Surrounded by reef, rainforest and macadamia, sugarcane and pineapple plantations and dating back to 1876, Cairns originally served as a port for the shipping of gold and tin, mined inland. Now the industry is tourism – visitors coming to explore the rich marine life and wilderness beyond city limits – ancient forests at Cape Tribulation, the Artherton Tablelands, Great Barrier Reef and Barron River Gorge to name a few gorgeous spots previously traversed. We are very lucky, rain is holding off and a hazy morning turned in to a glorious afternoon!

This is the view from our ship at port…the boats are moored in Chinamen’s Creek and the background hills are Trinity Forest Reserve.

Today we travelled to Yorkey’s Knob, a coastal suburb approximately 15 kms north. Passed by Kuranda skyrail and iconic Queensland farm scenes on the way.

Half Moon Bay Marina has an intricate jigsaw pattern – the contrast between the sleek white boats and the dense tropical green hills framing the marina makes for a nice shot.

Then some shopping in cool comfort back in Cairns Central before Ubering back to the ship. A late lunch – yummy beef bourguinon with mash and delish piece of pineapple.

Kathryn Relf, hailing from the UK, was our crooner last night, paying tribute to Queen’s legendary music. A good attempt, but no wow factor for me unfortunately.