Cairns, Australia

It is April 2, 2019 and we arrived in Cairns, Australia (pronounced Cans by the locals) it is a city in the Cairns Region of Queensland. The city had a population of 144,787 in 2015. Cairns is a popular tourist destination because of its tropical climate and access to both nearby tropical rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef, one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

Cairns has hot, humid summers and milder temperatures in winter. Mean maximum temperatures vary from 78.3 degrees F in July to 88.7 degrees F in January. The average temperature of the sea ranges from 74.8 degrees F in July to 84.9 degrees F in January. Highest temperature on record is 108.7 degrees F in November and the lowest temperature is 43.2 degrees F in June. Average annual rainfall is 79 inches and the highest rainfall on record is 170 inches in one year.

We traveled by van with eight other people to Atherton Tropical Tableland; a rain forest about a one hour drive from the cruise terminal. Our goal was wildlife pictures and we took a lot.

View from the side of the road

Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo and Grey Headed Robin

Eastern Osprey and Giant Australian Pelican

Rainbow Bee Eater

Boyd's Forest Dragon

Ulysses Butterfly

Blue Triangle Butterfly

Lake Barrine

We had a great lunch and during the meal the wildlife around the lake was discussed. It was decided that a boat ride was in order to see some snakes as they were sunning. Could not be believe that Lanee made me go look at snakes and eels.