The tropicality (?) of the area manifests itself in the landscape (rainforests) and the weather (hot and damp). The wet season here is absolutely mad. Every road floods during the Wet, effectively isolating every village. It's quite a funny sight to see water height indicators along the road...
Its also houses a completely different variety of animals, including the elusive cassowary and a fair amount of crocodiles. Needless to say, swimming is NOT recommended in this area 
Having a car was a very nice change from the Greyhound buses. Yes, Greyhound does get you to your destination, but they are not very punctual, nor comfy. (I can't believe I've bussed over 4000 km in the last weeks!)
Between Cairns and Cape Tribulation (after which sealed roads no longer exist) we explored the rainforest and the beaches. We even spotted a 'saltie' (salt water croc, fairly agressive buggers) in a creek!
Yesterday we made a day trip to the outer Great Barrier Reef and did 3 dives. Very very nice corals and aquatic life, including the beautiful yet poisonous Lion Fish and a White Tip Shark!
Back in Cairns now, and taking a chillout day. Doing laundry and alike... Tomorrow I fly to Alice Springs, from where I'll do a three day trip exploring The Red Centre: Kings Canyon, Kata
