[185/365] Palm Cove Beach, Queensland, Australia

What a fitting last day in Cairns! We were headed next to Auckland, New Zealand where the forecast was cold and rainy, so we had to make a trip to the beach for the day! Perfect weather to lie out, tan, read, nap and enjoy the surrounding views of islands, palm trees and waves. The town of Palm Cove was about a 40 minute bus ride north of Cairns.

[184/365] Koala & Baby, Koala & Wildlife Park, Rainforestation Nature Park, Kuranda, Queensland, Australia

Finally got to see a koala up close (and even carry one)! If you look carefully, this koala is carrying a baby koala! You can see the arm and the little nose. Soooo cute. Cute animal overload haha. They're such relaxed little animals. After we saw all the koalas here, we paid to get a picture holding a koala. The person that worked there just grabbed their arms up and put it around my shoulder. It smelled of eucalyptus leaves appropriately enough.

[183/365] Kangaroo Feeding, Koala & Wildlife Park, Rainforestation Nature Park, Kuranda, Queensland, Australia

The kangaroos and wallabies are so cute! Before we stepped into the Koala & Wildlife Park, we bought some "Roo food" before actually seeing them. Just as we stepped inside, we realized that they were all over the place, just lying around and jumping around the grassy area. No fences or anything! They are so friendly. This one in particular was eating from Julie's hand, and even put one hand up on her hand. How adorable!

This park was located in the town of Kuranda, a 45 minute public van ride from Cairns.

[181/365] Turtles, Great Barrier Reef, Green Island, Queensland, Australia

We were already walking towards the ferry to leave Green Island when we spotted these big turtles in the waters just below us. There's 2 of them - one was swimming over the other one. I was so excited!! Yes, I know this isn't the greatest picture but they were swimming up and down in the water, in and out of visibility. Sad, I could have been snorkeling in that area too if we had gone on the other side of the walkway - and potentially swimming WITH the turtles. One day I'll make it happen somewhere in the world...

[180/365] Cairns Lagoon, Cairns, Queensland, Australia

We left Sydney in the evening and took a few hour flight to far north Australia, to the city of Cairns in the state of Queensland. What a weather change! Nice cool weather at night and warm temperatures during the day. Back to shorts and tank tops!We came here as a jumping point to explore the Great Barrier Reef. This photo is of the lagoon (large public swimming pool) that was just a few blocks away from our hotel. During the day and into the evening you can actually go here and swim! From one end to the other, the water gradually gets deeper. So pretty at night!