Cairns

 . . . or "Cans" as the locals pronounce it. Flight #7 and I am here up north in Queensland. It is quite warm and tropical here. I have a very nice room with a balcony, and I have 3 nights here, so I can relax. 

Swimming lagoon near the water-

Because the water looks like this:

And has sharks and jellyfish.

Shopping was in order. My system and my wallet are tired of expensive, starchy foods.

Luckily, Woolworth's grocery is up the street! Later, night market.

Mel-bin

Melbourne is a hoppin' city! Lots of young people, lots to do, and extremely diverse.

I ventured out of the city to see some critters. 

We ended up a couple hours away at Phillips Island. At dusk, hundreds of penguins come ashore to feed their young. It was quite a sight, but no cameras allowed. Tour ended around midnight, shuttle pick up at 3:50am for flight to Cairns.