The group however understandably wanted to get closer to the action and spent the majority of the day snorkelling around the reef at what is an excellent viewing area; many underwater cameras were purchased to record this fabulous experience.

They also enjoyed a fantastic buffet BBQ lunch with excellent sea food and with the excellent weather they enjoyed a brilliant day.

Sunday 10th August 2003

During this day the group visited the tropical rainforest of Northern Queensland. They travelled to Caravonica from where they caught the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway that takes its passengers on an amazing experience over the rainforest canopy enjoying panoramic views of the rainforest and the Cairns tropical region.

Situated 15 minutes North of Cairns this unique rainforest cableway experience spans 7.5km (currently the worlds longest gondola cableway) over a World Heritage listed rainforest.

The cable car journey is split into three sections by two boardwalks that allow you to listen to educational talks about the rainforest by local experienced rangers, enjoy spectacular views of Barron Falls and learn more about the rainforest in the Interpretation Centre.

Upon arrival in Kurranda, the group enjoyed free time for sightseeing and shopping in the picturesque village where attractions such as the wildlife park and the aboriginal street entertainers proved to be popular.

Monday 11th August 2003

The group enjoyed a free morning and early afternoon to explore Cairns and to relax around the new lagoon located at the top of the Esplanade and to look around the Cairns shopping area.

Late afternoon saw the final fixtures of their tour:

The fixture was played on the excellent facilities at the Cairns Hockey Astro Turf and after a hard fought match, the teaching staff reflected that it was the best performance by a Chew valley School Hockey team they had witnessed, both teams enjoyed a presentation and a traditional ‘Ausie BBQ' before returning to their accommodation.

The Rugby players also enjoyed their final fixture at nearby St Augustine's School:

Tuesday 12th August

This was a free day where the group enjoyed a pre-arranged activity to Fitzroy Island, which was a short boat trip from Cairns Harbour.

Upon Arrival in Fitzroy, the group was split into two sections, half enjoying a climb to the islands summit with the other half enjoyed sea kayaking along the island's coastline.

All enjoyed a fantastic day and catching glimpses of giant manta rays amongst other sea life proved an exciting day for all.

The day was topped off during their return journey to Cairns when a hump back whale swam right up to the boat.

Wednesday 13th August 2003

The group said goodbye to Australia on this day and began their return to the UK. All was not quite over however as they still had 24 hours in Singapore to look forward to.

Thursday 14th August / Friday 15th August 2003

As the group did not have an abundance of time in Singapore, it was decided to pre-book a City tour, which took in the city sights such as the Indian and Malay quarters, the world famous Raffles Hotel the National Botanical Gardens and the statue of the ‘Merlion', which is said to be Singapore's guardian.

The group enjoyed their final meal in Melbourne at the Harbour View in Lindsey's company where he kindly held a presentation evening for the group to commemorate their time in Melbourne. All had an enjoyable evening.

After a day's sightseeing, the group enjoyed a traditional evening meal at their hotel before transferring to the airport for their return flight to London to end a fascinating enjoyable tour.

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