• Jenn J
  • Jenn J

Bali to Australia - Dec 2022

Bali to Australia - Hitting my final continent! Baca lagi
  • Sailing the Coral Sea

    19 Disember 2022, Great Barrier Reef ⋅ 🌧 84 °F

    Stormy!
    Woke up to a very wet and windy balcony.
    83F / 28C (feels like 92 F)
    Overcast skies and windy
    80% humidity

    35 knot winds (~40 mph) and earlier in the morning it reached 55 knots (~63 mph!)
    Swells at 3-5 meters (9-15ft)

    Spent the morning in the Explorer’s Lounge looking for wildlife and watched as the ship sailed into a dark ominous cloud. Wind picked up and the rain just dumped. Glad I was inside…

    I’ll post a video and some pictures later, it was amazing.

    SCENIC SAILING: GREAT BARRIER REEF
    Stretching for 1,400 miles along the Queensland coast, the Great Barrier Reef is the only structure composed of living creatures visible from soace. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, often called the Eighth Wonder of the World, encompasses 2,900 separate reefs, 600 islands and 300 cays. Each harbors an astonishing variety of marine life, including 360 types of brightly hued hard coral and more than 1,500 species of fish. The waters in this region of the Coral Sea are remarkably clear, affording a unique glimpse of life underwater, even for ship passengers. Vibrant coral, green sea turtles, dolphins and any number of other creatures might be seen deep below the aquamarine surface.
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  • On the way to Cairns

    19 Disember 2022, Great Barrier Reef ⋅ 🌧 82 °F

    86F / 30C
    Rainy
    Arrive: 8am
    Back on board: 5pm

    CAIRNS (pronounced “Cans”), AUSTRALIA
    Queensland's seaside resort town, Cairns is the gateway to a rich array of natural beauty onshore and off.
    Catamarans and other ships take marine lovers to the Great Barrier Reef; stretching for 1,400 miles, it is the largest continuous coral reef system on Earth. Inland, the wet tropics have given rise to Daintree and Kuranda National Parks, vast rainforest systems of extraordinary biodiversity and a profusion of birdlife. For all its appeal to outdoor enthusiasts, Cairns' thriving culture is a pleasure to absorb from outdoor cafés or along the scenic waterfront promenade. The city's rich history lives on in its many heritage-listed buildings and memorials, many of them lining popular Abbott Street.
    Baca lagi

  • Sky Rail sights

    20 Disember 2022, Australia ⋅ ☁️ 30 °F

    Pretty cool sky rail up through the Kuranda rain forest. Didn't see too many animals, but we did see come Cockatoos and an Australian Turkey at the top.
    Sky rail has 2 stops before reaching the top.
    1st stop had a short stroll through the rainforest.
    2nd stop had a lookout over Barron Falls.
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  • Riding the Kuranda Scenic Railroad

    20 Disember 2022, Australia ⋅ ☁️ 77 °F

    Classic train taking us back to Carins on the original tracks winding it’s way through the Barron Gorge.

    Train crew was really nice, served us Champagne and Almonds. Plus they gave us a couple souvenirs, a postcard and a pin.

    I have to admit, I channeled Sheldon (Big Bang Theory) and his love of trains as we traveled. Pretty sure he would approve.
    Baca lagi

  • Good morning Townsville!

    21 Disember 2022, Australia ⋅ ⛅ 77 °F

    Looks like a beautiful day!

    86F / 30C
    Partly Cloudy (but I see lots of Sun)

    Arrive: 8am
    Back Onboard: 5pm

    TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA
    An inviting urban seaside haven, Townsville is the unofficial capital of North Queensland and a favorite cultural center. The city's location on the banks of the Ross River and along the shores of Cleveland Bay hints at the local love of outdoor activity and the relaxed pace that infuses everyday living. Riverway, a path-lined green park that traces the Ross, leads walkers and joggers past scenic views and the city's original wharves and ports. Nearby, the Strand-a tranquil walkway past lush gardens and palm trees--follows the long tropical beach. And no matter which corner of Townsville you are exploring, the red sandstone monolith of Castle Hill is always in view, rising from the city center.Baca lagi

  • Bye Magnetic Island

    21 Disember 2022, Australia ⋅ ⛅ 82 °F

    Hope I can make it back soon. Can’t wait to explore more of this island.

    Named by Capt James Cook due to the effect the island had on his compass while sailing near the island.

    They haven’t found a source of fresh water on the island, so they run a water and power from the mainland through a series of pipes.

    It’s ~20 min ferry ride from Townsville to the island with 18 trips a day. There’s even a small vehicle ferry.

    The island looks like it was built by giant boulders. They believe at one time it was connected to the mainland before the sea levels rose.
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  • Sailing the Australian Coast to Brisbane

    23 Disember 2022, Australia ⋅ ☁️ 81 °F

    78F / 26C
    Day at sea and a much needed day of rest.

    SAIL THE AUSTRALIAN COAST
    In 1770, English explorer James Cook was among the first Europeans to lay eyes on Australia's "Sunshine Coast" from the deck of the HM Endeavor. As Australia was settled in the early 1800s as a penal colony, the continent's East Coast became a highway for all manner of vessels. Simple fishing boats constructed by local Kabi Kabi Aborigines had been plying the waves for centuries; they were joined by the crafts carved by runaway convicts who settled the area and, later, by the barges of the "timbergetters" who floated cedar logs downriver to begin their long journey to Europe. Today, resident Aussies here embrace a mountain landscape, picturesque shores and lively culture.Baca lagi

  • Reef Captain Vikram Hede

    23 Disember 2022, Coral Sea ⋅ ☁️ 75 °F

    All ships traveling the Coral Sea are required to have a certified Reef Captain on board.
    In addition to guiding us safely through the Great Barrier Reef, he did a few talks sharing his experience and historical info.

    Such an honor to meet him and his wife. I hope to see them again in the future. (He’s leaving us in Brisbane)
    Baca lagi

  • Brisbane tomorrow

    23 Disember 2022, Coral Sea ⋅ ☁️ 75 °F

    80F / 27C
    Cloudy
    Arrive: 8am
    Back Onboard: 7pm

    BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA
    The capital of Queensland, Brisbane is situated on its namesake river and spreads over picturesque hills rising from Moreton Bay. One of the oldest cities in Australia, its first European settlers were the secondary offenders from the Sydney penal colony. Famously, it served as one of Douglas MacArthur's Pacific headquarters during World War II.
    Among its riverside skyscrapers, the city is host to some decidedly less dramatic architecture: the quaint Queenslander homes characterized by their terraces and raised living spaces. These picturesque houses are just a fraction of Brisbane's rich arts and design scene. Art galleries, museums and beloved musical venues make the city one of Australia's most vibrant and active cultural centers.
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  • Sailing to Newcastle

    25 Disember 2022, Coral Sea ⋅ 🌧 73 °F

    Sailing to New Castle on Christmas Day, :-)

    455 nautical miles (423 road miles)
    73F / 23C
    Started out with rain, but turned sunny and clear skies.

    Planning on catching up with all my new friends and exchanging contact info since tomorrow is our last day.

    Oh, and our last time change is tonight. 1 hr ahead to match Sydney time. (Apparently they don’t recognize daylight savings)
    Baca lagi

  • Good Morning Newcastle!

    26 Disember 2022, Tasman Sea ⋅ ☀️ 70 °F

    Sailing into Newcastle today. Only a 6.5 hr stop, wish we could stay longer.

    NEWCASTLE, AUSTRALIA
    Situated at the mouth of the Hunter River, the modern city of Newcastle boasts some of the most picturesque coastal vistas in Australia. The city was built on coal export and remains a major exporter. But locals care more about soaking up the spectacular outdoors. High cliffs, well-kept green parks and long stretches of beach grace these shores. And the people of Newcastle know how to keep connected to their breathtaking surroundings: They've built ocean baths along the shore, manmade pools that collect sea water during high tide. Nearby, in one of the country's first wine regions, the vintners of Hunter Valley bottle some of the coast's favorites, from fruity shiraz to light chardonnay.Baca lagi