My week in Cairns was packed with adventure, cultural learning, and breathtaking natural experiences. I really needed this trip to celebrate the end of classes and I’m glad that I was able to spend it with friends.
Monday, our group went on a rainforest tour, exploring many different water site, each location offering something unique and memorable. The first stop of my water day was an Aboriginal reservoir, where I had the opportunity to immerse myself in the rich culture and history of the indigenous people of Australia. This experience was both educational and enlightening, as I learned about the significance of water sources in Aboriginal traditions and their deep spiritual connection to the land. Our next stop was a incredible waterfall, where I was not only able to swim but also go behind and through the cascading water. This was an eye-opening experience, unlike anything I had ever done before because I have never been able to go behind it or even through. Feeling the powerful rush of water above me and walking through the curtain of water left me so in awe that I gained a new appreciation for nature.
The last stop of my water day was a lagoon, where I enjoyed a relaxing walk along the edge of the river pools. The scenery was so breathtaking, with crystal-clear waters that it literally looked like paradise. The crazy part about it was that it was actually too dangerous to swim in as the current was strong enough to destabilize people. The walk however, itself was peaceful and allowed me to take in the beauty of the area while reading the different plaques about aboriginal dreamtime stories.
The following day, I visited Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures, a wildlife park where I had the chance to see crocodiles up close along with many other cool animals like Komodo dragons. I took my time exploring and learning about their behaviors and the conservation’s efforts to care for them. During one of the tours, we were taught about how the wildlife park’s role in the restoration of the crocodile population. However, the highlight of this visit was the boat tour, where I was lucky enough to witness a crocodile in its natural habitat. Seeing the massive reptile gliding through the water was really thrilling because I was a bit scared one would sneak up on us and tip the boat over.
One of the most exciting parts of my week was my visit to Fitzroy Island, which was also jam-packed with activities from start to finish. The day began with a challenging hike up to one of the highest points of the island, where I got to see a 360-degree view of the island. After the hike, I had the chance to go on a clear boat ride over the Great Barrier Reef. The experience of looking down through the transparent floor and seeing the marine life below was fascinating because I got to see both old and new coral formations of the reef. Later, I attended a turtle talk show, where I learned about the different turtles being nursed back to health at the island’s rehabilitation center. It was inspiring to hear about the conservation efforts being made to protect these incredible creatures from the challenges they face due to pollution and climate change. Despite still having a clogged ear, I couldn’t resist taking a dip at Nudey Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. The sand wasn’t that nice on my feet but when i found out it was dried up corals it made it hurt a little less.
After an eventful week filled with adventure and exploration, I took some time to rest and recharge before heading off to Singapore for my internship. Our group ran into some complications at the airport which left our bank accounts hurting. But one good thing that softened the blow was my ear finally popping and my hearing returning. Now I could say I was finally prepared for all the excitement and adventures to come in the following weeks.