It was an incredible week, filled with fun and adventure, with no serious obligations, just focusing on leisure and travel. This week was all about exploring new places and making lasting memories. We continued to discover the stunning landscapes of Northern Queensland, which left us in awe.
On Monday, we set off to the waterfalls in the tropical paradise of the Atherton Tablelands, surrounded by one of the oldest rainforests in the world. The natural beauty was extraordinary, and most of us jumped into the water and went under the waterfall, it was an unforgettable experience. Tuesday took us to Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures, where we spent the day exploring the grounds, touring the crocodile farm, and seeing koalas and other unique Australian wildlife. On Wednesday, we caught a ferry from Reef Fleet Terminal to Fitzroy Island, where we spent the day hiking. The trail, winding through stone paths and lush greenery, made the hike both exciting and scenic. When we reached the top, the view was breathtaking, and it felt like we were in the heart of the Amazon. It was a reminder that the beauty of nature in Australia extends far beyond just the NSW region. Later that day, we relaxed on the island’s beach, and some of us took the opportunity to snorkel. The beach path, though a bit challenging due to its rocky terrain, added an adventurous touch to the day. While some might say these first few days had a “workshop” feel due to our packed schedules, the sights and experiences were truly remarkable.
After that, we had more freedom to explore on our own. On Wednesday night, we went to a bus party, where a double-decker bus took us from one bar to another in downtown Cairns. It was a unique experience, especially for many of us who had never been to this kind of party before. On Thursday, I visited some nearby beaches to enjoy a sunny day. I wasn’t expecting much, as I had recently been impressed by the beaches in NSW, but Trinity Beach blew me away. When I stepped out of the Uber, it felt like paradise. The scent, the palm trees, and the local architecture created a surreal experience. During my time there, I unexpectedly ran into fellow Bucknellians, Luke and David, and we spent the afternoon enjoying a delicious dinner at a Mediterranean restaurant and gazing at the full moon from the terrace. Unfortunately, the weather turned bad during the last two days of our trip, so we couldn’t do much else in Cairns.
On Saturday, we continued our journey across the Asia-Pacific region, with our next stop being Singapore. The trip was a bit unusual, as we traveled through Papua New Guinea, a place most of us would never have visited otherwise. During our layover at Port Moresby airport, we had the chance to explore and shop for local goods. After an 8-9 hour flight, we finally arrived in Singapore. My first impression of the city was the airport. It felt more like a massive shopping mall, with luxury stores and a tourist-attracting waterfall. I was amazed to learn that some people visit the airport just to enjoy its sights, not necessarily to fly. Like Australia, Singapore is impeccably clean and environmentally conscious. Despite the high humidity, the city’s skyscrapers, combined with abundant greenery, left a lasting impression. On Sunday, we had our orientation and welcoming lunch, and I spent the afternoon exploring Marina Bay and a popular local food market.
Looking back, this trip to Australia has been the best experience of my life so far, and I’m incredibly grateful for it. Now, it’s time for Singapore!
