Frankland Islands, Great Barrier Reef

A trip to Cairns is never complete without a visit to the Great Barrier Reef, if you ask me. How could we miss out on the chance to snorkel or dive in the warm tropical waters of one of the most amazing natural wonders of the world? 

We marked the first day of the year with a day out at sea and this was made possible by the very enthusiastic and friendly people at Frankland Islands, whom we found through a random Google search for one-day snorkeling tours.

Our pre-booked shuttle bus came up to our doorstep and proceeded to other hotels for other tour participants. We were taken to board a ferry on Mulgrave River, where it drizzled for a bit. We were also asked to keep an eye out for crocs. Crikey!

We went out on deck for some fresh air when we were exiting the river mouth into the open waters of the ocean due to the choppiness of the water. We could even see the difference in water colour as it changed from fresh to salt water.

It was like a scene out of Shrek, as we kept asking, "Are we there yet?", when we clearly knew that we were not because we could not see any island in sight. But when we did see one, we were very thankful.

10km offshore and 45km south-east of Cairns, the Normanby Island is part of the Frankland Group National Park.

A short open water crossing later, we were on land again!

We changed and grabbed out snorkeling gear. My first time on a guided snorkeling tour - excited!

See that white float thingy? I was literally hugging that the entire time. It is not funny at all for someone who does not swim to be out in the ocean but I do not regret going on the tour. Despite the strong underwater current that made underwater visibility less than satisfactory, I still managed to see quite a wide variety of marine life. In the wild!

Thumbs up to our guide for pointing out all the different fishes, starfishes and corals. Apparently, it normally is a playground for giant turtles but we did not 'meet' any, unfortunately. The four giant clams made up for it, though. However, we did see one giant turtle on our way back, poking its head out every so often to say hello.

The island has a short 20-minute 1km return walking track. This circuit walking track passes through a range of environments, including rocky outcrops, dense rainforest, coastal vegetation and mangrove communities. 

Again, the tour guide brought us on the walk and introduced us to the different types of shells.

On the other side of the island, he picked up a shell from the waters and passed it around. "It's a horseshoe shell", he said. Oh, right and as Shriya passed it to me, I went, "Gosh, this is heavy!"

And, yes, he picked up a sea cucumber and as its protective mechanism, it spurted some white, slimy substance, which had us all go, "Ewwww.....". I still stepped forward to touch it, so that I would know what a live sea cucumber felt like. Xin Wen went, "You don't touch me ar!"

We were lucky to be in the presence of a flock of seabirds. Apparently, it was nesting season for them.

Do look them up if you are thinking of snorkeling or diving up in Cairns. I would recommend them just due to their exceptional service.

Reef HQ Aquarium

It has been ages since I last visited an aquarium. I remember vividly my visit to the Underwater World on Sentosa Island in Singapore when I was 10. I also remember my visit to the Sydney Aquarium during my 2nd day here in Sydney 9 years ago. Other than those times, I do not think I had any other visits to other aquariums, which was probably why I was really excited to be visiting Reef HQ Aquarium.

Yes, they are the largest living coral reef aquarium. Well, they are just next to the Great Barrier Reef...

And there were some glow-in-the-dark little fishies I tried to capture on video...

Shriya and I took the chance to touch some starfish, stingray and sea cucumber.

The way this fish became an exhibit... how ironic...

Reef HQ Aquarium
2 - 68 Flinders Street, Townsville, QLD 4810, Australia
Tel: +61 7 4750 0700
Open every day 9:30am to 5:00pm (except Christmas Day)

Cape Hillsborough National Park

We set out to another national park for more bushwalking. Along the way, we had an overdose of the same scenery...

Yes, you guessed it, sugarcane plantations.

And more sugarcane plantations.

Cape Hillsborough National Park is located 837km northwest of Brisbane, about 50km north-west of Mackay and is open 24 hours a day. The Yuibera people lived in this area for thousands of years and signs of their special connection to the area are still present. Explorer James Cook named Cape Hillsborough during his voyage up the Queensland coast in 1770.

While at the park, we walked two tracks. The first we did was the Diversity Boardwalk, which is graded easy. The 1.2km return walk took about 40 minutes to complete.

This track meanders through melaleuca woodland, a mangrove community, open eucalypt forest and vine thicket. The first 300m of the walk is accessible to wheelchairs.

The second track was chosen because we have not done a beach walk before. Therefore, the moderate-graded Beachcomber Cove Track was ventured. It took us about 1.5 hours to complete the 2.2km return track, which we thoroughly enjoyed.

This track starts from the northern end of the Cape Hillsborough picnic area, and then passes through open eucalypt forest and remnant rainforest with hoop pines, ferns and vines.

The upward climb was a little tiring but when we arrived at the end of the track in Beachcomber Cove, we were rewarded with pleasant views from a lookout on top of the ridge.

As it was low tide, we returned to Cape Hillsborough picnic area along the beach.

On the broad beach, sand bubbler crabs leave intricate patterns at low tide, and many sea creatures shelter in tidal rock pools. Surrounding waters are part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

The park is a peninsula of volcanic origin, covered largely by rainforest with a maximum elevation of 267m. Large rhyolite boulders scattered over the headlands and beaches are a reminder of volcanic activity millions of years ago, as are volcanic plugs and other striking rock formations found in the park.

After a quick lunch at the picnic area, we then continued our journey northward. Next stop, Townsville.