Thursday, March 29, 2012

Airlie Beach and Port Douglas

Thanks, DeeBee, for letting me know about the photos not being visible.
I tried to add them after leaving Bali.
I have not deleted information on previous posting, just "photos".

 This marina caters to visitors wanting to visit the reefs, as well as local Port Douglas exploring.



Four Mile Beach, Port Douglas.
All of the very nice resorts are along the beach.


Sheraton, beach property.


Dawn Princess, at anchor.


Warning signs.


Best swimming pool in Australia.
We saw 2 people using it!
 
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Airlie Beach and Port Douglas

Storms preceded our arrived in Airlie Beach and Port Douglas.
Roads were washed out, and tours were cancelled.
I met some Australians who were on their 3rd trip around Australia by ship. They told me that each time, the same thing happened. On both stops, the snorkeling trip to the reef was offered aboard a catamaran in rough seas. Since I stayed aboard ship in Airlie Beach, click on this link for internet images of this location. In Port Douglas, I traveled around the area.

Example of one of many boats in the extensive Port Douglas Marina. (Photo--added next posting)


Four Mile Beach
Nice resorts, such as the Sheraton and the Sea Temple lie along the beach.
(Photo--next posting)

Below, part of the Sheraton's housing and golf course.
(Photo--added next posting)


Looking from the beach to the sea, where the Dawn Princess was anchored.
(Photo added to next posting)


Word to the wise:
Hotel (resort) rates drop dramatically in March/April for the winter season.
The water cools enough where the "stingers" do not invade the beaches from May through November.
Note the bottle of vinegar which is used as a short-term remedy on the way to the hospital.
(See photo on next posting)


The resort, Sea Temple, has the Number 1 swimming pool in Australia, including it among the best of 5 swimming pools in the entire world.
(Photo added to next posting)

Friday, March 23, 2012

Ships, Large and Small -- Sydney Harbor

Circular Quay
Transportation center for sightseeing vessels and shuttle boats


Tugboats escorting large ship to inner harbor

"James Craig"
One of several available to board.

One of hundreds of sailboats in the harbour.
 
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Birds, and Prince Albert

Walking around Sydney, it is possible to walk right up to a variety of birds.
Click here to see Australian bird images.

 
 


Prince Albert.


As we left Sydney, we made our way north to Airlie Beach. Torrential downpours were responsible for cancelling  planned excursions. 

Most of the passengers on board the Dawn Princess are Aussies.  They have informed us that this is the rainy season. The tours in Port Douglas have also been cancelled, due to roads being washed out.

Thank you for your comments. I must limit my visits to your blogs, due to very slow satellite response on the ship.

We are nearing Papua New Guinea. My cat, Mandu, has a huge blog following in this area!

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Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Sydney, Fort Denison

Martello Tower
Only one in Australia


 
 
 
 
 


Taken from land side,

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Monday, March 19, 2012

Circumnavigating Australia 2012

First views of Australia



St. Mary's Cathedral
View from Park View rooms at
Sheraton on the Park Hotel

 
Two famous Sydney views from
Fort Denison
Opera House on left,
and Bridge.



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