From Daintree to Sunshine Beach

Today we said goodbye to the rainforest and the reef, but not just like that...

One third packed their suitcases last night, the remaining two thirds had a drink at the bar and had to pack a little tired this morning, before enjoying a great breakfast for the last time (does anyone remember the movie 'Runaway Bride' - Julia Roberts tried all kinds of variations to find out which one she liked the most - for me it's Eggs Benedict!).

It was 34 degrees Celsius with a humidity of 100% (which explains the shiny skin in the really important photos).

Then check out (wondering a little about some credits on our bar bills (but only briefly - as a member, you get a 20% discount on drinks and food at the bar - I think there was even more on the room rate... And the best part: the membership is free)), put the suitcases in the car and drive 5 minutes to the Wildlife Habitat.

We had to be inside by 10:45 am, because then there was the koala presentation with lots of information (for example, they sleep for 20 hours a day because the eucalyptus leaves they eat have very few nutrients, not because they're stoned (too bad...), they hear and smell much better than they can see, they have 2 thumbs on each hand, ...) and then briefly touch them, hold them affectionately and take a photo with them (Nelia: they really smell a little like eucalyptus) - they're soooooo cuddly and their fluffy ears too... I love 🐨!

Cassowaries, parrots, and kangaroos (we were allowed to feed them - they eat gently and carefully from the hand and feel very cuddly.

A short trip to Four Mile Beach was also a must (it looks so beautiful, but it's empty because swimming is not allowed there: too dangerous because of crocodiles and jellyfish), before we finally left Port Douglas.

Then we continued towards the airport, back on the Captain Cook Highway, with a stopover at Thala Beach Nature Reserve (5-star resort). In Cairns, they told us on the way there that we should definitely go for coffee there and enjoy the wonderful view from the terrace. Said and done, no regrets for a second: the service was first-class, the drink prices fair, and the view a dream!

The flight to Brisbane was quite nice (2 hours) and the vehicle pick-up at Europcar was very nice. Because our car was at the international terminal and they didn't want to send us around, we got an upgrade and they even drove the car out of the narrow parking garage for us. The Uschi is brand new and has been working perfectly from the first minute.

The 1.5-hour drive up to Sunshine Beach was a bit tiring and searching for the keys to the rental house was a bit exciting, but everything worked out and we are very happy with our choice. We just opened the window and can hear the sound of the sea in the background...