After the disappointment of Brisbane, several of us decided that rather than dwell on the cricket, we would escape elsewhere in Australia. For myself, Richard, and around 25 others, that meant heading to Port Douglas.
Despite having been to Australia many times, I had somehow never made it to Cairns or Port Douglas, so I was genuinely pleased to finally tick off a new destination. We all stayed at the Sheraton, which was excellent, mainly because it was far away from anything requiring effort.
The Reef and a Sensible Decision
The Great Barrier Reef was the headline act.
We departed Port Douglas harbour on a 90 minute catamaran ride to a floating pontoon that looked like it had been designed by someone who had watched far too many James Bond films. Once there, we were offered a variety of ways to experience the reef: scuba diving, snorkelling, or walking along a submerged platform wearing a suit that made you look like you were about to collect moon samples for NASA.
I considered it seriously… for about 30 seconds. Then common sense intervened.
Swimming was absolutely out of the question. I can float on my back in very shallow water, provided I feel safe, calm, and can see land. I have previously drifted out of my comfort zone and paddled back, but a past incident in the Bahamas involving two jellyfish stings convinced me that the ocean and I are better admired from a respectful distance.
So I opted for the submersible with glass panels, also known as the sensible person’s reef experience. The reef itself was exactly as I had imagined. The fish, however, were not. I was expecting a kaleidoscope of colour. What I got was more “muted earth tones with commitment”. Plenty of species, mind you, including a yellow one connected to Nemo, whatever that is. I assume he is famous.
Still, an excellent day, thoroughly enjoyed, and most importantly, survived.
Rainforest, Railways and Reassurance
The next day we visited an animal habitat at Daintree and Mossman Gorge. Not quite what I had expected, but pleasant enough, and crucially, everything stayed in its enclosure.
The following day, four of us travelled to Cairns for the gondola ride over the world’s oldest living rainforest, about 130 million years old, which is impressive, if slightly intimidating. The gondola stretched 7.5km with two stops. We did not see any wildlife, which was apparently “normal”, though I had quietly hoped for at least a snake to justify the height. Still, it was a great experience and did not involve physical exertion, so a win.
We eventually arrived at Kuranda, a small village that can only be described as charmingly touristy, with shops selling everything from fridge magnets to stuffed crocodiles, because nothing says holiday memories like taxidermy.
The train journey back was just as enjoyable. Some of the carriages are over 100 years old, and the engineering involved has won several awards. I spent most of the journey wondering how something that old was still running more reliably than modern trains back home.
Adelaide and Acceptance
After a thoroughly enjoyable week in Port Douglas, we moved on to Adelaide.
On our second day, we had a BBQ at The Griffin, which was very good and gave us the chance to meet some new arrivals. Every evening I tried to arrange a group gathering, though this was made difficult by the small issue that Adelaide appeared to be entirely populated by England supporters at the time.
The Adelaide Oval has changed dramatically over the years and is now widely regarded as one of the best cricket grounds in the world. It was nice to reach a fifth day, even with the odds stacked firmly against England. They fought hard, lost wickets at the worst possible moments, and sadly Australia retained the Ashes with a 3–0 lead, unassailable, inevitable, and deeply annoying.
Still, excellent company, great places, and no jellyfish.
All things considered, a successful trip.
FANCY A TRIP TO SOUTH AFRICA THIS YEAR?
