see things. Of course, not as much as going deep, but still a most unique experience. Unfortunately, my IPhone camera doesn't go underwater, but this gives an idea. There was much, including colorful ...

Our first evening, we enjoyed the astronomy talk, with a good telescope and great dark skies here for seeing Venus, (what we'd been told was the Space Station, lol) , Jupiter, Saturn. It was my first time to see the rings ! And we just enjoyed the bird noise all night. First full day, after 2 days of transit, it was time for a walk. The island is less than a mile long, with the path ending at the beach. At first we were with a guide identifying trees, etc., ...

The other "must see" for us in Australia : The Great Barrier Reef. We were literally on the reef at Heron Island. This Island wasn't formed broken off from land or volcano. It built up from coral. It is less than a mile long. No crowds. Lodging was enjoyably rustic, almost camping. Tens of thousands of birds here. Awesome noise continuous, and plenty of guano. Ocean life very close-by, and easily visible from the walkways and the beach.

Time to board the ferry to Heron Island. To make sure we got there on time, we spent the night in Gladstone. Rather slow small town, even though it is a center for refining and shipping bauxite and other natural resources. The only taxi at the airport was leaving as we got to the curb. A janitor called another for us to share with a marine engineer destined for one of the ships. Between him and the fellow in the visitors center at our departure point, Dave enjoye...

On our way to the ocean, we passed through Brisbane, billed as the very up and coming city here. There was certainly plenty of action in the downtown pedestrian area. Much new development alongside beautiful old buildings. We enjoyed a walk along the river front park. Highlight was seeing the beach pool they've built. What a great idea, free for all ! Then as we got back to our hotel, there was a dance event going on "International Zouk Day". Great fun watching t...