Cairns, and then Thala Beach Lodge

The flight to Cairns (in coach no less) was easy. We even checked luggage.  The rental car was easy and Chris did a remarkable job of driving on the left side of the road particularly on 9 roundabouts.  The view was breathtaking.

 

Thala is quite nice with a good open air restaurant.  Many metallic starlings were around and a few rainbow lorikeets.

 

After lunch we went to our room and recalled that Chris picked out this one due to the view.

 

The amenities aren't bad either.  Although we enjoyed Fiji, there is something to be said for the paved roads, telephones, air conditioning, indoor showers, and laundry service of a nice resort in Australia.