The city of Cairns itself seems to be dominated by the tourism industry. Probably everybody is here to visit these two places. Buskers were present in the streets juggling fiery torches, or doing the statue routine.

The Great Barrier Reef

Our journey began with a snorkelling tour to the Great Barrier Reef in the Coral Sea with Passions of Paradise. After a two-hour boat ride to Hastings Reef within the GBR, we were grateful for the seasickness pills provided, which kept nausea at bay. The day was pleasantly warm, with temperatures in the mid-20s Celsius, providing comfortable conditions above water. However, as we prepared to enter the water, we found that even with wetsuits on, the ocean felt surprisingly cold. The tour catered to all skill levels, from non-swimmers to experienced scuba divers, ensuring everyone could enjoy the underwater spectacle.

The reef revealed an underwater world. Colourful coral formations stretched as far as the eye could see, home to a diverse array of marine life. We felt fortunate to visit the Great Barrier Reef at this time, aware that climate change poses a significant threat to this delicate ecosystem. We spotted several species of coral, which I think included staghorn coral, brain coral, and acropora (but I’m no expert).

Schools of fish darted around us, including the iconic clownfish, which we were surprised to find were much smaller than expected (the movie Finding Nemo makes them seem so much larger). These iconic fish, have a symbiotic relationship with their host anemones, and rare venture more than a few metres away.

Other marine creatures we encountered included starfish, and a sea cucumber. The highlight was spotting a giant clam, its massive shell partially open, revealing the colourful mantle within. The mantle is the fleshy, visible part of the clam when its shell is open, and often has a blue-green coloration, which are due to symbiotic algae living in their tissues. The presence of a giant clam is an indicator of a healthy reef ecosystem, as these animals are sensitive to changes in water quality and temperature.

The Daintree Rainforest

The next day, we continued with a trip on the Kuranda Skyrail, a series of gondolas that provide a bird’s-eye view of the Daintree Rainforest canopy. This ancient rainforest is estimated to be over 180 million years old, making it one of the oldest continuous tropical rainforests in the world. The Coral Sea to the north provides abundant moisture, while the Great Dividing Range mountains to the south force air to rise, cool, and condense into rainfall to support the lush tropical rainforests.

Our guide shared insights about the forest’s ecology. The rainforest canopy is so dense that it creates a challenging environment for new trees to grow in the understory. Saplings must wait for larger trees to fall before they can access enough sunlight to thrive, a process that can take decades. We also learned about the cassowary, a flightless bird that resembles a modern-day dinosaur. Too bad we didn’t spot one though, but there was a life sized model for us to see.

One of the most intriguing plants we observed was the basket fern. This epiphytic fern grows high up on tree trunks and branches, forming a nest-like structure that collects falling leaves and debris. The decaying matter provides nutrients for the fern, allowing it to thrive without soil. Another fascinating plant was the wait-a-while vine. This climbing palm has long, flexible stems covered in sharp, backwards-facing spines. These barbs allow the vine to hook onto surrounding vegetation as it grows, eventually reaching the canopy where it can access more sunlight. Eventually it might even strangle a taller tree to death. The guide also introduced us to the powder-puff tree, an plant known for its striking red, fuzzy, spiky ball-like flowers, which attracts various pollinators, making it a vital part of the ecosystem. I was really impressed at how different plants took over different biological niches.

Kuranda Koala Gardens

Our rainforest adventure was complemented by a visit to the Kuranda Koala Gardens, where we had the opportunity to see Australia’s iconic marsupials up close. We were surprised to learn that their fur isn’t uniformly grey – their butts are actually a light beige colour.

The gardens also housed other Australian wildlife, including crocodiles, kangaroos, and wallabies. We spotted a charming little yellow bird in a hanging nest (olive sunbird). Outside the gardens, we also saw a ulysses butterfly. Despite what all the pictures show, they actually have wings that are blue on one side and brown on the other.

Culinary Adventures

Our culinary experiences in Cairns were all hits except for one disappointing skewer meal that left much to be desired, with oddly mushy grilled corn. However, we also enjoyed some exceptional dining experiences.

At the Ochre on the Esplanade, we sampled some unique Australian meats. From the left to right, the emu in the emu wonton was dark and rich, reminiscent of beef but with a gamier taste. Next was the kangaroo, but it wasn’t as good as the one in Sydney. The crocodile meat on the other hand was lean and had a texture similar to chicken, with a slightly fishy flavour. The last item was the usual smoked salmon.

One of our most memorable meals was at Salt House, where we dined while watching the sun set over the water. We enjoyed succulent scallops and barramundi.

The highlight of the meal was the MB4+ Black Onyx Grain Fed Scotch Fillet. MB4+ refers to the marbling score of a steak used in Australia beef grading systems and goes from 1 to 9, with 9 being the best. A scotch fillet is essentially the same cut as a ribeye steak, coming from the rib section of the cow. However, while a ribeye typically includes the cap (or spinalis dorsi muscle), a scotch fillet often has this removed. It’s similar to the French entrecôte, though the exact cut can vary slightly. Despite a marbling score of 4/9, the marbling on this particular steak still tasted excellent, resulting in a flavourful and tender dining experience that would be hard to match at a similar price point elsewhere.

Our time in Cairns offered a nice blend of natural wonders and culinary discoveries. From the underwater marvels of the Great Barrier Reef to the ancient beauty of the Daintree Rainforest, and from cuddly koalas to unique Australian cuisine, Cairns provided an awesome experience of Australia’s tropical north.

Check here to see more of Cairns, the Great Barrier Reef, and the Kuranda Skyrail

Driving on the “Wrong” Side of the Road

Our journey began with renting a car in Sydney. It had been over ten years since my last experience driving on the left in the UK. As someone accustomed to driving on the right side of the road, I was excited to try it again, and now with more driving experience under my belt, I felt more confident in my abilities. That’s not to say it was totally smooth. The blinkers being on the opposite side of the steering wheel led to a few accidental activations of the windshield wipers. Gauging space around the car was a little more difficult too, and it took me some time to get used to centering myself in the lane.

A Bird’s Eye View

Upon arriving at Scenic World, I was immediately struck by its similarity to the Sea to Sky Gondola in Vancouver. Both attractions offer visitors the chance to ascend a mountain by gondola and explore the surrounding forests and vistas from above.

The highlight of our visit was undoubtedly the gondola ride across the Jamison Valley. As we glided over the treetops, we were treated to a spectacular view of Katoomba Falls cascading down the cliff face.

The Three Sisters, an iconic rock formation that has become synonymous with the Blue Mountains, stood majestically in the distance, their weathered sandstone faces a testament to millions of years of erosion.

Descending into the Valley

One of Scenic World’s unique attractions is its railway – but this is no ordinary train ride. Descending at a 45-degree angle, this former coal mining railway is now used to take visitors down to the valley floor.

It feels like sitting in a rollercoaster, but it descends at a piece that would cause a bit of uneasiness. As we headed down into the lush Jamison Valley, the steepness of the descent provided a thrilling experience that was both exhilarating and slightly unnerving.

Exploring the Valley Floor

Once at the bottom, we took the opportunity to explore the valley floor on foot.

The ancient forest, with its towering eucalyptus trees and diverse understory of ferns and wildflowers, provided a stark contrast to the expansive views we had experienced from above.

A Race Against Time

When our day started, the car rental agent advised us to return the car by 4pm as the location did not support after-hours returns. We left razor thin margins for our drive back and found ourselves racing through the streets of Sydney, navigating unfamiliar roads while driving on the opposite side. We pulled into the rental car parking lot at exactly 4pm.

Initially, the rental agent was hesitant to accept the car, as we weren’t at the counter precisely at closing time. However, after some discussion, he graciously allowed us to return the vehicle. This last-minute dash added an unexpected element of excitement to our day, capping off our Blue Mountains adventure with a final burst of adrenaline.

See more of the Scenic World in the Blue Mountains National Park here

Circular Quay

The Sydney Opera House, with its distinctive sail-like design, is not just an architectural marvel but also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Completed in 1973, this masterpiece by Danish architect Jørn Utzon has become synonymous with Sydney’s skyline. Its unique expressionist modern design features a series of precast concrete “shells” that form the roof structure, creating a striking silhouette against the harbour waters.

Adjacent to the Opera House stands the equally impressive Sydney Harbour Bridge. This steel bridge opened in 1932 and remains the world’s largest steel arch bridge. There is a tourist attraction there where people can walk along the arch of the steel beams (people are tethered for safety).

Souvenir shops lined the waterfront selling stereotypical Australian souvenirs like kangaroo and koala plushies. They also sell a lot of hats, which I recalled that those are also very stereotypically Australian thanks to people like Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter.

The Royal Botanic Garden

Established in 1816, this green oasis in the heart of Sydney is Australia’s oldest scientific institution. The gardens showcase a diverse collection of native and exotic plants, especially ones that are not present where I live. One of the standout flora was the Bird of Paradise plant, native to South Africa but thriving in Sydney’s climate. Its vibrant orange and blue flowers, resembles an exotic bird in flight.

I also encountered a variety of birds that I don’t usually see (I’m told some of them are garbage birds though). One amusing incident involved birds in the trees nearly missing some oblivious bystanders with their droppings (and oblivious even after the fact).

The Royal Botanic Garden proved to be more than just a green space; it was a living museum of biodiversity, a sanctuary for urban wildlife, and a peaceful retreat from the city’s bustling energy.

Barangaroo

We also took a walk through a nearby neighbourhood called Barangaroo. This area, named after an influential Aboriginal woman from the early colonial period, has undergone a remarkable transformation from a disused container terminal to a vibrant waterfront precinct with a mix of parklands, cultural spaces, and modern architecture.

Walking through Barangaroo, with its urban renewal, reminded me of strolling through Yaletown and Olympic Village in Vancouver, offering harbour views and an urban atmosphere.

Manly Beach

People also associate beaches with Australia. Close by to Sydney is Manly Beach. This popular stretch of golden sand is renowned for its excellent surfing conditions and laid-back atmosphere, and it also has an amusing name. According to Capt. Arthur Phillip, who named the beach, wrote of the indigenous people living there, “their confidence and manly behaviour made me give the name of Manly Cove to this place”

Birds also hang out in the nearby trees, chirping so loudly, they sounded like bats. It almost makes it scary to even approach the tree even though I know they’re just birds.

Manly Beach encapsulates the quintessential Australian beach culture – a perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and relaxed coastal living.

Culinary Adventures

Sydney’s culinary scene proved to be quite delightful and exotic. In the spirit of trying local specialities, I sampled grilled kangaroo at The Meat and Wine Co. This lean meat, similar in texture to beef, offered a milder flavour with a subtle gamey note. It’s a unique protein that reflects Australia’s distinctive fauna and culinary traditions.

Another local delicacy at The Meat and Wine Co I had the pleasure of tasting was barramundi, also known as Asian sea bass. This white-fleshed fish is prized for its sweet, buttery flavour and firm, moist texture. When cooked, barramundi offers a delicate taste that’s less “fishy” than many other species.

Dinner with friends I know in Sydney at Bar Totti’s was another culinary delight. This pasta place came highly recommended, and it did not disappoint. Luckily, we had a reservation because by the time we arrived, there was a crowd of people waiting at the door. This trendy eatery has earned a reputation for its exceptional pasta dishes cooked al dente with flavourful sauces that complement rather than overwhelm the pasta itself. It’s also renowned for its baked bread, a signature item on their menu. The bread is served fresh out of the oven, airy and fluffy on the inside with a perfectly crisp crust. It’s also accompanied by a variety of dips and spreads.

I also found myself developing a newfound appreciation for salads, discovering that they can be far more than just a boring mix of greens. The city’s cafes showcased salads bursting with variety – multiple types of leafy greens, complex carbohydrates, diverse proteins, and flavourful dressings that elevated the humble salad to a satisfying meal.

Overall, I was quite impressed by Sydney’s food scene.

See more of Sydney here

Here’s an excerpt:

The concert hall at the Syndey Opera House holds 2,700 people. This blog was viewed about 35,000 times in 2011. If it were a concert at Sydney Opera House, it would take about 13 sold-out performances for that many people to see it.