Early fourth quarter of 1996 was when my kid sister and I ventured out to the land down-under, it was late spring in Australia and apart from the knowledge that it’s the place where the kangaroos and koala bears originated from, we didn’t really know much what to expect. The plane touched down the runway of the airport at about 05:00 a.m., it was still pitch dark outside and having had very little sleep on the plane, we were both in a daze by the time we cleared out of customs and immigration.  Daybreak came soon thereafter and so did our first glimpse of Cairns. 

CAIRNS, QUEENSLAND.   
Cairns is surrounded on three sides by rainforest and on the fourth by the Coral Sea, and soon enough we figured out that almost every tourist activity involves the outdoors. It can be referred to as a garden city between the sea and Rainforest Mountains.  Small, cosmopolitan and compact, almost everything a visitor needs is within walking distance.  From aquatic adventure to the rich rainforest or a leisurely walk in the esplanade, this is truly a place not to miss.  

? Kuranda Scenic Railway  
This was the tourist activity we did, to go on a train ride from the train station in Cairns to witness for ourselves luscious trees, pristine water falls and impressive gorges which was also described as the 34 km postcard.  The 1½ ride led us to the Kuranda Rainforest Village where we had a brief tour of the Butterfly Sanctuary.   Although there were other attractions like bird sanctuary and nocturnal zoo in the same compound, we didn’t get to visit them.  We then visited this place called the Pamagiri where we were entertained by aborigines’ dances and demonstration of the use of boomerangs and their rather unique musical instrument called didjeridu.  

? Great Barrier Reef  
For two people who don’t really know how to swim, going to the Great Barrier Reef didn’t really make much sense to a lot of people but we for an adventure.  On board the Great Adventures Cruises, we went first for a leisurely free & easy time on Fitzroy Island National Park where we strolled along the Nudey beach, hiked up halfway to Boulders lookout and before proceeding to the Outer Reef.  We were brought out to what is called a pontoon (sort of a floating platform) where lunch was served amidst sky-blue sea, spectacular coral garden and magnificent marine life.  Life vests and all the appropriate snorkeling gears were provided, slipped them on and we were ready to go.  Despite of already having a preview in the underwater observatory of the pontoon, nothing could have prepared us for coming up close and personal with the colorful fishes nor the corals of all shapes and sizes.  It was really a sight to behold and as I said, it didn’t matter at all that we couldn’t swim. It’s a diver’s paradise, we were told but we didn’t have the courage to try our hand at diving.  On an interesting note, we were probably the only two persons on board who survived the ride to and fro the Great Barrier Reef without getting sick, most of the people were puking all over the place.  
  
  

BRISBANE, QUEENSLAND  
Brisbane is Australia's third largest city and the state capital of Queensland and has a pleasant subtropical climate.   We didn’t really get to know the place so I can’t write much about it.  Maybe next time.  

? King George’s Square  
Not much to see here except to see the grand landmark City Hall, we took some pictures.  In short, been there and done that.   

? Chinatown  
Hmmm, nothing to rave about either.  
 

GOLD COAST, QUEENSLAND  
Stretches of golden beaches, plenty of sunshine, haven for surfers and beach bums alike. If you like sun, surf and sand, unpolluted air and a relaxed lifestyle, then you'll love this place.    

? The Curumbin Sanctuary allows its visitors to enjoy the spectacle of hand feeding thousands of wild lorikeets.  Plates with birdfeed are handed out to visitors and out of nowhere comes the wild feathered creatures, resting on your shoulders, your head, your arms and of course feasting on the food they’ve been offered.  Also here, are animals like the kangaroos roaming freely which you are allowed to feed; koala bears, peacocks, wombats and the elusive Tasmanian devil.  
   
? Theme parks are also in abundance, Warner Brother’s Movie World;  Sea World; or the Wet & Wild Water Park.   Our tour took us only as far as Sea World.  We skipped the performances and went directly to check out the rides such as The Cork Screw, Bermuda Triangle, The Flume and of course our family’s all time favorite ~ The Pirate Ship.  We would have much rather go to Movie World but our package didn’t include that so I hope there’s a next time.  
 

SYDNEY, NEW SOUTH WALES   
Perhaps the most popular city in Australia, Sydney is also the oldest settlement of the country.  With perhaps one of the world’s greatest harbor and with numerous beaches, it’s a good place for both sightseeing, dining and shopping.  With Year 2000 just around the corner, Sydney will play host to the 2000 Olympics.  

? The Australian Wildlife Park visit could have been nicer if it weren’t raining when we went there.  Highlight was you get to hold Koalas in your arms, they’re really cuddly and still.  Probably because they’re mainly lazy animals.  One thing though, they don’t smell all that great.    

? Blue Mountains National Park has long been renowned for its cascading waterfalls, wildflowers, breathtaking views, and colorful birds in that area.  Also located here are the famous Three Sisters in  Katoomba.  As one of the most photographed landmarks in New South Wales, according to Aboriginal legend, three sisters were turned to stone by a tribal witchdoctor to protect them from three warriors, who, being in love with the three sisters, had decided to take them by force. Unfortunately, the witchdoctor was killed in the battle and no one has been able to break the spell and turn the sisters back into human form.  Be sure to go on a clear day or you’ll never get the chance to see the Three Sisters at all, like we did.  Another great attraction at Blue Mountains is the scenic Katoomba Steep Railway Ride and man, was it steep!  Since there are no real restraints to make you feel secure, the ride down is as good as any thrill ride in an amusement park.    

? Bondi Beach is the grand dame of Sydney's beaches with a magnificent sweep of sand and is located east of Sydney.  You can take a stroll in the beach itself or the beachside promenade if you don’t surf which is what Bondi Beach is famous for.  
   
? Visiting the Sydney Opera House is a top priority for visitors to Sydney.  If it isn’t, it should. This building is home to Australia's world-renowned opera, ballet, theatre companies and symphony orchestra.  The facade of this magnificent architecture is to say the least, unique.  Visitors are welcome to walk inside and have a look around but bear in mind that the auditorium is accessible only through a guided tour.   The Sydney Harbor Bridge or affectionately called "The Coat Hanger", is visible from the Opera House.  You can take a walk across the bridge or you can also take  the Sydney Harbor cruise like we did.  As we understand, there are several cruise operators to choose from.  The one which we went to was the Sydney Showboat, an air-conditioned paddlesteamer that departs from Campbells Cove.  The whole duration of the cruise was about 1½  hours with seafood buffet, jazz band and a commentary.  
   
? Other places worth visiting are the Sydney Tower which gives you a panoramic view of the city; St. Mary’s Cathedral; Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair; Hyde Park, King’s Cross (red light district) and our favorite ~ The Rocks. The “Old Sydney” makes up the foremost foundation of today’s Sydney and can be considered as colonial Australia's most significant historical site.  Set on Sydney Harbor, The Rocks can offer everything from boutique shops to fine art galleries as well as restaurants, street entertainment, historical buildings, and many artifacts from a much earlier Sydney. As the landing place of men, women and children in 1788 (over half being convicts) The Rocks provide a fascinating look at Australian history.  

What was written above was based on rummaging through photographs and brochures we had compiled during our visit.  We had a fabulous time in Australia despite of a lousy Taiwanese tour guide and would highly recommend it to friends and families as their next destination.  Lastly, we look forward to visiting again sometime in the future.