pics from aussie :)

This is the lagoon on the water in Cairns.   Cairns itself isn't on the beach, but surrounded with beautiful parks, grass and free BBQ's for the public to use.  Along the beach area is a large promenade with walking and biking trails, and kids parks everywhere with water attractions and climbing towers. 

Behind the promenade sits the city, filled with artwork and sculptures which combine with the palm trees to create a great sight.

The city center is normally bustling with tourists and students throughout the day.  The streets are on a grid system and you can find a coffee shop or gelato store on almost every corner between the souvenir stores and other shops. 

We went out for dinner one night and I wanted to this this little guy (not really...) but he looked like Bob Marley!

Elizabeth and I waiting at the marina before our trip out on the boat for the day.

Rainbows are following me, that's good luck right?

This is the elusive cassowary.  They live naturally in the rainforests around Cairns, and this guy was chilling at the Wildlife reserve.  We got there just in time for breakfast, which worked out great :)   

The only koala I saw on the trip, boy are they lazy!

I got to hold this bird :)

These are the white wallabies, so cute!  We had a great time at the wild life reserve.

one word: BOOYAH!

On our boat trip down the daintree river, Those are the mangrove roots which grow upward in order to release all the salt they absorb.

More mangroves, apparently they are a big deal.  Such a big deal in fact, that they still use a ferry to get across the river because a bridge could affect the delicate ecosystem.

We finally made it to the rainforest!

The rainforest which borders the beach. :)  This is a baby sea turtle we found down by the water!

After two days of intense exploration, we got to spend a day at the beach.  This is palm cove, one of the many beaches to the north of the city.

This is as deep as I was willing to go without being in a designated swimming area.  Apparently jelly fish are nasty little buggers!

On our last day, we went to the botanical gardens and spent the day wondering through the swamp boardwalk and snoozing in the beautiful park :)

How old do you think this tree must be?

 Well, I found some more pictures, so I figured I might as well share those also!  Sorry they are out of order.

Ignore the faces and focus on the gamecock alumni!  Gotta love southern hospitality, His group moved over so we could sit down, b/c the other seats on the top of the boat were "saved for friends" when we got there.

This is the "beach" at the city center, not prime swimming zone, which is why we made our way to the beaches north of the city.

You may not be able to tell, but these are actually vines that grew over a tree.  The tree then died and left a great hollow climbing apparatus. :)

A beautiful view of Clifton beach on a beautiful day :)

Some of the great random artwork along the promenade :)

My bird friend at the wildlife refuge :)

A view of the promenade :)  We got to walk along this everyday to get to the city!

Pretty birds everywhere, it may stay loud outside but its great to see them outside of cages :)