There are a few islands found off Cairns that one can very easily visit for a day. Snorkeling and enjoying life without stress are on the menu, but know that the sun does not always show up in the area (photo). Raging Thunder offers a daily excursion on Fitzroy Island which is only 45 minutes from the port of Cairns. You can walk on this little paradise to explore its flora and wildlife (it is where we came accross a giant goanna!). The 360° view from Summit Island will take your breath away. The laziest of you can rest on beautiful unspoiled and uncrowded beaches, weather permitting. The tour operator offers various activity packages. We strongly recommend you to snorkel right off the beach to explore the amazing coral reef (stinger suit provided, it is sometimes better to look ridiculous than to risk your life). There are many turtles in the area. It is most likely that some of them would come and say hi. Not to miss any part of the show, you can also jump aboard their glass bottom boat tour while the kids enjoy the popular ocean trampoline. Going to Fitzroy Island is the perfect day trip, far away from the bustling city life!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Raging Thunder.

Goanna (known as Australian monitor lizard) is probably one of the most iconic creatures in Aboriginal mythology and Australian culture. Roughly speaking, it is a large carnivorous lizard found in almost all parts of Australia except Tasmania. A goanna has a powerful jaw along with five sharp claws at the end of each member. Feeling threatened, it could mistake you for tree and attempt to climb off the ground to safety. So be aware! Apart from that, it is not dangerous and will not attack you. That being said, we put our pride aside when we met this goanna (photo) on Fitzroy Island near Cairns. It was not far from measuring three metres (which is pretty huge) and did not seem to deviate from our path! Rather than challenging it, we walked off the beaten path!