Over the past 2 weeks we've done some intense sightseeing, as well as a whole lot of relaxing and beach time. We spent 5 days in the Gold Coast at Surfers Paradise. We got super lucky worth the hostel we booked, as it was only a 5 minute walk from the beach, was fully equipped with hammocks, as well as lots and lotsa cool people whom we easily befriended during our stay. It was our first real experience being a backpacker in a hostel. We ended up staying an extra night cause we liked it there so much! Best decision ever, as we ended up going on a private tour to the rainforest and got to swim in what was advertised as 'Silky Smooth Rock Pools'. Obviously I was instantly interested. Suuuper fun day, got to slide down a waterfall, see wild kangaroos up close, eat Mexican food, visit a surf club while sipping on a cold one while watching people surf, AND be in two States at once. Would do it all again in a heartbeat!
After spending the weekend back in Brisbane - attended a NET Australia Alumni Event, and a super charismatic Sunday Mass, we headed up to Cairns (pronounced 'Cans', yeah, don't ask - them Aussies shorten everything).
Spent 9 days there, we did an epic tour to the Tablelands, got to swim in more waterfalls, and a freshwater volcanic crater lake! But my favourite day of all was visiting the Great Barrier Reef!! The boat ride out there was utterly gorgeous, but seeing the reef up close was probably the coolest, most surreal and exciting thing I've ever done in my life! We didn't find Nemo, but I saw Dori and Gil! Plus a plethora of other exuberant and vibrantly coloured fish! I went snorkelling as well as scuba diving - which was an experience in itself! One of my most favourite days of my life. God's creation blows my mind.
Besides all the epic stuff we saw, again - we made lotsa new friends, especially from Sweden and Germany, but even a couple of Canadians. On our last night in Cairns, a bunch of us went to the lagoon/park across the road from our hostel for a BBQ! Was a great time, I also learned how to throw a footy (rugby) ball.
Our time in Cairns was definitely memorable, I'll never forget the humidity! We're in Townsville now, a couple hours south of Cairns. We'll be making our way down the east coast, doing lotsa sightseeing along the way!
Keep us in your prayers, you'll be in ours! :)
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