Cairns is a tropical paradise that is also a major gateway to exploring the rain forests of northern Queensland, the Atherton Tableland, and the Great Barrier Reef. So not a place to be missed. Cairns was my next destination after Townsville. The town sits on lovely Trinity Bay and is sheltered by surrounding hills. Tropical birds and tropical flowers are abundant. In Cairns, I explored gardens, visited the Royal Flying Doctor Service and School of the Air, wandered through Aboriginal art galleries, and enjoyed the local gelato. I also used Cairns as a jumping off point for a variety of other adventures.
The photo below offers a view of Trinity Bay—I’m looking south from the Esplanade across the street from my hotel.
Waltzing Australia 
Hello Cynthia,
Still reading the book (Got interrupted for a while by Harry Potter 7 !)
Anyway, I just came across this and though you might find it interesting..
http://www.outbackonline.net/digtree/dig_activity8.htm
Very interesting. Thank you, Tony.