Wednesday 21 May 2025
Our trip began with a very early start, meeting at the airport at 3am, some even pulling all-nighters to make it on time. After a smooth check-in and a sleepy flight to Brisbane, we continued to Cairns, where the warm, humid air greeted us. We settled into our accommodation at the Cairns Colonial Club before enjoying an evening swim and buffet dinner. Day two took us by boat to Fitzroy Island, where rough seas tested our sea legs but didn’t dampen our spirits. We explored the turtle rehabilitation centre and viewed coral and fish from a glass-bottom boat, learning about coral bleaching and recovery. After lunch, we had the amazing experience to snorkel with turtles, then walked to Nudee Beach through lush tropical bush before returning tired but happy, to the mainland.
Our third day took us to the outer reef, where we explored an incredible marine ecosystem from a pontoon anchored above the coral. Highlights included spotting turtles and reef sharks, participating in reef restoration activities, and contributing to citizen science with a fish survey. On day four, we travelled deep into the Daintree Rainforest, zip-lined, spotted a rare cassowary bird, and learned about the connections between reef and rainforest. A river cruise capped off the day, with a sighting of a saltwater crocodile.
Our final day offered a relaxed start and a scenic gondola ride above the rainforest to Kuranda, followed by a visit to Rainforestation Nature Park. There, we encountered native animals, rode an army duck through the forest, and took part in a powerful cultural experience of traditional Aboriginal dance, with Sadie Hunn (Taylor, Year 13) and Thomas Nand (Major, Year 12) impressing the crowd with their dance moves.
Our final day was a fitting end to an incredible trip. After a rare sleep-in, we packed up and headed into Cairns city centre for a few hours of relaxed exploration and lunch, it was a great way to wind down. The journey home brought a few twists - with delays, tropical cyclone Tam just west of Auckland and a nail-biting connection in Brisbane - but the group took it all in their stride, even managing an Olympic-worthy sprint between terminals.
A massive thank you again to the students and staff - this was a memorable trip full of adventure, learning, and appreciation for Australia’s unique ecosystems and culture!