The Great Barrier Reef

Since arriving in Australia, I’ve been dying to take a trip to the Great Barrier Reef. It’s a place I’ve always wanted to visit, and after a day spent up close and personal with the reef, I can confirm: It’s as magnificent as you’d imagine.

Home for the day: Ocean Freedom

From the time I boarded the Ocean Freedom, greeted with coffee, fresh fruit and a very enthusiastic staff, I knew it was going to be a great day. On our way to the Upolu Reef, all those signed up for the introductory scuba dive were taken aside for our crash course in diving. We learned the basics and I discovered I was in group one for diving – ack! I’ve always wanted to scuba dive, but I never thought I’d actually do it. But hey, why not try it by the Great Barrier Reef?

Taking the step off the dock

After zipping into my wet suit, the butterflies started swimming around in my stomach. I was shocked with how heavy the air tanks were – who knew air could make you almost topple over? Walking in flippers on a wobbly dock with a heavy tank of air is more difficult than it looks! The scariest part of the dive for me was taking the big step off the deck. While not a far drop, with so much weight on your back, I felt as though I would just sink to the bottom.

Once successfully in the water, we practiced our breathing, sign language, clearing our masks and replacing the mouthpiece should it fall out (simple enough). Next, it was time to dive! The instructor took me and one other girl by the hand and led us to the reef. As a first time diver, this personalized attention and guidance was much appreciated. I felt so comfortable and at ease underwater – there’s something so peaceful about diving.

School of fish surrounding us during our dive

Observing the reef was truly spectacular. I could stay down there and watch the organisms sway and breathe in the crystal clear water all day.

Holding a Sea Cucumber

It was surreal floating around so many diverse species – we saw colorful coral, all types of fish (including Nemo, many times), giant clams, sting rays, eels, an uncomfortably close barracuda, and I even got to hold a sea cucumber (big water slug, which felt like velvet).

During the 30 minute dive, we went about six meters deep, and I was pleasantly surprised with how well my ears and tricky sinuses adjusted to the depths and pressure of the water, which is similar to how your ears pop on an airplane. A lot of people on our boat weren’t able to dive, as some health conditions make diving unsafe (especially those with asthma).

Scuba diving by one of the seven wonders of the world is hands down one of the coolest things I’ve ever done. I truly loved every submerged second of my dive, and I cannot wait to scuba again!

Before our delicious lunch break, we also had the opportunity to board a glass bottom boat for a quick ride over the corals. Coming from being arms length to everything to seeing it through a blurry glass floor, was not that impressive, but still fun to do.

Upolu Reef

After the exciting first reef stop, we cruised over to our next destination – Upolu Cay, a small beach formed on top of the reef. It was a little piece of paradise – white sand surrounded by the most brilliant blue water. Luckily, at both stops, our boat was the only one around, so we were never rushed by herds of other tourists.

Upolu Cay

From the cay, we snorkeled our way slowly back to the boat.

Snorkeling

This was my first experience snorkeling as well and it was way easier than I expected. You literally just float on your stomach, kick your flippers and take in everything your eyes can see through the mask. I was again so struck by the beauty of the reef and could’ve snorkeled all day.

Nemo, I found him!

Sadly, our time in the turquoise water came to an end and it was time to head back to Cairns. However, on our way home, we had one last marine treat – we got to observe a gigantic humpback whale with its calf. It was the perfect end to an unforgettable day.

FNQ (Far North Queensland)

Cairns (pronounced “cans” locally) is a place I thought I was going to love, but unfortunately, it hasn’t been my favorite destination in Australia.

Since arriving in this tropical city, located in the upper right hand corner of the country, I have had some good times though. I’ve been enjoying non-stop beautiful warm, sunny weather (and humidity – hello, mozzies) and spending most days wandering around town, lounging at the lagoon and grassy area surrounding the Esplanade, walking the Foreshore Promenade, catching up on my reading and researching where to head to next.

 

The Cairns Festival, a unique creative event set up like a carnival around the Esplanade, was in full effect during my time here as well. Live music, food stalls (including freshly cut coconuts!), strange exhibitions and great people watching were by-products of this festival, which I thoroughly enjoyed.

Something else I found awesome were the group exercise classes offered a few times a day for free at the Esplanade – sadly I couldn’t propel myself from my bunk to join in on the 6:30 a.m. yoga sessions. (Clearly, the Esplanade is a highlight of the city.)

While in town, I also checked out the Night Markets off Abbot St. known for their cheap $15 hour long massages and Australian souvenirs. While a massage would be glorious after months sleeping in lumpy hostel bunk beds, the stalls and gentlemen offering the massages creeped me out, so I took a pass.

Maybe I haven’t been here long enough to judge, but overall I’ve found the city Cairns to be a bit unimpressive. It’s quite the party haven for young, obnoxious, sometimes dreadlocked and barefoot backpackers. Like everyone else, I love to have a good time, but it’s a bit over the top here (think college Spring Break).

From my experience, it’s usually the people that make or break a city, and for me, the traveller crowd that flocks here just aren’t the types I’m looking to spend a lot of time with. Initially, I did meet some nice people in my first hostel and even partook in a fun 20+ person BBQ at the Esplanade my second night here.

Sadly all my lovely roomies moved on, and since that crew, I haven’t met as great of people as I have in other cities. Between that, not finding a suitable hostel and the iPad incident, I’ve decided Cairns isn’t a place I’d like to plant my feet for a while.

Personal feelings aside, Cairns is a great tourist base city for the nearby excursions. There’s an endless supply of adventure activities to do and see around here: Cape Tribulation, Mossman Gorge, Tully River white water rafting, Kuranda Scenic Railway, Daintree Rainforest, bungy jumping, sky diving and of course the Great Barrier Reef.

It would be amazing to explore all these sites, but you can’t tackle everything. However, I couldn’t miss out on experiencing the Great Barrier Reef – something I’ve only dreamed of visiting. I’m set to cruise out to the reef tomorrow morning for a full day of snorkeling and diving alongside this natural wonder, and I couldn’t be more excited!