May17
As the weather became nicer, we went to Dunk Island with this brand new Calypsodive boat (and this time, I did not get sea sick at all!)
We had a one hour jet ski trip with Hailey and a nice guide, explaining us the story of the island (did you see the elephant?).
It was a great moment, offering me the best feeling ever!
Go and check for jet ski tours around Dunk Island with Calypsodive! They are really very helpful and the jetskis are so powerful 
May9
We finally arrived to Townville and went to relax at the Jupiters Hotel & Casino.
After a long shower and some internet surfing in the huge and luxurious hotel room, we went to the stadium of Townsville to watch the rugby match opposing the Cowboys team (Townsville team) to the Dragons.
The match was really exciting and the North Queensland Cowboys scored an important 24-20 victory over the second-placed St George Illawarra Dragons (hurray!). I also enjoyed the Cowboys cheerleaders dancing during the match… It’s too bad we do not have some in France!
May8
On our second day, we were supposed to do white water rafting and some blo-kart. Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t good enough to do the blo-kart. So we went white water rafting all day!
With Hailey (Australian candidate), Therese (from Townsville entreprise) and Sarah (from Tourism Queensland), we met “Bo-ling” and we spent a great day all together in the water.
Say “Raftiiiiiiiiing”
May8
Paronella Park is a unique place in the world. A place in which you can feel and imagine the passion of a man, Jose Paronella, whose dream was to build a castle in a virgin forest. And we can also feel this passion in the staff of Paronella Park. Our guide was such a good story teller that I immedialty felt in love with the place
As we went in the begining of the evening, we got the night tour, which was incredible. I also discovered these beautiful flowers (Cat’s Whiskers).
The waterfall was impressive by day…
And even more by night
And finally we got in the garden and discovered all the magic of the Castle…
We really enjoyed our stay in Paronella Park. The great thing about Paronella is that you don’t know what to expect from the park before visiting it. So you know what you have to do
May8
After Tjapukai Aboriginal Park, we went to Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, in Cairns, is a world first in environmental tourism taking you on an amazing experience over Australia’s World Heritage listed Tropical Rainforest canopy and deep into the forest.
I discovered why cassowarries are so useful for the rainforest. The Cassowaries feed on the fruits of several hundred rainforest species and usually pass viable seeds in large dense scats. They are known to disperse seeds over distances greater than a kilometre, and thus probably play an important role in the ecosystem. The cassowaries are now endagered in Queensland, we must prevent their extinction.
One of the beautiful views you can admire on board of Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.
May8
Welcome to the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park.
When we arrived, Hailey, Anjaan (+wife) and me, we were welcomed warmly by a hand-made fire. Stunning
Then we all got Aborignial paintings. These were great, and we kept them all day
During our stay at Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, we learnt a lot about the Aboriginal culture (creation of the Earth, first human, etc.). First, we saw a holographic / acted show presenting their history and then we attended (and participated in) their dance show. The Aboriginal music (digiridoos & percutions) is really entertaining and full of rythms!
After that, we had to try spear throwing - I did not do well - and the absolute come-back weapon: the boomerang (did you know: the aerodynamism of the boomerang was at the origin of airplanes wings design).
Green ants. Did you try the Green Ant tea? Delicious.
If you want to discover the Aboriginal culture alone, with friends, or with your family, Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park is the parc you need !
May7
I am taking a 4-days (deserved?) vacation, courtesy of Tourism Queensland, along the coast from Cairns to Townsville and Magnetic Island before returning to Europe.
Pictures will be coming soon !
