Monday 24th May 2021
We woke up childless again. Such a weird feeling, but wonderful to have a few unbroken nights sleep.
Madeline was apparently very irritable last night, and had a tummy ache in the early hours of the morning. After going toilet, she slept better.
Today was Cairns Aquarium day. We left to pick up Madeline, Babcia and Dziadzio. We arrived at 945am at the aquarium.
Cairns Aquarium
As goes most tourist attractions, the cost of entry was pretty steep. It was a worthwhile visit though.
The aquarium is well set out And as we proceeded we followed the journey of a drop of rain as it descends from the tropical rainforest covered range, to join creeks, streams and rivers before travelling through the rainforest, across the mangrove flats and coral reef systems before entering the Coral Sea.
10 North Queensland ecosystems and 71 habitats have been meticulously researched so that these natural environments could be recreated in Cairns Aquarium to ensure the ongoing health and longevity of the species on display.
River Systems
A journey through the rivers of Far North Queensland and showcases the unusual shapes and behaviours of endemic species including perch, gudgeon, catfish, freshwater moray eel and freshwater stonefish.
Creeks and Streams
Freshwater species are often thought to be second cousins to their brighter marine counterparts however there is nothing dull about the crustaceans in these waters. Brilliantly coloured crayfish and giant prawns.
Waterways and Billabongs
The Cape York and Gulf Savannah region is home to one of the World’s rarest and most bizarre fish, the Freshwater Sawfish which can grow as large as 7 metres and has a 2 metre snout or rostrum covered in dangerous bony teeth.
Lurking in the depths are also giant barramundi and one of the largest species of freshwater whip rays. Other fish such as sooty grunters and mangrove jacks.
Tropical Rainforest
Some of the most incredible snakes, lizards, and frogs you’ve ever seen. Many of these are nocturnal and are often not seen during the day.
Mangroves
The mangroves play an important role in filtering out sediment from mountain water streams and provides a safe nursery for many young reef fish.
Mangrove trees have evolved to live permanently in a mixture of salt and freshwater that is constantly changing. The eco-systems in the Wet Tropics are intrinsically linked and the mangroves host a world of unique creatures with important biological functions.
Fish that live out of water, fighting crabs, crocodiles and even baby sharks are all just part of the days’ fun.
The Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system composed of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching for 2,600 kilometres over an area of approx. 344,400 sq kilometres.
It is so large it is visible from space. Many plants and animals have developed specialised colours, shapes, and behaviours to survive.
Dangers of the Reef
The Reef has many species of marine life that can be potentially fatal to humans.
Some are easily seen such as sea snakes or lionfish, others such as Box Jelly fish or Irukandji are often not seen until it’s too late!
Afternoon
After the aquarium we dropped Babcia and Dziadzio off at their accommodation and returned to the van for lunch.
We cleaned the van, packed everything away and prepared ourselves for leaving tomorrow.
We had dinner together before returning to the van for the night.
Tomorrow
We move up north to Port Douglas for another 5 days. Babcia and Dziadzio are traveling up with us and leaving on Saturday.
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