Sydney to Cairns

Monday, Dec 14

We woke up bright and early (4AM!) on today in order to shower, pack and get downstairs for the airport shuttle to take us to the airport to catch our 6:25 flight to Cairns. When we got there however, we found ourselves in the middle of a HUGE mess, as our airline was having major computer problems and was resorting to manual checkin for ALL flights! We didn't think it would be that bad... until we found ourselves still waiting in line to checkin, barely having moved 10 feet, by 6:15... Finally at around 6:20, their computers came back online, and the lines began moving smoothly.. We were only delayed about an hour and a half.. Good thing we didn't have any fixed plans in Cairns!

After an uneventful flight, we landed in Cairns around 9:30 and caught a shuttle to our hostel. We weren't too sure what to expect, so we were blown away by the very cool atmosphere, the beautiful pool, and the plethora of rooms it had to offer. I would definitely have to say that this is one of the best hostels that I've ever stayed in! Not too mention, it's about $25 per person per night which really can't be beat! After checking in, we immediately booked a trip out to the Great Barrier Reef for the next day, then changed into our bathing suits, and headed for the beach.. Only to find that there is NO BEACH in Cairns!

Turns out, they have this amazing public pool instead, right on the ocean, that is designed to look like a beach, with sand and a horizon that lines up with the ocean! We spent our afternoon there, soaking in some of the Aussie rays! At first we found it shocking that such a town wouldn't utilize it's true beaches, but later we found out that due to the Irukandji (sp??) and other jelly fish as well as the supposed presence of crocodiles, NOBODY swims at the beaches.

After grabbing our "free" hostel dinner that consisted of a plate of spaghetti with a teaspoon of sauce, we headed back to the hostel, and passed out nice and early!