You can't avoid the beaches in this part of the world,
especially when it's home to the Great Barrier Reef.
Above is Green Island, a "Japanese-invaded"
tiny coral cay off Cairns.

Neither a swimmer nor a diver (in any case the strong windy conditions when I was there caused most trips to be cancelled), I could only appreciate the wonders below sea level through other means like visiting exhibits.

The House of10,000 Shells in Cairns, started by a 7-year old boy at his home in 1944, has an impressive collection.

The famous Four Mile Beach at the
relaxing resort town of Port Douglas off Coral Sea,
one hour from Cairns, where I had a
most pleasant afternoon beach-walking.

Further north up the coast near Cape Tribulation,
the Cow Bay makes for a wonderful sojourn away from the crowds.

Especially memorable were the numerous pretty coloured boulders, rocks and pebbles, as well as intricate beautiful shells, at the beach.

The Cow Bay is actually made up of 3 cup-shaped petite beaches. This is the third and furthest. Hm, perhaps that explains the name...

Whatever its namesake,
I simply love the picturesque bay for its unusual multi-dyed hues
which, in the weather overcast, reminded me of a lyrical oil painting.

Much further up at historical Cooktown,
the Finch Bay - a popular swimming beach
despite its ominous creek resident
of a 2-metre estuarine crocodile!

Nearby Cherry Tree Bay is accessible by a 1.5km track from Finch Bay and a
more secluded spot. No crocs. Ah, now
I can relax...